Itinerary
Allons-y! Ignite the 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.
Overnight stay in Bordeaux at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel.
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.
Overnight stay in Bordeaux at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel.
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.
Overnight stay in Bordeaux at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel.
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.
Overnight stay in Dordogne at Chateau des Vigiers
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.
Overnight stay in Dordogne at Chateau des Vigiers
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.
Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy Le Vallon de Valgrunes.
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.
Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy Le Vallon de Valgrunes.
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.
Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy Le Vallon de Valgrunes.
Your tour of Southern France comes to an end today.
Hotel options
Bordeaux
Stay in the heart of Bordeaux’s historic city centre at the 5-star InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel, located directly across the Grand Theatre. This historic and award-winning hotel features a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, free WiFi, indoor pool, multilingual staff, non-smoking rooms, two restaurants including Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay, with 2 Michelin stars, and a trendy rooftop bar. It also boasts a 1000 sqm spa and wellness centre, Spa Guerlain, offering numerous massages, body and facial treatments.
Dordogne
Nestled in lush vineyards, Chateau des Vigiers is a 4-star hotel set in a 16th century chateau, located in Monestier between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. The hotel exudes French elegance from its sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces and beautiful period furniture. This property offers a 24-hour front desk, bar, family rooms, fitness centre, free parking, free WiFi, library, non-smoking rooms, spa and wellness facilities and 2 restaurants.
Saint-Rémy
Discover the heart of Provence with a stay at the beautiful, 5-star Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa. It is located 600 metres from the centre of Saint Remy, a great base to explore the region’s famous tourist attractions. This hotel features 48 charming suites and villas, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, bar, family rooms, free parking, free WiFi, indoor pool, multilingual staff, non-smoking rooms, outdoor pool, restaurants, spa and wellness facilities.
Important notes
- This is an Entire Travel Group exclusive bespoke small group itinerary lead by Collette.
- Alternate hotels may be used.
- Guest accommodations are not in the main chateau.
- Golf and spa services will be at your own expense.
- Days of features are interchangeable.
- Smaller buses, which may not be lavatory equipped, may be used on this program. In this case, frequent stops are made during travel periods.
- Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Triple accommodations are not available due to hotel restrictions.
- This tour has a minimum requirement of 12 paying guests to the maximum of 16 guests on each motor coach. If the maximum number of guests is reached on the first coach, any additional guests booked are subject to rate and space availability.
