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FRANCE

Adventures Afloat: The South of France by River: Wine and History from Sarlat to Bordeaux

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Road Scholar
Program #19359RJ

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13 Days | 12 Nights
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
500 feet is the highest elevation.

Itinerary for Apr 5 — Apr 17, 2013

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Day One: Friday, April 05 - Departure 
Depart From: Depart from U.S. for overnight flight to Paris.

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Type: Hotel

 Description: This hotel, located in one of the towers of the old rampart of the city of Sarlat, unites a medieval history with an exceptional art de vivre. In La Couleuvrine, you will find both the charming welcome of the olden days and the well-being provided by modern comfort. Situated within walking distance of the center of the old town, the hotel is ideally located for exploring.

Contact info:
1 place de la Boucquerie
Sarlat-la-Canéda, 24200 France
phone: +33 (0)5 53 59 27 80
web: www.la-couleuvrine.com/gb/index.htm

Room amenities: Air Conditioning, Television, Telephone

Facility amenities: Restaurant, Wifi access, Elevator, Bar

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: TBA
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and reservations.

Day Two: Saturday, April 06 - Arrival in Bordeaux 
Morning: Arrival in Bordeaux

Lunch: Lunch in Bordeaux

Afternoon: Board coach to transfer to Sarlat. Check into hotel upon arrival in Sarlat. Free time to rest or explore on your own.

Dinner: Meet the group for a welcome dinner and cocktail.

Lodging: Hotel la Couleuvrine

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: This hotel, located in one of the towers of the old rampart of the city of Sarlat, unites a medieval history with an exceptional art de vivre. In La Couleuvrine, you will find both the charming welcome of the olden days and the well-being provided by modern comfort. Situated within walking distance of the center of the old town, the hotel is ideally located for exploring.

Contact info:
1 place de la Boucquerie
Sarlat-la-Canéda, 24200 France
phone: +33 (0)5 53 59 27 80
web: www.la-couleuvrine.com/gb/index.htm

Room amenities: Air Conditioning, Television, Telephone

Facility amenities: Restaurant, Wifi access, Elevator, Bar

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: TBA
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and reservations.

Day Three: Sunday, April 07 - Prehistory in the Perigord: Cave Paintings and Les Eyzies 
Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Discover the Cave of Rouffignac "Cave of a Hundred Mammoths" on an electric train ride through the caverns and view the more than 250 animal figure etchings that are scattered in this underground maze, made over 140 centuries ago.

Lunch: Lunch in Les Eyzies

Afternoon: At the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies you will have the opportunity to view one of the most important stone and bone tool collections in France, and the premier collection of Paleolithic engravings and sculpture in the world. Later, visit the original Lascaux caves which were discovered in 1940, and feature paintings claimed to be 17000 years old. During a guided visit of Lascaux II you will discover the faithful recreations of the original Bulls room and central corridor and discuss interpretations of the paintings in this Paleolithic sanctuary.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Take an evening walk around the beautiful medieval city of Sarlat as your Group Leader points out sites of interest. Rest of evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel la Couleuvrine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: This hotel, located in one of the towers of the old rampart of the city of Sarlat, unites a medieval history with an exceptional art de vivre. In La Couleuvrine, you will find both the charming welcome of the olden days and the well-being provided by modern comfort. Situated within walking distance of the center of the old town, the hotel is ideally located for exploring.

Contact info:
1 place de la Boucquerie
Sarlat-la-Canéda, 24200 France
phone: +33 (0)5 53 59 27 80
web: www.la-couleuvrine.com/gb/index.htm

Room amenities: Air Conditioning, Television, Telephone

Facility amenities: Restaurant, Wifi access, Elevator, Bar

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: TBA
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and reservations.

Day Four: Monday, April 08 - La Roque Gageac and Cuisine in the Perigord 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Explore the beautiful village of La Roque Gageac and enjoy a ride aboard a gabare boat on the Dordogne river. Learn more about the history of the region and about gabares, the traditional flat-bottomed boats used for transporting goods between the Massif Central and the ports of Bergerac, Libourne and Bordeaux. Continue on to an on-site lecture and cooking demonstration led by a Grande Toque du Perigord (Grand Chef). Learn about regional cuisine of the region and sample some local specialties.

Lunch: Lunch features dishes prepared by your chef.

Afternoon: At a local distillery discover the regional fruit wines, juices and liquors that have been produced here for generations. Learn about the economic impact of this industry while you enjoy some sampling.

Dinner: Dinner on your own in Sarlat to sample the local fare.

