Beautiful Bordeaux & Southwest France

Delicious oysters. Exquisite wines. Rich Bayonne ham. Take time to savour the finer things in life on this journey of discovery through Southwest France. Starting in Bordeaux (just a two-hour train journey from Paris), we’ll seek out the region’s gastronomic gems and treasured vineyards – travelling over soaring mountains, along the Atlantic coast, and into enchanting castles and prehistoric caves as we go.

Bordeaux’s wine production has been refined to an art and some of the best wines in the world are made right here. With a wine region comes extraordinary undulating landscapes, rolling vineyards and lush green vistas, as well as delicious fare prepared with French finesse. As you cruise along the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne rivers, you’ll visit Grand Cru Classé wine estates, cycle through picture-book landscapes, learn about the winemaking process, and try your hand at preparing French cuisine in a cooking class. Beyond the culinary, the region serves up a wealth of historical landmarks, from elegant châteaux to churches that have been around for longer than most of the new world. You’ll find that Bordeaux is everything you imagined it to be: beautiful, romantic and a feast for all senses.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2500 flight credit per person
• 9 night Jewels of Southwest France guided tour with Back-Roads Touring, Bordeaux return
• Includes hand-picked accommodation, 13 meals, highlights, experienced tour leader & driver, premium transport plus more
• 2 nights 5-star accommodation in Bordeaux
• 10 night Beautiful Bordeaux river cruise onboard Scenic Diamond, Bordeaux return
• Includes 29 meals, complimentary premium beverages, activities, airport transfers, WiFi plus more

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 03-24 September 2024

Solo traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 - Bordeaux (France)

Where better to begin our journey of Southwest France than beautiful Bordeaux? After meeting the group, we´ll clink glasses over a delicious welcome meal. Bon appétit!

Day 2 - Bordeaux – Arcachon Bay – Biarritz

This morning we'll move on to Atlantic Ocean-fringed Arcachon Bay, where we'll get our first taste of coastal cuisine with fresh oysters and a glass of local wine from one of the port's traditional cabins. We'll then stop to see the Great Dune of Pilat – Europe's highest sand dune, with panoramic views over the bay. This afternoon, we’ll round off our day in the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz – where we’ll have the evening free to wander the waterfront promenade and sample more local delicacies at our leisure.

Day 3 - Biarritz – Bayonne – Biarritz

Today we’ve a full day taking in the beauty of the French Basque Country. First, we’ll indulge our cultural sides in Bayonne – an art and history hub just a short drive away from Biarritz. Here, we’ll discover a local family business going back three generations at the Bayonne Ham Museum – where we’ll indulge in a ham tasting before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time.

Day 4 - Biarritz – Lourdes – Midi-Pyrénées

Today we´ll turn to the east - and on to beautiful Pau. We´ll then travel through the Midi-Pyrénées region (along roads made famous by the Tour de France), pausing en route at the spiritual town of Lourdes. Whilst here, we´ll have the opportunity to see the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto - a significantly holy site within the Christian faith. In keeping with the spirit of our surroundings, we´ll check into our atmospheric accommodation before enjoying this evening´s included dinner.

Day 5 - Midi-Pyrénées – Carcassonne

Following the trail of knights, we’ll continue our own crusade through the Midi-Pyrénées and past picture-perfect bastides. Along the way, we’ll visit a local winery and enjoy a glass of the region’s speciality – a sparkling Blanquette. Our final stop of the day will be medieval Carcassonne, where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.

Day 6 - Carcassonne

Today you’ll be free to discover Carcassonne’s chivalric secrets at your own pace. From the alleys, passageways and 52 towers of the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel (which dates back two millennia) to the Château Comtal and its ramparts, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Later this evening, we’ll come together for an included dinner at a local restaurant – swapping stories and photographs of the day’s discoveries.

Day 7 - Carcassonne – Albi – Sarlat-la-Canéda

Today we'll leave the stronghold of Carcassonne behind and make tracks to the 'red city' of Albi. Here, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town - taking in the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile as we go. Later, we'll move on to Sarlat-la-Canéda - one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne.

Day 8 - Sarlat-la-Canéda – Vézère Valley – Sarlat-la-Canéda

Today our travels through the Dordogne will lead us to the prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave – which was discovered when it was happened upon by a group of teenagers back in 1940. We’ll admire the replica Lascaux Cave II before making a stop at the pretty village of Les Eyzies. Then, we’ll follow the ‘Royal Road’, winding between craggy rocks and flowing rivers until we get to a local truffle farm – where local guides will give us an exclusive lesson in seeking out the rare delicacies. Afterwards, we’ll return to Sarlat-la-Canéda for an evening spent at our leisure – perhaps exploring the picturesque alleyways or dining at one of the charming local restaurants in town.

Day 9 - Sarlat-la-Canéda – Beynac-et-Cazenac – Sarlat-la-Canéda

On the itinerary today: a stroll through stunning Sarlat-la-Canéda, followed by a delightful visit to the riverside town of Beynac-et-Cazenac. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the town’s magnificently well-preserved medieval château – which has kept watch over the Dordogne from its hilltop position for nine centuries. Tonight, we’ll come together and savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 - Sarlat-la-Canéda – Saint-Émilion – Bordeaux

We’ll spend the final day of our tour in historic Saint-Émilion, a village perched above beautiful rolling countryside and countless vineyards. Here, we’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s ‘heavy reds’ and say a final santé. We’ll then return to Bordeaux, where we’ll say our goodbyes.

Cruise Itinerary:

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 13 March 2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.