Day 1: London to Souillac
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 Souillac and check into the 3* Grand Hotel for five nights. (D)
Day 2: Souillac's market and glorious Sarlat
This morning is free to browse Souillac's weekly market where local farmers display their produce or to stroll through the attractive old town. Our afternoon is spent in nearby Sarlat. 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 3: A free day in Souillac
Today is free to explore charming Souillac. The architectural pièce de résistance is the 12th century church of Sainte Marie close to our hotel. With its massive domes, beautiful bas-relief of Isaiah and wonderful Romanesque sculptures, it really is a 'must see'. Behind the church, the Musée de l'Automate contains one of the most varied collections in Europe of ancient mechanical dolls along with modern models and robots. One of the gastronomic delights of Souillac is the "Vieille Prune" liqueur, made from plums aged in oak barrels to a secret family recipe jealously guarded by the Maison Roque. The distillery is within walking distance of our hotel and is open to the public for visits and tastings. Alternatively, why not hop on board the Petit Train de Souillac, a little train which travels through the town and along the bank of the river and offers marvellous views? (B,D)
Day 4: Martel and Rocamadour
Our first stop today is Martel, the medieval 'city' of seven towers, now no more than a picturesque village. We take a ride on the restored Truffadou Steam Train as it travels along a scenic line, formerly used to transport truffles, to the village of St Denis. Later we head to the pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. Built almost vertically into the face of a limestone cliff, high above the River Alzou, the location inspires awe in both tourist and pilgrim. (B,D)
Day 5: La Roque-Gageac and Dordogne cruise
Enjoy a free morning in Souillac 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 dramatically 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 6: Souillac 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
Our base in the heart of Souillac is the charming and welcoming 19th century 3* Grand Hotel. The hotel has a stylish restaurant, bar and delightful terrace. All en suite rooms are comfortably furnished, although they are different shapes and sizes due to the age of the building, and have a telephone and satellite television.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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