Jewels of Southwest France 2024
Jewels of Southwest France 2024
Jewels of Southwest France 2024
10 Days Starting and ending in Bordeaux, France
Visiting: Bordeaux, Arcachon Bay, Biarritz, Bayonne, Lourdes, Midi-Pyrénées, Carcassonne, Albi, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley, Saint-Émilion
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BTBBB4
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
7 - 18
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
From:
$3864
$3690 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$174
NB: Prices correct on 17-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Delicious oysters. Exquisite wines. Rich Bayonne ham. Take time to savour the finer things in life on this journey of discovery through Southwest France. Starting in Bordeaux (just a two-hour train journey from Paris), we’ll seek out the region’s gastronomic gems and treasured vineyards – travelling over soaring mountains, along the Atlantic coast, and into enchanting castles and prehistoric caves as we go.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bordeaux (France)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel de Normandie (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Where better to begin our journey of Southwest France than beautiful Bordeaux? After meeting the group, we’ll clink glasses over a delicious welcome meal. Bon appétit!
Day 2 : Bordeaux – Arcachon Bay – Biarritz
Location: Bordeaux, Arcachon Bay, Biarritz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Georges VI (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll move on to Atlantic Ocean-fringed Arcachon Bay, where we'll get our first taste of coastal cuisine with fresh oysters and a glass of local wine from one of the port's traditional cabins. We'll then stop to see the Great Dune of Pilat – Europe's highest sand dune, with panoramic views over the bay. This afternoon, we’ll round off our day in the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz – where we’ll have the evening free to wander the waterfront promenade and sample more local delicacies at our leisure.
Day 3 : Biarritz – Bayonne – Biarritz
Location: Biarritz, Bayonne, Biarritz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Georges VI (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ve a full day taking in the beauty of the French Basque Country. First, we’ll indulge our cultural sides in Bayonne – an art and history hub just a short drive away from Biarritz. Here, we’ll discover a local family business going back three generations at the Bayonne Ham Museum – where we’ll indulge in a ham tasting before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time.
Day 4 : Biarritz – Lourdes – Midi-Pyrénées
Location: Biarritz, Lourdes, Midi-Pyrénées
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: lerie des Cèdres (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll turn to the east – and on to beautiful Pau. We’ll then travel through the Midi-Pyrénées region (along roads made famous by the Tour de France), pausing en route at the spiritual town of Lourdes. Whilst here, we’ll have the opportunity to see the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto – a significantly holy site within the Christian faith. In keeping with the spirit of our surroundings, we’ll check into our atmospheric accommodation before enjoying this evening’s included dinner.
Day 5 : Midi-Pyrénées – Carcassonne
Location: Midi-Pyrénées, Carcassonne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Le Donjon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following the trail of knights, we’ll continue our own crusade through the Midi-Pyrénées and past picture-perfect bastides. Along the way, we’ll visit a local winery and enjoy a glass of the region’s speciality – a sparkling Blanquette. Our final stop of the day will be medieval Carcassonne, where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Day 6 : Carcassonne
Location: Carcassonne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Le Donjon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you’ll be free to discover Carcassonne’s chivalric secrets at your own pace. From the alleys, passageways and 52 towers of the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel (which dates back two millennia) to the Château Comtal and its ramparts, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Later this evening, we’ll come together for an included dinner at a local restaurant – swapping stories and photographs of the day’s discoveries.
Day 7 : Carcassonne – Albi – Sarlat-La-Canéda
Location: Carcassonne, Albi, Sarlat-la-Canéda
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll leave the stronghold of Carcassonne behind and make tracks to the 'red city' of Albi. Here, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town - taking in the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile as we go. Later, we'll move on to Sarlat-la-Canéda - one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne.
Day 8 : Sarlat-La-Canéda – Beynac-Et-Cazenac – Sarlat-La-Canéda
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Sarlat-la-Canéda
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the itinerary today: a stroll through stunning Sarlat-la-Canéda, followed by a delightful visit to the riverside town of Beynac-et-Cazenac. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the town’s magnificently well-preserved medieval château – which has kept watch over the Dordogne from its hilltop position for nine centuries. Afterwards, we’ll return to Sarlat-la-Canéda for an evening spent at our leisure – perhaps exploring the picturesque alleyways or dining at one of the charming local restaurants in town.
Day 9 : Sarlat-La-Canéda – Vézère Valley – Sarlat-La-Canéda
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda, Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley, Sarlat-la-Canéda
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today our travels through the Dordogne will lead us to the prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave – which was discovered when it was happened upon by a group of teenagers back in 1940. We’ll admire the replica Lascaux Cave II before making a stop at the pretty village of Les Eyzies. Then, we’ll follow the ‘Royal Road’, winding between craggy rocks and flowing rivers until we get to a local truffle farm – where local guides will give us an exclusive lesson in seeking out the rare delicacies. Tonight, we’ll come together and savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10 : Sarlat-La-Canéda – Saint-Émilion –– Bordeaux
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll spend the final day of our tour in historic Saint-Émilion, a village perched above beautiful rolling countryside and countless vineyards. Here, we’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s ‘heavy reds’ and say a final santé. We’ll then return to Bordeaux, where we’ll say our goodbyes.
What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Entrance Fees
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
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Country Entry Visas
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Drinks with Meals
Check out our Q&As
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Guests from all over the world could be joining you
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)
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What is the maximum group size?
18 is the maximum on any tour
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Hand Picked and Boutique
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Will there be an escort accomanying this tour?
A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey
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As detailed in the itinerary
No they are not.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price
All Entrance fees listed are included
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
From the Age of 13
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, All guides are English speaking
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Can you assist with pre or post accommodation?
Yes, please request at time of booking
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Are all of the relevant entry visa's included in the price of the tour?
Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Will I know the names & details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on final documentation
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Ample free time due to low drive days
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Is the coach air conditioned?
Yes the Coach is air-conditioned
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What is the tipping policy?
At the discrection of the guest
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews of this operator
Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.
Dates & Availability
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Tuesday - Thursday
Jun 25, 2024 - Jul 04, 2024Tuesday - Thursday
Aug 20, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Tuesday - Thursday
Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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