Lodging: Hotel la Couleuvrine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: This hotel, located in one of the towers of the old rampart of the city of Sarlat, unites a medieval history with an exceptional art de vivre. In La Couleuvrine, you will find both the charming welcome of the olden days and the well-being provided by modern comfort. Situated within walking distance of the center of the old town, the hotel is ideally located for exploring.

Contact info:
1 place de la Boucquerie
Sarlat-la-Canéda, 24200 France
phone: +33 (0)5 53 59 27 80
web: www.la-couleuvrine.com/gb/index.htm

Room amenities: Air Conditioning, Television, Telephone

Facility amenities: Restaurant, Wifi access, Elevator, Bar

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: TBA
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and reservations.

Day Five: Tuesday, April 09 - The Pilgrimage Site of Rocamadour 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Coach to Rocamadour along the scenic Dordogne valley route and stop a few times to admire the spectacular views. This morning you will discover the spectacular setting of Rocamadour, built on the side of cliffs overlooking the valley. Learn about the history of the town and the significance of the Black Virgin and other sites.

Lunch: Lunch in Rocamadour

Afternoon: Continue exploration of Rocamadour.

Dinner: Light dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.

Lodging: Hotel la Couleuvrine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Luxury Barge

 Ship Information: The MS Princesse d'Aquitaine was built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011. It is 110 m long and 11.40 m wide. There are 69 cabins which can hold 138 passengers. Facilities include a lounge-bar with a dance floor, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs, and a gift shop.

Contact info:
12 rue de la Division Leclerc
Strasbourg, 67000 France
phone: +33 (0)3 88 76 44 44
Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe. WI-Fi is available on board with supplement.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Six: Wednesday, April 10 - The Market and the Black Pearl of the Perigord 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: This morning you get to enjoy the local market. Sarlat has an exceptional market that features all the local produce and local products. Start off exploring with your Study Leader before going off on your own.

Lunch: Lunch on your own to enjoy some fresh market food or explore local fare.

Afternoon: At a farm in St Cyprien you will learn about the "Black Pearl of the Perigord" and discuss the history of this rare and mysterious truffle that has become a luxury product and a sign of wealth. You will also learn about truffle hunting and uses in cuisine. Afterward transfer to Bordeaux and settle into your cabins on board.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Princesse d'Aquitaine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Luxury Barge

 Ship Information: The MS Princesse d'Aquitaine was built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011. It is 110 m long and 11.40 m wide. There are 69 cabins which can hold 138 passengers. Facilities include a lounge-bar with a dance floor, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs, and a gift shop.

Contact info:
12 rue de la Division Leclerc
Strasbourg, 67000 France
phone: +33 (0)3 88 76 44 44
Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe. WI-Fi is available on board with supplement.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Seven: Thursday, April 11 - The Gironde, Bordeaux AOC and the Red Wines of the Medoc Region 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: This morning you will learn about the origins of viticulture and the history of winemaking in the region. Discover the appellations (AOC) within Bordeaux and sample some of the wines to develop your palate.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: The Medoc vineyards produce some of the best wines in the world. This region of the Bordeaux wine AOC is blessed with unique solid and micro climates. This afternoon we drive trough the vineyards of Pauillac, St Julien, Margaux and the Haut Medoc, stopping at a few exclusive properties for a cellar visit and a special tasting.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Princesse d'Aquitaine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Luxury Barge

 Ship Information: The MS Princesse d'Aquitaine was built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011. It is 110 m long and 11.40 m wide. There are 69 cabins which can hold 138 passengers. Facilities include a lounge-bar with a dance floor, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs, and a gift shop.

Contact info:
12 rue de la Division Leclerc
Strasbourg, 67000 France
phone: +33 (0)3 88 76 44 44
Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe. WI-Fi is available on board with supplement.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eight: Friday, April 12 - The Gironde Estuary and the Scenic Corniche 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: This morning we examine the wines of the Cote de Blaye. This is a lesser known vineyard that produces some very nice local wines with very little exposure in North America. Enjoy the rest of the morning on deck observing the scenic vistas of the Gironde Estuary and the cliffs of Meschers - sur- Gironde. Your Study Leader using our exclusive listening devices will share some historical commentary.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Discover the Corniche a beautiful scenic road that follows the Dordogne river as it joins the Gironde to form the estuary. The narrow road goes along high cliffs revealing some interesting local architecture. Later on we visit a small vineyard to taste the local Cote de Blaye before returning to Blaye to explore the citadel

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Princesse d'Aquitaine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Luxury Barge

 Ship Information: The MS Princesse d'Aquitaine was built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011. It is 110 m long and 11.40 m wide. There are 69 cabins which can hold 138 passengers. Facilities include a lounge-bar with a dance floor, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs, and a gift shop.

