Itinerary

Friday 7 September: Arrive Paris, Free Time, Welcome Dinner (D)
Arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris where airport transfers have been arranged according to arrival times. Travel into central Paris and check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure or to relax and rest. We will meet this evening for dinner at our hotel. Overnight Paris (2 nights)
 
Saturday 8 September: Guided tour of Paris and free time to explore (B)
After breakfast we will take a guided orientation tour of Paris, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, taking in such sights as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Palace de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and much more. This afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the city.
 
Sunday 9 September: Travel to South West France (B,D)
This morning we travel to the beautiful Dordogne Valley in Southwest France. Our trip takes us past the Loire Valley to drive by some of the Chateaus in the valley before traveling on. We arrive in Sarlat, transfer to our hotel, and relax before having dinner together.
 
Monday 10 September: Le Roque Gageac & Cooking Demonstration (B)
We begin our day with a visit to Domme, one of the loveliest walled towns you could ever visit. On the edge of a cliff, Domme offers a vast panorama over the Dordogne valley. Our next destination today is La Roque Gageac, an important fortified place in medieval times and a village adorned with rich manors from the Renaissance period. Stroll through the village streets as they blossom with tropical and Mediterranean plants and see for yourself why this village was named "the most beautiful village in France." After a day of beautiful sights we finish with a cooking demonstration where you will get a brief, but tasty introduction to French cuisine.
 
Tuesday 11 September: Chateau d'Hautrefort and the Caves at Lascaux (B,D)
Chateau d'Hautrefort is perched high above the surrounding countryside and offers commanding views from every angle. The Chateau is still inhabited and has magnificent formal gardens. The present owners often host operas and concerts here on this superb site. After lunch we go back into pre-history to see the caves at Lascaux II. On the 12th of September 1940, the Caves at Lascaux were discovered by four young boys. The paintings inside are estimated to be 17,000 years old. A copy has been made to protect the original paintings and is acclaimed by scholars as a masterpiece. We return this evening to our hotel and dinner together.

Wednesday 12 September: Sarlat (B)
Today we explore Sarlat in depth, one of the largest medieval towns in the world. Explore this gem, described by Henry Miller as "the nearest thing to heaven." Sarlat and its amazingly beautiful ancient roofs will capture your heart at first glance. Strolling along the paved lanes of the old town revives 1000 years of authentic architecture where, from cobblestones to lauze-roofs (flat-stones), golden tones dominate the scene. Visit Sarlat market this morning and then tour the city. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.
 
Thursday 13 September: Monpazier (B,D)
A special feature of the Dordogne Valley is its history in the "Bastide" or fortified towns, which were built during the Hundred Year War between France and England. Monpazier, our destination today, was created in 1284 under the reign of King of England Edward 1, and still has today its original size and aspect. Eight centuries after its creation, the Bastide of Monpazier is still a jewel of medieval architecture, undisputedly one of the most beautiful bastides in Europe. We return to our hotel and relax before dinner.
 
Friday 14 September: Rocamadou (B,D)
This will be a day to remember as we visit Rocamadour. This is a spectacularly situated and fortified town built into and beneath a giant rock face overlooking the Alzou river. The town was founded at the grave site of hermit Saint Amadour who was believed to have mystical powers. Reformed heretics and penitents came to this place of pilgrimage and negotiated the 216 steps of the Via Sancta on their knees and with heavy chains around them (Modern pilgrims take the elevator!). After an exciting day we return to our hotel.

Saturday 15 September: Return to Paris (B,D)
We leave the Dordogne Valley today and retrace our steps back to Paris, ending this day at our hotel conveniently located near CDG airport. Overnight Paris airport hotel.
 
Sunday 16 September: Return Home (B)
Make your return flight at your convenience. Airport transfers will be provided.

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