RAIL-DRIVE
BORDEAUX VINEYARDS AND DORDOGNE CASTLES RAIL-DRIVE TOUR
8 nights / 9 days From £ 1,870 per person
Bordeaux vineyards
BORDEAUX • DORDOGNE
This holiday by train and then hire-car offers you the chance to explore at leisure the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux and then travel to stay at two different hotels in the Dordogne region, with three nights at each place. You have plenty of time to visit the many castles perched along the river Dordogne.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY ONE London to Bordeaux Depart from London St Pancras on a morning Eurostar service, and after changing stations in Paris continue through the French countryside to Bordeaux, where you arrive at about 5.30pm. Collect your hire car before driving about 20 minutes to your hotel, where you spend two nights.
DAY TWO In Bordeaux The city of Bordeaux is a thriving hub of wine making in the Aquitaine region. On the bank of the Gironde Estuary, just south of the Médoc Peninsula, and about 40 minutes’ drive from world-famous Saint-Emilion, Le Saint-James is the ideal place to be based in order to explore this region. Track down one of the impressive wine châteaux dotted across the region, such as the Château Rauzan Gassies and the Château Mouton Rothschild, to taste the fruity Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and experience the distinctive vanilla and coffee aromas that develop as the wines of the area age. Other grape varieties in the region include Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Within the port city of Bordeaux, much more than wine-tasting is on offer. Stroll around the city streets to get a feel for the wealth of extensive and interesting architecture. Highlights include The Amphithéâtre de Bordeaux dit
Palais Gallien, the Cathédrale de Bordeaux, the Opéra National de Bordeaux, and the Basilica of St. Michael.
DAY THREE Bordeaux to Monestier in the Dordogne From Boulliac it’ s only about an hour and a quarter by car to your next stop. On the way, we suggest that you stop off to visit the Chateau de Vayres on the banks of the Dordogne. This mediaeval castle once belonged to the kings of Navarre before being inherited by Henri IV. It has been classified as a historical landmark of France and its original gardens, which were recreated in 1938, are listed among the Notable Gardens of France. Stop at the picturesque wine village of Saint Emilion before continuing to the Chateau et Tour Michel de Montaigne, dating from the 14th century and where Michel de Montaigne was born and died. You stay for three nights at Monestier.
DAYS FOUR AND FIVE In Monestier in the Dordogne You have two full days to explore Bergerac and the surrounding area. One important castle nearby is the Chateau de Monbazillac, a 16th century chateau from the Renaissance period whose vineyards and wines are well known. The views from the terraces are extraordinarily wide, over the Dordogne river and Bergerac. The castle cellar holds about 6,000 bottles.
Wine-tastings are available. Nearby is the historic 15th century Chateau de Bridoire at Ribagnac in the heart of the Monbazillac vines. Bergerac also offers wine-tasting opportunities in the Musée du Vin et de la Battelerie. In Bergerac, experience the lively hubbub of conviviality at the market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
DAY SIX Monestier to Tremolat in the Dordogne The drive is just over one hour to Tremolat where you spend the next three nights, so plenty of time to explore the Dordogne valley on the way. The hotel is located on a bend in the river Dordogne and is ideally located for visits to local markets and activities such as canoeing on the river.
DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT In Tremolat in the Dordogne You have two days to explore the castles and local area. We suggest a visit to the village of Belves, a lively and attractive bastide town built up the side of a steep rocky outcrop. Belves is known for its seven bell towers that date from as far back as the 11th century, and the troglodyte dwellings offer a fascinating glimpse of mediaeval life. The last castle that we recommend for this tour is the Chateau de Biron near Monpazier. This extensive building dates from the 12th century and commands stunning views
28 To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk