6 Days Bordeaux Wine Tour & Essential Dordogne (shared)

Highlights

  • Become a Wine Expert Over the Course of 6 Tastings

  • Explorations of Most Beautiful Villages of France

  • Historic Cave Paintings & Cruise the River Dordogne

  • All wine tasting fees are included

  • English-Speaking, Local Experts

Summary

Participate in a 6 day travel Package based in Bordeaux and Sarlat la Canéda that includes 2 days of shared tours in the Médoc & Saint Emilion wine producing areas, a private transfer from Bordeaux to Sarlat and 3 days of shared day trips from Sarlat.

Tour info

Duration
6 days
Group Size
8
Pricing (From)
Adult: (18-99 years)
€840.00
Commentary
English
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

DAY 1 - FULL DAY MEDOC WINE TOUR
DAY 2 - FULL DAY SAINT EMILION WINE TOUR
DAY 3 - PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM BORDEAUX TO SAINT EMILION
DAY 4 - SARLAT GOURMET FOOD TOUR / VILLAGES OF THE DORDOGNE
DAY 5 - NATIONAL PREHISTORY MUSEUM / LASCAUX IV MUSEUM / ROUFFIGNAC CAVE
DAY 6 - PADIRAC CHASM & ROCAMADOUR VISIT

DAY 1 > FULL DAY MEDOC WINE TOUR
9.30am Pick up at the Tourist Office of Bordeaux

A Full Day Including Visits to 3 Renowned Estates
The Medoc area covers approximately 5,700 hectares of declared vineyards, annually producing on average 300,000 hectoliters of wine. Of the grape varieties permitted, 50% of the viticultural area is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and to a lesser extent Petit Verdot and Malbec. Also allowed within the AOC regulations are the varieties Cabernet Franc and Carménère.

Taste Fabulous Wines, Guided By a Knowledgeable Hand
This morning, head towards the famous Medoc wine region. On this full day tour, experience 3 visits and wine tasting sessions in Grands Crus Wineries that have been carefully selected for their exceptional setting and quality of wine. During these visits you will learn all there is to know about the history of the estates, the wine making process as well as the techniques used during the winemaking. The visits are followed by a wine tasting session. The wineries are usually located in Margaux, Saint Julien, Pauillac or the Haut Medoc appellations.

Stop along the famous Route des Chateaux for great photo opportunities
During the day you will inevitably drive along the D2 road or Route des Chateaux as it is known locally. It is along this route that some of the most famous Wineries such as Chateau Margaux, Chateau Palmer, Chateau Latour or Chateau Pichon Longueville are located. Depending on the timing of the tour, your driver/guide will certainly make a stop in front of one of these world renowned wineries so that you may have the opportunity to take some photos.
6.00pm return to Bordeaux

DAY 2 > FULL DAY SAINT EMILION WINE TOUR
9.30am Pick up at the Tourist Office of Bordeaux

Discover the Magic of the ‘Right Bank’ Wine Region of Bordeaux
The wine region of Libournais encompasses much of what is referred to as the Right Bank. Named after its historical capital, the expression Right Bank typically refers to wines from the Pomerol and St-Emilion areas of the Libournais. There are several villages around the region that share the Saint-Émilion name, such as Montagne-Saint-Émilion and St-Georges-SaintÉmilion that are named the satellite appellations. The area is bordered to the west by Pomerol. Merlot is the dominant grape in this area, followed by Cabernet Franc and a very small quantity of Malbec that is tending to disappear. The climate and damp, cool soils of the area make it difficult for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to fully ripen and, as such, they are less often used.

Mix Incredible Wineries With the Enchanting Village of Saint Emilion
Today, depart for the Saint Emilion wine region and enjoy a visit and wine tasting in a famous Classified growth Chateau of the Saint Emilion appellation or surrounding (Pomerol, Fronsac, Lalande de Pomerol…). Then, arrive in the village and participate in another visit of a Classified Growth Chateau, followed by some free time for personal discovery and lunch. In the afternoon after a walking tour of the village, experience another visit and wine tasting session in a local winery of the Chateau of the Saint Emilion appellation or surrounding (Pomerol, Fronsac, Lalande de Pomerol…). The wine tasting fees, the guided walking tour of the village and bottled water in the minivan are all included.
5.30pm return to Bordeaux.

