Dordogne Self-Guided Activities
9 Days Starting in Rocamadour and ending in Sarlat
Visiting: Dordogne, Europe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
M08DO
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Leisurely / Moderate
Age range:
8 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Explore one of the most fascinating corners of the Dordogne on this varied and flexible, walking, cycling and canoeing holiday. The Perigord Noir, arguably one of the most attractive parts of the Dordogne, is named as such for its rich dark oak and chestnut forests which fill the very heart of this region. The area offers spectacular scenery with ancient chateaux perched high above the rugged cliffs overlooking the entire valley. You'll find mediaeval villages full of character and a plethora of historical sites including the Benedictine Abbaye Sainte-Marie in Souillac, founded during the 12th century and which suffered badly during the Hundred Years' War.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Rocamadour
Meals Included: breakfast
Arrive at your 3 star hotel, just a stone's throw from Rocamadour's ancient
town walls. You stay at the Hotel Les Esclargies (breakfast included)
Day 2 : Rocamadour To Meyronne - Walk 10Km/6.5Mi (2.5Hr) Or Cycle 15Km/9.5Mi
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Before you leave UNESCO Rocamadour, why not explore its pretty medieval
alleyways, in particular its famous sanctuary and revered shrine to the Black
Madonna? Walkers and cyclists then make their way to Meyronne via the Grottes
de Lacave. (Staying at Hotel La Terrasse)
Day 3 : At Meyronne
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
You have lots of choices today. Either relax by the hotel pool or walk south
of the river to Rochers Ste Marie and the Grottes de Lacave. If you prefer to
cycle (or use our walking route notes) head to the town of Rocamadour, home
to the shrine of the Black Madonna and one of France's most venerated
religious sites. Alternatively, travel by taxi to the Gouffre de Padirac, an
enormous chasm where you descend into an underground cave system which you
then explore by boat along the subterranean stream. (Staying at Hotel La
Terrasse)
Day 4 : Meyronne To Souillac Canoe
Meals Included: breakfast
We meet you after breakfast for your briefing and canoeing lesson before you
set off on this easy paddle, taking you below pinky-gold cliffs with buzzards
and kites soaring overhead and the imposing chateaux of Belcastel and de la
Treyne (to name but two), perched up high above the river. (Staying at La
Vieille Auberge)
Day 5 : At Souillac
Meals Included: breakfast
Wander round this bustling town, people watch or visit the Musee de
l'Automate which holds the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in
France. You might also like to walk to La Durantie for some of the most
stunning views along the Dordogne Valley or cycle to the Chateau de Fenelon,
a Cathar stronghold during the 12th and 13th century. There is also the
option to cycle to the impressive Jardins de Cadiot made up of ten gardens
within two hectares of land - the choice is yours! (Staying at La Vieille
Auberge)
Day 6 : Souillac To Saint-Vincent-De-Cosse Canoe
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Its gentle paddling again today down to Grolejac through the heart of
peaceful and prosperous Perigord countryside, leaving plenty of time for
swimming, picnicking or just lazing by the river. We pick you up and take you
to the tranquil Chateau de Monrecour where you stay for the next two
nights. (Staying at Chateau de Monrecour)
Day 7 : At Saint-Vincent-De-Cosse
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Stroll to Beynac and climb the steep footpath lined with 15th to 17th century
stone houses up to the spectacular 13th century hilltop chateau; the reward
for your effort is the breathtaking view of the serpentine sweep of the
river. Or you could visit the beautiful Jardins de Marqueyssac and the
impressive Chateau de Castelnaud (approximately 6km/4mi away). (Staying at
Chateau de Monrecour)
Day 8 : Saint-Vincent-De-Cosse To Sarlat Walk 19Km/12Mi/5Hr Or Cycle 32Km/20Mi
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Today you can choose to go on foot or pedal through pretty villages and
shaded woods before arriving at medieval Sarlat with its Renaissance facades
and richly ornamented buildings now protected by law. Wander through the
narrow streets, discovering ancient courtyards as you peep through ornate
archways, then its on to the tranquility of your hotel, in time for a last
dip in the pool before dinner. (Staying at Hotel Meysset)
Day 9 : The Tour Ends After Breakfast In Sarlat
Meals Included: breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast in Sarlat.
What's Included
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Route notes and maps
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Canadian canoes or sit-on top kayaks
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High quality bikes
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Buoyancy aid and helmet
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All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 6 dinners.
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All continental breakfasts and 5 evening meals All accommodationRoute notes and maps High quality bikes Luggage transfers between hotels Buoyancy aid and canoeing helmet Canadian canoes or sit-on top kayaks
What's Not Included
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Single supplements
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Visas and vaccinationsTravel insuranceSingle supplements
Food
All continental breakfasts and 5 evening meals included.The Dordogne has a rich cuisine based on produits du terroir (locally grown produce). Typical first courses include tourain, an onion and garlic soup cooked in a broth with duck or goose fat, and ladled over slices of country bread and cheese. Pâté, often duck or goose, is equally popular, as is foie gras - ideally washed down with a glass of Sauternes or Monbazillac. Main course specialities also include duck and goose, often served in light cream sauces and, in the autumn, fresh cèpes. Duck or goose fat is also used for the accompanying pommes de terre sarladaises - slices of potato sautéed in goose fat, with garlic, parsley and wild mushrooms - delicious! Traditional desserts include tarte aux noix (walnut tart), gâteau aux noix, and flognarde, a type of flan with fruit and liqueur. A local cheese worth tasting is Bleu des Causses, similar to Roquefort, as well as Rocamadour goat’s cheese.Some of the finest wines of France come from the south-west. Bordeaux is the largest wine region in the world, producing over 500 million litres a year. There are over 40 different appellations, including some of the most prestigious in France - Sauternes, Saint Emilion and Pauillac. Monbazillac is a renowned sweet dessert wine, while many of the lesser known regional wines are much cheaper but well worth trying. Bergerac reds and whites are also highly recommended; there is a delicious rosé too. Pécharment red is another one to try. See the section on Wine Service in our ‘All you need to know Guide’.
Accommodation
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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