13-Nights Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux from $11,790

Tauck

OFFER ID 1553116

Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux

From the historic monuments of Paris to countryside châteaux in the Dordogne, the lush vineyard-studded landscapes of Bordeaux and the seaside scenery of Basque-inspired Biarritz, the cultural riches of France unfold in a romantic rhapsody of traditions, stories and culinary pleasures, distinctively French. Discover a taste of Parisian pastimes, from the days of its Roman origins to the works of 17th-century artists to wine-making secrets and gourmet fare on visits to acclaimed museums and during lunch at an Eiffel Tower brasserie, a private visit to a centuries-old city vineyard and a foodie tour tempting with classic favorites.

Board a fast train to Lyon where dining delights day and night and local landmarks tell stories of daily life, past and present. Stunning pastoral views of hillside villages and volcanoes seduce during a three-night stay in the Dordogne in southwest France, inspiring with a pre-opening visit to Château de Beynac, guided discovery of the Bastide village of Monpazier and Cadouin Abbey, a private tour of Lascaux IV Caves, replicating the original caves, and a gastronomic dinner by a Michelin-starred chef at Lascaux IV Museum. If you could bottle up the experiences you'll have in Bordeaux, you'd find a bespoke visit to Chateau de Ferrand Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Emilion;, walking tours of wine-making villages, and tasting visits in the Medoc along the Route de Grand Vins. Basque villages, sand dunes and beaches line the seascapes of Biarritz, giving you the opportunity to bask in its coastal charms from your oceanfront accommodations at the former imperial residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie, Hotel du Palais. The memories you'll make will be unforgettable.

13 nights from $11,790 per person

Itinerary

Tauck World Discovery: Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux

Day 1
Arrive Paris

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Sofitel Paris Baltimore. A transfer is included upon arrival from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport to the Sofitel Paris Baltimore, ideally located steps from the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the elegant Champs Élysées. Join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner, prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.

Meals: D

Day 2
Medieval art & lunch at the Eiffel Tower

Discover the landmark sights of Paris today with a locally guided visit to Musée de Cluny (Le Monde Médiéval) located in the lively Latin Quarter and home to the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Enjoy lunch amidst stunning views of the city at a French brasserie in the Eiffel Tower. The remainder of the day is free.

Meals: B, L

Day 3
Art & wine in Montmartre and a tasting lunch

Drive to hilltop Montmartre today for a morning of sightseeing, choosing to walk along the cobblestone walkways or ride aboard the Petit Train to the start of your walking tour in this artsy village. Visit Musée du Montmartre, set in a 17th-century manor house where local artists, including Auguste Renoir, Raoul Dufy, and Maurice Utrillo would meet to discuss their art. Enjoy a private visit to Montmartre winery, regarded today as the last operational vineyard in Paris. A walking tour follows with stops at local restaurants to sample an appetizer, main course and dessert for a true taste of daily life here.

Meals: B, L

Day 4
TGV to Lyon & a feast of Lyonnaise specialties

Board a fast TVG train bound for Lyon this morning, arriving in the culinary capital of France for a tasting lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, where acclaimed chefs shop. Continue to your hotel on the banks of the Rhône and join us this evening for dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5
Landmarks of Lyon

Spend the morning exploring landmark sites in Lyon. Drive up to the top of "the hill that prays" for a visit to centuries-old Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue to Vieux Lyon for a locally guided walking tour through the heart of Old Town, pausing for a taste of local specialties and a visit to a silk weaving workshop. In addition to its gastronomic pleasures, Lyon is known as the world's silk capital with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: B

Day 6
Drive to the Dordogne

Leave Lyon this morning and drive to the Dordogne, stopping en route in the Auvergne region to view its dormant volcanoes and enjoy a cheese tasting and lunch in the village of Orcival. Continue on to your hotel in Périgord Noir, known for its rich history and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy an aperitif and expert lecture on the region's prehistoric sights, before dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7
Beynac Castle & the Abbey of Cadouin

Enjoy an early opening private visit to 12th-century Château de Beynac this morning, one of the best preserved and most famous feudal castles in Périgord. Enjoy free time in the village of Beynac before stopping in the fortified bastide village of Monpazier, a jewel of medieval architecture, for an orientation walk, followed by lunch on your own and an opportunity to meet local artisans. This afternoon, visit the Abbey of Cadouin with a local guide. A UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1115 as a Cisterian monastery, it is a masterpiece of Gothic art. Dinner tonight is a special treat at a local restaurant in Sarlat.

