Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne

10 days 31^st May 2025

 

Based in the charming town of Sarlat, the Dordogne offers beautiful landscapes, vineyards, forests & rivers, fortified villages such as Beynac and the stunning village of Rocamadour, all of which we’ll be visiting on this fabulous tour. Step into a realm where time stands still and the beauty of the Dordogne unfolds at every cobblestone corner, a land of endless charm.

Tour Itinerary

 

Saturday – Our luxury coach departs this morning and heads to Folkestone for our Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. From there we continue to our overnight hotel in Troyes with welcome tea, coffee or orange juice on arrival, before tonight’s evening meal. Comfort stops on route.

 

Sunday – We leave Troyes after a good breakfast and travel south to our main hotel in the charming medieval town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, one of the most alluring and attractive towns in south-western France. Time to settle in before dinner.

 

Monday – Your first free day. You may wish to explore the town that developed around a large Benedictine abbey. Browse through the small winding streets of this largely car free town centre or relax in the hotel grounds and charming central courtyard which leads to an outdoor pool surrounded by shady trees and lawns.

 

Tuesday – After breakfast today we drive the short distance to Beynac for a 1-hour circular cruise on the Dordogne River on a ‘Gabarre’ an authentic reproduction of an 18^th century boat. Free time in Beynac for a spot of lunch before we continue by coach along the banks of the Dordogne River towards Souillac and on to Martel, the starting point of our 1-hour steam train ride. This journey is a round trip that ascends 80 metres and provides us with wonderful panoramic views of the Dordogne valley below.

 

Wednesday – Today we head to the Lascaux IV caves for a self-guided tour. Hidden for more than 17,000 years the original caves were discovered in 1940 and house some of the most complete examples of prehistoric cave paintings in the world. The original caves were closed in 1963 to ensure their preservation; however, an exhibition centre (Lascaux) was subsequently created, and an identical replica of the original caves have been reproduced for you to experience the engraved murals, the cool atmosphere and acoustics with drawings reproduced to the millimetre according to the techniques and art of the Cro-Magnon man. Please note that these caves are suitable for all mobilities and any disabilities so everyone can enjoy this fascinating experience. We continue to the nearby village of Montignac for a lunch stop before a visit to the Jardins du manoir d’eyrignac for a guided tour of these wonderful gardens, seven in all.

 

Thursday – After a relaxing breakfast, we will be visiting one of the most dramatic towns in France – Rocamadour. Not only is the town one of Frances most important destinations and a UNESCO World heritage site, it has also been a crucial pilgrimage site on the ‘way of St James’ for hundreds of years. Boasting four beautiful arches and stone gates, beautiful gold stone houses and monastic buildings and an entirely car free main street complete with charming restaurants and quirky boutique shops. A generous time spent in this magical place perched on a cliff edge with steps or 2 lifts linking the lower town to the castle for your convenience. Back to the hotel mid-afternoon to relax before dinner.

 

Friday – A short journey today to another beautiful village in the Dordogne, Domme. We have booked the little road train to take you around this charming little village before some free time to explore and an opportunity for a coffee break. We continue to the very pleasant city of Souillac with its impressive abbey church complete with Romanesque carvings. As the city sits on the banks of the river Dordogne it’s famous for its many beautiful bridges and viaducts. We will have free time to have lunch and explore before returning to our hotel late afternoon.

 

Saturday – Your second free day to relax. Saturday is market day in the local town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, a short taxi ride away from our hotel (6 minutes)

 

Sunday – We leave the Dordogne region today and retrace our steps back to Troyes and our overnight hotel. Dinner on arrival.

 

Monday – We continue our journey home, travelling to Calais for our channel crossing home to Wiltshire after a memorable holiday in the beautiful Dordogne.

 

Your hotel

Hotel la Hoirie – Sarlat-la-Caneda

 

Surrounded by greenery and boasting an outdoor swimming pool, this 13^th century farming lodge is now a charming hotel, offering comfortable en-suite bedrooms with free toiletries, hairdryer, kettle, TV, phone and free Wi-Fi. Delicious cuisine from the bright and airy conservatory and a charming central courtyard amongst shady trees to relax with a drink.

 

Price Includes

Luxury Coach Travel with Extra Leg Room

Home Pickup, Full Hostess Service

Eurotunnel Crossing

9 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Welcome Drink in Troyes Both Ways

Tea/Coffee after Dinner Both Hotels

1 Hour Dordogne River Cruise

1 Hour Steam Train Ride

Entrance to Lascaux IV Caves

Guided Tour of Jardins du Manoir d’Eyrignac

Little Road Train Tour in Domme

 

10 Days £1,599.00

Single Supplement £315 (Limited)