8-Day Bordeaux & Dordogne Small Group Package Wines & Prehistory
Description Summary
Highlights
- ✓Explore UNESCO-listed Bordeaux's historic sites
- ✓Taste renowned wines from Bordeaux's left bank
- ✓Discover the picturesque village of Saint Emilion
- ✓Enjoy five exclusive winery visits and tastings
- ✓Experience ancient cave paintings in the region
Description
Immerse yourself in southwest France on an 8‑Day Bordeaux & Dordogne Small Group Travel Package, limited to just eight travelers for a relaxed, personal experience. Begin in UNESCO‑listed Bordeaux, where elegant 18th‑century streets, riverside quays, and vibrant wine bars set the scene for your stay. With your expert English‑speaking guide, you’ll explore both Left Bank and Right Bank vineyards, wander the medieval lanes of Saint‑Émilion, and enjoy carefully curated winery visits with generous tastings and clear explanations of each terroir.
Your journey then continues to the storybook landscapes of the Dordogne, based in the golden‑stone town of Sarlat. Here you’ll uncover dramatic clifftop villages, cruise the Dordogne River beneath hilltop castles, and step far back in time as you admire extraordinary prehistoric cave art at sites such as Lascaux IV. Throughout, comfortable hotels, included breakfasts, and seamless transport between regions keep logistics effortless, leaving you free to savor long lunches, local markets, and sunset views over vineyards and river valleys. This is a richly layered introduction to France’s wine country and countryside in one beautifully planned trip.
Intimate 8-Day Small Group Escape
Experience the essence of Bordeaux and Dordogne on an 8‑day small group journey limited to just eight travelers, creating a relaxed, personal atmosphere from start to finish. Stroll the UNESCO‑listed streets of Bordeaux, linger at lively riverside wine bars, and savor regional dishes that showcase the area’s signature flavors.
Bordeaux, Vineyards & Saint‑Émilion
Your English‑speaking guide leads you through the medieval lanes of Saint‑Émilion and into both Left Bank and Right Bank vineyards for five hand‑picked winery visits. At each estate, engaging tasting sessions help you compare styles, understand the terroir, and appreciate what makes Bordeaux wines so distinctive.
Dordogne, Sarlat & River Landscapes
The adventure continues in the golden‑stone town of Sarlat, your base for exploring one of France’s most atmospheric regions. Cruise the Dordogne River beneath imposing hilltop castles and wander dramatic clifftop villages that seem frozen in time.
Prehistory, Culture & Comfort
Step deep into the past as you admire extraordinary prehistoric cave paintings at sites like Lascaux IV, connecting directly with 20,000 years of human creativity. Throughout the trip, comfortable accommodations, smooth transport between regions, and included breakfasts let you focus on leisurely lunches, sunset views over vineyards, and quiet moments along tranquil river valleys.
Why This Journey Stands Out
By booking this curated package, you secure more than a holiday—you enjoy a rounded exploration of southwestern France’s heritage, landscapes, and gastronomy with plenty of time to slow down and soak it all in. With its blend of culture, history, and gourmet enjoyment, this 8‑day escape is perfectly suited to travelers who want depth, comfort, and memorable shared experiences.
Included / Excluded
- ✓Arrival/departure transfer in Bordeaux
- ✓7-night accommodation in 3*, 4* or 5* , Breakfast from day 2 to 8
- ✓All visits & entrance fees as per program
- ✓The services of an expert English speaking driver/wine guide
- ✓Travel in spacious, comfortable & fully equipped Mercedes Minivans
- ✗Meals, drinks (lunch, dinner)
- ✗Personal travel insurance, expenses
- ✗Gratuities for the driver/guides
Itinerary
Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BORDEAUX / PRIVATE HOTEL TRANSFER
- 1
Arrival in Bordeaux
Pick‑up at Bordeaux airport or train station and private transfer to your centrally located hotel, then easy check‑in and time to settle in before your first stroll in the city.
30 min
Day 2 - SAINT-ÉMILION WINE TOUR FROM BORDEAUX
- 1
Meet at Bordeaux Tourism Office
Meet your guide and small group in front of the Bordeaux Tourism Office, then board your comfortable minivan for a scenic drive into the Saint‑Émilion vineyards.
