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Dordogne Highlights
Dordogne
France
Discover the Dordogne & Vézère valleys: both rich in culture, cuisine and boasting a breathtaking diverse landscape.
From Sarlat, the town of Art & History wander on gentle hiking trails along the Dordogne River lined with beautiful castles and charming historic villages. You will walk among elegant stone houses and through rolling hills of walnut orchards and chestnut forests to the capital of prehistory: Les Eyzies. This is a walk-through the ages leaving plenty of time to explore the sights and taste many culinary treats along the way: Foie gras, truffles, confit, cassoulet and a glass of Bergerac.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gentle walks along the river lined with beautiful chateaux: Milandes, Castelnaud & Beynac
- Discover the capital of prehistory Les Eyzies
- Visit some of the most beautiful villages in France: Domme, La Roque Gageac & Limeuil
Walking Tour
Meeting:
Sarlat
Airport:
Bordeaux
Transfer:
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include:
Accommodations, All breakfasts and 1 dinner, Local transfers described in the itinerary, Emergency phone number & Road Book
A | 2024 | 8 day Self guided walking tour (High) | 8d / 7n | €1000 | $1100 |
Group discount (4-6 pax), pp | (€100) | ($110) |
Single supplement | €450 | $495 |
Solo hiker supplement | €810 | $890 |
B | 2024 | 8 day Self guided walking tour (Low) | 8d / 7n | €960 | $1055 |
Group discount (4-6 pax), pp | (€100) | ($110) |
Single supplement | €440 | $485 |
Solo hiker supplement | €810 | $890 |
Transfer and Other Charges:
2024
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Make your own way to Sarlat on Day 1
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2024
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Possible accommodation upgrade - inquire for rates
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B |
2024
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03/01
- 03/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day Self guided walking to...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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A |
2024
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04/01
- 09/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day Self guided walking to...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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B |
2024
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10/01
- 11/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day Self guided walking to...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
All lunches and most dinners, Drinks, Transfers before and after the trip & Entrance fees
Sample Itinerary: 8-day program - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Your journey begins in Sarlat-la-Canéda the capital of the Périgord Noir with its cobbled streets, picturesque small squares and many architectural treasures. We advise you to start your tour on a Friday or Saturday in order to enjoy the colour and lively weekly market which takes place every Wednesday morning and Saturday all day.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Sarlat
Day 2: Chateau de Commarque & Beune Valley
Transfer to Marquay (15 min) to start your walk in this charming perigourdine village with its typical houses and its fortified church of the 12th & 13th century. You cross deep oak & chestnut forests, followed by small hills punctuated by hamlets. Along the way, you will see rock shelters dug by the River Beune, before arriving at Château de Commarque which stands on a rocky outcroop in a breathtaking landscape. The site even features troglodyte habitats and a prehistoric cave (visit included). Continue your loop back to Marquay and transfer back to Sarlat.
Hiking about 12km (3h15) +330m / -330m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sarlat
Day 3: Beautiful villages of Dordogne Valley
You have two route options today. Either you can start your walk in Beynac (longer walk) or La Roque Gageac (shorter option) - you need to inform the taxi driver when you board the vehicle. From Beynac, a pretty cliff-side village with an impressive château overlooking the Dordogne, you pass wooded hills above the river before you reach La Roque Gageac listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Franc. This village is rich in historic mansions, troglodyte dwellings, and ochre-coloured stone houses with lauze roofs. There’s also the opportunity of a boat ride down the river on a flat bottomed Gabarre, reconstructions of old merchant ships from the 18th century. Stock up on regional delicacies at a nearby duck farm, before reaching Domme, a magnificent bastide town dating from 1283, perched on a vertiginous cliff with golden stones, offering panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley.
OPTION 1 (long) Hiking about 18km (5h) +650m/-500m
OPTION 2 (shorter) Hiking about 11km (2h30) +690m/-670m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Domme
Day 4: Château des Milandes & Château de Castelnaud
A short ride from Domme takes you into the gorgeous countryside to the Château and gardens of Milandes, the former home of Josephine Baker, legendary entertainer of the early 20hth century. You then follow the left bank of the Dordogne to Castelnaud, another beautiful village with its marvelous medieval castle which played an important role during the Hundred Years War. Continue your climb and finish in Domme. Enjoy a stroll through the village’s cobbled streets, fortified gates, towers and the covered market.
Hiking about 13km (3h20) +633m/-554m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Domme
Day 5: Vezere Valley
Today’s walk takes you through the enchanting valley towards Les Eyzies. You can choose to be transferred to Limeuil for a longer walk or directly to Le Bugue for a shorter version. If you go for the longer hike, you start in Limeuil, crossing picturesque landscapes before arriving in Le Bugue located on the Vézère river. Follow many shady woods to St Cirq. Take the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Grotte du Sorcier along the way. Finish your walk in the capital of prehistory Les Eyzies.
