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Signature: Bordeaux & Dordogne, Cradle Of Prehistory
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Length
8 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Bordeaux
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Ends in
Toulouse
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Available Tour Start Dates
MAY 29, 2027 to OCT 16, 2027
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Activity Level
Easy
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic
Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world's most storied sites - all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$7,799.00
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
Southwest France holds some of humanity's oldest secrets and finest pleasures side by side. Trace prehistoric masterpieces through the caves of the Dordogne, raise a glass in the celebrated cellars of Bordeaux, and lose yourself in the terracotta warmth of Toulouse - a region as rich in history as it is in culture.
Visited During Tour
Bordeaux | Sarlat-La-Caneda | Toulouse
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Signature: Bordeaux & Dordogne, Cradle Of Prehistory tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code EFBTNS-11388
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Day
1Bordeaux
Your expedition begins in the elegant port city of Bordeaux, where 18th-century facades reflect off the Garonne River. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Later, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome presentation that sets the stage for the history and heritage ahead. The evening air carries the scent of the nearby Atlantic as you join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner, toasting the start of your French discovery.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodations: Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux -
Day
2Bordeaux
Experience the soul of Bordeaux through its community and cuisine. Start with an orientation drive before stopping at Cafe Joyeux, a heart-warming community enterprise that provides training and employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Enjoy a short presentation of the project while sipping coffee and tasting local pastries. Continue your walk through the city with your expedition leader before sitting down for a traditional lunch in town. In the afternoon, the scene shifts to a renowned winery to explore historic cellars and taste emblematic red vintages before an intimate evening at leisure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Curated Walking Tour of Bordeaux
Experience the "Pearl of Aquitaine" through a curated journey that bridges three centuries of French genius. From the symmetrical beauty of the Place de la Bourse and its iconic reflecting pool to the historic spires of the Port of the Moon, this tour unveils the city's UNESCO-listed heart.
Community Enterprise Coffee Shop Visit
A pioneering social enterprise, Cafe Joyeux is the first restaurant-cafe chain to specifically employ and train staff with cognitive disabilities, such as Down syndrome and autism.
Optional Walk to Marche des Capucins
A visit to the Marche des Capucins-affectionately known by locals as "Les Caps"-is a plunge into the authentic, beating heart of Bordeaux. Located in the vibrant Saint-Michel district, this is the city's largest and oldest covered market.
Wine Chateau Visit and Tasting
A visit to Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte in the Pessac-Leognan appellation is the gold standard for what the French call Art de Vivre (the art of living). This Grand Cru Classe estate is a rare hybrid of a high-tech "Bio-precision" winery, an open-air art gallery, and a historic 14th-century manor.
Accommodations: Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux -
Day
3Bordeaux/Sarlat-la-Caneda
Travel toward the medieval charm of Saint-Emilion to explore its extraordinary monolithic church and silent catacombs. Enjoy a local lunch on the way to your next destination. As you travel, the landscape transforms into the rugged beauty of Les Eyzies, where you delve into the National Museum of Prehistory. Conclude the day in Sarlat-la-Caneda, settling into your hotel for a delicious dinner as the golden stone buildings of the village begin to glow at twilight
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Monolithic Church and Catacombs Visit
A visit to the Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion and its subterranean catacombs is a journey into the largest underground sanctuary in Europe. Carved entirely out of a single limestone plateau during the 12th century, this hollowed-out cathedral is a staggering feat of medieval engineering and spiritual devotion.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
National Museum of Prehistory
A visit to the National Museum of Prehistory (Musee National de Prehistoire) in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac is a journey to the "Capital of Prehistory." Perched against a dramatic limestone cliff in the heart of the Vezere Valley, this museum houses one of the world's most complete collections of Paleolithic artifacts, serving as the essential "instruction manual" for understanding the nearby painted caves.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Plaza Madeleine -
Day
4Sarlat-la-Caneda
Today takes you deep underground into some of the region's most extraordinary prehistoric sites. Descend into the cool, silent depths of the Rouffignac Cave, navigating its vast galleries on an electric train to spot prehistoric engravings. The morning continues at the highly restricted Font de Gaume, a rare site where original polychrome paintings still adorn the cave walls. After lunch on your own, return to Sarlat for free time among the timber-framed houses. In the evening, attend a private presentation by your Expedition Expert on the cultural heritage of Lascaux, gaining unique insights before tomorrow's highlight visit. Finish the day with dinner at your hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Visit to Rouffignac Cave
A visit to the Rouffignac Cave, also known as the "Cave of the Hundred Mammoths," is a surreal journey into one of the largest and most unique subterranean complexes in the Perigord.
Visit to Font de Gaume Cave
It is one of the last few "Sanctuaries" in the world where you can still see original, Paleolithic paintings, and unlike the reconstructions of Lascaux or Altamira, here you are standing in the very same atmosphere, breathing the same air, and seeing the same pigments applied to the stone nearly 17,000 years ago.
Accommodations: Plaza Madeleine -
Day
5Sarlat-la-Caneda
The day opens at a local food market, where the scent of truffles and regional cheeses fills the morning air. Next, embark on a guided visit to the International Centre for Cave Art at Lascaux IV. This architectural masterpiece features a flawless, full-scale replica of the famous prehistoric artwork, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the original cave. The afternoon leads to Castel-Merle for a rare experience: a prehistoric meal and a private tour led by the owner. Watch a live fire-making demonstration and walk the ancient rock shelters before an evening of free exploration.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Walk to Place de la Liberté Food Market
The day begins with a stroll amongst the quaint market stalls.
