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Flavors of Dordogne

  • September 12 – September 20, 2025
  • Post-Tour: September 20 – September 22, 2025
From $6,295

per person based on double occupancy

Reserve Now

  • DURATION

    9 Days

  • GROUP SIZE

    30

overview

Step into a world where medieval charm meets modern sophistication, where every cobblestone street tells a story, and every vineyard whispers secrets of centuries past. This is Dordogne, a captivating region in the heart of southwest France overflowing with history, architecture and enchanting beauty. This customized itinerary provides an idyllic setting for authentic cultural and culinary experiences, from exploring medieval towns and ancient castles to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, partaking in vineyard tours and tastings and joining hands-on cooking demonstrations.

tour map

tour highlights

– With your small group enjoy seven nights accommodations at Château de Mercuès, a luxurious Relais & Châteaux property with phenomenal views over the Lot valley and Cahors vineyards.

– Meet the esteemed vintners at Château de Haute-Serre and Château de Cayx wineries for vineyard tours and tastings.

– Delight in extraordinary French dishes at Michelin-starred Château de la Treyne, Les Glycines and Le Duèze.

– Embrace the region's dynamic history during guided tours of Pech Merle, Rocamadour and Château de Beynac.

– Join an expert chef for an inspirational cooking class to learn recipe secrets, tips and tricks.

– Immerse yourself in the magnificent and seemingly endless beauty of Dordogne.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: En Route from U.S. 
Day 2: Arrive in Toulouse, France | Mercuès
Day 3: Haute Serre | Cahors
Day 4: Rocamadour
Day 5: Pech Merle | Saint-Cirq-Lapopie 
Day 6: Sarlat-la-Canéda | Les Eyzies-de-Tayac | Eyrignac
Day 7: Beynac | La Roque-Gageac
Day 8: Luzech | Puy-l'Evêque 
Day 9: Mercuès | Toulouse | Depart for U.S.

full itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: En Route from U.S.

Friday, September 12, 2025

Day 2: Arrive in Toulouse, France | Mercuès

Saturday, September 13, 2025 (D)

Upon arrival to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the property.

Château de Mercuès, a 13th-century castle and four-star Relais & Châteaux property, is your home base during this week's adventure. The hotel's imposing stone façade and ornamental turrets reflect the architectural characteristics of a bygone era. Guest rooms are plush and well-appointed, featuring carefully selected furnishings, marble bathrooms and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Take time to unpack and settle in before joining fellow travel companions for a tasting in the impressive wine cellar and tasting room followed by a lovely welcome dinner.

Day 3: Haute Serre | Cahors

Sunday, September 14, 2025 (B,L)

After breakfast head south to Château de Haute-Serre for an unforgettable vineyard experience. This generations-old family business strives for wine production excellence through high-density replanting, utilizing eco-friendly vine growing and tending techniques, and aging in oak barrels. During a guided tour of the vineyard and chai (wine storeroom) hear about the property's epic history, then be seated for lunch and a tasting of some of the winery's most popular varietals.

Later today stop in Cahors for a brief panoramic tour. Glimpse into the heart of French heritage as you discover Cahors' ancient streets, its stone-arched Pont Valentré and Saint-Etienne Cathedral. Your Travel Director will provide dining recommendations before your return to the property.

Day 4: Rocamadour

Monday, September 15, 2025 (B,L)

Today explore the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rocamadour, a sanctuary—and notable pilgrimage destination—built against the cliffs above a medieval village. Climb the 216-step Grand Escalier staircase from the lower village to reach a small square surrounded by the Chapelle Notre-Dame and the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Sauveur.

Afterward visit a goat farm for a tasting of AOC-certified Rocamadour cheeses.

A spectacular lunch awaits at Michelin-starred Château de la Treyne, a quintessential French property perched atop limestone cliffs alongside the Dordogne River. Expertly crafted dishes provide a gastronomic journey that celebrates the flavors of the region, showcasing local ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Late afternoon and the evening are at leisure. Embrace time at the property to wander through the manicured gardens where the fragrance of blooming flowers mingles with the earthy scents of the surrounding vineyards. Or unwind on the terrace as the sun sets over the enchanting Dordogne horizon.