OPTION 1 (long) Hiking about 23km (6h15) +414m / 405m
OPTION 2 (shorter) Hiking about 13,5km (3h45) +/-181m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Les Eyzies
Day 6: Prehistoric Remains
Today’s walk is a beautiful discovery of the prehistoric remains around Les Eyzies. You leave the village and walk in the foosteps of the Cro-Magnon, crossing the Gorge d'Enfer valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the Vézère river on your way back to Les Eyzies. Before or after you walk you can visit the National Museum of Prehistory right in the heart of Les Eyzies (entrance not included).
Hiking about 11,5km (3h15) +/-200m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Les Eyzies
Day 7: La Roque Saint Christophe & Saint Léon sur Vézère
For this hiking day you can chose between two options. After breakfast, transfer to Le Moustier (long walk) or to St Leon sur Vezere (short walk). From Le Moustier you walk on the path of prehistory that runs along La Roque Saint Christophe, a unique troglodyte site, before arriving at Saint Léon sur Vézère. There, you can enjoy a refreshing drink or lunch on a café terrace with stunning views over the river. Then, continue walking to the charming village of Montignac, located at the foot of the famous hill of Lascaux.
OPTION 1 (long) Hiking about 20km (5h00) +/-510m
OPTION 2 (shorter) Hiking about 13km (3h15) +366m/-288m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Montignac
Day 8: Lascaux Cave
Today is your departure day, so if you have enough time you can do a short loop hike taking you on the footsteps of our ancestors and straight to the famous LASCAUX II / IV cave (needs to be booked in advance). This is a complete and unpublished replica that houses the oldest paintings of humanity and traces the discovery of the famous ornated cave. Your tour ends after your walk in Montignac.
Hiking about 7km (2h) +/-150m
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Meeting:
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Sarlat
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Airport:
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Bordeaux
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Train station:
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Sarlat
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Transfer:
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Transfers are not available for this trip. You need to make your own way to Sarlat on Day 1.
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Level:
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Easy to Moderate
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Participants:
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Min
2
participants
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Max
6
participants
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Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Walking from 7 to 12km per day with moderate options (up to 23km per day).
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport NoteFranc. more
Sarlat-la-Canéda area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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49
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52
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59
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64
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71
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77
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82
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82
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76
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67
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55
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50
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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36
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36
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40
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43
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50
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55
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58
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58
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53
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49
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41
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37
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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9
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11
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15
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18
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22
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25
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28
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28
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24
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19
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13
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10
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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2
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2
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4
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6
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10
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13
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15
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15
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12
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9
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5
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3
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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10
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8
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9
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10
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10
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8
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5
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6
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7
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9
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9
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9
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The Dordogne/Perigord region benefits from an oceanic influence, allowing a temperate climate and sunshine, which makes it possible to sojourn there pleasantly all year round.
Spring
In the springtime, the rise in temperature and the beneficial rain showers awaken the sleeping nature to reveal glistening flora and protected wildlife.
Summer
In the summer, the 30-degree Celsius average maximum temperature is ideal to take advantage of the region’s tourist assets. Stroll along the edge of the Dordogne’s beaches, visit historic sites...The very mild evenings are the ideal moment to savor the generous gastronomy outdoors.
Some evenings, thunderstorms bring a bit of well-appreciated coolness.
Autumn
Autumn, mild and damp, is a fairyland of colors. The trees adorn themselves with yellow and orange-tinted foliage. It is also the season of numerous flavors and smells, with mushroom gathering in the undergrowth, and the harvest of sun-filled grapes.
Winter
Winter, with a few episodes of intense cold, freezes the landscape for awhile under a thin layer of ice or snow, and makes the frost-covered trees into ephemeral sculptures.
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way.
Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure.
Your package includes standard accommodation (with all basic comfort and services) but it is possible to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations for an extra fee.
Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day trip - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Maison du Notaire Royal in Sarlat
Night 3 & 4: Petits Cousins du Quebec in Domme
Night 5 & 6: Menestrel Guesthouse in Les Eyzies
Night 7: Petit Monde in Montignac
Maison du Notaire Royal in Sarlat
This historic 17th century mansion is located in the heart of Sarlat. It offers 4 tastefully decorated guestrooms with ensuite bathroom and free Wi-Fi
Petits Cousins du Quebec in Domme
This charming medieval house has been recently renovated and provides comfortable bedrooms with private facilities, air conditioning and Wi-Fi access.
Menestrel Guesthouse in Les Eyzies
The spacious guestrooms are all equipped with a private bathroom. TVs are available on request.
Guests can relax in the garden or by the pool in the evening.
Petit Monde in Montignac
This small hotel has 15 comfortable and modern rooms all equipped with a bathroom, a safe, a TV and free internet access. There is a small garden with a pool where clients can cool off in the evening.
Meals
All breakfasts are included.
Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.
Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Level:
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(2
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
2
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Max
6
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Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Walking from 7 to 12km per day with moderate options (up to 23km per day).
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
1 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
No |
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Dordogne Highlights
Tour Code:
ZZ-FR-Hike27
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,100.00
Dates: March to November
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Bordeaux
Activities:
Hiking, sightseeing
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
Download tour PDF
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