- 2
Drive to Saint‑Émilion & first winery
Travel through rolling countryside to your first château, where you tour the cellars and enjoy an introductory tasting of Saint‑Émilion wines.
1 hour
- 3
Vineyard drive & second tasting
Continue driving through the vineyards, learning about the terroir and grape varieties, before stopping at a second estate for another guided tasting.
1 hour
- 4
Village stroll & free time for lunch
Head into the medieval village of Saint‑Émilion for a short walk with your guide, then enjoy free time for personal discovery and lunch at your own expense.
1h 30m
- 5
Third winery & final tasting
In the afternoon, visit a third and final winery to round out the day with one last tasting and the chance to compare the different château styles.
1 hour
- 6
Return to Bordeaux
Relax on the drive back to Bordeaux, where the tour ends at the Tourism Office in the late afternoon.
Day 3 - MÉDOC WINE TOUR FROM BORDEAUX
- 1
Meet at Bordeaux Tourism Office
Meet your guide and small group in front of the Bordeaux Tourism Office, then settle into your comfortable minivan for a full‑day discovery of the Médoc.
- 2
Drive to Margaux & first tasting
Head out to the Margaux appellation, where your first château visit includes a guided tour of the cellars and an introductory tasting of elegant Left Bank reds.
1 hour
- 3
Route des Châteaux & second tasting
Continue along the famous Route des Châteaux, passing some of the region’s most iconic estates, before stopping at a second winery for another visit and tasting.
1 hour
- 4
Lunch break in Pauillac
Arrive in Pauillac and enjoy free time for lunch at your own expense, with options ranging from casual bistros to riverside restaurants.
1h 30m
- 5
Afternoon third tasting
In the afternoon, visit a third estate in the Médoc for your final guided tasting, comparing styles and learning more about cabernet‑driven blends.
1 hour
- 6
Return to Bordeaux
Relax on the drive back to Bordeaux, where your Médoc wine day ends at the Tourism Office in the late afternoon.
Day 4 - PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM BORDEAUX TO SARLAT
- 1
Bordeaux to Sarlat private transfer
Pick‑up at your hotel in Bordeaux and private transfer by comfortable vehicle to Sarlat. On arrival, you are dropped off at your hotel in Sarlat and can settle in before beginning your Dordogne discoveries
2 hours
Day 5 - SARLAT MARKET & GOURMET TOUR / VILLAGES OF THE DORDOGNE
- 1
Morning – Sarlat gourmet market tour
Meet your guide in Sarlat for a morning market walk and gourmet tasting tour, sampling local specialties as you explore the medieval streets and stalls.
2 hours
- 2
Free time for lunch in Sarlat
Enjoy free time for personal discovery and lunch at your own expense, with plenty of cafés and traditional Périgord restaurants to choose from.
2 hours
- 3
Afternoon – Depart Sarlat for Domme
Meet again in Sarlat at the beginning of the afternoon and drive to the hilltop bastide village of Domme for a guided stroll and panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley.
- 4
La Roque‑Gageac & Dordogne boat ride
Continue to La Roque‑Gageac, then board a traditional gabarre boat for a scenic cruise on the Dordogne River beneath cliffs and castles.
1h 30m
- 5
Beynac village visit
Drive on to Beynac, one of France’s most beautiful villages, and walk its steep lanes and riverside viewpoints.
1 hour
- 6
Return to Sarlat
After the visit, relax on the short drive back to Sarlat, arriving in the early evening.
Day 6 - JOURNEY INTO PREHISTORY: LES EYZIES MUSEUM & LASCAUX IV
- 1
Morning – Depart from Sarlat
Meet your guide at the central meeting point in Sarlat and depart by minivan for a full day devoted to Dordogne prehistory.
- 2
Les Eyzies & National Prehistory Museum
Arrive in Les Eyzies and visit the National Prehistory Museum, discovering tools, fossils, and artifacts that trace hundreds of thousands of years of human history.
1h 30m
- 3
La Roque Saint‑Christophe
Continue to La Roque Saint‑Christophe and explore this impressive troglodyte cliff site, where homes and defenses were carved directly into the rock high above the river.
1 hour
- 4
Free time for lunch in Montignac
Drive on to Montignac and enjoy free time for lunch at your own expense in the village’s cafés and restaurants.
1h 30m
- 5
Lascaux Museum visit
In the afternoon, visit the Lascaux IV museum, an immersive reconstruction of the famous cave, to admire extraordinary prehistoric paintings and learn how they were created.
2 hours
- 6
Return to Sarlat
At the end of the visit, relax on the drive back to Sarlat, where your prehistory day tour concludes at the original meeting point.
Day 7 - ROCAMADOUR VILLAGE HALF-DAY
- 1
Morning – Depart from Sarlat
Meet your guide at the central meeting point in Sarlat and board your minivan for the drive to Rocamadour.
- 2
Rocamadour sanctuary visit
Arrive in Rocamadour and follow your guide through the sanctuary area, discovering its chapels, churches, and dramatic cliffside setting.
1 hour
- 3
Free time for personal discovery
Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace: wander the medieval streets, climb to viewpoints, or pause for a coffee or souvenir shopping.
1 hour
- 4
Return to Sarlat
Rejoin your minivan and relax on the drive back to Sarlat, where the tour ends at the original meeting point.
Day 8 - SARLAT
- 1
Farewell from Sarlat
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then check out and conclude your stay in the Dordogne, marking the end of our services.
Start / End Locations
Commentary
Audio • Language: en
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- 8‑day small‑group package with a fixed itinerary (not a private tour).
- Group size limited to maximum 8 travelers, All guiding in English..
- Winery tastings, key entrance fees, and daily breakfasts included.
- All lunches and dinners at your own expense for dining flexibility.
- Expect moderate walking on cobblestones, slopes, château grounds, and at prehistoric sites.
Know Before You Go
- Two bases: first in central Bordeaux, then in Sarlat (one hotel change).
- Packing light, with soft luggage, makes hotel moves easier.
- Some activities (river cruise, specific caves) may be adjusted or swapped due to weather
- Wear smart‑casual clothing and good walking shoes.
- Most evenings are free, giving time for your own restaurants, shopping
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 60 hours
Cancellation Notes: We accept payment by credit cards (Visa, Master card, American Express) or bank transfer (Wire transfer fees at the charge of the Guest). There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments except with American Express +3%. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund : 60+ days > 20€ fee per person 59 to 30 days prior to arrival - 30% of the overall price (deposit) 29 to 15 days prior to arrival - 75% of the overall price 14 days or less prior to arrival - no refund
Options and Pricing
| 3* Hotel, double room sharing | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Price per Adult | €2,245.00 |
| 4* Hotel, double room sharing | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Price per Adult | €2,925.00 |
Terms and Conditions
All our terms & conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Additional Information
This Small Group Multi-Day package is ideal for curious wine and culture lovers who want a deep yet easygoing introduction to southwest France without worrying about driving, navigating, or booking tastings on their own. It suits solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends who enjoy small‑group camaraderie, expert local insight, and a balance of structured visits and personal downtime. If you’re drawn to great wine, medieval villages, river scenery, and prehistoric caves—and like the idea of one well‑planned trip that ties them all together—this 8‑day Bordeaux & Dordogne package is a strong match for you.
In regards to the protection of the environment, we will no longer provide plastic bottles of water during our tours. You are kindly advised to bring your own. Water and refills are available at the wineries, museums and attractions visited.
Concerning wine tours: In France, snacks are usually not provided during wine tastings to preserve the purity of the wine's flavor. We recommend having a good breakfast or lunch beforehand.
Voucher Information
Present your voucher on mobile or printed at pick-up; please arrive 10 minutes early at the confirmed meeting point, as the tour cannot be delayed for late arrivals. This is a small-group tour for adults who enjoy wine and walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended, and wine tastings are reserved for guests of legal drinking age. For any last-minute questions or urgent issues, contact our local support number shown on your confirmation voucher.
Group Information
We can handle any group size (from 8 people) ranging from small groups to larger groups. Transportation options include private vehicles, mini-vans, mini-buses and large buses.
Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: groups@ophorus.com (groups from 8 people)
For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: https://ophorus.com/contact-us