Day 1: London to Rocamadour
We travel on the morning Eurostar from St Pancras International to Paris, where we join our train to Brive. From here we transfer by coach to Rocamadour and check into the 3* Hotel Beau Site for five nights. (D)
Day 2: Rocamadour and Martel
This morning is free to explore the pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. This incredibly picturesque town is built into the cliffs in stages rising up from the River Alzou. Crowned by the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary, Rocamadour offers fantastic views over the countryside and the river below. This afternoon we travel to Martel, the medieval 'city' of seven towers, now no more than a charming village. We take a ride on the restored Truffadou Train as it travels along a scenic line, formerly used to transport truffles, to the village of St Denis. (B,D)
Day 3: La Roque-Gageac and Dordogne cruise
Enjoy a free morning in Rocamadour before we head off in the early afternoon to the pretty town of La Roque-Gageac on the banks of the Dordogne. We admire the ochre-coloured houses, sheltering under overhanging cliffs, before we set off along the Dordogne in a traditional gabare boat, cruising past five of the valley's most beautiful castles. For part of the trip, the Captain turns off the engines, allowing us to enjoy the peace of the natural surroundings and the sounds of the bird life on the river. (B,D)
Day 4: Le Gouffre de Padirac
Today is at leisure, so why don’t you take the opportunity to visit Le Gouffre de Padirac, an awe-inspiring cave system formed over thousands of years on our optional excursion? Enjoy a guided tour by boat and on foot past rippling pools, eerie caverns, dramatic limestone formations and waterfalls, all beautifully lit to create a magical atmosphere. The largest cavern, the Salle du Grand Dôme, is truly breathtaking. (B,D)
Day 5:Souillac and Sarlat
This morning we travel to Souillac to visit the weekly market, where local farmers display their produce, and take a stroll through the attractive old town. Our afternoon is spent in nearby Sarlat, originally developed around a large Benedictine abbey, which lies between hills a few miles north of the Dordogne river. Its maze of narrow alleyways, with mansions built in warm golden sandstone, make it one of the most attractive French medieval towns. (B,D)
Day 6: Rocamadour to London
We transfer by coach to Brive where we join our train to Paris and change to the Eurostar for St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotel
We stay in the charming 3* Hotel Beau Site, superbly located in the centre of Rocamadour. The former residence of a 15th century nobleman, this atmospheric hotel has individually decorated, well-appointed bedrooms with modern facilities. Public rooms, including a comfortable lounge and a restaurant with stunning views over the gorge, are traditional in style.
Please note: Order of excursions changes slightly depending on departure date. 8 August departure visits the market in Sarlat rather than the market in Souillac.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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