Albi, Carcassonne & the Dordogne - Tours - Travelsphere Europe by Coach & Rail

Rocamadour Eurostar Albi, Carcassonne & the Dordogne St. Cirq Lapopie �959 3 INCLuDED ExCuRSIONS from only 8 days Your holiday includes 5 nights' half board and 2 nights' bed & breakfast Your Travelsphere Tour Manager Standard class return rail travel by Eurostar/European train provider B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner Your included meal guide Station transfers (if applicable) Discover medieval France as you explore fortresses and riverside towns in one of the most scenic areas of France. Try delicious cuisine and visit more of the region's hidden treasures on our optional excursions. DAY 1 UK/Albi We meet our Tour Manager this morning and join the Eurostar service to Lille from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet. We then connect with the TGV train to Montauban and transfer to Albi for five nights. Meals: D DAYS 2 TO 5 Albi Albi is a delightful red-brick town steeped in history. We offer a programme of included and optional excursions to explore the surrounding area. Included excursion: Carcassonne & Castres (full day) We travel to Carcassonne, one of the most dramatic towns of the Languedoc region. The view as we approach the double walled, turreted fortress will take your breath away. Optional excursions: Gaillac & the Gorges de l'Aveyron (full day) Don't miss today's opportunity to taste some of the region's fine wines at a local Gaillac vineyard; and to explore the soaring limestone cliffs of the magnificent Gorges de l'Aveyron. Ville-Bastides (full day) During the Hundred Years War, many fortified towns or ville-bastides were built around the River Dordogne and we visit two wonderful examples today - Najac and Cordes. Meals: two days B/D, two days B DAY 6 St Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors & Rocamadour We leave Albi for a scenic day's drive into the beautiful Dordogne. Our first stop is St Cirq-Lapopie, perched dramatically on the cliff's edge high above the River Lot. We wander through the cobbled lanes before continuing to Cahors. Our base for the next two nights is the delightful medieval town of Rocamadour on a half board basis. Meals: B/D DAY 7 The dordogne Valley Our panoramic tour of the Dordogne Valley passes riverside cliffs and visits beautiful villages such as La Roque Gageac. We also see the bustling market town of Sarlat and have the opportunity to take a boat trip on the river. Meals: B/D DAY 8 Rocamadour/UK Our coach takes us to Limoges station for the TGV service to Paris and onward Eurostar to St Pancras and Ebbsfleet. Meals: B Albi, Carcassonne & the Dordogne and transfers between stations and hotels Rail journeys and sights Travel on the famous French high speed TGV train to Albi, delightfully situated on the banks of the River Tarn Limoges Rocamadour To/from UK FRANCE Cahors Najac Montauban Albi Castres Journey by train Included excursions & other highlights Walking tour of Albi St Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors & Rocamadour Dordogne Valley Spend the day in Carcassonne, one of Europe's finest fortified towns Relax in the medieval city of Rocamadour Carcassonne PRiCES 2012 Albi, Carcassonne & the dordogne HOliDAY REF: PEFR YOUR HOTELS In Albi you will stay at the 3-star Best Western Grand Hotel d'Orleans. This delightful family-run hotel has a restaurant serving fine local cuisine and dinner is included on three evenings. Comfortable guest rooms have satellite TV, telephone and hairdryer. In Rocamadour you will stay at the 3-star Hotel du Chateau or similar. Conveniently located near the medieval city of Rocamadour, this hotel is situated close to the `Rocher des Aigles' wildlife centre and the lifts up and down the cliff-face. The hotel facilities include restaurant, swimming pool, tennis court and gardens. All guest rooms have private facilities, TV and telephone. The restaurant offers a selection of local specialties. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents. 18 May 8 Jun 29 Jun 13 Jul �959 �969 �989 �999 31 Aug 14 Sep 26 Oct �999 �989 �969 Optional excursions Gaillac & the Gorges de l'Aveyron Ville-Bastides Boat trip along the River Dordogne This tour operates in conjunction with our sister company Page & Moy. Single room supplement from �180. For insurance information, please see page 73. All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities. Additional fuel supplements may be applicable and you will be informed of these at the time of booking. CUSTOMER RATiNG THE HOLIdAy 100% Customers rating excellent or good Sep 10 - Aug 11 TRAVEl ARRAnGEMEnTS Outward: Departs St. Pancras International (0827h) or Ebbsfleet International (0845h) to Lille Europe. Depart Lille Flandres (1238h) to Montauban. Return: Depart Limoges (1032h) to Paris Austerlitz. Depart Paris Nord (1613) to Ebbsfleet International (1718h) and St. Pancras International (1734h). TRAVEl UPGRAdE First Class Travel Upgrade (Standard Premier - Eurostar see page 15) from �150 per person. For latest prices visit travelsphere.co.uk or call 0844 567 5229 Please have passport details ready when booking 67