Taste the rich wine and cuisine of Southern France

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Bordeaux

   Bordeaux, France

   Today you'll arrive in Bordeaux, a vibrant and historic city in southwestern France, known for its rich wine culture, beautiful architecture, and scenic countryside.

   You'll transfer to your hotel, where you'll meet your tour guide in the afternoon for a guided walk around Bordeaux. You'll see some of the city's highlights, including the Monument of Girondins, St Andre Cathedral, and the Place de la Bourse, before enjoying an aperitif in a local bar.

   If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take a stroll along the quays of the Garonne River, admire the city's neoclassical buildings, charming squares, and grand monuments or visit the Contemporary Art Museum as you explore independently.

2. Day

   2

   Arcachon

   Arcachon, France

   This morning, set off on a scenic train ride from Bordeaux to the pretty seaside town of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast.

   Upon arrival, you'll visit the lively fish market, where local fishermen bring in their fresh daily catch. After taking a good look around, you'll get the chance to try some of Arcachon's famous fresh oysters.

   For a special lunch experience, take a seat in the famous Le Bouchon Market, an indoor treasure trove of local produce, artisanal goods, and local specialities.

   After lunch, you'll return to Bordeaux and cap off the day with a visit to the city's renowned wine museum, the Cite du Vin. You'll cruise along the Garonne by river ferry to the museum and after an initial introductory talk, you'll be free to explore the exhibitions.

3. Day

   3

   Saint-Émilion

   Saint-Émilion, France

   Today you'll take the train to the enchanting medieval village of Saint-Emilion, nestled in the heart of Bordeaux's wine country.

   On arrival, you'll be driven by electric buggy to nearby Chateau Coutet, a renowned wine estate which is both the largest and oldest Barsac estate in France. This estate produces the finest Barsac-Sauternes and you'll discover the secrets of winemaking and sample some of the world-class vintages that have made this village a wine lover's paradise.

   After your visit, you'll return to Saint-Emilion to explore the village with its charming, cobbled streets, steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition.

   On your way back to Bordeaux in the afternoon, you'll stop at a local patisserie and refuel on the famous mouth-watering Cannelé pastry, a classic French pastry from the Bordeaux region.

4. Day

   4

   Sarlat

   Sarlat-la-Can, France

   Say farewell to Bordeaux this morning before travelling by train to Sarlat, a town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, gothic cathedral, and rich food.

   Sarlat and the wider region are famous for traditional dishes of duck confit, foie gras, and walnut-based desserts. Another of the region's specialities is truffles, and today you'll visit a local black truffle producer to learn more about these prized fungi and head outside to see how they hunt for these prized fungi.

   Later, enjoy a guided walking tour of Sarlat. Making your way through the narrow winding streets with their timber houses and stone buildings dating back to the 14th century, you'll end up at the impressive 12th-century cathedral.

   Tonight, you'll have dinner at a local family-run restaurant to try one of the many delicious duck dishes the area is known for.

5. Day

   5

   Sarlat

   Sarlat-la-Can, France

   This morning, you'll head to the famous Sarlat market, where you can sample the produce and flavours of the region and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this charming French town.

   As you walk through the market your Tour Leader will explain the produce and offer samples to try, including regional cheeses, duck sausage and walnut cakes.

   After your tasting tour in the market, there'll be free time to explore more of the food stalls or the local handicrafts in the market.

   This afternoon you'll have the opportunity to take a cookery class with a local chef known for his garden-to-plate seasonal menus, who'll teach you more about the principal cooking techniques and ingredients of the region.

   Alternatively, you could head out on the Dordogne River to take a guided canoe tour and enjoy and the afternoon paddling downstream.

6. Day

   6

   Padirac Cave, Toulouse

   Toulouse, France

   After breakfast you'll leave the hotel and visit the Gouffre du Padirac cave in the Lot region.

   This cave system is a mesmerizing subterranean world of underground rivers and stunning rock formations. You'll stroll through the winding tunnels and take a boat ride on the underground river.

   After exploring the cave, it's time to savour some more local flavours, with a delightful lunch at a local cheese producers farm. You'll get to taste an array of regional cheeses with fresh bread, and perhaps some local wines.

   Once you've satisfied our taste buds, your journey continues to the enchanting, medieval pilgrimage town of Rocamadour, perched dramatically on a cliffside, where you'll enjoy truly majestic views.

   Next stop is the vibrant city of Toulouse. On arrival, we will make a delightful stop at a local pastry shop, where we can uncover the secrets behind the city's renowned chocolatine, before some free time to explore its historic centre and soak in the atmosphere.

7. Day

   7

   Medieval fortress of Carcassonne

   Carcassonne, France

   Today you'll take a day trip to one of the region's most stunning settings, the walled fortress of Carcassonne.

   You will take a guided walk with your Tour leader to explore the heart of Carcassonne, known as 'La Cité,' including the outside of the Château Comtal, which offers a glimpse into the medieval history of the city and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, an impressive Gothic cathedral.

   After some free time for lunch, you'll visit a local shop to sample Blanquette de Limoux, a local sparkling wine similar to Crémant, which is one of the oldest sparkling wines in the world with a history dating back several centuries.

   You'll end the day with dinner at a small local restaurant known for its Cassoulet, a hearty and flavourful casserole-like dish. Cassoulet is known for its rich and satisfying flavours, making it a beloved comfort food.

8. Day

   8

   Departure

   Toulouse, France

   After a final breakfast at your hotel in Toulouse, you'll be free to begin your journey home.

   Depending on your flight time, you may like to spend some time wandering in the streets of Toulouse or buying your last souvenirs before your holiday comes to an end.