Day 5: Pech Merle | Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (B,L,D)

After breakfast peek into the area's prehistoric past through well-preserved mural paintings at the neolithic caves of Pech Merle, one of the few original caves still open to visitors.

Continue to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a quaint medieval village situated atop a cliff with unrivaled views over the Lot River. Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is home to numerous artisans who display their goods in local boutiques.

Later sample one of the region's most prized treasures during a truffle tasting. Truffles are a form of mushroom, an edible fungus that many claim enhances the taste of food. Growing in damp conditions at the base of trees, truffles emit a scent that can be detected by trained goats, sows, and dogs. Learn more about these "black diamonds," and the patience and care required to cultivate them.

Return to the property with time to refresh before rejoining the group for a delectable three-course dinner.

Day 6: Sarlat-la-Canéda | Les Eyzies-de-Tayac | Eyrignac

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (B,L)

Today's first highlight includes a journey to Sarlat-la-Canéda, a small village rich in history, architecture and cuisine. Stroll through the town's famous weekly market and learn about the region's gourmet ingredients during a tasting. A sensorial delight itself, the market features vendors offering fresh produce, homemade breads, oddly shaped sausages, heaps of olives, wheels of cheese, cans of artisanal foie gras, vibrant flowers, sweet confections and so much more.

Travel to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac for lunch at Les Glycines, a Michelin-starred restaurant committed to sustainable, tantalizing cuisine, an elevated ambiance and impeccable service. 

This afternoon visit the impressive Gardens of Eyrignac, designated a historic monument. Handed down through 22 generations over a period of 500 years, this absolute must-see highlight is reknowned for its intricate topiary art, magnificently sculptured hedges, and recently added rose garden—where more than 5,500 bulbs are planted annually.

Day 7: Beynac | La Roque-Gageac

Thursday, September 18, 2025 (B,L)

This morning join an expert chef for a hands-on cooking class and lunch at Le Chèvrefeuille, a traditional gîte, or country home. Learn culinary tips and secrets creating traditional recipes with local ingredients.

In the afternoon take a guided tour of Château de Beynac, the most authentic and best-preserved fortress of the Périgord. This magnificent medieval structure sits high above the Dordogne River. Despite its fortifications, Richard the Lionheart conquered the castle by scaling the cliff from below—though his occupation of the castle was admittedly short-lived. Out on the grounds admire breathtaking views over the river. Passing a church and stables enter the castle to find interesting dungeons, kitchens and living quarters. History emerges from every corner of this impressive château, including rare 15th-century frescoes that are in incredibly good condition and a Renaissance staircase dating back to the 17th-century.

Before returning to the property stop at the photogenic village of La Roque-Gageac. Stroll the labyrinth of cobbled streets to capture a glimpse of a troglodyte fort, a Romanesque church and panoramic views of the Dordogne River.

Dinner tonight is at leisure.

Day 8: Luzech | Puy l'Evêque

Friday, September 19, 2025 (B,D)

Set out for Château de Cayx winery—a majestic property owned by the Danish royal family since 1974—for a tour and tasting. Learn how grapes are harvested from separate plots under strict temperature controls and produced into sophisticated varietals—a testament to wine being made in the area since ancient times.

Continue to Puy l'Evêque, a medieval town built on a rocky slope overlooking the Lot River. Its strategic location made the village one of the busiest and most important in the region, a shipping hub where wine was transported on river barges to Bordeaux. Admire the 14th century Château de Lychairie, the Convent des Capucins and the Gothic church of Saint-Sauveur.

Tonight gather with fellow travel companions for a convivial three-course farewell dinner at Michelin-starred Le Duèze to celebrate a memorable week in France.

Day 9: Mercuès | Toulouse | Depart for U.S.

