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Embark on a captivating journey through five alluring regions of France, at a pace that makes absolute sense. France is bigger than you think, and our multiple three night stays enable us to properly create remarkable Gallic experiences for you. Explore the graceful châteaux of the Loire Valley, picnic in a chateau vineyard, cruise past the crumbling bastides of the Dordogne Valley, stay in perfect Pézenas, in the land of the Cathars and Knights Templar in Languedoc Roussillon, visit extraordinary Carcassonne, and cross the Tarn Gorge on the enormous Millau Viaduct. Linger in Bordeaux, sip wine in Saint-Émilion and dine in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine estate, pass wild horses whilst crossing the Camargue to ancient Provence and the stunning Côte d’Azur. Wonderful experiences including the extraordinary Carrières de Lumières in Les Beaux, the incredible caves of Gouffre de Padirac, wine tastings in the Loire Valley, Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a Roquefort cheese tasting. Croissant anyone?
About Albatross
Operating tours in Europe since 1995, Albatross Tours offers the widest range of European Christmas, New Year and Winter small group tours, plus a distinctive European Summer tour program, all designed specifically for Australian and New Zealand travellers. With tour itineraries created exclusively to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace with two to five-night stays, Albatross offers small group tours with a maximum group size of 28. Fully inclusive sightseeing, with no optional costs, you’ll stay in authentic style accommodation in superb locations and centrally located city hotels. See more and experience more with our longer stays, quality leisure time and hand-selected experiences. When you travel on an Albatross European tour, you will receive better value for money, genuine inclusions, and unique itineraries, designed for a true holiday experience.
Inclusions
Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
Welcome drink on Day 1
31 meals including breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L) and 10 evening meals (D).
A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available)
19 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available)
Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
Local guides as described in the itinerary
Hand-Selected Albatross Inclusions
Enjoy a picturesque vineyard picnic in the Loire Valley
Savour a premium wine tasting in Bordeaux
Explore the stunning Gardens of Château de Villandry
Sample world-famous Roquefort cheese
Cruise through the beautiful Dordogne Valley by barge
Enjoy lunch at a renowned Saint-Émilion vineyard
Discover the unspoiled charm of the medieval town of Pézenas
Cruise through the spectacular limestone coves of the Calanques
Dine at a prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine estate
Experience France's celebrated wine, food and regional traditions throughout the journey
Fully included sightseeing, scenic drives, excursions and entrance fees throughout the tour
Itinerary
Day 1 | Paris Arrive in Paris and meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers over a welcome drink and dinner. Overnight: Paris Meals: D
Day 2 | Paris – Loire Valley Travel to the Loire Valley and enjoy a guided visit to the magnificent Château de Chambord before arriving at your luxurious château hotel. Overnight: Loire Valley (3 nights) Meals: B, D
Day 3 | Azay-le-Rideau, Vineyard Picnic & Villandry Gardens Visit the beautiful Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, enjoy a vineyard picnic lunch and wine tasting, then explore the spectacular gardens of Château de Villandry. Meals: B, L
Day 4 | Chenonceau, Amboise & Leonardo da Vinci Discover Château de Chenonceau, explore Amboise and visit Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's former residence. Meals: B, D
Day 5 | La Rochelle & Bordeaux Enjoy free time in the historic harbour city of La Rochelle before continuing to elegant Bordeaux. Overnight: Bordeaux (3 nights) Meals: B, D
Day 6 | Bordeaux Sightseeing Join a guided walking tour of UNESCO-listed Bordeaux and enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure. Meals: B
Day 7 | Saint-Émilion & Vineyard Lunch Explore medieval Saint-Émilion, enjoy wine tastings and savour lunch at a local vineyard surrounded by rolling vines. Meals: B, L
Day 8 | Périgueux, Lascaux & Dordogne Visit the medieval city of Périgueux and the remarkable Lascaux IV cave experience before arriving in the Dordogne Valley. Overnight: Sarlat-la-Canéda (3 nights) Meals: B, D
Day 9 | Sarlat, Dordogne Cruise & Domme Explore Sarlat's beautifully preserved old town, cruise the Dordogne River by traditional barge and visit the hilltop village of Domme. Meals: B
Day 10 | Rocamadour & Gouffre de Padirac Visit the famous pilgrimage village of Rocamadour before exploring the spectacular underground caves and boat ride of Gouffre de Padirac. Meals: B
Day 11 | Carcassonne & Pézenas Discover the medieval fortress city of Carcassonne with a local guide before continuing to the charming town of Pézenas. Overnight: Pézenas (3 nights) Meals: B, D
Day 12 | Pézenas at Leisure Enjoy a guided walk through Pézenas before spending the remainder of the day exploring its boutiques, cafés and historic streets. Meals: B
Day 13 | Millau Viaduct & Roquefort Cheese Visit the medieval village of La Couvertoirade, cross the impressive Millau Viaduct and enjoy a guided Roquefort cheese tasting. Meals: B
Day 14 | Camargue & Nîmes Travel through the Camargue, known for its wild horses and flamingos, before a guided tour of the ancient Roman city of Nîmes. Overnight: Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (3 nights) Meals: B, D
Day 15 | Avignon & Châteauneuf-du-Pape Explore Avignon's UNESCO-listed historic centre and Papal Palace before enjoying a wine tasting and dinner at a Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate. Meals: B, D
Day 16 | Les Baux & Pont du Gard Experience the extraordinary Carrières de Lumières multimedia art show, visit Les Baux-de-Provence and walk across the Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct. Meals: B
Day 17 | Cassis, Calanques Cruise & Nice Cruise through the spectacular Calanques from Cassis before continuing to glamorous Nice on the French Riviera. Overnight: Nice (3 nights) Meals: B, D
Day 18 | Nice, Villa Ephrussi & Monaco Enjoy free time in Nice before visiting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and exploring Monaco, including part of the Formula One circuit. Meals: B
Day 19 | Saint-Paul-de-Vence & Cannes Visit the artistic hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the glamorous resort town of Cannes before a farewell dinner. Meals: B, D
Day 20 | Nice Your French journey concludes after breakfast. Meals: B
Highlights include Loire Valley châteaux, vineyard picnics, Bordeaux wine tastings, Saint-Émilion, Dordogne barge cruise, Carcassonne, Roquefort cheese tasting, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Calanques cruise, Monaco and the French Riviera. Itinerary is subject to change.
Dates/Pricing
Departure Date
Return Date
Twin Share
Solo Traveller
16 May 2027
04 Jun 2027
From $16,989 pp
From $22,689 pp
05 Sep 2027
24 Sep 2027
From $16,989 pp
From $22,689 pp
19 Sep 2027
08 Oct 2027
From $16,989 pp
From $22,689 pp
Itinerary is subject to change and availability. Pricing and information correct as of 7 July 2026.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
