Bordeaux and the Dordogne Valley in Spring

Apr, 2027

10 days | France | alumni UBC Travel Club

We're putting finishing touches on this exciting tour. Please register your interest here to be the first to receive a detailed itinerary.

In April, southwestern France comes into its own as vineyards reawaken, medieval towns emerge from winter quiet, and the Dordogne’s valleys take on the fresh greens of early spring. This is a particularly timely moment to explore Bordeaux, coinciding with the annual release of the region’s new white wines—an ideal opportunity to taste fresh vintages while gaining insight into one of the world’s most influential wine cultures. Over ten thoughtfully paced days, this journey moves between renowned vineyards and timeless landscapes, offering a seasonally attuned introduction to Bordeaux and the Dordogne.

Bordeaux is long celebrated for its great red wines, yet today it is equally compelling for its refined dry whites and elegant sweet wines. The tour explores both Left and Right Bank appellations—Médoc, Sauternes, and SaintÉmilion—through tastings, visits with producers, and a handson blending workshop. Time in the city reveals another dimension through its elegant architecture, vibrant food scene, and The Cité du Vin, before the journey continues east into the Dordogne Valley, where prehistoric cave art, honeycoloured stone villages, hilltop castles, and longestablished culinary traditions define the rhythm of rural France.

Throughout the tour, accommodations are carefully selected to reflect the character of each region, from central Bordeaux hotels to countryside retreats. Experiences range from formal gardens and truffle estates to cooking classes, market visits, and a leisurely river cruise. With mild weather, fewer crowds, and the pleasures of spring produce, April offers especially favourable conditions for discovery. Join Joanne Sasvari and fellow travellers for a journey shaped by expert insight, shared curiosity, and a deep appreciation of wine, culture, and place—an engaging opportunity to experience Bordeaux and the Dordogne at a rewarding and unhurried pace.

For travellers residing outside of Ontario, Manulife Travel Insurance is now available through alumni UBC. Please click here for more information and to protect your travel investment.

Tour Cost (per person):

TBA

Group Size:

12 - 16 participants

What’s included: Accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and activities as per the detailed itinerary; wine with meals; ground transportation; entrance fees; expert local guides; gratuities for guides, driver, and included meals; all taxes; services of your alumni UBC Study Leader Joanne Sasvari; fully escorted by our English-speaking French Tour Director

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Arrive Bordeaux
2	Bordeaux
3	Bordeaux - Médoc and Sauternes
4	Bordeaux - SaintÉmilion / Dordogne Valley
5	Vézère Valley and Lascaux
6	Eyrignac Gardens - Truffle Estate - Rocamadour
7	Dordogne Valley (Cooking Class, Castles and Wine)
8	Sarlat - Domme - Dordogne River
9	Bergerac - Return to Bordeaux
10	Depart Bordeaux

Your Tour Leader

Joanne Sasvari is a Victoria, BC–based food, drink, and travel writer with a background in Art History from UBC. She edits YAM, Vitis, and The Alchemist, and contributes to Edible Vancouver, Food & Wine, Postmedia, and Shondaland. Author of several books, including The Wickaninnish Cookbook and Okanagan Eats, she holds WSET Level 3 certification. Joanne has travelled extensively in France’s wine regions, exploring the links between history, terroir, and what’s in the glass.