Visit International Centre for Cave Art at Lascaux IV
visit to Lascaux IV (The International Centre for Cave Art) is a masterpiece of digital and architectural storytelling. Located at the foot of the hill where the original cave was discovered in 1940, this facility is a 1:1 scale, millimetric replica of the entire cave system, designed to protect the original while offering a perfectly immersive experience.
Visit Castel-Merle With Prehistoric Lunch
Castel Merle is a remarkable archaeological site. Unlike a single cave or a museum, Castel Merle is a complex of ten distinct rock shelters (abris) that were occupied by both Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons over a period of nearly 30,000 years.
Accommodations: Plaza Madeleine -
Day
6Sarlat-la-Caneda/Toulouse
Leave the Dordogne behind as the landscape opens up into a new chapter of prehistoric wonder. Start the day with a guided visit to the picturesque cliffside village of Rocamadour, where sanctuaries seem to cling precariously to the rock face. Next, share a family-style lunch at a local restaurant. Later, visit the Pech Merle cave to witness stunning prehistoric murals that have remained frozen in time for millennia. In the afternoon, arrive in Toulouse, known as 'The Pink City' for its warm, rosy terracotta architecture, as the setting sun casts a vibrant glow over the historic buildings.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Elevators to Sanctuary of Rocamadour
Lift Rocamadour offers a unique way to ascend or descend the medieval town and sanctuary. The journey involves a classic 50-meter elevator followed by a funicular ride to the highest viewpoint.
Guided visit to the Sanctuary of Rocamadour
A visit to Rocamadour is a vertical journey through time, faith, and gravity. Clinging to a sheer limestone cliff 150 meters above the Alzou Canyon, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of France's most iconic images.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit to Pech Merle Cave
A visit to the Pech Merle cave in Cabrerets, France, offers a guided tour through an authentic, prehistoric underground world, featuring over 800 stunning 25,000-year-old paintings and engravings, including the famous "Spotted Horses" and human handprints.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Hotel La Cour des Consuls Toulouse -
Day
7Toulouse
Immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Toulouse, wandering through hidden streets to admire unique architecture and historic landmarks. Head to the Victor Hugo Market to explore the stalls of a quintessentially French market, tasting popular local dishes on site. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure-perhaps strolling along the banks of the Canal du Midi or exploring the city's aerospace heritage. Later, gather with your fellow travellers for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the stories and connections made throughout the Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Toulouse Walking Tour and Lunch at Victor Hugo Market
This curated walking tour is a sensory immersion into the architecture and flavors of Toulouse. After exploring the Place du Capitole the journey culminates at the iconic Victor Hugo Market. Here, you'll experience a true "market-style" lunch amidst the hustle and bustle of this historic markeplace.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the vibrant city of Toulouse, with its wonderful museums, parks and quaint cafes.
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Day
8Toulouse
Your expedition through Southwest France concludes this morning. Savour a final breakfast as the light glints off the water before your included transfer to the airport where your expedition concludes. Reflect on a week defined by the echoes of prehistoric caves, the refined taste of Bordeaux wines, and the warm hospitality of the Dordogne valley.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Signature: Bordeaux & Dordogne, Cradle Of Prehistory tour:
Bordeaux
Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux
Location
Bordeaux, France
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Sarlat-la-Caneda
Plaza Madeleine
Location
Sarlat-la-Caneda, France
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Toulouse
Hotel La Cour des Consuls Toulouse
Location
Toulouse, France
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: Bordeaux & Dordogne, Cradle Of Prehistory tour:
Group Size
Max. 22, Avg. 16
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, BordeauxSignature Moment: Visit Castel-Merle With Prehistoric Lunch, Sarlat-la-CanedaYour Foodie Moment: Guided visit to the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, RocamadourYour Foodie Moment: Toulouse Walking Tour and Lunch at Victor Hugo Market, Toulouse. Arrival and departure transfers. Curated Walking tour of Bordeaux, Bordeaux. Coffee Shop Enterprise visit and coffee, Bordeaux. Lunch in city center, Bordeaux. Visit Bordeaux Area Winery for tasting, Bordeaux. Guide for the Monolithic church and catacombs visit, Saint-Emilion. National Museum of Prehistory, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil. Visit to Rouffignac Cave, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. Visit to Font de Gaume Cave, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil. Morning Walk to walk to Food Market in Sarlat, Sarlat-la-Caneda. Visit International Centre for Cave Art at Lascaux IV, Montignac - Montignac. Visit to Pech Merle, Cabrerets. Elevators to Sanctuary of Rocamadour, Rocamadour. Guided visit to the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, Rocamadour. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
At the Castle Merle site join owner for a prehistoric meal and private exploration of ancient rock shelters, Discover the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistory" with a guided tour of this immersive cave replica at Lascaux IV, Victor Hugo market visit savouring regional flavours during a lunch amidst the vibrant energy of the local market in Toulouse, Visit Cafe Joyeux a pioneering community coffee shop supporting employment for those with disabilities.
Accommodation Summary
Hotel (7 nights)
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
What is the group leader like?
All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
International Flights
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Private Vehicle, Walking
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Checklist
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Service Level
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.