ITINERARY - History Lover
Our “History Lover” Tour focuses on the riches of the Perigord region. It starts with 1 night in Bordeaux and a visit of a winery before continuing on to the heart of our trip, the Perigord region, for 6 ½ days of visits of prehistoric painted caves, medieval villages, Renaissance castles, and local artisans. The tour ends back in Bordeaux on the 8th day at 11:30 AM. (B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included)
If you would prefer to start and end your tour in Paris, we can help reserve train tickets to/from Bordeaux and can also arrange for our tour director to show you some highlights of Paris (both for an additional cost).
Day 1
FRENCH WINE CAPITAL
Meet our Tour Director at 2:00 PM, and take a walking tour of the historic section of this beautiful city. Sample different wines from the region at the local Wine Bar, then rest a bit before dinner. D
Day 2
VINEYARDS OF SAINT-EMILION
Travel by private van to the famed wine-producing region of Saint-Emilion, and tour an estate known for its Grand Cru Classé. Continue on the heart of our trip, the Perigord region, stopping along the way to take a train ride through ancient caves and admire the 17,000 year old artwork of our ancestors. B,L,D
Day 3
CLIFF HOUSE AND PAINTED CAVE
Start the day with a visit of an astonishing medieval castle built into the façade of a cliff in the 14th century. After a stroll in the town where the first Cro-Magnon remains were discovered, visit the prehistoric painted cave of Font-de-Gaume. End the day with a tour of the National Prehistory Museum. B,L,D
Day 4
CAVERNS AND CLIFFS
Take a riverboat ride through caverns 110 yards below the surface in France’s first underground natural heritage site. After lunch, explore the extraordinary village of Rocamadour, an important pilgrimage site since the 12th century, perched on the side of a limestone cliff. B,L,D
Day 5
MEDIEVAL TOWN AND A LEGEND
Take a walking tour of the town of Sarlat, a spectacular example of 14th century France. After a stroll through a farmers’ market, end the day at a castle famous for its eerie legend. B,L,D
Day 6
LASCAUX AND A CASTLE
Visit the world-famous site of Lascaux and see why one of the caves is known as the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory. After lunch beside a picturesque river, tour a stunning Renaissance castle and its gardens. B,L,D
Day 7
LIQUEURS AND A CHÂTEAU
Visit a liqueur distillery that has been in the same family for 180 years, and taste their famous walnut liqueur. In the afternoon, discover one of the “jewels of Perigord”, a Renaissance-style château with beautiful views from its classic French gardens. B,L,D
Day 8
TRAVEL DAY
After breakfast, travel by private van back to Bordeaux with an arrival by 11:30 AM. We then say Au revoir to our guests, and wish you a pleasant trip home or journey onward. B