Highlights of the Dordogne by Train 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class. A complimentary light meal and drinks are served on board. From Paris we continue by train through central France to Brive, located in the Dordogne Valley. The Dordogne is an area of deep forests and tranquil streams, where proud Châteaux stand among the pretty villages that are dotted along the riverbanks. Rivers have shaped the scenery, carving gorges into a landscape punctuated with woodland, remote farmhouses and the occasional castle. In this incredibly picturesque region of France, each town looks delightful and dramatic from afar, and charming from within.

From Brive we travel by coach to Rocamadour, the quintessential Dordogne destination that clings to the cliff top above the Alzou Canyon, built almost vertically into the rocky outcrop. Our base in this truly breathtaking town is the Hotel Beau Site, located in the centre of Rocamadour. We dine together in the hotel this evening. (E,D)

This morning, after breakfast in the hotel, we are joined by our local guide who will accompany us for the next three days, providing an unparalleled insight into the history and culture of the Dordogne region as well as informing us about the geology and geography of this unique region. Today we travel with our guide to the old town of Cahors, south of Rocamadour. The delightful town is encircled by the River Lot, which provided it with a terrific natural defensive barrier during the turbulent middle ages. Famous for its rich red wine, produced here since Roman times, Cahors straddles the river, the two sides connected by the Pont Valentré, the town's 14th century fortified bridge. The beautiful pointed arches and three proud towers of the bridge have made it the town's most recognisable sight.

After exploring the historic town centre and the bridge, we continue along the pretty Lot Valley, an area characterised by spectacular limestone cliffs that rise up on either side of the river. Ancient medieval villages, filled with timber-framed houses, are dotted along the course of the river. We pause for lunch at a regional country restaurant - a great opportunity to sample the wonderful cooking and rustic ingredients for which this area of France is famous. On our return journey to Rocamadour we pause at St Cirq Lapopie, a town wedged between the forest and the edge of a cliff, 320 feet above the River Lot - one of a number of villages that are perched on the cliff tops, clinging to the rocky plateau above the river. We explore the fortified village and wander through its cobbled streets lined with stone houses; you will soon appreciate why it is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. (B,L)

Our local guide joins us again for the day as we begin with a guided walk around Rocamadour, a site of great historical importance with its medieval houses, fortified stone gateways and sanctuaries. We then travel north by coach along the river for lunch at the Michelin-starred "Le Pont de l'Ouysse" restaurant, where we savour the gastronomic creations of Chef Daniel Chambon. The kitchen has been run by the same family for four generations. Our delicious lunch menu is inspired by rich local ingredients, creating a mouthwatering and memorable meal.

After lunch we continue with our guide to the spectacular Padirac Chasm, one of the Dordogne's many underground cave systems. We descend into the chasm and discover vast galleries and chambers filled with stalagmites, stalactites and countless unusual rock formations. We continue down through the rock to the subterranean river system below, exploring the eerie underground waterways by flat-bottomed boat. As we float along the smooth clear waters we enter a succession of unique and fascinating chambers, the echoing drips of gentle waterfalls providing an enchanting soundtrack to our peaceful, gentle boat journey. (B,L)

Today we follow the path of the Dordogne River by coach, accompanied once again by our local guide. Our destination for this morning is the pretty town of Sarlat. Modernisation has almost completely bypassed Sarlat - the town is incredibly well preserved. Renaissance architecture has blended with ancient medieval buildings, most of which were built using locally quarried golden stone. Our local guide helps us to discover the disorienting warren of tiny streets, narrow winding lanes and ancient alleyways as we explore Sarlat on foot. We then head to La Roque-Gageac, a stunning village where many of the houses are built directly into the rock face of the huge cliff which towers over it. Steep steps above the village lead to some incredible troglodyte caves - a fascinating site and a terrific spot for admiring the view across the picturesque village, river and valley. From La Roque-Gageac we take a short river cruise along the Dordogne in a traditional flat-bottomed Gabare boat; the best way to experience the Dordogne's peaceful but powerful progress towards the sea. During the tranquil journey you have chance to admire the châteaux and villages that perch above the river. (B,D)

Our final full day is free to spend at leisure in Rocamadour, relaxing in the hotel, or exploring the village further. Crowned by the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary, Rocamadour offers fantastic views over the gorge and the river below. Discover the ancient city's beautiful towers and old buildings which rise in stages up the majestic cliff face. You could climb The Grand Escalier, 216 steps from the lower town to the seven sanctuaries perched half-way up the cliff, which includes the Chapelle Notre Dame - home to the Black Madonna, and the Basilica Saint-Sauveur. Continue onwards and upwards along the shady path towards L'Hospitalet, the final destination for the pilgrims and a great place for some stunning views. We enjoy dinner together in the hotel for our final evening. (B,D)

This morning we transfer to Brive by coach to join our train for Paris. After crossing the capital by coach, we connect with the Eurostar to London, travelling in Standard Premier Class. A light meal and drinks are served on board before we arrive into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday