Jewels of Southwest France

This morning, we'll head to the Atlantic Ocean's Arcachon Bay to savor fresh oysters and local wine. Next, we'll visit the Great Dune of Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune, for breathtaking views. Our day concludes in the chic seaside town of Biarritz, where you'll have free time to explore. Accommodation: Alfred Hotels Port-Vieux (or similar). Meals: Breakfast.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the cultural richness of Bayonne, an art and history hub. We'll visit the Bayonne Ham Museum, a family-run business spanning three generations, and enjoy a ham tasting. The afternoon is yours to relax back at the hotel. Accommodation: Alfred Hotels Port-Vieux (or similar). Meals: Breakfast.

We'll journey east to the charming city of Pau, traveling through the scenic Midi-Pyrénées region. Our route includes a stop in Lourdes, where we'll visit the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto, significant sites in the Christian faith. We'll then check into our atmospheric accommodation and enjoy an included dinner. Accommodation: Hotel du Barry (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Following the path of knights, we'll traverse the picturesque Midi-Pyrénées, stopping at a local winery to sample the region's sparkling Blanquette. Our final destination for the day is the medieval city of Carcassonne, where you'll have the evening to explore at your leisure. Accommodation: Hôtel Le Donjon or Mercure Carcassonne Cité (or similar). Meals: Breakfast.

We'll depart Carcassonne and head to the 'red city' of Albi. Here, we'll enjoy a walking tour that includes the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile. After some free time for lunch, we'll proceed to our hotel in a nearby medieval village, where we'll enjoy a sumptuous dinner together. Accommodation: Hôtel des Consuls (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After breakfast, you'll have some free time to explore the charming streets of our medieval village. We'll then journey to Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne, with stops in several picturesque villages along the way. Accommodation: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar). Meals: Breakfast.

Today, we'll explore the prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave, followed by a visit to the village of Les Eyzies. We'll then head to a local truffle farm for an exclusive lesson in truffle hunting and a tasting session. In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner in Sarlat-la-Canéda. Accommodation: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Our final day takes us to the historic village of Saint-Émilion, perched above rolling vineyards. Here, we'll sample some of the region's renowned 'heavy reds' before returning to Bordeaux to bid our farewells. Meals: Breakfast.