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JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHERN (11619) Panoramic view of the fortified city of Carcassonne

Bespoke Small Groups of 12-16 guests means bigger experiences. Explore the sun-drenched region of southern France on this 9-day, small group tour from to Sain-Remy-de- Duration . Visit the wine regions of Bordeaux and Provence, relax on the beaches of , 8 nights discover some of the most picturesque villages of and marvel at the walled city of Destinations Carcassonne. France France

CULTURAL FOOD & WINE Travel Departs Bordeaux BESPOKE SMALL GROUPS (12-16 GUESTS)

Travel Ends Highlights Saint-Rémy

Explore Dordogne Valley and Provence – two Visit Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Experiences of the world’s most decadent wine regions Heritage Site and one of France’s largest Cultural, Food & Wine wine making areas Travel Style Visit Carcasonne, a UNESCO site resembling Experience a truffle hunt led by a local chef Bespoke Small Groups (12-16 a storybook, with drawbridges, towers and and trained truffle-sniffing dogs guests) cobblestone streets

Experience the enchanting region of southern France on this exciting, 9-day small group tour. Your journey starts in Bordeaux, a major wine-producing region and the world’s largest urban World Heritage Site. Know the secrets, history and culture of wine-making with an interactive experience at La Cite du Vin. Then, travel to Biarritz, a glitzy seaside tourist destination located on the Bay of Biscay, known for its surfing culture and beautiful Hotel du Palais. Continue to the historic, wine-making region of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a plethora of Romanesque churches and ruins. From Saint- Émilion, your adventure continues to the charming region Dordogne, located between the Loire Valley and , replete with medieval castles, picturesque villages and prehistoric cave art. Then, travel to the hilltop town of Carcassonne located in the region of , famous for the imposing Cite de Carcassonne. From Carcassonne, make your last stops at Saint-Remy-de-Provence and the hilltop village of Gordes.

Included Included

3 nights in Bordeaux - 5* Hotel

2 nights in Dordogne - 4* Hotel

3 nights in Saint- Rémy - 5* Hotel

Services of a professional Tour Manager

Transportation via deluxe air-conditioned vehicle

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners

Guided walking tour of Bordeaux

Guided walking tour of Saint-Émilion

Truffle hunting in Saint Remy

All taxes and service charges (excluding departure taxes noted)

All baggage handling (1 bag per guest)

Itinerary

Day 1 Bordeaux

Allons-y! Ignite the senses on a journey to chromatic Bordeaux. Then, continue through the French countryside to the Dordogne Valley and Provence – two of the world’s most decadent wine regions. Settle in for a 3-night stay in Bordeaux, a spectacle for the senses.

Overnight stay in Bordeaux at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel.

Dinner

THE STONE BRIDGE IN BORDEAUX

Day 2 Bordeaux

This morning, discover a local’s perspective of Bordeaux during a guided walking tour. Embark on an interactive journey through a world of wine and culture at La Cité du Vin. Referred to as the “Guggenheim of wine,” this sensory adventure takes you on a fascinating discovery of wine, culture and history. .

Then enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. A local restaurant famous for its sélection de vins and regionally sourced meat invites you to a culinary adventure expertly pairing locally sourced foods and wine.

Overnight stay in Bordeaux at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner EXPLORE BORDEAUX'S CITY CENTRE AFTER YOUR TOUR OF LA CITÉ DU VIN

Day 3 Bordeaux → Biarritz → Bordeaux

The European surfing headquarters and the heart of the . Spend your day at leisure taking in the beautiful scenery on this playground for the rich and famous.

Overnight stay in Bordeaux at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel.

Breakfast

RELAX ON THE BEACHES OF BIARRITZ

Day 4 Bordeaux → Saint-Émilion → Dordogne Valley

Travel to Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s largest winemaking areas. Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town featuring a visit to the underground Monolithic Church. Once you are acquainted with the village, enjoy time to take in this perfectly compact French village.

Complete your Saint-Émilion adventure with a walk through a winery to absorb the atmosphere of the vineyards, discover its coveted grapes, and taste this highly prized wine. Bid adieu as you depart for your hotel in the Dordogne Valley. Enjoy the evening at leisure to take in the sights and sounds of the Dordogne Valley.

