Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
First Class rail escorted tour based in Carcassonne, France
7 daysfrom $2,269
29% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
The Charming Dordogne
Embark on one of our escorted Dordogne train holidays, enjoy delicious gastronomy with fine wines and explore the underground.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Les Eyzies (or Sarlat for selected departures)
London to Les Eyzies
Meeting the Tour Manager and travelling group at London St Pancras, board the Eurostar to Paris. Transfer to Gare d'Austerlitz for a rail journey through the centre of France to Brive-la-Gaillarde. Continue by coach following the Vézère river to Les Eyzies. On arrival, enjoy the first dinner together at a local restaurant. Note: For departures 2nd & 23rd May, 6th, 14th & 21st June, 4th July and 1st & 24th September, the hotel will be Hôtel Le Renoir in Sarlat.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Les Eyzies
Dordogne river cruise and Château des Milandes
Travel by coach to La Roque-Gageac for a cruise in a traditional gabare flat-bottomed boat along the scenic Dordogne, admiring châteaux, forests and cliffs. Free time to explore La Roque-Gageac. Then visit the 15th-century Château des Milandes, once owned by Josephine Baker, with panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley. Return to Les Eyzies for a three-course dinner. Note: due to market day in Sarlat and the operation of the Truffadou steam train, the order of the itinerary may change.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Les Eyzies
A free day in Les Eyzies
A day at leisure to explore Les Eyzies and the surrounding areas. Attractions include the Prehistory Interpretation Centre, the National Museum of Prehistory, a Cro-Magnon shelter dating from 40,000 BC, and the famous Grotte de Font-de-Gaume (advance booking essential). Dine independently this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: Les Eyzies
The flavours of Sarlat market
Visit Sarlat, one of the region's most important historic towns, on market day. Browse stalls selling duck, goose, walnuts, cheese and fresh produce. Explore the medieval Old Town, the Cathedrale Saint Sacerdos and pretty courtyards. Return to Les Eyzies in the late afternoon for dinner. Note: some tour groups will enjoy an excursion to Beynac today instead, with the market visit on the free day (affects departures: 2 & 23 May, 6, 14 & 21 June, 4 July, 1 & 24 September).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Les Eyzies
Rocamadour and the Truffadou Steam Train
Travel by coach to the UNESCO-listed village of Rocamadour, stopping en route to admire the Château de Belcastel. Free time to explore Rocamadour, including the Sanctuary with its seven chapels and the Black Madonna statue. Continue to Martel for a round trip on the restored Truffadou Steam Train to Saint Denis in open carriages. Return to Les Eyzies for dinner. Note: trains are steam-hauled where possible; heritage diesel locomotives may run instead.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Les Eyzies
Exploring the Dordogne at leisure
A full free day to discover more of the Dordogne at your own pace. A regular train service connects Les Eyzies with Périgueux (approx. 30 minutes), the historic capital of the Périgord region, with the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum, a UNESCO-listed 12th-century cathedral and renowned gastronomic restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7rail
Homeward bound
Leave Les Eyzies by coach after breakfast, board a train in Brive-la-Gaillarde and travel through the heart of France to Paris. Change to the Eurostar, arriving back at London St Pancras this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 6 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Standard Class travel
- Standard Class rail travel throughout
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast each day
- 4 dinners
- Wine included with dinner
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
