Bordeaux, the Dordogne & Biarritz

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hôtel by IHG. A transfer is included upon arrival from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport or Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station to your hotel. Join us for a welcome dinner.

Discover Bordeaux on a guided exploration through its grand squares and lively streets, where classical design meets contemporary life. The city's limestone façades glow softly in the shifting light, creating a sense of harmony that feels both timeless and alive. A visit to La Cité du Vin offers an engaging, modern perspective on wine as a cultural force – immersive, interactive, and global in scope. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure.

With another day in Bordeaux, the city reveals itself more intimately. Journey into the Médoc for a visit to Château de Kirwan, where a tour, tasting, and picnic lunch offer a deeper connection to the region's celebrated wine culture. Return to Bordeaux for free time and an evening at leisure.

Depart Bordeaux for Saint-Émilion, where medieval streets wind through a landscape shaped as much by time as by tradition. Honey-colored stone buildings rise from the hillsides, and vineyard views stretch outward in soft, rolling lines. After time at leisure, continue into the Dordogne Valley, where the scenery deepens into something more ancient and contemplative – river, cliff, and forest in quiet harmony. Arrive in Les Eyzies, a village set against limestone rock, long considered one of the cradles of early human history.

This evening, dine at Le 1862 – Les Glycines, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, where refined, seasonal cuisine reflects the depth and character of the Dordogne.

Step into the medieval past in Beynac, where a hilltop fortress overlooks the Dordogne River, its stone walls offering sweeping views across the valley. Pause in La Roque-Gageac, a village tucked between cliff and river, its setting as striking as it is serene. Continue to Sarlat, where golden-stone buildings and lively squares create one of France's most beautifully preserved towns. Enjoy time to explore, shop, and dine at your leisure, soaking in the atmosphere of this vibrant yet timeless place.

Explore the Dordogne's prehistoric legacy at La Madeleine, where early inhabitants carved homes into the cliffs, leaving behind a remarkable record of human ingenuity. The surrounding landscape deepens the connection to this distant past. After time in a nearby village, visit the Gardens of Eyrignac, where meticulously sculpted greenery reflects centuries of artistry and care.

Later, experience Lascaux IV, a remarkable recreation of the region's famed cave paintings. These vivid images, created thousands of years ago, offer a profound glimpse into humanity's earliest expressions of creativity.

This evening, enjoy a private dinner at the Lascaux museum – an atmospheric setting that brings the day's discoveries to a memorable close.

Travel west toward the Atlantic coast, where the landscape opens and the air carries a hint of the sea. Pause in Arcachon, a relaxed coastal town where expansive views stretch across water and sky. Continue to Biarritz, once a retreat for European royalty and now a refined seaside destination. Dinner is at leisure this evening.

Explore the distinctive culture of the Basque region, where traditions, language, and cuisine reflect a strong sense of identity. In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a picturesque coastal town, colorful houses line the harbor and maritime heritage shapes daily life. Enjoy time at leisure to explore, dine, or simply take in the atmosphere before returning to Biarritz for a relaxed afternoon and evening.

A guided walking tour reveals Biarritz's layered past, from its days as an imperial seaside retreat to its present-day charm. Elegant architecture and sweeping ocean views define the setting, where refinement meets the natural beauty of the coast. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish.

This evening, gather for a farewell dinner, reflecting on a journey that has woven together history, landscape, and the quiet pleasures of travel.

Tour ends: Hôtel du Palais Biarritz. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz to Biarritz Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.