5-Day Small Group Dordogne Travel Package based in Sarlat
About this activity
Highlights
- Wander the charming streets of Sarlat
- Discover the stunning village of Rocamadour
- Cruise along the scenic Dordogne River
- Explore the enchanting Dordogne Valley
- Savor local delicacies at vibrant markets
Full description
Experience the enchanting beauty of the Dordogne with our 5-Day Small Group Travel Package, based in the picturesque town of Sarlat. Over five days, you'll wander through the charming streets of Sarlat, embark on a scenic cruise along the Dordogne River, and marvel at extraordinary cave paintings dating back to 15,000 BC.
This unique journey includes a guided walking tour and excursions to stunning sights like the breathtaking Rocamadour. Perfect for those seeking to discover hidden gems and savor the local cuisine, this intimate tour allows you to connect with fellow travelers while exploring the rich culture and landscapes of the Dordogne.
5-Day Dordogne Escape from Sarlat
Experience the Dordogne at its best on a 5‑day small‑group package based in the medieval town of Sarlat, with just eight travelers per departure for a relaxed, personal feel. From your base in the historic center, you’ll explore honey‑stone villages, river landscapes, clifftop sanctuaries, and some of the world’s most remarkable prehistoric sites.
Sarlat – Medieval heart of the Dordogne
Settle into your comfortable hotel in Sarlat‑la‑Canéda, one of France’s best‑preserved medieval towns. Wander its maze of lanes, golden façades, and lively squares, then join a guided walking tour that reveals hidden courtyards, market spots, and stories from the Middle Ages.
Villages & Dordogne River cruise
Discover the postcard‑perfect Dordogne Valley, where fortified villages cling to cliffs above the river. Visit scenic hilltop bastides and fairytale riverside towns, then board a traditional gabarre boat for a leisurely cruise beneath towering castles and limestone cliffs.
Prehistoric caves & ancient art
Step back tens of thousands of years in the Vézère Valley, often called the cradle of prehistory. Explore world‑famous cave sites or high‑quality replicas that showcase astonishing Paleolithic paintings and engravings, bringing human creativity from around 15,000–20,000 BC vividly to life.
Rocamadour – Dramatic day out
Travel to the dramatic clifftop village of Rocamadour, a spectacular pilgrimage site stacked above a gorge with chapels, sanctuaries, and sweeping views.
Small‑group comfort, central stay
With a maximum of 8 participants, you enjoy easy interaction with your English‑speaking guide, plenty of photo stops, and a friendly, unhurried pace. Four nights in a centrally located Sarlat hotel with daily breakfast are included, along with entrance fees on key excursions, so you can focus on soaking up landscapes, history, and food rather than logistics.
Book your Dordogne & Sarlat Small‑Group Adventure and turn five days in southwest France into a collection of stories you’ll keep telling long after you return.
Included / Excluded
- Hotel stay for 4 nights in a 3* or 4* hotel
- Breakfast from day 2 to day 5
- Sarlat Gourmet Tour
- Villages of the Dordogne valley & Rocamadour visit
- Lascaux IV Museum, La Roque Saint-Christophe visit
- Personal travel insurance and expenses.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Meals and drinks (lunch).
- Gratuities for the driver/guide.
Itinerary
Arrival in Sarlat – Settle In & Explore
Arrive in Sarlat on your own and check in at your centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the medieval streets, squares, and cafés at your own pace, then enjoy dinner in a local restaurant at your own expense.
Morning – Sarlat Gourmet Market Tour
Meet your guide in central Sarlat on market day for a walking food tour, tasting regional specialties as you explore the medieval streets and bustling stalls.
Important information
Know before you book
- 5‑day small‑group package based in Sarlat, with a maximum of 8 participants
- Package includes accommodation in central Sarlat, daily breakfast, and guided day trips
- All tours are operated in English by a local, Dordogne‑based guide
- Day tours generally start and end at a central meeting point in Sarlat
- Expect full, but not rushed days, often with travel by minivan
Know before you go
- You should be comfortable with moderate walking, including cobblestone streets
- Tours run in most weather; bring good walking shoes, a light jacket, and a refillable water bottle
- Some activities (boat rides, river levels, cave access) can be adapted or replaced
- The package is not suited to guests with significant mobility limitations
Cancellation policy
Ophorus requires a deposit of 30% on booking confirmation with balance to be made at least 30 days prior to arrival (in case of last minute registration payment is expected immediately). We accept payment by credit cards (Visa, Master card, American Express) or bank transfer (Wire transfer fees at the charge of the Guest). There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments except with American Express +3%. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund : 60+ days > 20€ fee per person 59 to 30 days prior to arrival - 30% of the overall price (deposit) 29 to 15 days prior to arrival - 75% of the overall price 14 days or less prior to arrival - no refund
Reviews
This is a concise tour to whet your appetite for further discovery of the wonders of the Dordogne and its glorious landscape and culinary delights.. Anne was a marvelous and knowledgeable guide who speaks several languages fluently (French, English and Spanish at least). I am grateful to her for waiting for me to escape the hold of the ghost of King Richard the Lionhearted at the Château de Beynac.
(Translated by Google) A lovely tour of the Dordogne castles, beautiful views, and a very friendly and knowledgeable guide, thank you Ana. (Original) Un precioso tour por los castillos de la Dordoña, lindas vistas, y una guía muy simpática y conocedora del lugar, gracias Ana.
Great day trip from Strasbourg. Our guide was personable and informative and we were taken to three smaller family wineries where the owner/family member conducted a fulsome and friendly tasting. Also a nice break for lunch in a picturesque town. Definitely recommend for a chance to see the countryside and get a better sense of Alsatian wines.
Additional information
This package is ideal for curious travelers who want to dive deep into one of France’s most atmospheric regions without the stress of driving narrow country roads or planning every detail themselves. It suits solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends who enjoy small‑group camaraderie, expert local guiding, and a relaxed pace with time to soak up markets, cafés, and village life.
If you’re drawn to prehistory, medieval towns, scenic river valleys, and authentic food—and you like the idea of unpacking once in Sarlat while day trips reveal caves, Rocamadour, Padirac, and Dordogne’s most beautiful villages—this is very much your kind of trip.
Please note that we do not distribute water bottles anymore to limit our environmental impact. We strongly recommend that you bring a reusable bottle.