Journey through Southern France

Your tour begins. Allons-y! Ignite your senses on a journey to chromatic Bordeaux. Then, continue through the French countryside to the Dordogne Valley and Provence – two of the world’s most decadent wine regions. Settle in for a 3-night stay in Bordeaux, a spectacle for the senses. Today, dinner will be included.

Hotel: InterContinental Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux

This morning, discover a local’s perspective of Bordeaux during a guided walking tour. Embark on an interactive journey through a world of wine and culture at La Cité du Vin. Referred to as the “Guggenheim of wine,” this sensory adventure takes you on a fascinating discovery of wine, culture and history. Then, enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. A local restaurant famous for its sélection de vins and regionally sourced meat invites you to a culinary adventure expertly pairing locally sourced foods and wine. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

The European surfing headquarters and the heart of the French Basque country. Spend your day at leisure taking in the beautiful scenery on this playground for the rich and famous. Today, breakfast will be included. 

Travel to Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s largest winemaking areas. Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town featuring a visit to the underground Monolithic Church. Once you are acquainted with the village, enjoy time to take in this perfectly compact French village. Complete your Saint-Émilion adventure with a walk through a winery to absorb the atmosphere of the vineyards, discover its coveted grapes, and taste this highly prized wine. Bid adieu as you depart for your hotel in the Dordogne Valley. Enjoy the evening at leisure to take in the sights and sounds of the Dordogne Valley. Today, breakfast will be included.

Hotel: Chateau des Vigiers*, Dordogne Valley

Venture to the countryside to explore some of the Dordogne Valley’s quaint villages. Make your first stop at the inspiring village of Issigeac; then it’s off to Eymet, one of Southern France’s iconic “bastides” (fortified towns). Next, you are in for a treat when you visit a wine cooperative and symbol of the Bergerac region since the 16th century, best known for its dessert wine. This afternoon, explore the château grounds at leisure. Perhaps, you will take in a round of golf or relax and enjoy the luxurious spa.** Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

Leave the Dordogne Valley behind today. Later, arrive in Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and virtual storybook replete with drawbridges, towers and cobblestone streets. Spend some time at your leisure for lunch. This evening, arrive in the historic village of Saint-Rémy. Settle in for a 3-night stay in this quaint provincial town with pretty, narrow streets and charming boulevards. Today, breakfast will be included.

Hotel: Le Vallon de Valgrunes, Saint- Rémy-de-Provence

This morning, let an unforgettable epicurean adventure commence with a truffle hunt led by a local chef and trained, truffle-sniffing dogs. Avant hunt, savour the unique experience of a farm tasting in the countryside, among landscapes said to have inspired Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir. This afternoon, join your Tour Manager this morning for a short orientation of Saint-Rémy. Today. breakfast and lunch will be included.

Depart this morning for the picturesque town of Gordes. Enjoy some free time in Gordes to explore its vibrant local market. The afternoon is yours to explore Saint-Rémy at leisure or you may choose an optional tour to the hilltop town of Les Baux-de-Provence where you will experience one of the world’s most impressive multimedia presentations: the Carrières de Lumières. Making use of a former quarry, iconic works of art are projected onto the surrounding rock and the images are accompanied by stirring music. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

Your tour of Southern France comes to an end today. Today, breakfast will be included.