Overnight stay in Dordogne at Chateau des Vigiers

Breakfast

DISCOVER SAINT-EMILION

Day 5 Dordogne Valley

Venture to the countryside to explore some of the Dordogne Valley’s quaint villages. Make your first stop at the inspiring village of ; then it’s off to Eymet, one of Southern France’s iconic “bastides” (fortified towns).

Next, you are in for a treat when you visit a wine cooperative and symbol of the Bergerac region since the 16th century – best known for its dessert wine.

This afternoon, explore the château grounds at leisure. Perhaps you will take in a round of golf or relax and enjoy the luxurious spa.

Overnight stay in Dordogne at Chateau des Vigiers

Breakfast, Dinner

THE DORDOGNE RIVER Day 6 Dordogne Valley → Carcassonne → Saint-Rémy

Leave the Dordogne Valley behind today. Later, arrive in Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site and virtual storybook replete with drawbridges, towers and cobblestone streets.

Spend some time at your leisure for lunch.

This evening, arrive in the historic village of Saint-Rémy. Settle in for a 3-night stay in this quaint provincial town with pretty, narrow streets and charming boulevards.

Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy Le Vallon de Valgrunes.

Breakfast, Dinner

EXPLORE THE FORTIFIED CITY OF CARCASSONNE

Day 7 Saint-Rémy

This morning, let an unforgettable epicurean adventure commence with a truffle hunt led by a local chef and trained, truffle- sniffing dogs. Avant hunt, savour the unique experience of a farm tasting in the countryside, among landscapes said to have inspired Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir.

This afternoon, join your Tour Manager this morning for a short orientation of Saint-Rémy.

Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy Le Vallon de Valgrunes.

Breakfast, Lunch ENJOY TRUFFLE HUNTING IN SAINT REMY

Day 8 Saint-Rémy → Gordes → Saint-Rémy

Depart this morning for the picturesque town of Gordes. Enjoy some free time in Gordes to explore its vibrant local market.

The afternoon is yours to explore Saint-Rémy at leisure or you may choose an optional tour to the hilltop town of Les Baux-de- Provence where you will experience one of the world’s most impressive multimedia presentations: the Carrières de Lumières. Making use of a former quarry, iconic works of art are projected onto the surrounding rock and the images are accompanied by stirring music.

Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy Le Vallon de Valgrunes.

Breakfast, Dinner

VISIT THE HILLTOP TOWN OF GORDES

Day 9 Saint-Rémy

Your tour of Southern France comes to an end today.

Breakfast Additional information

Official language Local currency French EUR

Hotel options

InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Château des Vigiers Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa Grand Hotel Dordogne Saint-Rémy Nestled in lush vineyards, Chateau des Vigiers is Discover the heart of Provence with a stay at the Bordeaux a 4-star hotel set in a 16th century chateau, beautiful, 5-star Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa. It Stay in the heart of Bordeaux’s historic city centre located in Monestier between Bordeaux and is located 600 metres from the centre of Saint at the 5-star InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Saint-Emilion. The hotel exudes French elegance Remy, a great base to explore the region’s Hotel, located directly across the Grand Theatre. from its sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces famous tourist attractions. This hotel features 48 This historic and award-winning hotel features a and beautiful period furniture. This property charming suites and villas, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, free WiFi, offers a 24-hour front desk, bar, family rooms, concierge service, bar, family rooms, free parking, indoor pool, multilingual staff, non-smoking fitness centre, free parking, free WiFi, library, free WiFi, indoor pool, multilingual staff, non- rooms, two restaurants including Le Pressoir non-smoking rooms, spa and wellness facilities smoking rooms, outdoor pool, restaurants, spa d’Argent Gordon Ramsay, with 2 Michelin stars, and 2 restaurants. and wellness facilities. and a trendy rooftop bar. It also boasts a 1000 sqm spa and wellness centre, Spa Guerlain, offering numerous massages, body and facial treatments.

Important notes

This is an Entire Travel Group exclusive bespoke small group itinerary lead by Collette. Alternate hotels may be used. Guest accommodations are not in the main chateau. Golf and spa services will be at your own expense. Days of features are interchangeable. Smaller buses, which may not be lavatory equipped, may be used on this program. In this case, frequent stops are made during travel periods. Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Triple accommodations are not available due to hotel restrictions. This tour has a minimum requirement of 12 paying guests to the maximum of 16 guests on each motor coach. If the maximum number of guests is reached on the first coach, any additional guests booked are subject to rate and space availability.