Coach Tour – Secrets Of France – 9N/10D

Secrets of France:
10days Tour (Trafalgar)

A journey into the south-west corner of France, this insider’s look at Dordogne and Bordeaux reveals small villages, historic landmarks and local rural character unseen by most visitors.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like… exploring historic Rocamadour Sanctuary with a resident expert, hearing tales of life in the prehistoric cave dwellings at Lascaux Caves, and staying in more refined style at the historic Hôtel de Sèze.

Day 1 : ARRIVE PARIS
Welcome to Paris, the City of Light. France is a diverse and fascinating country with so much to offer. From architecture to cuisine, your trip reveals a host of secret regional delights and specialities. Relax after your journey or take a wander through the streets of this beautiful city. This evening, meet for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers and Travel Director. An orientation drive shows you sights such as the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : Novotel Centre Tour Eiffel

Day 2 :  PARIS – BORDEAUX (2 NIGHTS)
This morning board the fast and efficient TGV train to Bordeaux. Wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the biannual wine fair held in the city attracts buyers from all over the world. See the sights including the magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces during your orientation.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : Best Western Bayonne Etche Ona

Day 3 : EXCURSION TO PILAT AND ARCACHON
This morning visit the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. A short drive will bring you to Arcachon. The town is famous for its oysters. Why not sample some fresh at one of the beachside cafes during your free time. Later arrive back in Bordeaux where you have time to explore the city or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the nearby town of St. Emilion.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 4 : BORDEAUX – MOISSAC – ALBI
This morning visit picturesque Moissac on the banks of the Tarn River. The town is a stop on the Way of St. James, the pilgrim walk to Galicia. Visit Saint-Pierre Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch where you have the opportunity to learn about the culture and food from this region. Later arrive in Albi, birthplace of the famous French artist Toulouse Lautrec. View the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining
Hotel : Mercure Bastides Authentic Accommodation

Day 5 : ALBI – VILLEFRANCHE DE ROUERGUE – ROCAMADOUR – BRIVE-LA-GAILLARDE (2 NIGHTS)
This morning stop in the fortified town of Villefranche de Rouergue where you can explore the narrow streets and squares. At Rocamadour, a town built onto a cliff face, visit the Sanctuary and view the Black Madonna with your Local Specialist. During your free time why not try some of the regions local produce such as goat’s cheese, walnuts and foie gras?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Le Quercy

Day 6 :  SARLAT-LA-CANÉDA – LASCAUX CAVES EXCURSION
This morning visit Sarlat-la-Canéda and wander through the markets where the local people shop for fresh food. Visit Lascaux, famous for its caves with paintings thought to date back over 17,000 years. The caves are now protected and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 7 :  BRIVE-LA-GAILLARDE – ORADOUR-SUR-GLANE – LIMOGES – ORLEANS
This morning visit the martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane where in 1944 a Nazi attack razed the town to the ground. Your Local Specialist will describe the attack and why the town has been left as a reminder of the horrors of war. Stop in Limoges, a medieval city where you have free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Later during your orientation of Orleans view the Sainte Croix Cathedral and the statue to the ‘Maid of Orleans’ – Joan of Arc.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Empreinte

Day 8 :  ORLEANS – VERSAILLES – PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
This morning visit the historic town of Versailles. Why not join an Optional Experience to the palace and gardens which have played a huge part in French and European history. Later arrive in Paris. Tonight why not consider attending a Parisian Cabaret?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Novotel Centre Tour Eiffel

Day 9 : PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE DAY
This morning visit the second level of the Eiffel Tower with great views across the city. Later your Local Specialist reveals not just where, but how real Parisians live and shop, showing you the enchanting hidden squares and secret passages of one of Paris’s oldest historical neighbourhoods. This short insider walk finishes at one of Paris’s loveliest squares, little known to outsiders, but a real favourite of the locals. The rest of the day is yours to explore Paris. Why not travel to the Montmartre area with its local artists, visit Notre Dame or a famous museum? You could join an Optional Experience to Monet’s Gardens in Giverney. Tonight join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Farewell Dinner.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Farewell Dinner

Day 10 :  DEPART PARIS
This morning after breakfast, say ‘au revoir’ as your memorable holiday through France comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
Insider walking tour in Paris
City tour in Rocamadour and Oradour sur Glane
Orientation of Bordeaux, Arcachon, Moissac, Albi, Villefranche de Rouergue, Brive-la Gaillarde,聽Sarlat la Caneda, Limoges and Orleans
Visit Dunes du Pilat, Saint-Pierre Abbey, Rocamadour Sanctuary, Lascaux II Caves and the Eiffel Tower
View the Bay of Arcachon, Albi Cathedral and Sainte Croix Cathedral in Orleans
See Esplanade des Quinconces, Champs Elys茅es, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe
Dining
9 buffet breakfasts.
1 lunch (Be My Guest).
3 dinners.

