Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
First Class rail escorted tour based in Carcassonne, France
7 daysfrom $2,269
29% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made / Self-guided
Vineyards of Bordeaux, Cognac and the Loire Valley
Explore France's finest wine regions, from Bordeaux's world-class vineyards to the historic châteaux of the Loire Valley, travelling in comfort and style.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Bordeaux
London to Bordeaux
Board the Eurostar at London St Pancras International. Travel through the Channel Tunnel to France, reaching speeds of up to 186 mph. Enjoy a light meal and drinks served at your seat as you continue to Paris. On arrival at Paris Gare du Nord, transfer by private taxi to Gare de Montparnasse, then continue by high-speed TGV to Bordeaux. Check in to the Best Western Bordeaux Bayonne Etche-Ona (4 star) for a three-night stay.
Meals: Light meal on train
- Day 2overnight: Bordeaux
Exploring Bordeaux and the surrounding wine regions
Collect the included hire car from the station. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage old town of Bordeaux, the Miroir d'Eau (world's largest reflecting pool at 3,450 sq m), and the Cité du Vin wine museum. Optionally drive to the Médoc and St Emilion to visit some of the oldest fine wine vineyards in the world.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3overnight: Bordeaux
Exploring Bordeaux and the surrounding wine regions
A second full day to continue discovering the delights of Bordeaux and the surrounding wine regions, including the Médoc and St Emilion vineyards.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: Cognac
Bordeaux to Cognac
Drive northwards from Bordeaux to Cognac. Check in to the Hotel Francois Premier (4 star), ideally located in the heart of the city, for a three-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5overnight: Cognac
Cognac and its world-famous brandy
Explore the beautiful medieval quarter of Cognac with its cobbled streets alongside the River Charente, buildings dating back to the 15th century, and sculptures of the salamander – symbol of King Francis I, born here in 1494. Visit the Cognac Public Garden and sample the double-distilled spirit at famous Cognac houses, craft distilleries and vineyards.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6overnight: Cognac
Cognac and its world-famous brandy
A second full day to take in the attractions of Cognac, including further exploration of the Cognac houses, craft distilleries and surrounding vineyards.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7overnight: Chenonceaux
Cognac to Chenonceaux
Drive northwards through France into the Loire Valley, arriving in the idyllic village of Chenonceaux. Check in to the Auberge du Bon Laboureur (4 star) for a three-night stay. The rest of the day is free to explore, including the unmissable Château de Chenonceau – a Gothic masterpiece spanning the River Cher with ornate rooms and manicured gardens.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 8overnight: Chenonceaux
The Loire Valley
Explore the Loire Valley with its many châteaux within easy reach of Chenonceaux, including the Château du Rivau with its conical towers and drawbridge, and the Château de Clos Lucé – once home to Leonardo da Vinci and now housing some of his works. Visit the local vineyards, many of which have produced wines since the Middle Ages.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 9overnight: Chenonceaux
The Loire Valley
A second full day to explore the Loire Valley châteaux and vineyards at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 10rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, leave Chenonceaux and drive to nearby St-Pierre-des-Corps. Drop off the hire car and board the train in First Class back to Paris. Private taxi transfer from Montparnasse to Gare du Nord, then connect with the Eurostar Standard Premier Class back to London St Pancras International, with a light meal and drinks served at your seat.
Meals: Breakfast, Light meal on train
Included
- First Class rail travel from London to Bordeaux (Eurostar Standard Premier with light meal & drinks, then TGV)
- First Class rail travel from St-Pierre-des-Corps to London (TGV then Eurostar Standard Premier with light meal & drinks)
- Private return taxi transfers in Paris (Gare du Nord to Gare de Montparnasse)
- 9 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast each day
- 3 nights in Bordeaux at Best Western Bordeaux Bayonne Etche-Ona (4 star)
- 3 nights in Cognac at Hotel Francois Premier (4 star)
- 3 nights in Chenonceaux at Auberge du Bon Laboureur (4 star)
- 9 days' car hire in France
Not included
- Single supplement (applicable)
- Cancellation, medical & travel insurance
- Optional alternative hotels, room upgrades and additional nights
