Albi & Carcassonne

Your itinerary

Day 1: UK/Toulouse

Meet your travelling companions at the airport prior to your scheduled flight to Toulouse. On arrival we transfer to our hotel in Albi for a five-night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink before dinner this evening.

Meals: Dinner

Days 2 - 5: Albi

Standing proudly on the banks of the River Tarn, Albi is a delightful red-brick town steeped in the history of the religious wars between the Cathars and the Crusaders. Our guided walking tour through the medieval streets of the old quarter takes us to see the enormous Gothic Cathedral of Ste Cecile. Visible from miles around, it dominates the town and the austere defensive outside contrasts with the lavish interior which awaits you. Albi is also the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. You can see the most comprehensive collection of his work at the palace, and stroll round the beautiful gardens to admire the stunning views.

Meals: 2 nights breakfast / dinner; 2 nights breakfast.

The following excursions are included:

Carcassonne & Castres

We have a wonderful full day in store in Carcassonne, one of the most dramatic towns of the Languedoc region. Its double walled, turreted fortress stands on the hillside above the River Aude and claims to be the largest fortress in Europe. We will stroll through the narrow streets, admire the views from the battlements and visit the beautiful Church of St Nazaire with its exquisite stained glass and intricate stone carvings. Along the way we stop at the pretty town of Castres for a walk through the charming riverside quarter, where old tanners’ and weavers’ houses overhang the River Agout.

Ville Bastides

Many fortified towns or ville bastides were built around the River Dordogne when England and France fought for control of south-west France in medieval times. We visit two of the best on our full day excursion. First stop is Najac with its photogenic castle on the peak of the hill and lovely half-timbered and stone-tiled houses that seem to tumble down the back of the hill to the valley below. We continue to Cordes and stroll round the steep medieval cobbled lanes lined with delightful shops and welcoming bars.

Gaillac & the Gorges de l’Aveyron

Gaillac is a charming town dominated by the Abbey Saint-Michael which originates from the 10th century. The region the town resides in is renowned for its excellent wines. Don’t miss today’s opportunity to taste some of the fine wines that are produced here when you visit a local Gaillac vineyard. We will also have the opportunity to explore the soaring limestone cliffs of the magnificent Gorges de l’Aveyron.

This evening join your travelling companions for a farewell get-together.

Day 6: Toulouse/UK

Transfer to Toulouse airport for your return flight

Meals: Breakfast