Experience the charming medieval villages, prehistoric cave art, and traditional gastronomy of the Dordogne River Valley during a one-week sojourn in Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of France’s most beautiful and well-preserved medieval villages.
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France’s Dordogne River Valley
8 days from $4,995
Experience the charming medieval villages, prehistoric cave art, and traditional gastronomy of the Dordogne River Valley during a one-week sojourn in Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of France’s most beautiful and well-preserved medieval villages.
Tour Details
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Plaza Madeleine
Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
Enjoy the tranquil pace of village life in Dordogne and truly feel at home during your stay in the family-owned Plaza Madeleine. Converted from a 19th-century townhouse and steeped in provincial appeal, this hôtel de charme was recently renovated and is ideally located just outside the ancient walls of the medieval quarter of Sarlat-la-Canéda. Each of the 39 guest rooms is uniquely configured and furnished and features private bathroom facilities, individual climate control, satellite television, direct dial telephone, wireless Internet access, safe, hair dryer, and minibar. The hotel staff, many of whom have worked at the hotel for a generation, are committed to making you feel like a member of the family through their warm hospitality, pleasant manner, and personal, attentive service.
Number of nights: 6
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Activity Level 3: Moderate / Active
Expectations: Excursions will be at a moderately active pace during the morning or afternoon. Some days will require early morning departures (8:00 or 9:00 a.m.). Daily activities of two to three hours at a time each day. Some standing and walking for periods of time (up to two hours) during outdoor activities and tours, city tours, and museum visits. Walking two to three miles will be over sometimes difficult terrain, such as cobblestones in towns and many archaeological/pre-historic sites.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.
Splendors of Bordeaux — Saint-Émilion Pre-Program Option — 2 Nights, 3 Days
Long distinguished as the wine capital of the world, France’s verdant Bordeaux region has been producing, fermenting and bottling the grape since the eighth century. Tucked away in the heart of the rolling French countryside and endless vineyards, visit the charming and legendary village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for the Merlot grape grown here that produces rich, full‑bodied red wines. Visit the impressive medieval monuments of Saint-Émilion, including the Église Monolithe, one of the largest underground churches in Europe. Experience the Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux’s distinguished wine classification, at a château and enjoy a tasting of their exquisite wines. Accommodations are for two nights in the deluxe Hotel Burdigala, located in the heart of Bordeaux.
Albi and Toulouse Cordes-sur-Ciel — Carcassonne Post-Program Option — 4 Nights, 5 Days
The cobblestone towns of southwest France showcase the region’s storybook charm. Experience the classic refinements and medieval allure of Cordes‑sur‑Ciel, Albi, Carcassonne and Toulouse on this four‑night Post-Program itinerary, which brims with exclusive excursions. Sample Gaillac wines in the lovely Château Bouscaillous; explore cherished cathedrals and old-world villages, equal parts storied and spectacular; admire the largest collection of Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec’s works; and enjoy the incomparable scenery of the bucolic French countryside. Accommodations are for two nights each in the Hotel Mercure Albi Bastides and the Grand Hôtel de l’Opéra in Toulouse.
Additional Pre- and Post-Cruise details will be included with your reservation confirmation.
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Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.
