The Dordogne department of the Aquitaine region, in the Black Perigord, and if you can get that, you will be delighted to visit the Quercy. Nevermind the geopolitical boundaries; the well known name of Dordogne is equivalent to famous cave paintings, remarkable chateaux, delicious food, rolling green countryside, and historic villages! What more could one vacation offer??
Here on this tour you get to experience the force of water and the large rivers that have cut the limestone plateau and provided for all the now famous grottos that prehistoric man chose as his canvas. You can visit these grottos, explore the historic aspects of important towns such as Bergerac, Sarlat, La Roque Gageac, Beynac, and Les Eyzies. See chateaux, and stay in charming and welcoming country inns & chateau. All that makes Dordogne famous is available in this trip!
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Bergerac - a large town with good rail access and services. This is your gateway into the famous Black Perigord. The historic city is very picturesque and offers visits including the Maison des Vins - for local wines. Hotel and dinner included, orientation and bike delivery at 6pm at your hotel. (D)
Day 2 | Ride from Bergerac to Le Buisson de Cadouin (51 km)
A fairly challenging start to this tour, it involves some hilly terrain up to the viewpoint of Les Cingles de Tremolat. From there to Buisson is easier where you arrive at the Manoir de Bellerive - your deluxe chateau hotel for the night from the Napolean III era. Gastronomic dinner included. (B, D)
Day 3 | Ride to Les Eyzies - 36 or 54 km
A lot to see and visit on this day, you have a choice of rides. Starting out easy you come to Audrix a small village by small roads and almost no traffic. Then down to Le Bugue and Gouffre de Proumeyssac, and then on to Les Eyzies - capital of Pre-History! Take time to visit this very charming town and its sites/museums including the Font de Gaume. Dinner included, lodging is central charming 3 star. (B,D)
Day 4 | Ride to Sarlat (25 or 41 km)
Again, a choice of rides to allow you more time to visit. The destination is the very charming town of Sarlat. This town with its cobbled streets, old roofs, and warm stone walls give an exceptional heritage. You have a 3 star hotel in the center of the historical center. Gastronomic dinner included. (B,D)
Day 5 | Loop ride and return to Sarlat (43 km).
A rolling ride to visit the panoramic countryside with visits at the Chateau of Monfort and rides along very lightly traveled roads. You can even choose to ride on a bike path back to Sarlat if you choose. Dinner on your own in Sarlat with night in the same hotel in central Sarlat. (B,D)
Day 6 | Sarlat to Le Buisson. (48 km)
Returning in the direction of Bergerac you first pass the site of La Roque Gageac, a village with traditional houses nestled against the cliff sides and a town recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. You soon come to Castelnaud and you can visit the museum of the middle ages wars. Other possible visits on this itinerary include Beynac and Domme. Night and gastronomic dinner at the Manoir de Bellerive again. (B,D)
Day 7 | Return to Bergerac (49 km).
A nice flat to rolling ride back to Bergerac, you start by passing the town of Cadouin where you can visit the cestercian abbey whose main feature is the cloister within which are 15th century sculptures. Return to same starting hotel in Bergerac center. Dinner on your own tonight. (B)
OPTION: For those with a few extra days; we can add on an itinerary from Bergerac to St Emilion stopping one night in the very deluxe Chateau des Vigiers. You spend the 2nd and last night in St Emilion. Rides of 30 and 50 km through wine country and lodging is deluxe and charming 4 star and 3 star, including dinner at Chateau des Vigiers. See option price above right.
Day 8 | Departure after breakfast, trains depart for Paris directly. (B)
Details
The trip includes: [Virtual Hotel Tour] all lodging consisting of 7 nights in charming 3 and 4 star hotels; all breakfast and 5 dinners, daily bag transfer, arrival orientation, road book with detailed maps and directions, (GPS rental optional), optional rides for more mileage, site/visit information, emergency support. We also provide travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, trains, and more.
Bike Rentals: [Click for image] 105 euros: Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included. Merckx racing bikes available also see Cycling Classics for specs under Rental Bikes. LaPierre tandems also available for rent on this tour for 205 euros. See link.
Scott Sporters P3 hybrid rentals - brand new - AGAIN - and the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!
GPS is optional on this tour and can be rented for 50 euros.
Additional Night Bergerac: 105 euros/double room including breakfast.
You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!
Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!
Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.
Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.
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