Contact info:
12 rue de la Division Leclerc
Strasbourg, 67000 France
phone: +33 (0)3 88 76 44 44
Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe. WI-Fi is available on board with supplement.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Nine: Saturday, April 13 - The Dordogne and the Wines and Underground Sites of St-Emilion 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: This morning discuss the great wines of St Emilion. By far the most famous vineyards in the world. Learn about the complexe system of cataloguing and rating the vineyards and discover how these unique wines are made. Enjoy a commentated tasting. Enjoy the rest of the morning on deck observing the scenic vistas of the lower Dordogne as we enter the river just north of Bordeaux. Observe the unique landscapes as your Study Leader using our exclusive listening devices shares some historical commentary.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Explore St. Emilion and its many historic sites including the Eglise Monolith, the largest underground church in Europe which was carved by Benedictine monks during the 9th-12th centuries.Visit a vineyard in St. Emilion for a sampling of their wines. Many of the area growers still keep up the old tradition of planting roses at the ends of the rows, which in pre-pesticide days served as an early-warning system against infection, the idea being that the commonest bug, oidium, went for the roses first, giving three days' notice of its intentions.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Princesse d'Aquitaine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Luxury Barge

 Ship Information: The MS Princesse d'Aquitaine was built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011. It is 110 m long and 11.40 m wide. There are 69 cabins which can hold 138 passengers. Facilities include a lounge-bar with a dance floor, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs, and a gift shop.

Contact info:
12 rue de la Division Leclerc
Strasbourg, 67000 France
phone: +33 (0)3 88 76 44 44
Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe. WI-Fi is available on board with supplement.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Ten: Sunday, April 14 - White Wines of the Graves Region 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: This morning discuss the white wines from the Graves and Sauternes region, learn about the unique geology and geography of the terroir and enjoy an introduction to the appellations and commented tasting. Enjoy the rest of the morning on deck observing the scenic vistas of the upper Gironde after we past trough Bordeaux. Observe the vineyards as your Study Leader using our exclusive listening devices shares some historical commentary.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: This afternoon, we venture out into the vineyards of the Graves and Sauternes. Take time to explore two very distinct producers and learn about their art and taste their finest wines. Along the way explore some of the loveliest villages of the Bordelais.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Princesse d'Aquitaine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Luxury Barge

 Ship Information: The MS Princesse d'Aquitaine was built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011. It is 110 m long and 11.40 m wide. There are 69 cabins which can hold 138 passengers. Facilities include a lounge-bar with a dance floor, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs, and a gift shop.

Contact info:
12 rue de la Division Leclerc
Strasbourg, 67000 France
phone: +33 (0)3 88 76 44 44
Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe. WI-Fi is available on board with supplement.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eleven: Monday, April 15 - The History of Bordeaux and the Importance of Wine 
Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel.

Morning: This morning discuss the importance of Bordeaux in French history. Start with the role of Wine and the Wine merchant on the history of Bordeaux. Discuss the cities close connection with England and its role in the Hundred Year War.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: This afternoon set off on foot and Tram and explore some of the great monuments of Bordeaux. Led by your Study Leader a native of the city enjoy a unqiue perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Princesse d'Aquitaine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Luxury Barge

 Ship Information: The MS Princesse d'Aquitaine was built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011. It is 110 m long and 11.40 m wide. There are 69 cabins which can hold 138 passengers. Facilities include a lounge-bar with a dance floor, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs, and a gift shop.

Contact info:
12 rue de la Division Leclerc
Strasbourg, 67000 France
phone: +33 (0)3 88 76 44 44
Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe. WI-Fi is available on board with supplement.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Twelve: Tuesday, April 16 - Bordeaux / Farewell Dinner 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: Enjoy a unique inside visit and lecture to the Museum of the Wine Merchant. Lead by one of the founders of this unique museum explore the final part of Bordeaux History and enjoy a unique tasting of Wine and cheeses.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon off to either explore Bordeaux on your own or to stay onboard the ship and enjoy the sites of boats sailing up and down the Garonne.

Dinner: Farewell dinner on board

Lodging: MS Princesse d'Aquitaine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Thirteen: Wednesday, April 17 - Departure 
Breakfast: Early breakfast on board.

Morning: Group transfer to the airport for departure.

Meals Included: Breakfast
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