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
TGV Train from Paris to Bordeaux.
Airport Transfers

Secrets of France:
10days Tour (Trafalgar)

A journey into the south-west corner of France, this insider’s look at Dordogne and Bordeaux reveals small villages, historic landmarks and local rural character unseen by most visitors.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like… exploring historic Rocamadour Sanctuary with a resident expert, hearing tales of life in the prehistoric cave dwellings at Lascaux Caves, and staying in more refined style at the historic Hôtel de Sèze.

Day 1 : ARRIVE PARIS
Welcome to Paris, the City of Light. France is a diverse and fascinating country with so much to offer. From architecture to cuisine, your trip reveals a host of secret regional delights and specialities. Relax after your journey or take a wander through the streets of this beautiful city. This evening, meet for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers and Travel Director. An orientation drive shows you sights such as the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : Novotel Centre Tour Eiffel

Day 2 : PARIS – BORDEAUX (2 NIGHTS)
This morning board the fast and efficient TGV train to Bordeaux. Wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the biannual wine fair held in the city attracts buyers from all over the world. See the sights including the magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces during your orientation.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : Best Western Bayonne Etche Ona

Day 3 : EXCURSION TO PILAT AND ARCACHON
This morning visit the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. A short drive will bring you to Arcachon. The town is famous for its oysters. Why not sample some fresh at one of the beachside cafes during your free time. Later arrive back in Bordeaux where you have time to explore the city or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the nearby town of St. Emilion.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 4 : BORDEAUX – MOISSAC – ALBI
This morning visit picturesque Moissac on the banks of the Tarn River. The town is a stop on the Way of St. James, the pilgrim walk to Galicia. Visit Saint-Pierre Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch where you have the opportunity to learn about the culture and food from this region. Later arrive in Albi, birthplace of the famous French artist Toulouse Lautrec. View the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining
Hotel : Mercure Bastides Authentic Accommodation

Day 5 : ALBI – VILLEFRANCHE DE ROUERGUE – ROCAMADOUR – BRIVE-LA-GAILLARDE (2 NIGHTS)
This morning stop in the fortified town of Villefranche de Rouergue where you can explore the narrow streets and squares. At Rocamadour, a town built onto a cliff face, visit the Sanctuary and view the Black Madonna with your Local Specialist. During your free time why not try some of the regions local produce such as goat’s cheese, walnuts and foie gras?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Le Quercy

Day 6 : SARLAT-LA-CANÉDA – LASCAUX CAVES EXCURSION
This morning visit Sarlat-la-Canéda and wander through the markets where the local people shop for fresh food. Visit Lascaux, famous for its caves with paintings thought to date back over 17,000 years. The caves are now protected and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 7 : BRIVE-LA-GAILLARDE – ORADOUR-SUR-GLANE – LIMOGES – ORLEANS
This morning visit the martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane where in 1944 a Nazi attack razed the town to the ground. Your Local Specialist will describe the attack and why the town has been left as a reminder of the horrors of war. Stop in Limoges, a medieval city where you have free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Later during your orientation of Orleans view the Sainte Croix Cathedral and the statue to the ‘Maid of Orleans’ – Joan of Arc.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Empreinte

Day 8 : ORLEANS – VERSAILLES – PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
This morning visit the historic town of Versailles. Why not join an Optional Experience to the palace and gardens which have played a huge part in French and European history. Later arrive in Paris. Tonight why not consider attending a Parisian Cabaret?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Novotel Centre Tour Eiffel

Day 9 : PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE DAY
This morning visit the second level of the Eiffel Tower with great views across the city. Later your Local Specialist reveals not just where, but how real Parisians live and shop, showing you the enchanting hidden squares and secret passages of one of Paris’s oldest historical neighbourhoods. This short insider walk finishes at one of Paris’s loveliest squares, little known to outsiders, but a real favourite of the locals. The rest of the day is yours to explore Paris. Why not travel to the Montmartre area with its local artists, visit Notre Dame or a famous museum? You could join an Optional Experience to Monet’s Gardens in Giverney. Tonight join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Farewell Dinner.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Farewell Dinner

Day 10 : DEPART PARIS
This morning after breakfast, say ‘au revoir’ as your memorable holiday through France comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
Insider walking tour in Paris
City tour in Rocamadour and Oradour sur Glane
Orientation of Bordeaux, Arcachon, Moissac, Albi, Villefranche de Rouergue, Brive-la Gaillarde,聽Sarlat la Caneda, Limoges and Orleans
Visit Dunes du Pilat, Saint-Pierre Abbey, Rocamadour Sanctuary, Lascaux II Caves and the Eiffel Tower
View the Bay of Arcachon, Albi Cathedral and Sainte Croix Cathedral in Orleans
See Esplanade des Quinconces, Champs Elys茅es, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe
Dining
9 buffet breakfasts.
1 lunch (Be My Guest).
3 dinners.

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
TGV Train from Paris to Bordeaux.
Airport Transfers