DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for France
Depart for France
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Toulouse
Arrive in Toulouse, the capital of the Occitanie region in South-West of France, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Toulouse
DAY 3, Thursday - Toulouse Walking Tour
This morning, take a walking tour of Toulouse, a city that serves as the headquarters of Airbus and is known for its aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Begin at the Capitole Square, home to the Capitole de Toulouse, a Neoclassical building housing the City Hall, and Opera House. Admire the pink-hued buildings, a signature feature of Toulouse, as you make your way to the Saint-Sernin Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe and is an important stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Explore Carcassonne
Depart Toulouse and travel through the Languedoc region where vineyards and olive groves dot the countryside to Carcassonne. On arrival, begin your exploration of enchanting Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Europe's most well-preserved medieval towns. Marvel at the imposing ramparts and defensive towers that encircle the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Stroll along the cobbled streets to the St. Nazaire Basilica, adorned with magnificent stained glass and intricate carvings, featuring both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Spend free time to explore and perhaps sample traditional dishes like cassoulet for lunch. In the afternoon, sample some of the finest regional wines. Afterward, head back to Toulouse
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Toulouse or Optional Full Day Lourdes Tour
Today is free to explore Toulouse at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Lourdes Tour & Pic du Jer Funicular with Caves. Travel to Lourdes, a renowned pilgrimage site, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Lourdes as you explore the neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a Roman Catholic church that dominates the skyline. Visit the sanctuary and the grotto while strolling through the peaceful grounds, and light a candle at the crypt before taking a moment of reflection and prayer. Next, board a funicular* and ascend the slopes of Pic du Jer in the French Pyrenees, while admiring views of Lourdes. At the top, explore the highest caves in France carved into the mountainside. Later, return to Toulouse. Tonight, choose the optional Traditional Southwestern French Dinner at a local restaurant known for its authentic cassoulet
*The funicular operates from Apr 10 to Nov 4, subject to weather conditions.
**When funicular unavailable, enjoy regional delicacies and visit the Sainte-Marie Cathedral in the town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Commings.
Optional: Full Day Lourdes Tour
Optional: Traditional Southwestern French Dinner
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Sunday - Cordes-sur-Ciel, Discover Albi
Your day of exploration begins with a scenic drive to the fortified town of Cordes-sur-Ciel, perched atop rolling hills, and view the towering stone walls crowned by the Saint-Michel Church. Next, head to Albi, a historic city nestled along the banks of the Tam River. Upon arrival, free time to sample the culinary delights of Albi, including duck confit. In the afternoon, visit the imposing Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest brick cathedrals in the world. Admire its facade adorned with intricate sculptures and elaborate carvings. Tour the treasury rooms before continuing with a walk through the streets of the medieval Old Town. View the Palais de la Berbie, a fortified palace that once served as the residence of the bishops of Albi, and now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Arrive at the hotel in the afternoon
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Toulouse or Optional Mirepoix with Farmers Market, Montbrun-Bocage & Carla Bayle Villages
Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Mirepoix with Farmers Market, Montbrun-Bocage & Carla Bayle Villages*. Depart Toulouse and travel south to the medieval town of Mirepoix. On arrival, immerse yourself in the vibrant ambience of the town's traditional farmers market (weather dependent). View stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delectable local delicacies. After exploring the market, walk through the streets and admire the impressive Gothic Cathedral and the intricately carved facades of historic buildings. Free time to sample traditional Occitan cuisine for lunch at one of the cafes, or bistros. Continue through Montbrun-Bocage & Carla Bayle villages at the base of the Pyrenees mountains before arriving in Toulouse
*Operation will depend on weather conditions.
Optional: Mirepoix with Farmers Market, Montbrun-Bocage & Carla Bayle Villages
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Toulouse or Optional Full Day Auvillar & Montauban with Cheese Farm Visit
On your last day at leisure in Toulouse, participate in the optional Full Day Auvillar & Montauban with Cheese Farm Visit. Set out from Toulouse for an excursion to the village of Auvillar, renowned as one of the "Most beautiful Villages of France". Walk through the Place des Halles and admire the circular Halle d"Auvillar, once bustling with market life. Next, travel to Montauban, where you'll have lunch on your own, followed by an orientation tour highlighting the city's brick architecture and lively squares before returning to Toulouse
Optional: Full Day Auvillar & Montauban with Cheese Farm Visit
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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