DAYS 1 – 3

Arrive in Biarritz on Day 2 and begin your stay on the Basque Coast with a picturesque walking tour of Biarritz. Stroll along the Grande Plage, the city’s principal promenade. Then visit the imposing Rock of the Madonna; Saint-Jean de Luz, a charming resort with its Place Louis XIV; and San Sebastian, with its famed beaches and Constitution Square.Hotel du Palais, Biarritz

DAYS 4 & 5

Drive towards Carcassonne with a stop in Lourdes. Visit the grotto and enjoy a walking tour of the old town to see Holy Mill where Saint Bernadette was born. Continue to Carcassonne. 

Hotel de la Cite, Carcassonne

DAYS 6 & 7

Enjoy a morning walking tour of the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved fortified cities in the world. On the way to Cahors visit the Palais de la Berbie, housing the most important collection of Toulouse-Lautrec’s artwork in the world. The following day enjoy a visit to the prehistoric Pech-Merle caves with their astonishing drawings. Then continue on to see the famous pilgrimage site of Rocamadour with its Basilica Saint-Sauveur. 

Château de Mercues, Cahors

DAY 8

Drive to Bordeaux with a stop in the medieval town of Sarlat on market day. At the end of the day enjoy a walking tour of Old Bordeaux. 

The Regent Grand Bordeaux, Bordeaux

DAYS 9 – 11

Enjoy a morning drive to the Loire Valley with a stop at a beautiful château in Cognac, where you will visit its museum and enjoy a cognac tasting. Drive through the picturesque Loire Valley and visit the châteaux of French kings, including Amboise and Chenonceau. Also visit the Close Lucè, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. A special highlight during your stay will be a hot air balloon adventure over the picturesque Loire Valley. In the afternoon visit the Château d’Azay Rideau, then continue to château and enchanting gardens of Villandry. 

Château d’Artigny, Montbazon

DAYS 12 & 13

Depart for Paris. After your arrival, enjoy the sights of Paris in a chauffeur-driven vintage Citröen Deux Cheveaux. Depart Paris on Day 13. 

Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, Paris

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

DAYS 1 – 3

Arrive in Biarritz on Day 2 and begin your stay on the Basque Coast with a picturesque walking tour of Biarritz. Stroll along the Grande Plage, the city’s principal promenade. Then visit the imposing Rock of the Madonna; Saint-Jean de Luz, a charming resort with its Place Louis XIV; and San Sebastian, with its famed beaches and Constitution Square.Hotel du Palais, Biarritz

DAYS 4 & 5

Drive towards Carcassonne with a stop in Lourdes. Visit the grotto and enjoy a walking tour of the old town to see Holy Mill where Saint Bernadette was born. Continue to Carcassonne. 
Hotel de la Cite, Carcassonne

DAYS 6 & 7

Enjoy a morning walking tour of the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved fortified cities in the world. On the way to Cahors visit the Palais de la Berbie, housing the most important collection of Toulouse-Lautrec’s artwork in the world. The following day enjoy a visit to the prehistoric Pech-Merle caves with their astonishing drawings. Then continue on to see the famous pilgrimage site of Rocamadour with its Basilica Saint-Sauveur. 
Château de Mercues, Cahors

DAY 8

Drive to Bordeaux with a stop in the medieval town of Sarlat on market day. At the end of the day enjoy a walking tour of Old Bordeaux. 
The Regent Grand Bordeaux, Bordeaux

DAYS 9 – 11

Enjoy a morning drive to the Loire Valley with a stop at a beautiful château in Cognac, where you will visit its museum and enjoy a cognac tasting. Drive through the picturesque Loire Valley and visit the châteaux of French kings, including Amboise and Chenonceau. Also visit the Close Lucè, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. A special highlight during your stay will be a hot air balloon adventure over the picturesque Loire Valley. In the afternoon visit the Château d’Azay Rideau, then continue to château and enchanting gardens of Villandry. 
Château d’Artigny, Montbazon

DAYS 12 & 13

Depart for Paris. After your arrival, enjoy the sights of Paris in a chauffeur-driven vintage Citröen Deux Cheveaux. Depart Paris on Day 13. 
Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, Paris

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Hotel du Palais
Biarritz, France

Built in 1854 as a summer residence by Napoléon III for his wife, Empress Eugénie, La Villa Eugénie would later become the Hôtel du Palais. For sixteen years, the imperial couple never missed its rendezvous with Biarritz. And in their wake, all of the most famous names of the era followed. The hotel is perched regally on Biarritz’s wide, sandy beach, one hundred yards from the town’s center. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool with heated seawater, sauna, fitness room, full service spa, putting green and direct access to the beach and beach cabanas. Other services include a business center and 24-hour laundry and dry cleaning.
Gourmet dining is featured at J.M. Gautier, traditional cuisine at La Rotonde, festive flavors at
La Villa Eugenie, poolside dining at L’Hippocampe, and you can relax with cocktails and piano music at the Bar Imperial. The luxurious 154 rooms and suites have air0conditioning, direct dial telephone, flat‐screen TV, complimentary internet service, radio, mini bar and bathrobes.

Hotel de la Cite
Carcassonne, France

Standing between two historic landmarks, the Roman Château Comtal and the Gothic Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, the Hôtel de la Cité is set in its own glorious gardens. With its solid stonewalls, wood paneling and stained-glass windows, the hotel offers luxurious hospitality.

Hotel activities include a heated pool and horseback riding, Its Michelin star rated gastronomic reputation rests on La Barbacane Restaurant, a neo-Gothic room featuring magnificent fireplaces and high ceilings. You can also enjoy a meal in the informal Chez Saskia Brasserie, dine al fresco in the outdoor summer restaurant, Le Jardin de l’Evêque or relax in the Library Piano Bar.

Each of its 61 rooms varies in shape, layout and interiors and is individually furnished. All rooms feature the most up-to-date facilities, including air conditioning, sound proofing, direct dial telephone, satellite TV, WiFi Access, in-room safe, mini bar, and a marble bathroom with bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer and lighted make-pp mirror. Your deluxe room looks out onto the ramparts or affords a view within the Citadel.

Château de Mercues
Cahors, France

For nine centuries the Château de Mercuès was the summer residence of the bishops of Cahors. Today, the 30 guest rooms, opening onto a breathtaking view of vineyards, valleys and French gardens, have lost none of their feudal grandeur. In this kingdom of foie gras, truffles and wine, the cuisine is rich and generous. Meanwhile, Georges Vigouroux’s vintage Cahors age to perfection in the cathedral‐like vaults of the cellar. The restaurant at Château de Mercuès invites you to enjoy some fine gourmet moments in a refined décor. The restaurant’s attentive personnel serve guests in pure traditional style. The spacious contemporary dining room welcome castle guests throughout the year. In summer, dinner is served in the royal courtyard. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.

All rooms and apartments have a large bed or two beds, marble or brick-and-timber bathrooms with bathtubs (bathrobe, bath products), period furniture, separate toilet, satellite television, telephone, mini bar, in-room safe, and a view of the Cour d’Honneur, gardens or the magnificent Lot river valley.

The Regent Grand Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France

The hotel faces the impressive Grand Theater and is located inside the Golden Triangle, the finest shopping and pedestrian area in the city. The hotel has undergone a comprehensive restoration, respecting its colorful history while offering a high level of luxury and elegance Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux is reclaiming its place as the most majestic hotel in the city. Hotel features and services include a 1,000 sq meter Les Bains de Lea Spa, a fitness center, a business center and laundry facilities. There are three restaurants, offering fine dining, brasserie-style continental cuisine and more casual dining.

The 150 guest rooms have been designed by famed French designer Jacques Garcia, and all come with luxury fabrics, elegant 19th century French furnishings and stunning marble bathrooms. Travcoa’s Deluxe rooms feature individual climate control, telephone, internet access, LCD flat screen TV, bathrobes, slippers and a 24-hour show shine service.

Chateau d’Artigny
Montbazon, France

Château d’Artigny is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the Loire Valley and is a 20th-century tribute to a penniless Corsican orphan who became a newspaper proprietor, politician and perfumier. The property features and services include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, badminton, bicycles, jogging track, fishing, a health club with jacuzzi, sauna and exercise equipment, room service and the Vignoble Winery.

Travcoa’s designated Deluxe Rooms are large and located in the château, Ariane Pavilion or Frangance House, offering a view of the gardens, river or woods. The rooms feature air-conditioning, bathrobe, bath tub, bidet, TV, direct dial phone, a hairdryer, make up mirror, mini bar, Nina Ricci Club toiletries and trouser press.

Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel
Paris, France

An historic monument amid the swirl of the shopping, theatre and banking districts, the hotel is close to the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme and the Louvre Museum. Hotel amenities include a Health Club and fitness center, the I-Spa by Algotherm, a gift shop, newsstand, a business center, shoe shine and same day laundry & dry cleaning service. There are two restaurants and a lounge as well.

There are 72 suites, each reflecting the prestigious historical heritage of this superbly renovated listed landmark. Each of Travcoa’s air-conditioned Club Rooms features a view of the Opera House, and amenities including a mini bar, satellite TV, internet access, telephone, in-room safe, a daily newspaper, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers. Plus, you have access to the VIP club lounge offering a complimentary breakfast buffet and a cocktail hour drinks and snacks.

Amber Medkiff

Amber speaks French, Italian and Spanish, and is a member of the Italian Institute and the French Institute of San Francisco, where she resides. She has published a travel article on Italy and was the subject of a Condé Nast Travel magazine article titled “How to Travel Like a Millionaire.” She has conducted travel programs all over the world for 18 years.

Travel Dates: September 04, 2010