The Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 Departing from your local pick up point about 6.00am we head to Dover for our crossing to Calais, we then make our way through France with convenient stops for refreshments and head towards Orleans for our overnight accommodation and evening meal, includes wine, water and tea or coffee.

Day 2 We leave after breakfast and travel onwards via Limoges through France with stops on-route, to our hotel in Sarlat-la -Caneda for the next four nights.

Day 3 We will spend the day at leisure in the charming medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. One of the most alluring and attractive towns in south-western France, Sarlat has developed around the large Benedictine Abbey since the 14th Century. Today (Saturday) is market day, so we can browse amongst the stalls at our leisure and wander through the small winding streets of this largely car-free town centre. There will also be some leisure time today at our hotel.

Day 4 After a leisurely breakfast we head to Beynac for a 60 minute circular cruise on the Dordogne River on a gabare, an authentic reproduction of an 18th century boat. There will be some free time to explore Beynac. In the afternoon our coach will drive us along the banks of the Dordogne River towards Souillac and on to Martel, the starting point of our steam train excursion with the Tourist Railway of Haut-Quercy departing at 1400hrs. Enjoy an 8 mile round trip that ascends more than 80 metres and provides wonderful panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley below. We will then return to our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 5 This morning, we head to the Lascaux II Caves for a guided tour. Hidden for over 17000 years, the caves were discovered in 1940, and hold some of the most complete examples of prehistoric cave paintings in the world. Sadly the original caves were closed in 1963 to ensure that they remained preserved for the future. However, an exact replica (Lascaux II) was subsequently created with inch-perfect attention to detail, and this remains a fascinating, unmissable place to visit. We then continue our journey to the Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac for a guided tour of these gardens which offer an amazing feast for the senses with something to delight everyone. The seven gardens include the beautiful White Garden, the formal topiary sculptures and a wild flower meadow.

Day 6 We sadly leave today and make our journey back through the French countryside via Bourges to arrive at the Ibis Orleans for our last evening. Welcome hot drink on arrival.
Wine, water and tea/coffee with dinner.

Day 7 We make our way back to Calais for our afternoon crossing back to Dover. Arriving in Chelmsford early evening.