7 Nights / 8 Days
Turn back the corks of time with an adventure to some of France’s most enchanting viticultural and historic regions. Traverse the captivating plains of Bordeaux and Dordogne while pairing world-renowned wines with slices of extraordinary French heritage. Sip exquisite varieties at a lavish château in Montbazillac, uncover the origins of mankind in the Vézère Valley, and conquer medieval villages as you follow in the steps of Richard the Lionheart. Unique, scenic, and immersive, this trip is a delightfully palatable and authentic exploration of France’s multifaceted charms.
- 4 Nights in Bordeaux
- 3 Nights in Dordogne
- Private Transfers
- Tours in Bordeaux and Dordogne
Day 1 – Arrival in Bordeaux & Walking Tour
Welcome to Bordeaux, where timeless, authentic beauty flows as effortlessly as wine. Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel of choice in France’s famous viticultural gem. Once checked in, don’t keep the UNESCO-listed treasures of this city waiting and join your experienced guide for a curated walking tour of its neoclassical streets, grand plazas, Gothic spires, and riverside promenades. Along the way, savor a tasting of a signature local delicacy, as your first glimpse of Bordeaux serves as a toast to culture, elegance, and the centuries-old spirit that still fills its glass.
Day 2 – Médoc Wine Experience
A good glass of Médoc always leaves a lasting memory — but never quite like this! Prepare your palette for wonder as you venture across a landscape dotted with sun-drenched vineyards on your way to the birthplace of one of France’s most celebrated wines. Led by an experienced guide, enjoy a slice of opulence by stepping into the halls of legendary châteaux, before sampling the legacy of renowned Grand Cru Classé estates with private tastings of exceptional Médoc varieties; each telling a unique story about the region’s winemaking traditions. Here, every sip will feel like a conversation with history.
Day 3 – Bassin d’Arcachon
Trade the vineyards for a day of sea-salted breezes as you embrace the coastal elegance of Arcachon Bay. Board a traditional Pinasse boat and sail past oyster farms, pine forests, and Belle Époque villas as the Atlantic waves whisper stories of leisure and legacy. Indulge in fresh oysters plucked straight from the bay, paired with local white wine that’s as crisp as the ocean air. Or, ascend the Dune du Pilat — Europe’s tallest sand dune — and let a panorama of sky, sea, and forest in the middle of wine country remind you that in France, anything is possible.
Day 4 — From Bergerac to Montbazillac: Wine, Legends & Landscapes
Today, you will leave Bordeaux behind and journey into the heart of Dordogne, where medieval towns and storied vineyards await. Along the way, uncover Renaissance charms and literary legends in the cobbled streets of Bergerac. Sip your way through the terroirs of Domaine de Belingard, a family estate that crafts award-winning varieties with soul and tradition. And visit Montbazillac, where a hilltop château compliments sweeping views with tastings of its famed sweet wine — a golden nectar rooted in centuries of expertise. By day’s end, you’ll arrive in your hotel of choice in Périgord, where the region’s next chapter unfolds with subtle grandeur.
Day 5 – Cro-Magnon Echoes in the Vézère Valley
Awaken amid the fairytale setting of Perigord and set off on a prehistoric adventure to the Vézère Valley, the cradle of Cro-Magnon — early modern humans who once populated those very lands. Visit the stunning replica of the world-renowned Cave of Lascaux, the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,” where vivid cave art tells the earliest tales of humanity. Then, bask in the curiosities of the surrounding area as you marvel at the cliffside wonders of Maison Forte de Reignac and Roque-Saint-Christophe, soak in the charms of the Château de Losse and village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézèr, and descend into the Rouffignac Cave, where mammoths and bison still dance across shadowy walls of human history.
Day 6 – The Path of the Lionheart in the Dordogne Valley
Become part of a medieval legend as you follow the storied path of Richard the Lionheart on your way to discovering the treasures of the Dordogne Valley. Storm the mighty ramparts of Château de Beynac above the Dordogne River. Cross the valley to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, a fortress of siege engines and storied battles. Discover the romantic Château des Milandes, once home to Josephine Baker. Cruise the river on a traditional gabarre, just as merchants once did. Venture through the hilltop village of Domme and meander through the golden lanes of Sarlat-la-Canéda, where any turn may lead to an encounter with a knight. This is medieval France at its most magical.
Day 7 – Rocamadour & Gouffre de Padirac: Faith, Stone & Subterranean Wonder
Your final day in France invites awe, both earthly and divine, as you journey to Rocamadour, a cliffside sanctuary that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. There, discover the hallowed Notre-Dame Chapel, and behold the revered Black Madonna — a symbol of faith and mystery. Then, descend into the depths of the earth at the Gouffre de Padirac, where a boat will be waiting to take you along an underground river past towering stalactites and cathedral-like caverns. Once the echoes of subterranean caves have faded, you’ll return to Bordeaux with a heart full of wonder and a deeper connection to the sacred, the natural, and most of all, to France.
Day 8 – Departure from Bordeaux
Just like all glasses must eventually empty, it’s time for this journey to likewise become a cherished part of history. After breakfast, a private driver will take you to the Bordeaux airport, where you will catch your departure flight home. Whether leaving with bottles of vintage wine, treasured memories, or a deeper connection to French heritage, one thing is certain — this voyage unveiled a side of France that you’ve never seen before.
