High rocky outcrops riddled with caves. Dense oak forests. Rivers meandering beneath limestone cliffs. The Dordogne's distinctive beauty has inspired people for 14,000 years. The Cro-Magnons painted in caves. Their descendants erected splendid fortresses and hilltop bastides. It's yours to discover on two wheels. In neighboring Bordeaux, find the appeal of medieval villages and fertile vineyards, lavish hotels and tastings of world-famous wines. Spend perfect days riding and drinking in everything that is Dordogne and Bordeaux.
Days 1-2 Peaceful rides on country roads past walnut groves, tobacco fields and timeless villages
Cro-Magnon cave art at the prehistoric caves of Rouffignac depicting images of mammoths and ibex and other large game that once roamed free 
Take a train into the cave to explore prehistory up close.
Day 3 A perfect duo: the Dordogne's colorful history and Bordeaux's renowned viticulture
Pedal through small farming hamlets and fertile vineyards en route to Le Quayre Enjoy an exclusive Périgordian feast prepared by our friend and served in the garden Spin past rows and rows of vineyards where the ripening fruit will one day become a sumptuous red wine.
Day 4 After spinning out of the wooded Dordogne River Valley
and into the vineyard-laced Bordeaux region, admire stunning mosaic-tiled floors at the Gallo-Roman ruins in Montcaret An oenologist at the Vignobles & Châteaux wine school offers an initiation into tasting; you'll learn how to recognize Bordeaux vintages by color, smell and taste.
Days 5-6 Exclusive tour and <i>dégustation</i> with a local expert
at a Grand Cru château Bike undulating terrain past centuries-old churches, inviting hamlets and famous vineyards Stroll through the World Heritage site of St-Émilion before our walking tour reveals its underground treasures.
Trip Highlights
- A perfect duo: the Dordogne's colorful history and Bordeaux's renowned viticulture
- Prehistoric cave paintings at Rouffignac
- Private wine tastings with local experts
- Pedal by world-famous Bordeaux Grand Cru vineyards
- St-Émilion, whose history dates back to the 2nd century
Premiere Inns
Le Vieux Logis (2 nights): This enchanting manor house-hotel with idyllic gardens was a priory in the 1500s. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool)
Château des Vigiers (1 night): This grand château, set on the Bordeaux Route des Vins amid vineyards and a golf course, dates back to 1597. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
Hostellerie de Plaisance (2 nights): In the heart of a medieval village, an exceptional hotel that exudes refinement and discreet luxury, with a Michelin-starred restaurant. A Relais & Châteaux member.
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 18 | 600 | ||||||||
| 2 | 20* | 800 | 42 | 1700 | 47 | 2000 | ||||
| 3 | 24* | 1200 | 42* | 1600 | ||||||
| 49 | 1700 | |||||||||
| 4 | 17* | 800 | 24 | 1200 | 40 | 1500 | ||||
| 5 | 16 | 500 | 36 | 800 | 49 | 1500 | ||||
| 6 | 11 | 200 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/26-31 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/9-14 Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/16-21 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/4-9 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/6-11 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-18 Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1680 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
This was my first premiere trip and it was amazing. I consider it one of life's greatest experiences. The mix of superb leaders, great cycling, fascinating excursions, and exceptional food, wine and accommodations made this trip a once in a lifetime experience.
The trip exceeded my expectations in so many ways. The bicycle routes were fantastic: true "back roads" of France. What a wonderful way to see the countryside. We never could have had that experience in any other sort of vacation environment.- Indianapolis, IN
This was a fabulous trip and the guides were the BEST we've ever had. They both were exceptional. This trip exceeded our expectations!!!!! We are planning our next trip already!!!!- Sun Valley,ID