Make your way to Sarlat-la-Canéda, in the heart of France’s Dordogne region. Sarlat has a railway station with connections across France. On arrival in Sarlat, an included private transfer takes you to Port Domme, at the foot of a hilltop town. Perched 150 metres above the Dordogne Valley, Domme is a wonderfully preserved medieval bastide, or fortified town. Founded in 1281 by King Philip III of France, its commanding position above the river gave it considerable strategic importance during the Hundred Years War between England and France. Settle into your hotel before enjoying an early-evening welcome of wine and canapes on the terrace, followed by a gourmet dinner, both included. Accommodation: Three nights at a 4 star hotel located in quiet tree-lined gardens at the base of the Domme hillside with indoor and outdoor pools. There is also a hot tub and sauna which can be booked, alongside spa treatments for a fee.

Meals:  D

Walk from your hotel to La Roque-Gageac, one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". Set between the Dordogne River and a towering limestone cliff, this medieval village is characterised by golden-stone houses, traditional roofs and its riverside setting. The walk begins on quiet country lanes before joining tracks and woodland paths in the Dordogne Valley. As you approach La Roque-Gageac, the route becomes rockier and follows the wooded cliffs, with viewpoints across the valley towards Château de Castelnaud. Eventually the path descends from the hillside into La Roque-Gageac, where you may explore the village at your leisure. You could take a trip along the Dordogne aboard a traditional flat-bottomed gabarre, visit the remains of the medieval fort, or find a café and enjoy some time beside the river. For those wanting to explore further, there are optional walks from La Roque-Gageac to the Jardins de Marqueyssac (3.6km / 2.2mi) or Château de Castelnaud (3.9km / 2.4mi). Marqueyssac is renowned for its landscaped gardens and views across the Dordogne Valley, while the medieval Château de Castelnaud stands high above the river and houses a museum devoted to medieval warfare. Return to your accommodation in Domme.

Meals:  B,D

Today you explore Domme, another of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Perched above the Dordogne River, this beautifully preserved 13th-century bastide occupies a spectacular position. Cross the Dordogne River and walk through Cénac-et-Saint-Julien before beginning the climb up to Domme. The route winds steadily uphill, with views across the surrounding countryside, before entering the fortified town through its historic gateway. Explore Domme’s medieval streets, squares and viewpoints. Lunch (included) awaits at Les Caves du Château, where you’ll enjoy a tasting platter of local cheeses and charcuterie. There’s plenty to discover during the afternoon. You could visit the Grotte de Domme, an extensive cave system hidden beneath the main square, take a ride on the little tourist train, visit the local museum or wander through the village and enjoy the views. Choose to retrace your steps to return to your hotel, or take a longer circular walk via Vitrac. Leaving Domme through the impressive Porte des Tours, descend through woodland towards the Dordogne River before following tracks and quiet lanes through the valley to Vitrac before completing the circuit back to your hotel in Domme. Short walk: Hotel – Domme – Hotel: approximately 4.6 km / 2.8 miles Long walk: Domme circular via Vitrac: approximately 10 km / 6.2 miles

Meals:  B,L,D

Leave the Dordogne River behind and walk to Sarlat-la-Canéda, the historic capital of the Périgord Noir and one of the region’s great medieval towns. The route takes you through Vitrac and into the surrounding countryside, following quiet trails and woodland paths. Pass Château de Montfort, dramatically positioned above the Dordogne, before continuing towards Sarlat. Join the Voie Verte, a traffic-free greenway following the course of a former railway line. This provides an easy and pleasant final approach towards Sarlat before you make your way into the historic centre. Sarlat is renowned for its well-preserved Medieval and Renaissance architecture, atmospheric streets and gastronomic tradition. If your visit coincides with market day the town is filled with stalls selling local produce. On arrival, visit the Truffle Museum for an included tour and tasting. Discover more about one of the Périgord’s most celebrated ingredients and its importance to the region’s culinary traditions. Accommodation: Two nights in a characterful hotel with excellent restaurant in Sarlat. Our selected properties are charming, independently run hotels within easy reach of the historic centre.

Meals:  B,D

Your final day is dedicated to Sarlat-la-Canéda, giving you plenty of time to discover the history, architecture and food of this beautiful Périgord town. A short circular walk takes you through Sarlat’s historic centre, exploring its maze of narrow lanes, honey-coloured stone buildings, hidden squares and some of the quieter corners away from the main streets. During the day, visit the Truffle Museum for your included tour and tasting if you didn’t have time to do so yesterday. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Visit the indoor market, take the panoramic glass lift for views over Sarlat’s rooftops, step inside Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, see the unusual Lantern of the Dead or visit the Manoir de Gisson. Alternatively, simply wander through the old town, browse its shops and galleries and enjoy the atmosphere around Place de la Liberté before making your way to a private "degustation" - wine tasting - in a 15th century vaulted cellar to try the local vintages and learn more about the history of viticulture in the area. This evening is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to choose one of Sarlat’s many restaurants for your final dinner.

Meals:  B

Services end after breakfast. Make your own arrangements onwards from Sarlat from where there are rail and bus connections. If you would like to extend your stay in the area, please ask your travel consultant for options when you book.

Meals:  B