Meals: B, D

Day 8
Prehistoric treasures

Venture to the mysterious lost village of Madeleine this morning, learning more about the stories behind this prehistoric settlement. Explore the gardens of Eyrignac, astounding with topiaries, before a choice of activities this afternoon, including time at leisure or a walking tour of Les Elyzies with a local guide. This evening, join us for a private guided torch-light visit to an exacting replica of Lascaux IV caves, followed by an exclusive dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at Lascaux IV Museum.

Meals: B, D

Day 9
Medieval Saint-Émilion & Bordeaux

Depart for Saint-Émilion this morning, stopping for a private tour and wine tasting at Château de Ferrand; dating to 1702 and owned by the same family since 1978. Drive through the countryside through the heart of wine country for a walking tour of Saint-Émilion with a local guide and free time for lunch. Have dinner at your leisure in your hotel.

Meals: B, D

Day 10
Best of Bordeaux, your way

Explore the beautiful city of Bordeaux on a locally guided sightseeing tour and during free time, by trolley if you wish, to discover the sights on your own. Nestled on the Garonne River, Bordeaux is home to more than 350 historic buildings, monuments, museums and galleries, the multi-level La Cité du Vin center and some of the best food in France.

Meals: B

Day 11
The Medoc and the Route des Grand Vins

Travel along the Route des Grand Vins, enjoying the scenery and stopping at different châteaux for guided visits, lunch and tastings. Visit the village of Blaye, a key French seaport for centuries. Return to Bordeaux for an evening spent as you please.

Meals: B, L

Day 12
Bordeaux to Biarritz

Savor the seaside scenery in Arachon, famous for being the site of Europe's tallest sand dune, the Dune of Pilat, and for the oyster beds that make the town a haven for seafood lovers. Explore the national park and climb the dunes if you wish, before lunch overlooking the beach. Continue to Biarritz in France's Basque country for a two-night stay. Your grand dame hotel, once the palatial summer residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers views of the Bay of Biscay.

Meals: B, L

Day 13
Basque villages

Embark on a guided sightseeing drive through the Basque countryside surrounding Biarritz, stopping to sample a taste of daily life and immerse in Basque traditions as you view arts and crafts workshops and more. Join us tonight for our farewell dinner at the hotel.

Meals: B, D

Day 14
Journey Home

Tour ends: Hôtel du Palais.Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hôtel du Palais to Biarritz Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.

Meals: B

Featured Destinations

Basque Region (France)

Located predominantly in the green foothills of the western Pyrenees, the Basque region in southwestern France is so engrossing that it takes several days to explore (it actually encompasses three Basque provinces in France and four in Spain). The Basques have their own language and customs, part of a culture that dates back at least 2,500 years.

Biarritz, a fishing port and the major Basque city, is a top-flight beach resort that attracts the rich, famous and retired. Golf courses, casinos, nightlife and the Sofitel Thalassa Miramar seawater spa are also major attractions. Biarritz boasts a huge aquarium and museum, Le Musee de la Mer, open every day in July and August until midnight. Also try the Musee du Chocolat, which not only offers chocolate sculptures but explains in detail the adventure and history of cocoa. Biarritz is near the border between France and Spain, 118 mi/190 km southwest of Bordeaux.

In Bayonne, a lively but small port city about 6 mi/9 km east of Biarritz, you can visit the Musee Basque, which has displays of the region's typical pastimes, cultural heritage and designs. The town's Bonnat Museum houses a painting collection. In early August, the Fetes de Bayonne brings Basque musicians, dancers and other performance artists into the city. If you decide to go at this time, be sure to take a white outfit with a red scarf and red belt—the official clothes and colors of the festival.

A historic town in the Basque area near the Spanish border, St. Jean de Luz was the wedding site of King Louis XIV and Maria Theresa. They were married at the Church of St. Jean Baptiste—be sure to see it. By all means sample the city's seafood. St. Jean de Luz used to be a whaling port and yachting center, and it still retains its maritime flavor. The birthplace of composer Maurice Ravel is nearby in the town of Ciboure, on the left bank of the river near the St. Vincent church. St. Jean de Luz is 11 mi/18 km southwest of Biarritz.

Farther inland and deeper in the Pyrenees is the town of St. Jean Pied de Port. A stopping place on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, this town 33 mi/54 km southeast of Bayonne has kept its medieval fortifications. The Nive River flows through the village and is lined on both sides by balconied houses. In summer, the town center is often the scene of Basque singing and dancing; in midsummer, the pelota (a Basque sport similar to jai alai) championship is held there.

Biarritz

Bordeaux

Surrounding Bordeaux are world-renowned vineyards and châteaux. Visitors from all over the globe come here to learn about the winemaking process - from growing grapes to harvesting, fermenting and bottling these top-quality wines. Here in the wine region the title of château can mean anything from a palatial residence to a basic winery. There are thousands of châteaux that rank from very modest family establishments to large famous properties where grapes are raised, fermented and then matured to produce the area’s famous wines. Visit Rue Ste. Cathérine - a half-mile-long pedestrian street leading through the Old Town’s major shopping area and marking the beginning of the elegant 18th-century city. - and Musée des Beaux Arts -- a museum with a large collection of 17th-century paintings by Flemish, Dutch and Italian masters as well as works by Delacroix.

Excursions

Bordeaux - About Grape Varietals… - 8 hours

Several possibilities based on the theme of grape varietals, be it wine tastings or, practical activities. The great Bordeaux wines will no longer hold any secrets for you.

It's possible to have this activity in any Bordeaux wine appellation!

Wine tasting: Merlot or Cabernet?

There are 2 major top grape varieties in Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon produces Ch. Mouton Rothschild and Merlot Pétrus. Each grape variety taste very different. The terroir and the work carried out by Man can exalt each grape and create amazing Bordeaux wines. During the blind tasting find out which grape has been used in the wine before or after its oak ageing. Merlot or Cabernet?

Theory put in practice:
Blending is an art

Several grape varieties tasting different are available to the wine maker. He/she is an artist making rational or subjective choices in order to elaborate a great wine. Be the wine maker and create your own cuvée but explain your logic first. Does it match? Each group forms a team.

Wine taster & Expert

Learn how to taste wines like a professional with fun. You also learn about the tricks of the trade. Words like single variety, futures, blended wines, bottled wine and ageing wine will have no more secrets for you. While tasting several wines, you may recognize which wine and term match together.

09:00 am - Departure from the harbor of Bordeaux

10:00 am - First winery tour

12:30pm to 02:00 pm - Time to stroll and have lunch

02:30 pm - Wine tasting separate grapes varieties and then have a blending session

05:00pm - End of the tour

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light,

Package price includes

Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
English speaking driver guide with sedan deluxe car
2 winery visits
Blending sessions

Bordeaux - Wine Architecture in Saint-Emilion - 8 hours

Modern Temples of Bacchus

To wine lovers everywhere, the grand vintages of the Bordeaux region of France have long been regarded as the true pinnacle of excellence.

The methods and philosophies used in their production have by and large remained true to the old traditions; modern technology however has undeniably played an ever-more important role in recent years.

To add even more significance to this glorious culture of the grape, if that was possible, the past decade has seen some of Europe’s most highly-acclaimed and imaginative architects taking time off from their ground-breaking and spectacular major urban projects to contribute their innovative designs to the cellars and vat rooms of some of the region’s top châteaux.

Discover Architectures / Understand Classification/Discover techniques of wine making and appreciate wine tastings!

09:00 am - Departure from the harbor of Bordeaux

10:00 am - First winery tour such as Château Faugères

11:30 am - Discover the enchanting medieval village of Saint-Emilion, classified by Unesco in 1999. A luminous, ochre-colored jewel built of limestone and Roman roof tiles, it’s perched on a plateau and completely surrounded by a sea of vineyards.

The steep and narrow cobblestone streets are lined with remnants of monasteries and convents dating from the 11th to 18th centuries that tell the story of the village. A Unesco World Heritage-inspired scavenger hunt will bring you face to face with the art, wine and stunning landscapes of Saint-Emilion.

12:30pm to 02:00 pm - Time to stroll and have lunch

02:30 pm - Wine tasting Chateau La Dominique

05:00pm - End of the tour

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: no
Physical Activity Level: Light,

Package price includes

Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
English speaking driver guide with sedan deluxe car
2 winery visits
Monument tour in Saint-Emilion

Bordeaux - Gourmet tour - 8 hours

Bordeaux - Cultural tour - 8 hours

“The historic centre of Bordeaux forms an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble, created in the Age of Enlightenment, whose values continued up to the first half of the 20th century, with more protected buildings than any other French city, except Paris. It is also recognized for its historic role as a place of exchange of cultural values over more than 2,000 years, particularly since the 12th century due to commercial links with Britain and the Low Countries.

From its medieval quarters to the Classical splendour of the Golden Age in the 18th Century, you will be able to discover a city emerging from a long face lift of over 5 years of work.

The futuristic tram network established in 2005 is evidence of the dynamism of today’s Bordeaux and the historic heart which has been given back to pedestrians, allow the visitors to discover the principal monuments illustrating the city’s History: the Palais Gallien amphitheatre (4th century), the Saint Seurin Basilica (11th century foundations), the Saint André Cathedral (13th century), the Porte Cailhau and the "Grosse Cloche" ("big bell", 15th century).

The 18th century gave the city its outstanding "Grand Theatre", a national opera house built in 1781, and the Allées de Tourny, as well as the remarkable waterfront buildings and the Place de la Bourse (formerly the Place Royale), a quarter over 4 kilometres in length which serves as the backdrop for the port’s trading activities.

Tour Duration:8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light

Package includes

Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
All entrance fees
All tax and Vat

Does not include

- Lunch

- Gratuities

- Travel insurance and personal expenses

Departure dates : all day , all year

Not available on May 1st, January 01st & December 25

Bordeaux -Saint Emilion Wine Tour - 8 hours

In the morning, departure with your English speaking driver guide to Saint Emilion.

Surrounded by its vineyards, the city offers ancient ramparts, monuments and narrow streets. The village and the vineyards have been classed as a World Heritage Site by the Unesco in 1999.

“Grape production was introduced into this fertile region of Aquitaine by the Romans and was intensified during the Middle Age. The area of Saint-Émilion benefited from its position on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella and several churches, monasteries and hospices were built there from the XIth century onwards. It was granted its own jurisdictional status during the period of English rule in the XIIth century. This is an exceptional landscape entirely given over to grape-production and whose towns and villages are home to outstanding historic monuments.” (Unesco Cit.)

Centuries after the Latin poet Ausonius, the hermit Emilion found here peace and tranquility, which were necessary for his meditation. He discovered a grotto watered by a natural spring in the rocky centre of what is now the town bearing his name, where he lived until his death.

Private guided tour of the principal sights of the medieval town: the Emilion Hermitage, the Tour du Roy built in the 13th century by Richard the Lion heart, the collegiate church and its 14th century cloister and, above all, the exceptional monolithic church and its catacombs dug out of the limestone cliff between the 9th and the 11th centuries. Its 38 metre span makes it the largest such church in Europe.

Lunch will take place at a restaurant located in the city.

In the afternoon, visit with wine tasting at a Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion.

Tour Duration:8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light,

Package Includes

Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
All entrance fees & tasting
All tax and Vat

Does not include

- Lunch

- Gratuities

- Travel insurance and personal expenses

Departure dates : all day , all year

May 1st - due to French law, cost double and most of the Wine estate are close

Bordeaux - A Wine, a Vintage, a Tasting… - 8 hours

A Wine, a Vintage, a Tasting…

Taste and identify the differences between the great Bordeaux wines, according to the vintage…

Wine experts give a great importance to Vintages. Why is it so important? How to recognize the quality of the vintage? How to guess the vintage? Should we agree or is it a matter of taste? Let us taste 4 vintages from the same wine property and comment. The expert guides you and shares his knowledge while you comment and learn tricks of the trade.

Château Grand Vertical Tasting Workshop

The privilege of tasting 6 great vintages dating back as far as 20 years:

• Château de Ferrand 1988 & 1989

• Château de Ferrand 1998 & 1999

• Château de Ferrand 2008 & 2009

This workshop includes a private tour, an initiation into aromas, a tasting of 6 vintages, and a food/wine pairing with our “Assiette Gourmande”.

Schedule:

09:00am - Departure from the harbor of Bordeaux

10:00am - First winery tour such as Château Faugères

11:30am - Discover the enchanting medieval village of Saint-Emilion, classified by Unesco in 1999. A luminous, ochre-colored jewel built of limestone and Roman roof tiles, it is perched on a plateau and completely surrounded by a sea of vineyards.

12:30pm to 02:00pm - Time to stroll and have lunch

02:30 pm - Wine tasting at Chateau La Dominique

05:00pm - End of the tour

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light,

Package price includes

Transportation: Pick up/drop off at the Port
Day Tour: English speaking driver guide with sedan deluxe car
2 winery visits and vertical workshop

Sarlat

Perigord Noir

Lyon

Paris

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

04/25/2025 - 05/08/2025

from $12,790 per person

04/29/2025 - 05/12/2025

from $12,790 per person

05/06/2025 - 05/19/2025

from $12,790 per person

05/09/2025 - 05/22/2025

from $15,390 per person

05/13/2025 - 05/26/2025

from $12,790 per person

05/20/2025 - 06/02/2025

from $12,790 per person

05/23/2025 - 06/05/2025

from $15,390 per person

05/27/2025 - 06/09/2025

from $12,790 per person

06/06/2025 - 06/19/2025

from $15,390 per person

09/02/2025 - 09/15/2025

from $12,790 per person

09/05/2025 - 09/18/2025

from $15,390 per person

09/30/2025 - 10/13/2025

from $12,790 per person

10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025

from $15,390 per person

10/07/2025 - 10/20/2025

from $12,790 per person

10/14/2025 - 10/27/2025

from $12,790 per person

10/21/2025 - 11/03/2025

from $11,790 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $11,790 per person

Length

13 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability and change without notice. Prices reflect land only accommodations, airfare is additional. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Itinerary and map subject to change. Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1553116

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Cruise Vacations of Orange County

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