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Food & Wine: France through Bordeaux & the Loire Valley

with Paris extension

Duration: 11 or 13 days
Group size: 14-28
Reviews: 31

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Get a taste of the country’s renowned regions in the west.

France is the ultimate destination for food and wine lovers. Taste the bold red wines of Bordeaux; the foie gras, cheese and decadent artisan offerings of the Dordogne Valley; and the reds, whites and rosés of the Loire Valley’s château country.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
4 wine tastings
1 cooking lesson

Included highlights

Delices Lamarque
Place du Capitole
Bordeaux wine tasting
Saint-Émilion
Courvoisier Distillery

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Toulouse today.

Toulouse2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Toulouse

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Toulouse, known as la ville rose (the Pink City), thanks to its grand red brick buildings. Meet your fellow travelers and Tour Director at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Toulouse

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out with a local guide for a walking tour of Toulouse.

Explore the Place du Capitole, a square lined with grand government buildings
Admire the city’s historic mansions and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin
Stroll through an outdoor market to browse fresh flowers (seasonal)
Pay a visit to Delices Lamarque, a local confectioner, and enjoy a tasting

Enjoy a free afternoon in Toulouse or add an excursion.

Medieval Carcassonne: Castles & Cassoulet

Excursion (additional cost)

Bordeaux2 nights

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Bordeaux

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Pessac-Léognan for a visit to the oldest vineyard in the region, where you'll sample the wines produced there along with cheese and charcuterie. Then, continue on to Bordeaux for a guided sightseeing tour of its UNESCO-named historic district.

Stop at the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest city squares in Europe
Drive along the Garonne River, stopping at Place de la Bourse
Pass the lively hub of the Place de la Comédie and the Grand Théâtre

Day 5: Free day in Bordeaux

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Bordeaux or add an excursion.

Arcachon Bay Cruise: Oysters & Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Dordogne Valley2 nights

Day 6: Périgueux via Saint-Émilion & Bergerac

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Pass by breathtaking countryside scenery en route to the hidden gem town of Périgueux, making two stops along the way.

Visit a vineyard estate in Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to tour the wine cellar and taste full-bodied, deep reds
Outside of Bergerac, sample sweet white wines and foie gras, a gourmet specialty of the region
Enter Château de Monbazillac, where you’ll discover how its residents lived during medieval times

In Périgueux, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Périgueux

Included meal: Breakfast

With your Tour Director leading the way, take a walking tour of Périgueux.

Stroll this charming town’s quaint streets
View Roman and medieval architecture
Stop by the outdoor markets where you can sample fresh produce, goat cheese, foie gras and truffles (seasonal)

Enjoy a free afternoon in the Dordogne Valley or add an excursion.

Dordogne Valley: Sarlat & Lascaux Caves

Excursion (additional cost)

Loire Valley2 nights

Day 8: The Loire Valley via the Cognac region

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out for the Loire Valley, stopping en route in the elegant city of Jarnac to visit the iconic Courvoisier Distillery for a cognac tasting and dessert pairing.

Day 9: Châteaux country & cooking lesson

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way through château country to the heart of the Loire Valley for a full day of exploration.

Stroll through the stalls of an outdoor market to pick up regional specialties (weather dependent)
Step inside the historic, extravagant Château de Chenonceau and enjoy a stroll through its gorgeous gardens
Visit a local vineyard to taste the region’s reds, whites and rosés and take a short walking tour
Try your hand at preparing local specialties during a cooking lesson led by professional chefs and enjoy the meal you create

Paris1 night

Day 10: Travel to Paris

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Make your way to Paris, where you’ll gather with your group for a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring Paris.

Extension to Paris

Paris is always a good idea, so extend your trip to keep exploring on a guided tour. Set off on a culinary walk to taste macarons and artisanal cheeses, visit local markets, admire iconic architecture, and let your expert Tour Director point you toward the crème de la crème.

Paris2 nights

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend some more time exploring the City of Light’s architecture, scenery, and culinary delights—from artisanal cheeses to sweet macarons—on a guided tour.

Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe
Pass the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the Seine River
See the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier opera house, and Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square
Marvel at the iconic architecture of the Louvre
Take a culinary walk, stopping at local shops to taste typical French specialties

Day 12: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Paris or add an excursion.This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Paris Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Food, Wine and a great time!

11/06/2019 by 8th time traveler Fanny M.

Well, I can now add Jean Jacques, our Tour Director to the list of amazing people I have met through this tour company- from Emilio in Italy, Roberta in Portugal/Spain and now 'JJ' in France as some call him! Our winery visits were plentiful, our group was composed of some wonderful people from Cana...

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Sipping & DInning through Bordeaux!

07/15/2019 by 11th time traveler Suzan G.

Once again we enjoyed a wonderful trip with Go Ahead. The highlights of the tour, besides the food and wine were the Lascaux Caves, The Arachon Bay cruise and oyster tasting, The Chateaux de Chenceau, We also visited the Chateau du Clos Luce Parc Leonardo da Vinci on our free time in Amboise. We tra...

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06/24/2019 by 2nd time traveler Carol R.

J J had a wealth of knowledge. Many of those on the tour were delightful.

Food & Wine

06/24/2019 by 5th time traveler Anonymous

Overall a great tour with wonderful travelling companions. Our Tour Director, Jean Jacque (JJ), was a wealth of information and kept us on our toes

Great no hassles trip through southern France

10/11/2018 by 2nd time traveler Tad O.

Great trip. Well we’re guided by a knowledgeable and very fun guide. We all got into it and not only enjoyed France and it’s food but each other! All our travel partners where good travelers and we enjoyed each other’s company.

Go Ahead Tours replied on 10/11/2018

This is what he hope for with every departure; a f...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel

This modern hotel is located in Montparnasse. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Nearby, you'll find Luxembourg G...

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Mercure Wilson

This modern hotel is located in downtown Toulouse. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a bar. Nearby, you'll find the Basilica of St. Sernin, Place du Capitol...

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Mercure Perigueux Centre

This modern hotel is located in the city center of Périgueux in the Dordogne region. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar and lounge, and air-conditioned ro...

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Novotel Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck Hotel

The Novotel Bordeaux Centre hotel is a 5-minute walk from the historic center and the Mériadeck district. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms, a resta...

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Mercure Montmartre

This contemporary hotel is located in Montmartre. Guests enjoy on-site dining options, an outdoor terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Sacré-C...

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Mercure Bordeaux Centre

This contemporary hotel is located in the city center of Bordeaux. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find the historic distri...

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Novotel Amboise Hotel

This modern hotel is located in the heart of the Châteaux de la Loire. Guests enjoy a restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, and tennis court. Nearby, you’...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter France, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and unpaved paths, with some steep stairs and hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Toulouse and depart from Paris. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to France.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
The town market plays an important role in daily French life. Peruse the stalls to find freshly baked breads, locally grown produce, handmade cheeses, cured meats and more.
Some of the must-try local foods on this tour include cassoulet, oysters, foie gras, goat cheese, Tarte Tatin, wild game, and truffles (when in season).
France's wine regions offer some of the most famous varietals in the world, from robust reds in Bordeaux to crisp whites in the Loire Valley. The Dordogne Valley is known for its sweet whites and the famous brandy produced in the Cognac region is a must try.

Electricity & air conditioning

France operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

France is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm in Paris.

Currency

You will use the euro in France.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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