2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights 2-3 star hotels
  • Upgrade option available
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1130GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: UWD

Trip highlights

  • Walking between the stunning villages of the Dordogne
  • Discovering the many chateaux and castles lining the banks of the Dordogne
  • Sampling the exquisite regional cuisine
  • Soaking up the atmosphere in Beynac and Domme, two of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France'

A region full of elegant stone houses and medieval castles, the Dordogne boasts stunning scenery with a combination of villages, forests and farmland. Focused around the Dordogne River Valley, this itinerary has plenty of scope to absorb the history and culture of the Perigord. With marvellous food and colourful markets (particularly Sarlat) you will discover the specialities of the region including mushrooms, walnuts, chestnuts, truffles and strawberries. The Benedictine Abbey in Souillac and the delightful villages of Beynac and Domme are fine examples of period architecture that really add to the flavour of the region.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Souillac

Finishing Point:

Souillac

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in Souillac you will be transferred to the hotel, check in from 4.00pm. Nestled on the banks of the Dordogne River, the town of Souillac is delightful to walk around with its abbey church, typical houses and interesting shops. If upgrading to the 5 star chateau, accommodation is approx. 10 min from Souillac overlooking the river.

Meals:  D

A short transfer takes you to Rouffillac, a castle overlooking the Dordogne valley. The walk commences from here through wooded hills and fields to Sarlat, the capital of the black Perigord. This region, also known as Sarladais, contains dense oak forest and is home to the truffle (known as the black diamond' of Perigord).

Meals:  B,D

A day to discover Sarlat, a lovely town built of a beautiful golden limestone with the highest concentration of Medieval and Renaissance facades of any town of France. A pleasant walk of 1.5km (2 hours) in and around the town will send you into the 12th century. If your schedule allows, time your visit to coincide with the Saturday morning market. Or you can extend your walk to include a 10km loop (2 ½ hours) towards Campagnac Chateau. Option to include a sidetrip to the Lascaux Caves.

Meals:  B

Walk on shady paths bordered by oak and chestnut trees, toward the Dordogne valley and the village of Beynac, classified among “the most beautiful villages of France”, nestled on the river banks and overlooked by a remarkable Medieval fortress.

Meals:  B,D

Today’s walk takes you into the heart of the Dordogne Valley, jewel of the Périgord, where medieval castles majestically overlook the river. You may like to take a boat trip on a flat-bottomed gabarre in La Roque Gageac before reaching Domme, the fortified “bastide” rated to have the best view of the Dordogne, and classified among the most beautiful villages of France.

Meals:  B,D

The trail continues through the spectacular scenery of the Dordogne river valley, combining pleasant villages with forests and farmland. A highlight is a magnificent view of the chateau de Montfort.

Meals:  B,D

A longer but easier walk than yesterday with the majority of the trail following the river. Castles, lovely villages and quintessential Dordogne scenery feature throughout the walk. Overnight in Souillac.

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the train station.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. – 6 breakfasts will be buffet style and one will be a continental breakfast consisting of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Dinners will usually be 3 courses with regional specialties featured. Depending on restaurant opening days, the night dinner is offered may be changed in the itinerary.
  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels and 1 night in a 2 star hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
  • Digital information pack: navigational App with route notes & maps.
  • Transfer from Souillac station to hotel if arriving by train on Day 1 and return on Day 8
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Arrival briefing and 7 day service hotline

  • Travel to and from Souillac
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Side trip to the Lascaux Caves from either Souillac or Sarlat - transfer can be arranged at an additional cost. Entrance tickets should be pre booked at www.lascaux.fr
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Standard Accommodation

During the trip we use mainly 3 star hotels with varying facilities. All have been chosen for their central location, restaurant and reputation. In Beynac we use a 2 star hotel based in a historic building which has a lot of charm and great food but with more basic amenities.

Upgraded Accommodation

Accommodation upgrade available for three nights including your first night in a 4 star Chateau located 10 min outside Souillac sitting high above and overlooking the river. Two nights will be in a 4 star hotel in Sarlat.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

GRADE 2 - This trip involves six days walking along undulating to flat trails and some small roads. Care needs to be taken as there are some steep sections on and off the paths which can be slippery when wet. The trip requires a good level of fitness to fully participate in this adventure. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements in day pack such as water bottle, camera, waterproofs and lunch.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 1 May to 30 Sep.Supplement applies to high season departures.

Priceper person from

£1130GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementGBP£260
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£280
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.