Signature: Bordeaux & Dordogne, Cradle of Prehistory

Signature: Bordeaux & Dordogne, Cradle of Prehistory

• Trip code: 421X020
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

Southwest France holds some of humanity's oldest secrets and finest pleasures side by side. Trace prehistoric masterpieces through the caves of the Dordogne, raise a glass in the celebrated cellars of Bordeaux, and lose yourself in the terracotta warmth of Toulouse — a region as rich in history as it is in culture.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

Group Size Notes

Max. 22, Avg. 16

Highlights

At the Castle Merle site join owner for a prehistoric meal and private exploration of ancient rock shelters, Discover the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistory" with a guided tour of this immersive cave replica at Lascaux IV, Victor Hugo market visit savouring regional flavours during a lunch amidst the vibrant energy of the local market in Toulouse, Visit Café Joyeux a pioneering community coffee shop supporting employment for those with disabilities

Introduction

Southwest France holds some of humanity's oldest secrets and finest pleasures side by side. Trace prehistoric masterpieces through the caves of the Dordogne, raise a glass in the celebrated cellars of Bordeaux, and lose yourself in the terracotta warmth of Toulouse — a region as rich in history as it is in culture

Meals Included

8 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 4 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD140-185 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Bordeaux nach Toulouse

Transport

Private Vehicle, Walking

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bordeaux
Signature Moment: Visit Castel-Merle With Prehistoric Lunch, Sarlat-la-Canéda
Dein Foodie-Moment: Guided visit to the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, Rocamadour
Dein Foodie-Moment: Toulouse Walking Tour and Lunch at Victor Hugo Market, Toulouse. Arrival and departure transfers. Curated Walking tour of Bordeaux, Bordeaux. Coffee Shop Enterprise visit and coffee, Bordeaux. Lunch in city center, Bordeaux. Visit Bordeaux Area Winery for tasting, Bordeaux. Guide for the Monolithic church and catacombs visit, Saint-Émilion. National Museum of Prehistory, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil. Visit to Rouffignac Cave, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. Visit to Font de Gaume Cave, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil. Morning Walk to walk to Food Market in Sarlat, Sarlat-la-Canéda. Visit International Centre for Cave Art at Lascaux IV, Montignac – Montignac. Visit to Pech Merle, Cabrerets. Elevators to Sanctuary of Rocamadour, Rocamadour. Guided visit to the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, Rocamadour. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Bordeaux

Your expedition begins in the elegant port city of Bordeaux, where 18th-century facades reflect off the Garonne River. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Later, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome presentation that sets the stage for the history and heritage ahead. The evening air carries the scent of the nearby Atlantic as you join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner, toasting the start of your French discovery

Day 2 Bordeaux

Experience the soul of Bordeaux through its community and cuisine. Start with an orientation drive before stopping at Café Joyeux, a heart-warming community enterprise that provides training and employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Enjoy a short presentation of the project while sipping coffee and tasting local pastries. Continue your walk through the city with your expedition leader before sitting down for a traditional lunch in town. In the afternoon, the scene shifts to a renowned winery to explore historic cellars and taste emblematic red vintages before an intimate evening at leisure

Day 3 Bordeaux/Sarlat-la-Canéda

Travel toward the medieval charm of Saint-Émilion to explore its extraordinary monolithic church and silent catacombs. Enjoy a local lunch on the way to your next destination. As you travel, the landscape transforms into the rugged beauty of Les Eyzies, where you delve into the National Museum of Prehistory. Conclude the day in Sarlat-la-Canéda, settling into your hotel for a delicious dinner as the golden stone buildings of the village begin to glow at twilight

Day 4 Sarlat-la-Canéda

Today takes you deep underground into some of the region's most extraordinary prehistoric sites. Descend into the cool, silent depths of the Rouffignac Cave, navigating its vast galleries on an electric train to spot prehistoric engravings. The morning continues at the highly restricted Font de Gaume, a rare site where original polychrome paintings still adorn the cave walls. After lunch on your own, return to Sarlat for free time among the timber-framed houses. In the evening, attend a private presentation by your Expedition Expert on the cultural heritage of Lascaux, gaining unique insights before tomorrow's highlight visit. Finish the day with dinner at your hotel

Day 5 Sarlat-la-Canéda

The day opens at a local food market, where the scent of truffles and regional cheeses fills the morning air. Next, embark on a guided visit to the International Centre for Cave Art at Lascaux IV. This architectural masterpiece features a flawless, full-scale replica of the famous prehistoric artwork, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the original cave. The afternoon leads to Castel-Merle for a rare experience: a prehistoric meal and a private tour led by the owner. Watch a live fire-making demonstration and walk the ancient rock shelters before an evening of free exploration

Day 6 Sarlat-la-Canéda/Toulouse

Leave the Dordogne behind as the landscape opens up into a new chapter of prehistoric wonder. Start the day with a guided visit to the picturesque cliffside village of Rocamadour, where sanctuaries seem to cling precariously to the rock face. Next, share a family-style lunch at a local restaurant. Later, visit the Pech Merle cave to witness stunning prehistoric murals that have remained frozen in time for millennia. In the afternoon, arrive in Toulouse, known as 'The Pink City' for its warm, rosy terracotta architecture, as the setting sun casts a vibrant glow over the historic buildings

Day 7 Toulouse

Immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Toulouse, wandering through hidden streets to admire unique architecture and historic landmarks. Head to the Victor Hugo Market to explore the stalls of a quintessentially French market, tasting popular local dishes on site. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure—perhaps strolling along the banks of the Canal du Midi or exploring the city’s aerospace heritage. Later, gather with your fellow travellers for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the stories and connections made throughout the Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Day 8 Toulouse

Your expedition through Southwest France concludes this morning. Savour a final breakfast as the light glints off the water before your included transfer to the airport where your expedition concludes. Reflect on a week defined by the echoes of prehistoric caves, the refined taste of Bordeaux wines, and the warm hospitality of the Dordogne valley

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Bordeaux

Day 2 Bordeaux

Day 3 Bordeaux/Sarlat-la-Canéda

Day 4 Sarlat-la-Canéda

Day 5 Sarlat-la-Canéda

Day 6 Sarlat-la-Canéda/Toulouse

Day 7 Toulouse

Day 8 Toulouse