Saturday, September 20, 2025 (B)

After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

  • 7 nights accommodations
  • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners served with wine
  • All lessons, private tours and tastings, and unique small-group excursions noted in the 9-day itinerary
  • Full guiding services of an Orbridge Travel Director and expert local guides
  • Private motor coach transportation
  • Luggage porterage
  • Gratuities to Orbridge Travel Director, local guides, drivers and wait staff for included meals
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

rates

Category Rate*
Classic: $6,295
Deluxe: $7,495
Prestige: $8,495
Signature Suite: $9,995
Single Deluxe: $9,995
Single Prestige: $10,995
Single Signature Suite: $12,495

*Special group rates; limited offer. Rates are per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.

optional post-tour

Bordeaux

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and cultural charm of Bordeaux, a legendary region that blends world-class wine with decadent cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. From historic towns to centuries-old vineyards, every moment celebrates the essence of this alluring destination.

Activity Level: 3

Full Itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch

Day 9: Depart Mercués | Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux

Saturday, September 20, 2025 (L)

En route to Bordeaux stop in Saint-Émilion—a picturesque medieval village renowned for its vineyards and vintages—for a gourmet lunch at a prestigious Grand Cru Classé winery featuring exquisite local delicacies paired with the finest varietals.

Afterward descend into Saint-Émilion's fascinating network of underground passages, tunnels and chambers that played a crucial role in the region's winemaking history for centuries. Formed over time through the process of erosion, the natural caverns were expanded and modified by human hands as generations of vintners sought to harness their unique properties for wine storage and aging.

Later arrive to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Day 10: Bordeaux

Sunday, September 21, 2025 (B,L)

After breakfast meet with a local guide for a panoramic walking tour of Bordeaux—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notable sights include Place de la Bourse, an iconic square dominated by the stunning Palais de la Bourse and its mesmerizing Water Mirror—the world's largest reflecting pool; the Gothic cathedral of Saint-André adorned with intricate carvings and stunning stained glass windows; and Bordeaux's ornate city gate—Porte Cailhau.

Next venture northwest of Bordeaux to the Médoc region for a guided panoramic tour. This unique area, which is home to four of the world's most prestigious wine villages, features a dynamic landscape of coastal lagoons, sand dunes and pine forests. Its prolific wine estates, or châteaux, produce some of the world's most expensive wines. Delight in a picnic lunch and wine pairing.

Before returning to the hotel visit Château du Tertre for a wine tasting featuring a variety of local cheeses.

This evening take advantage of the plentiful amenities and dining options at the hotel.

Day 11: Bordeaux | Depart for U.S.

Monday, September 22, 2025 (B)

After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary group transfer to the airport for flights home.

Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

This post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

  • 2 nights at InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel (or similar)
  • 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • Guided panoramic touring of Bordeaux and Médoc
  • Guided Saint-Émilion caves tour
  • Wine and chocolate tasting
  • Luggage porterage
  • Gratuities to local guide, driver and porters
  • Airport transfers for guests departing during the suggested times

Rates

Category Rate**
Classic Double: $2,395
Deluxe Double: $2,595
Classic Single: $3,195
Deluxe Single: $3,495

Travel Insurance

Orbridge strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. Depending on the insurance provider, some coverage can be linked to timing of initial payment. Check your options carefully. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Information regarding an insurance program will be sent to you directly from your alumni association. You also may wish to visit your alumni association’s travel website at https://tcu.meyerandassoc.com/ for more information.


Booking Flights

Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.

your guide(s)

Flavors of Dordogne – Insider, Interpreter, Epicure, Host

As you explore the region's culinary and cultural flavors, an Orbridge Travel Director will infuse your journey with an epicure’s appreciation of food and wine, a local’s knowledge and pride of place, and a travel aficionado’s ability to enrich the beauty of all senses to your discoveries. 

Whether at a wine tasting, visiting with locals, sightseeing, or raising a glass with you over an exquisitely crafted meal, the contribution of your Travel Director is essential to the intimate and educational qualities that distinguish this program. Catch their enthusiasm and explore the flavors of this wonderful region with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation.