Albi Carcassonne & the Dordogne by Air

Day 1: UK/Albi
Depart on your journey to Albi today. You will fly to Toulouse, where you will be met by your Tour Manager who will accompany you on your onward journey. Five nights’ accommodation has been arranged in Albi and dinner is served at your hotel this evening.

Day 2: Albi
The pretty village of Albi is steeped in the history of the religious wars between the Cathars and Crusaders. Soak up the atmosphere on our included walk through the medieval streets of the old quarter where your Local Guide will introduce you to highlights such as the 13th century Cathedral of Ste Cecile. During the afternoon, there’s plenty of time to explore Albi at your own pace. The birthplace of the artist Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi’s 13th century palace houses many of his works, there’s also an impressive museum dedicated to him.

Day 3: Gaillac & Gorges de l’Aveyron
Whether you are a wine expert or simply enjoy the odd tipple, you’ll enjoy this opportunity to sample some of the region’s delicious wines at a local vineyard in Gaillac on this full-day optional excursion. The area is home to picturesque historic towns and villages, and during your visit you will learn about the wine-making process and enjoy a tasting or two. You’ll also be able to purchase a few bottles to enjoy back at home. Your journey continues to the magnificent Gorges de l’Aveyron, where you can admire soaring limestone cliffs.

Day 4: Ville-Bastides
On this full-day optional excursion you will journey back in time to the 13th and 14th centuries, when England and France fought for control of south-western France in the Hundred Years War. Many ville-bastides were built around the Dordogne at this time and you’ll get a real sense of the past when you see their ancient stone walls. More visions of the past prevail in Najac, which is home to a photogenic hilltop castle and houses that seem to tumble down to the valley below. Your journey of discovery continues in the town of Cordes, a Cathars stronghold and one of the oldest and best-preserved bastides. You may choose to wander through the steep cobbled lanes or relax in one of the cafés alongside the locals as you enjoy a refreshing drink.

Day 5: Carcassonne & Castres
Your scenic full-day included excursion starts with a visit to beautiful Carcassonne, home to a double-walled turreted fortress which sits on a hill above the River Aude. It is the largest such structure in Europe with walls stretching over two miles. Take a stroll among the maze of medieval streets, explore the beautiful Church of St Nazaire and admire the panoramic views over the surrounding countryside during your visit. En route a stop will be made at the pretty town of Castres, where you’ll see the charming riverside quarter where old tanners’ and weavers’ houses overhang the River Agout.

Day 6: St Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors & Rocamadour
After breakfast you’ll bid farewell to Albi and take the scenic drive into the Dordogne. First stop is St Cirq-Lapopie, which is perched on a cliff high above the River Lot, where you can join your Tour Manager on a stroll through the delightful cobbled lanes of half-timbered houses. Your exploration of the region continues with a visit to Cahors, famous for its Pont Valentre, one of the few remaining fortified bridges in Europe. It is equally famed for its fantastic red wine – the only French red to be made using the Malbec grape, which has become the signature grape of Argentina.

Your journey comes to an end in the town of Rocamadour, where you will stay for the next two nights. The town is built almost vertically into the rocky backdrop of the Alzou Valley and gives its name to a small, mild goat’s milk cheese that you must be sure to try while you are here.

Day 7: The Dordogne Valley
After enjoying breakfast join us on today’s included excursion into the Dordogne Valley. You’ll pass honey-coloured riverside cliffs and picturesque villages such as La Roque Gageac, where many of the ochre-stone houses are cut from the rock face itself. The bustling market town of Sarlat is also sure to leave a lasting impression as it is one of France’s prettiest towns. Be sure to catch sight of the unusual roofs as you pass through the medieval quarter, where they are made from lauze – cut stone.

Why not join our optional boat trip on the river, which will take you on a relaxed cruise among beautiful scenery.

Day 8: Toulouse/UK
Your holiday comes to an end today and you will transfer to Toulouse airport, for your return flight to the UK.

Please note
This holiday includes walking in areas of rough ground, gradients and steps. If you are taking our rail holiday please be advised that this tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard.

In Albi you will stay in the:

3-star Grand Hotel d’Orleans
This family-run hotel is just a short distance from the old quarter and features an outdoor pool, a comfortable lounge, a bar and a restaurant serving local cuisine. Guest rooms have en suite facilities, satellite TV, telephone and hairdryer.

In Rocamadour, you will stay in either the:

Hotel du Chateau
Hotel Le Relais de Castelnau
With both being conveniently located near the medieval city of Rocamadour. Both properties are 3-star and facilities include restaurant and swimming pool plus all rooms have en suite facilities, TV and telephone.

Please note: Outdoor swimming pools are typically open between May and September, but this is dependent on weather conditions.
All hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Albi walking tour
Castres & Carcassonne tour (full day)
St-Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors and Rocamadour visits
Dordogne Valley tour (full day)

Optional excursions

Gaillac & the Gorges de l’Aveyron visit (full day)
Ville-Bastides visit (full day)
River Dordogne boat trip

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, plus 3 dinners
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
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