Loire, Dordogne & Provence

Loire, Dordogne & Provence

9 days by coach from only £769
9 days by air from only £849

A delightful trip through three of France's most beautiful areas - the gently winding Loire Valley; the picturesque Dordogne and Mediterranean Provence's stunning coastline. You'll be totally charmed by the wonderful scenery all around, whilst trips to some fascinating historic towns and cities really complete this enchanting holiday. 

Holiday highlights
• Beautiful Paris, city of romance
• Scenic Loire Valley
• Fairy-tale Chambord Château
• Fortress town of Carcassonne
• Medieval Avignon
• Picturesque Dordogne Valley

Optional excursions
• Seine cruise & city tour
• Saumur
• Scenic Provence

Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 UK to Paris - Dover, Calais then south to Paris for our overnight hotel. On our air holiday, make your own way to your chosen airport for your flight to Paris. Upon arrival, you will be met and transfered to our overnight hotel.
Day 2 Paris to Tours - Some free time in the romantic French capital is offered to allow you to explore the many wonderful sights such as the Champs Elysées and Eiffel Tower, or you can join our optional guided tour and River Seine cruise. We then continue to the Loire Valley and the pretty town of Tours, between the rivers Loire and Cher, for two nights at the 3* Hotel Turone.
Day 3 Tours - From your base on the banks of the gently winding River Loire we visit magnificent Chambord Chateau, the largest and most dramatic chateay in the Loire and an elegant masterpiece of stone and slate. In the afternoon there is an optional trip to Samur, overlooked by an imposing fairy-tale chateau with its four towers rising high above the town. The town is known for being home to the National Riding School and elite Cadre Noir cavalry regiment, as well as being surrounded by one of the oldest vineyards in France, so the chance to sample some excellent wines is not to be missed.
Day 4 Tours to Le Bugue - We leavie the Loire Valley behind and travel to Cognac, home of the famous brandy, to visit the Château de Cognac for a guided tour and tasting. We then continue to the Dordogne and Le Bugue for nights at the 3* Hotel Royal Vézère.
Day 5 Le Bugue - An opportunity to explore the scenic delights of the Dordogne,including rolling hills, lush forests, steep gorges that tumble into rivers below, picturesque castles and old country houses. A visit to the medieval fortified town of Rocamadour is included, with its spectacular position within a narrow gorge backed by dramatic cliffs. Visitors from all over the world visit the town to see the Black Madonna within the cathedral.
Day 6 Le Bugue to Orange - Continuing through France we head to the fairy-tale tyrreted firtress and ramparts of  Carcassonne, a stunning sight that is one of France’s most popular tourist attractions. We then move on to the town of Orange, with its well-preserved Roman ampitheatre for a two night stay at the 3* Park Inn.
Day 7 Orange - A morning visit to historic Avignon is included, where you can admire the immaculately preserved medieval town centre enclosed by walls, home to the magnificent 14th century Pope's Palace. An optional afternoon excursion to discover the scenic delights of Provence takes you through the picturesque villages, sun-drenched hills and lush green landscapes that characterize this beautiful region.
Day 8 Orange to Paris - Heading northwards for our overnight hotel in Paris in time for dinner.
Day 9 Paris to UK - Calais, Dover, then home. On our air holiday, you will be transfered back to the airport for your return flight home.

Whats included - by coach
• 8 nights room & breakfast, 7 dinners
• Touring itinerary as described
• Grand Tourer coach travel

Whats included - by air
• 8 nights room & breakfast, 7 dinners
• Return flights & resort transfers
• Grand Tourer coach travel

Flight departures from
Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Heathrow, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton