Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart US/Fly Overnight to Paris

Depart from the U.S. for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Upon arrival at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) Airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area - VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Please note: Make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags. This helps the representative identify you.

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative will welcome you to France and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van to your Paris hotel (approximately 60 minutes depending upon traffic). At this time, please verify with your airport representative the time of your transfers to the Paris Montparnasse train station for your train to Libourne, where you will begin your main trip. Important: If you are delayed in meeting your VBT representative at the CDG Airport, please call 06 72 07 59 24 or 06 15 15 15 25 from within France. Outside of France, call +33 672 07 59 24 or +33 615 15 15 25.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Paris/Begin your Pre-Trip Extension

Upon arrival at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) Airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area - VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Please note: Make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags. This helps the representative identify you.

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative will welcome you to France and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van to your Paris hotel (approximately 60 minutes depending upon traffic). At this time, please verify with your airport representative the time of your transfers to the Paris Montparnasse train station for your train to Libourne, where you will begin your main trip. Important: If you are delayed in meeting your VBT representative at the CDG Airport, please call 06 72 07 59 24 or 06 15 15 15 25 from within France. Outside of France, call +33 672 07 59 24 or +33 615 15 15 25.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart US/In flight to Paris

Depart from the U.S. for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Paris

Today, see for yourself why this City of Light has inspired poets, lovers, emperors and artists for centuries. Visit Montmartre and its charming cafés and artists' colony, along with the Moulin Rouge, made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec in his vivid and colorful artworks. Or venture to the top of Notre Dame for a gargoyle's view of the city. Make a stop at the Eiffel Tower or one of the magnificent museums such as the Musee Picasso or the Musee d'Orsay. Take a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens on your way to the Louvre. You can walk to many of the major sights from your centrally located hotel.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Paris

Upon arrival at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) Airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area -- VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area.

Please note: Make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags. This helps the representative identify you.

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative will welcome you to France and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van to your Paris hotel (approximately 60 minutes depending upon traffic). At this time, please verify with your airport representative the time of your transfers tomorrow to the Paris Austerlitz train station Important: If you are delayed in meeting your VBT representative at the CDG Airport, please call 06 72 07 59 24 or 06 15 15 15 25 from within France. Outside of France, call +33 672 07 59 24 or +33 615 15 15 25.

Use the rest of the day to relax or begin exploring the City of Light.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Begin Main Tour

This morning we transfer to the railway station to catch our train to Libourne.

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR All guests meet in St. Emilion/Transfer to hotel

VBT No-Air Package guests: Meet your Trip Leaders in the lobby of the hotel Palais Cardinal at 3:00 p.m. They will be wearing VBT staff garments. Please contact the first hotel to advise the staff of any travel delays or changes so they can inform your VBT Trip Leaders.

VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: Meet your VBT representative in the hotel lobby at 9:30 a.m. The representative will have a group train ticket and help you transfer to the Paris Montparnasse train station where you board a train for Libourne (approximately 3 hours). Plan to have lunch on your own and use bathroom facilities before leaving the train and meeting your VBT representative in Libourne. Perhaps buy a sandwich or picnic-style lunch in Paris and eat it on the train. Once the entire group is assembled, you will transfer via private motorcoach to St. Emilion and your first hotel (transfer time approx 20 minutes).

Our centrally located property in the medieval town of St. Emilion has a relaxing area by the pool next to the old ramparts of the village. You have a little free time to relax as you settle in before your VBT Trip Leaders offer a safety and bike-fitting session and warm-up ride. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner to get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Cycle the satellite Grand Crus Estates of St. Emilion/Private walking tour of St. Emilion.

After breakfast, we cycle through the surrounding villages of St. Emilion with their rolling terrain of vineyards. Our ride leads us into tiny, quiet villages and past several impressive vineyard Chateaux, some renowned by oenophiles, such as Chateau Ausone and Chateau Cheval Blanc – both classified as 1st Grand Cru Classe A. We return to town to select from many options for lunch on our own.

In the afternoon, you may wish to venture out again by bike, relax and taste wine in one of the many cellars right in town, or take a dip in our hotel's outdoor pool. We gather late this afternoon for a private guided walking tour of the medieval town of St. Emilion and discover its underground monuments. Afterward you are free to select a restaurant of your choice for dinner on your own.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Castillon la Bataille/Chateau de Sanse

Today we leave St. Emilion and cycle downhill to the banks and flood plain of the River Dordogne. We enjoy beautiful river riding to Castillon-La-Bataille, the site of the end of the Hundred Years' War. You may decide to buy lunch here and picnic along the river's banks.

After lunch, we continue riding along the Dordogne through small villages, vineyards and fruit orchards. Keep an eye out for the white egrets and buzzards perched on the markers along the trail. We finish our ride at our hotel, the intimate Chateau de Sanse. Here, we can enjoy the pool or relax on the terrace. Before a typical dinner in the Chateau, we visit with Claire Poncet at the Chateau Font Vidal. She will explain the entire process of wine production on her estate, and then offer us a tasting.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Cycle the vineyards/Picnic lunch and walking trail

After leaving the hotel, we cycle to the top of a nearby crest through a small wood before a long and pleasant downhill meander. We pass through Ste. Radegonde and eventually arrive again on the banks of the Dordogne. Look out for the traditional windmill on the way.

A picnic lunch, prepared by your Trip Leaders, will be waiting for you at the family estate of Chateau Cablanc in the Gamage's river valley. Afterwards you may wish to enjoy a short nature walking trail entitled “The Secrets of the Valley” through their estate. Our cycling commences up a short steep hill (a head start in the van is available) to the rim of the plateau where we cycle through an endless tableau of vineyards. A rolling road takes us back through cattle pastures for our final short stretch back to the hotel. Dinner is again served in the chateau tonight.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Cycle the Dordogne/Ride into villages

After breakfast, we cycle into the Dordogne region. Our ride takes us back down to the banks of the River Dordogne to the small village of Eynesse. You may wish to stop for a snack in the cafe or store. Then we pedal south on a more undulating road through small hamlets and villages that line the picturesque Gravouse Valley. In the small village of Les Leves et Thoumeyragues, you'll find a boulangerie by the interesting church, where you can also buy a snack.

The road takes us through small woods and past vineyards to our home for the next two nights, Chateau des Vigiers. Once settled in, you have time to relax before gathering for dinner in the hotel's bistro.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Local market visit/Farming hamlets

After breakfast, we cycle to the medieval town of Sainte Foy la Grande. This is a walled town on the banks of the Dordogne, dating back to the 13th century. Each Saturday the town square comes alive with a wonderful market where you can find a wide range of high quality local produce, from fruits and vegetables to clothes and local handicrafts. It is rated as one of the 100 most beautiful markets in France. You may wish to purchase local produce for your lunch here. You might choose to take a self-guided walking tour, highlighting the town square with arcades and half-timbered houses.

Our cycle route continues along the banks of the river to the hamlet of La Grande Font. Later, we head back to the hotel, where you can enjoy some free time in the outdoor pool or on the 9-hole golf course. Tonight, we celebrate with a special farewell dinner in one of the hotel's private dining rooms.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Transfer to Bordeaux/ Free Time /VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package. After breakfast, you will be transferred to our Bordeaux hotel arriving at approx. 11:30 noon. The tour ends here where taxi's can be arranged for transfers to the Bordeaux railway station or airport. Important: Train departures from the Bordeaux train station prior to 12.30 p.m. are not recommended. Guests departing earlier must make transfer arrangements at their own expense from the last hotel to the train station or airport in Bordeaux. Taxi cost is approximately 200 euros (travel time is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes).

VBT Air Package and Post-Trip Extension guests: After breakfast, we transfer to our Bordeaux hotel by private motorcoach. Here you have the rest of the day to relax and explore this magical city. There are several self guided walking trails through the various districts, including one that passes through the lovely public gardens. This park has played a significant role in Bordeaux history. Several French artists contributed to the park design. During the French Revolution, it was used for official ceremonies until Napoleon redesigned it as a classic English garden. Today, it's the perfect place to rest and relax.

If you want a glimpse of art or history in Bordeaux, all you need to do is walk through the city's streets. Many buildings in Vieux Bordeaux have retained their charm and character over time. If you're looking for historical views of the city, you can walk through the Quartier Saint-Eloi. There, you can see the Grosse Cloche, the great bell which once rang from the old Town Hall's belfry. If you continue along Victor Hugo Avenue, you can see the Porte de Bourgogne, a huge stone arch that was once an entrance to the city.

Another interesting place to walk around is the Palace Royale. Built in 1755, this building is a fine example of French classical architecture. During its construction, the building's beauty influenced the style of its surrounding neighbors. The result is several kilometers of the most beautiful architecture in the city.

While Bordeaux is famous for its wine, it is also celebrated for its food, as you'll discover during dinner on your own this evening.

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S

After breakfast*, transfer to the Bordeaux airport for your return flight. Please ensure you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Begin your optional Bordeaux extension

After breakfast you have the day free to continue exploring. You may wish to join a local walking tour organized by the tourist office that passes some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of this grand city, or follow more of the self-guided routes.

Bordeaux boasts several world-renowned museums. You can satisfy your curiosity about wine by visiting the Vinorama, a wax museum with ‘talking' displays that chronicle the history of Bordeaux wine; or the Bordeaux Wines Museum, which exhibits the history of the city's wine merchants.

For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts has a vast collection from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Among the many works by French and European artists, you can see Delacroix's famous painting La Grece Sur Les Ruines De Missolonghi. The Museum of Modern Art exhibits contemporary works and often presents concerts or performances. The Museum of Decorative Arts features classic furniture, decorative paintings, and sculptures.
The Natural History Museum exhibits animals and fossils from the region. The Museum of Aquitaine chronicles pre-history to modern times. There's also the Center Jean Moulin, a museum dedicated to World War II's Resistance and “Free France” movements.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Bordeaux

Today you may wish to board a local train from Bordeaux to the coastal area of Arcachon. Here you'll delight in a real beach resort atmosphere. Boats run from the jetty Thiers to various spots within the Bassin d'Arcachon. Or visit the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pyla, just south of Arcachon. Standing at over 300 feet, a journey to the summit by stairway is a must. You might even see schools of bottlenose dolphins and porpoises playing offshore.

If you wish to visit more vineyards, try the famous appellations of Pauillac and Margaux north in the Médoc rouge region just north of Bordeaux. Many vineyards offer tours and tastings. Or stay closer to the city and take the tram line A to the botanical gardens on the opposite side of the River La Garonne.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for U.S.

After breakfast*, transfer to the Bordeaux airport for your flight home. Please ensure you are waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Bicycling Bordeaux & the River Dordogne 2012

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Paris 2012 (Bordeaux Pre Trip) - 2 nights for only $395

Cap off your adventure with a sojourn in Paris and see for yourself why this City of Lights has inspired poets, lovers, emperors, and artists for centuries. Visit Montmartre and its charming cafes and artist's colony. Here too is the Moulin Rouge, made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec in his candid impressions. Or venture to the top of Notre Dame for a gargoyle's view of the city. You'll have plenty of time to make a stop at the Eiffel Tower or one of the magnificent museums like Musee Picasso or the Musee d'Orsay. Take a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens on your way to the Louvre. You can walk to many of the major sights from your centrally located hotel.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $295.

Post-Trip Extension

Bordeaux 2012 - 2 nights for only $245

Make your own discoveries during our delightful extension in Bordeaux. Meander from the city’s stately 18th-century heart to the quays along the Garonne River. Trace the history of the wine trade in this long-time center of world-renowned vintages. Take a local train from Bordeaux to the coastal area of Arcachon, where you might visit the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pyla. Or embark a boat from the jetty Thiers to various locales within the Bassin d’Arcachon.For wine buffs, the famous appellations of Pauillac and Margaux in the Médoc region lie just north of Bordeaux. There are many vineyards where you can visit and taste some of the famous wines

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $145.

Accommodations

Hotel Rochester

This elegant and charming hotel is located a few steps from the Champs-Elysees and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore’, making it very convenient for shopping and taking evening strolls. It is a small, family-run hotel, part of a private chain. All the rooms are decorated in a Louis XV style and feature modern amenities, including air-conditioning.

Palais Cardinal

The Palais Cardinal is located along the medieval walls of St. Emilion, overlooking the region’s vineyards. Its rooms are welcoming and cozy after rewarding days of cycling. The hotel produces wine which ranks high in the international market.

Chateau de Sanse

Crafted from the ruins of a magnificent 18th-century chateau and following a great deal of careful and sensitive restoration, this hotel now stands as a striking landmark against a backdrop of spectacular vineyards and woodland in the south of France.

Château des Vigiers

The Chateau des Vigiers is known as “Little Versailles” because of its similarities to Louis XIII's Château in Versailles, including its use of natural springs to feed small dams and fountains. All of the rooms are identical, with a balcony, walk-in shower, and air conditioning. The property and its rooms are maintained to the highest four-star standards. All rooms are non-smoking.

Bayonne Etche Ona

The Bayonne Etch Ona is located in the heart of Bordeaux, in the city's Golden Triangle. Behind the building’s 18th century façade, the hotel offers simple style and elegance. All rooms are sound-proofed and have air conditioning.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance. Ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists.