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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses
  • hotels / guesthouses
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1720USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UBV

Trip highlights


  • Absorbing this quintessential wine growing region on foot
  • Sampling the exquisite cuisine this region is renowned for and tasting the superb wines
  • Soaking up the atmosphere in charming guesthouses

Staying in charming guesthouses and hotels, this trip is full of postcard perfect landscapes, cultural heritage and many opportunities to sample world famous wines of the Bordeaux region. Accessed from the city of Bordeaux, you will spend two delightful days and nights in and around St Emilion. Marvel at the monuments and vestiges from Roman times and visit the fascinating underground galleries. Hike among the surrounding landscape - a series of narrow, vine-covered valleys listed as a UNESCO World Heritage region. Wander through woods, vineyards and old world villages in the Entre-Deux-Mers area between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers and stay in the medieval city of St Macaire with its historic buildings. Sample sweet white and red wines from vignerons such as Chateau d'Arche and Chateau Gravas in the vicinity of Sauternes, the latter with a wine history dating back to the 12th century.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On arrival at the train station or airport of Bordeaux, you will be transferred by taxi to your accommodation in St Emilion, in the heart of one of the most prestigious wine growing areas of the world. Built in an amphitheatre shape, the town of St Emilion is an open air museum. Its troglodyte tradition is fascinating with more than 70 hectares of underground galleries dug in the calcareous rock. View the monuments and vestiges of Roman times found in the winding lanes of the village. Your information pack with route notes and maps will be waiting for you at your hotel.

Meals:  Nil

St Emilion is surrounded by vineyards, grand chateaux and wine cellars. Famous wine estates such as Petrus, Château La Clotte and Beau-Séjour can be found here. There are two options for your walk today, each a circuit through the lovely landscape of rolling vine covered hills. You can (usually) visit and taste at the Château du Clos de la Madeleine (Grand Cru) during the walk. Overnight St Emilion. 10 or 15 km/6.2 or 9.3mi, ±70m/230ft

Meals:  B

This morning is a treat as you have a private guided visit of one of the oldest wineries of St Emilion and one of its jewels, Couvent des Jacobins, after which there will be a wine tasting of 2-3 great wines of St Emilion and/or Pomerol (approx. 1.5hrs). In the afternoon you will have a guided tour of the Monolithic Church (approx. 1 hr). Later in the afternoon a taxi transfer will take you to St-Martin-de-Lerm or Camiran in the Entre-Deux-Mers area for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals:  B,D

Today you explore the Entre-Deux-Mers area, between the Dordogne and the Garonne Rivers, passing vineyards that reap the rewards of their perfect position on the slopes of the Garonne. You'll pass the winery of Domaine de Bouillerot, established in 1874 and vine growers for 3 generations, where you can usually enjoy a wine tasting. Later in the afternoon transfer from Caudrot back to Camiran or St-Martin-de-Lerm. Your hosts will serve dinner again this evening. 15km/9.3mi, ±100m/328ft

Meals:  B,D

This morning you transfer back to Caudrot to begin your walk. In a landscape of greenery, passing vines and along the estuary of the Gironde, you'll view the sights of the area, from castles to fishermen’s huts. Take a break at the port and its locks, marking the start of the famous “Canal du Midi” which links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The trail takes you directly to the medieval town of Saint-Macaire, a site protected for its historic buildings. 10km/6.2mi, ±25m/82ft

Meals:  B

The hills above Saint-Macaire offer splendid views. In this landscape of hills and small valleys you will pass many mills and castles. The trail takes you to the “Domaine de Malagar”, which was the residence of the writer François Mauriac, and to the tomb of the famous painter Toulouse Lautrec. You can visit Château Laurette (a sweet white wine producer) or Château Loubens before reaching the village of Sainte Croix du Mont, perched on a slope and offering a spectacular view of the Garonne Valley. The area is remarkable for its wines and caves. Later in the afternoon, return to the hotel at St Macaire and transfer by taxi to Sauternes. Overnight in a guesthouse or hotel in Sauternes. *As accommodation in Sauternes is limited, if not available you will stay for two nights in Barsac/Illats. 8 or 16km/5 or 9.9mi, ±100m/328ft

Meals:  B,D

Located on the left bank of the Garonne, the wines of Sauternes are here to be discovered. Throughout the route today you will walk amongst well-known wine producers such as Château La Tour Blanche and Château Rayne Vigneau, and appreciate the small local landmarks (churches, mills) and natural landscapes of vine and forest. The Ciron river is a small, wild river, formerly used for transporting timber. The soil in this area is particularly conducive to vine cultivation, which together with over two hundred years of know-how results in the quality and prestige of the local wines. Dinner and overnight in either the chateau hotel of Camperos, with its preserved 18th century elegance and 19th century Néo-Renaissance charm, or a comfortable guesthouse which is surrounded by vineyards (dependent on availability). The guesthouse has a pool and serves mainly vegetarian cuisine, with produce from their garden or the local market. Note: If you stay in Barsac/Illats on day 6, a short transfer takes you to the start of today's walk. 15km/9.3mi, ±60m/196ft

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast a transfer is provided to the train station of Barsac or Langon, where arrangements conclude. The train to Bordeaux is approx EUR7. An optional extension in Bordeaux can be arranged, staying in a 3 star hotel in the heart of the city's historic region - please ask us for details.

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

  • 7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. 4 dinners – usually 3 courses with regional specialties featured
  • 7 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses, 2 & 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (optional upgrade to 3-4 star hotel in St Emilion - supplement applies)
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked plus smartphone GPS Application
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg + 1 small daypack, supplement applies for excess
  • Guided visits: Couvent des Jacobins visit and wine tasting, tour of St Emilion underground
  • Taxi transfers as per itinerary
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Bordeaux and from Barsac or Langon station
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Wine tastings not mentioned as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Grading

introductory to moderate  

This trip involves 6 days walking along undulating to flat trails and some small roads. You need to be sure footed. The trip requires a reasonable level of fitness to fully participate in this adventure. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements in a day pack such as waterbottle, camera, waterproofs and lunch.


Departure dates

Daily from 6 Apr to 30 Oct except Wed in Jul & Aug

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season 1 July - 31 August. Supplement applies.
Note:
It's not possible to start the trip on Wed during the high season. It is possible to add a night (or two) in Bordeaux before the trip.
Note:
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tours.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1720USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional upgrade St Emilion - 3-4 star hotel ppUSD$90
  • Single supplement - low season - standard hotelsUSD$570
  • Single supplement - low season with St Emilion upgradeUSD$660
  • Single supplement - high season - standard hotelsUSD$690
  • Single supplement - high season with St Emilion upgradeUSD$780
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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