DAY 3 > TRANSFER DAY TO DORDOGNE - SARLAT
Private transfer from Bordeaux to Sarlat.

DAY 4 > SARLAT GOURMET FOOD TOUR & VILLAGES
9.30am Pick up in Sarlat, Place Pasteur Bus Stop.

Experience the Excitement of Bustling Sarlat on Market Day (Wednesdays/Saturdays)
Welcome to Sarlat, one of the most fascinating small towns of France. This tour takes place only on market days, so follow your guide through the winding streets and stroll through the colorful stalls as he introduces you to the local delicacies. Your tour will include stops where you will taste delicious specialties of the region including duck, cheese, walnuts and wine.
At 2.00pm, departure for the second part of your day.

The Highlights of the Dordogne in One Short Tour
Drive to the beautiful village of Domme. With its trapezoid city plan, Domme is a bastide, or a fortified medieval town, adapted to the surrounding terrain, and thus falling short of the rectangular city plan characteristic to bastides. The village is classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (“The Most Beautiful Villages of France”). In 1307, Knight Templars were imprisoned in Domme while during the Hundred Years’ War, the bastide was coveted by the English who first took the town in 1347 and repeatedly changed rulers throughout the war until 1437 when it finally fell under French rule again. 

Then drive to La Roque Gageac and enjoy a peaceful cruise on the Dordogne River on board an authentic Gabarre to admire mighty castles that line the river. 

Finally, reach Beynac to admire the village and the Castle. This Middle Ages construction, with its austere appearance, is perched on top of a limestone cliff, dominating the town and the north bank of the Dordogne River. The castle was built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac (one of the four baronies of Périgord) to close the valley. The sheer cliff face being sufficient to discourage any assault from that side, the defenses were built up on the plateau: double crenelated walls, double moats, one of which was a deepened natural ravine, double barbican. See architectural phenomenon, aided by nature, and discover more about the history of this unusual city on this half-day tour! 
6.00pm Return to Sarlat and night at your hotel.

DAY 5 - LASCAUX IV VISIT & THE ART OF THE CAVES
9.00am Pick up in Sarlat, Place Pasteur Bus Stop.

A Full Day Exploring the Fascinating History of the Cave Paintings of the Dordogne
Some 15,000 years B.C. unknown artists created breathtaking cave paintings of which the most extraordinary examples are found in the Dordogne area. During this day tour you will be introduced to this fascinating art and to the people who made it. Begin the day in Les Eyzies de Tayac for a guided visit of the National Prehistory Museum. Opened in 2004, this national museum possesses the largest collection of prehistoric artifacts in the world. 

Continue to Montignac where you will visit Lascaux IV cave, a perfect reproduction of the original cave. Opened in 2016, Lascaux IV is a triumph of technology. Unlike any other cave visits, Lascaux IV employs different set designs, displays, state-of-the-art interactive workshops and immersive technology to bring it to life. In fact, the atmosphere inside the replica cave is just like that of a real cave: dark, damp and muffled.

Finally, end the tour with the visit of Rouffignac Cave that possesses original and authentic etchings and drawings. The Rouffignac cave was already mentioned in 1575 by François de Belleforest. In his Cosmographie universelle he cites “paintings and animal traces”. In the 19th century the cave was known as a tourist attraction. Famous archaeologists like Henry Breuil, André Glory and Martel had visited the cave in the early 20th century, but it was only in 1956 when Louis-René Nougier and Romain Robert, two prehistorians from the Pyrenees, rediscovered and confirmed the cave art. 
6.00pm return to Sarlat.

DAY 6 - ROCAMADOUR AND PADIRAC VISITS
Breakfast at your hotel.
9.00am pick up at a centrally meeting point in Sarlat

Discover two of the most emblematic sites of the Lot Region of France
Follow our unique small group full day tour to the Gouffre de Padirac and the village of Rocamadour departing from Sarlat. At first, meet your English speaking expert tour guide at the central meeting point in Sarlat located Place Pasteur. Here, you will be first introduced to the days program. Then, it will be time to board your air-conditioned minivan and begin your day trip that will take you first to the Chasm of Padirac.

