The route follows the Dordogne valley eastwards offering dramatic views of the river surging lazily below. It leaves the river and turns south to see the famous shrine of Rocamadour. Here you will stay two nights in a charming hotel in the very heart of the medieval town. The return north is via the enchanting caves of Padirac across a plateau with prehistoric megaliths and dolmen, to a scarp-edge village at Loubressac. From here you descend via the waterfall and elegant manorial houses of Autoire, to the pretty market town of St. Cere.

Local restaurants are renowned for specialties such as truffled "foie gras", the delicately flavored liver of carefully fattened geese. (The truffles are still hunted in the traditional manner with specially trained dogs and pigs!) Other delicacies are pat's of wild boar, "confits" of duck and goose, wonderful fresh salads and cheeses, as well as fruit tarts and desserts featuring chestnuts and walnuts. The vineyards of Bordeaux, Cahors and Bergerac feature fine red wines and both sweet and dry whites, including the notable dessert wine of Monbazillac.

Package Includes

7 nights accommodations with private facilities

Daily breakfasts

Six dinners included

Daily luggage transfers

Detailed route notes and maps (one set per room)

Local contact

Vacation Package Itinerary

Day 1: Souillac

Individual arrival at the bustling old town of Souillac, strategically placed since pre-Roman times astride the River Dordogne, and easily reached by rail or Autoroute from Paris via Brive. Time to explore the old quarter and magnificent 11th century Romanesque church. Overnight in Souillac.

Day 2: Souillac to Sozy

Great views of the chateaux of La Treyne and Belcastel, perched on cliffs high above the river valley, as you walk to the timeless old village of St. Sozy. Overnight in Sozy.

Day 3: Sozy to Rocamadour

Through pleasant woods and fields, with glimpses of the mountains of the Auvergne on a clear day, to Rocamadour, spectacularly sited in its rocky valley. Overnight in Rocamadour.

Day 4: Rocamadour

Visit Rocamadour, a place of pilgrimage on the fabled road to Santiago de Compostela since the 9th century. Overnight in Rocamadour.

Day 5: Rocamadour to Padirac

Walk across the limestone plateau, dotted with dolmens and megaliths, via a natural health-giving Spa, to Padirac and its famous chasm. Overnight in Padirac.

Day 6: Padirac to Loubressac

Visit the subterranean galleries of the famous cave-system before crossing the Causse de Gramat with its interestingly diverse flora to the dramatic cliff-edge village of Loubressac. Overnight in Loubressac.

Day 7: Loubressac to St Cere

Climb past the Chateau de Presque and visit its superb caves, then descend again to visit the elegant chateau of Montal with its poignant history, en route for the pleasant old market town of St. Cere. Overnight in St. Cere.

Day 8: St Cere

Tour ends after breakfast.