Crossed by the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers the Black Perigord is a magical and radiant land of pretty stone bastide villages and fabulous chateaux. It takes its name from the deep forests of holm oaks. Steeped in colourful history its capital of Sarlat offers atmosphere, hospitality and the kind of medieval backdrop we all imagine romantic old France to be.

This old region offers a new facet of France. Exciting and provocative, it was the French discovery of the 90s. It's unique and well preserved history, landscape, culture and cuisine set it apart from the well travelled paths tourists already know.Come along and paint with us in this wonderful region of France, escorted by Artist/Instructor Henry Vyfvinkel

Our program

• 1 Night Toulouse
• 5 Nights Sarlat
• 2 Nights Aix-en-Provence

Our Itinerary:

May 24 - Toulouse
Meet up with our Artist/Instructor, Henry Vyfvinkel and the other members of the group in Toulouse, which is a convenient, friendly and vibrant city to meet in. It offers a beautifully kept 19th century business core that begs to be explored. If you would like extra days here we are happy to assist. After settling in we will all get together to enjoy an included welcome dinner this evening.

May 25 - Sarlat
After breakfast we will leave Toulouse and travel first to the amazing 13th century Pilgrimage town of Rocamadour. Built into the face of a 400 foot cliff it is a dramatic and fitting entry to the Perigord region. Then it's on to Sarlat, the capital of the Black Perigord region. We are so taken with this historic and beautiful area that we will settle in for 4 nights at The Couleuvrine Hotel within the original ramparts in the pedestrian medieval quarter. We have 4 Dinners here!

" During the 'Hundred Years War' the Dordogne River was the border of England and France so there are many imposing castles facing each other along its convoluted route "

May 26 - Sarlat
After breakfast we will visit the authentic, Font-de-Gaume caves, discovered at the turn of the last century with magnificent 27,000 year old paintings. Then into the village of Les Eyzies built right under the remains of a troglodyte settlement with a visit to the museum illustrating this centre of prehistoric humanity. The rest of the afternoon is free with time to paint in this lovely village or to visit Lascaux which is nearby.

May 27 - Sarlat
After breakfast we will take you to the lovely bastide village of Domme, and to Beynac castle. We will have time to paint and sketch in both locations.

May 28 - 29 - Sarlat
Workshops in the beautiful old town. Saturday is Market Day and it's time to indulge in the wonderful old town of Sarlat itself. Make a picnic, we will find some lovely in-town environments to have our workshops.

May 30 - June 1 Depart Bordeaux
After breakfast we will travel west to the great historic Port of Bordeaux with a stop in the lovely old town of Saint-Emilion. Named after the 8th century hermit monk the medieval town proudly stands on a hilltop with our last view of the Dordogne valley.

We will spend two nights in Bordeaux with roots from the Celtic tribes and a colourful history encapsulating Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture. Once the dowry of Eleanor of Aquitaine it still shows its fine wealth and prestige as a world class city.

June 01 - Bordeaux
After breakfast our program is over. We will be happy to assist you in extending your holiday in France or Europe. As a fully licensed travel agency we are happy to assist in arranging your flights and/or any other custom arrangements either before or after this program.

COST

• Price per person (based on sharing twin accommodation) $2889.00 CAD
• Early Booking Bonus - $100.00 CAD per person for deposits received by Oct 30, 2009
• Price is 'LAND ONLY' (We are also happy to assist with flight and
  travel arrangements from anywhere to join up with this program.
• Single rate on request - Limited availability so be sure to book early!

DEPOSIT

• A $500.00 CAD deposit required upon booking of tour. Balance due 70 days prior to departure.

INCLUDED FEATURES

• 1 Night accommodation in Toulouse
• 5 Nights accommodation in Sarlat including 4 dinners
• 2 Nights accommodation in Bordeaux
• All accommodation in charming central hotels with private facilities.
• All transportation in itinerary to: Sarlat, Bordeaux and visits to Rocamadour and Saint Emilion.
• 8 Breakfasts
• 6 Dinners including welcome dinner in Toulouse
• Daily painting workshops by painting instructor - Henry Vyfvinkel
• Fully escorted by Henry Vyfvinkel
• All taxes

EXCLUDED FEATURES

• All Flights and airport transfers (We are also happy to assist with flight and travel arrangements from anywhere to join up with this program.)