One of the most stunning visits of the area: Padirac Chasm
After a drive of just over an hour, arrive in Padirac. Experience a unique visit of one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena of the region as you plunge in an unexpected underground world. The chasm itself is 103 m (338 ft) deep, with a diameter of approximately 35 meters (115 ft). The flooded network of Padirac Chasm is the second longest in the world after those located in the Yucatan province of Mexico. The visit of this vertiginous chasm begins with a 75 meter descent via a lift before actually entering the cave system. Following the descent, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the mysterious subterranean River. Then, disembark and walk along a path that will take you through large caves decorated with stunning gigantic limestone concretions. After the walk, you will return by boat to your original departure point and take the lift back up to reach the outside world.

Rocamadour: A castle set above a sanctuary set above a village
After the visit of Padirac, board the minivan and head to the nearby village of Rocamadour. Miraculous rock, collection of tales, legends and beliefs, sanctuary of the Black Virgin, pilgrimage site: the Village of Rocamadour is all of this at the same time. The old medieval houses, the towers and fortifications, the oratories all tumble along the steep cliff that dominates the Alzou Canyon. The whole site is topped off by the castle and its dungeon and the seven sanctuaries. Your guide will certainly stop here for a breathtaking view of the whole site that make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Depending on your time of arrival, you will either follow a guided walking tour of the village or enjoy some free time for lunch. The full-day tour will also include the short visit of a local farm including a goat cheese tasting.

Rocamadour is without a doubt one of the most beautiful villages of the area. Classified as a Unesco World Heritage site as it is located on the way to Santiago de Compostela (St James Way), the main attraction of the village lies in its sanctuaries especially that of Notre Dame that bears a statue of the Black Virgin. The visit of the village can be painful for those with walking problems but please note that there is a possibility of accessing the sanctuaries by lift (tickets not included in price). For lunch, there are many restaurants & snacks to be found in the village and your guide will make the adequate suggestions depending on what type of meal you are looking for.

What’s included?

  • The services of an expert English speaking driver/wine guide

  • Travel in spacious, comfortable & fully equipped Mercedes Minivans

  • Shared Medoc Full day Wine Tour with 3 Classified Châteaux visits and tastings

  • Follow the Château road in the Medoc wine region

  • Saint-Emilion day wine tour with 3 Classified Growth Châteaux visits and tastings

  • Meals, drinks unless mentioned in program

  • Personal insurance and expenses

  • Entrance fees to monuments, museums, attractions other than mentioned in the program

  • Gratuities for the guides

Things to know

Before you book

  • English speaking tour

  • Minimum number of 2 participants apply

  • Maximum group size of 8 participants on the shared tours

Before you go

  • All tours depart from a centrally located meeting point

Covid Policy

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • COVID-19 vaccination required for guides

Cancellation Policy

    Operator strictly adheres to its cancellation policy and will make no exceptions to the policy. If Guest chooses to cancel his or her reservation, Operator must receive written notice of said cancellation in writing via certified mail, fax or e-mail sent to [email protected] (with confirmation of receipt from Operator), and Guest shall be subject to the following cancellation fee schedule: Up to 48 hours prior to departure: no cancellation fees except the booking fees. 48 hours prior to departure and less > no refund All semi private tours depart on time. Clients should present themselves at the allocated meeting point at least 10 minutes before the beginning of the tour. Driver/guide will not wait unless Ophorus has been previously informed that the client will be late with a maximum waiting time of 10 minutes. Beyond that waiting time, tours will depart and Ophorus cannot be held responsible for clients missing their tour.

About operator:

Ophorus Tours is both a licensed Tour Operator, member of Atout France and ETOA, and a Transportation company with headquarters in Bordeaux. We operate since 2005 and conduct Walking Tours, Day Trips, Private Tours, Shore Excursions and multi-regional Tours throughout France. 

Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world. 

Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...