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Albi, Carcassonne and the Tarn Countryside

Discover the rich cultural tapestry of southwest France on this expertly curated journey through historic towns, vineyards, and UNESCO treasures.

From the riverside charm of Albi and the fairytale streets of Cordes-sur-Ciel to the medieval splendour of Carcassonne, each day reveals a new highlight. Enjoy wine tastings in Gaillac, a scenic Canal du Midi cruise, and immersive guided tours, making this new tour a truly memorable escape.

From

£2,465

per person

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what’s included

At A Glance

  • The Travel Editions Experience
    Our tours are thoughtfully crafted and meticulously planned, with every destination, hotel, excursion and stop along the way having been selected to form a truly memorable experience.
  • Meals Included
    All breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners     (one is a cold plated supper).
  • Handpicked Accommodation
    Seven nights’ accommodation at the four-star Mercure Albi Rives du Tarn, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
  • Discover Albi, Carcassonne and the Tarn Countryside
    Explore the historic towns, vineyards and UNESCO treasures of southwest France from a riverside base in Albi. Highlights include Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, hilltop Cordes-sur-Ciel, a Gaillac wine experience, the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, Toulouse, a scenic Canal du Midi cruise, Montauban and the Musée Ingres Bourdelle.
  • Tours, Transfers & Entrance Fees
    All tours, transfers and entrance fees are included as detailed.     Tour Manager throughout.
  • Rail travel from the UK
    Return Eurostar/TGV London St Pancras to Toulouse via Paris
itinerary & excursions

Your Itinerary

Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.

Day 1: Journey by Rail to Albi

Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, continuing by rail to Toulouse. Transfer to your hotel in Albi on arrival, where a welcome drink and light evening plate is served.

Day 2: Albi and Sainte-Cécile Cathedral

We begin our exploration with a private guided walking tour of Albi, a UNESCO-listed jewel on the banks of the Tarn. Stroll through its atmospheric streets of warm red-brick architecture as your guide brings the town’s rich history to life. A highlight of the morning is a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile, an imposing Gothic masterpiece and the largest brick cathedral in the world, renowned for its ornate interior, vivid frescoes, and intricately carved choir screen. 

The afternoon is free to explore independently – walk along the riverbanks, browse local boutiques, or visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, dedicated to the celebrated artist born in Albi. Dinner with wine is served at the hotel.

Day 3: Cordes-sur-Ciel, Gaillac Wine and Lisle-sur-Tarn

This morning, journey into the countryside to visit the beautiful hilltop village of Cordes-sur-Ciel. Perched high above the surrounding valleys, this medieval gem is famed for its steep cobbled streets, Gothic façades, artisan workshops, and sweeping views. You may choose to ascend via the optional tourist train or explore on foot at your own pace.

Continue to the Gaillac wine region for a guided winery tour, tasting, and gourmet buffet lunch. Later, visit the charming bastide town of Lisle-sur-Tarn, followed by a visit to the chocolate museum with tasting.

Day 4: Carcassonne and the Château des Plantes

Today we travel to Carcassonne for a private guided tour of this remarkably preserved medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along its impressive double walls and discover the history of its towers, ramparts, and narrow streets. Entrance is included to the historic Count’s Castle. 

In the afternoon, continue to the Château des Plantes estate. Here, you will be introduced to the fascinating tradition of woad cultivation, once the source of the famous “blue gold” dye of the region. Learn about the historical importance of this crop and observe traditional dyeing techniques that have been revived in recent years.

Day 5: Toulouse and Canal du Midi Cruise

Today we travel to Toulouse for a guided walking tour of its elegant squares, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere. Along the way, we enjoy some local food tastings. After free time for lunch, enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Canal du Midi with appetisers and a sparkling kir. 

View from the palace of Berbie in Albi

Day 6: Albi at Leisure

A full day at leisure to explore Albi at your own pace. You may wish to visit the bustling local market which offers fresh produce, regional delicacies, and artisanal crafts. Alternatively, spend time revisiting favourite sites, exploring museums, or simply relaxing in one of the town’s many cafés while soaking up the ambience of this picturesque riverside setting.

Day 7: Montauban and the Musée Ingres-Bourdelle

Depart for Montauban, a town rich in history and known for its elegant squares and pastel-hued architecture. A guided walking tour introduces us to its highlights, including the Place Nationale with its distinctive arcades and the historic Pont Vieux spanning the Tarn River. 

After free time for lunch, visit the Musée Ingres Bourdelle, which houses an exceptional collection of fine art and sculpture, celebrating the works of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and Antoine Bourdelle, both natives of the town.

Day 8: Return by Rail to London

Transfer to the station at Toulouse for your return journey via Paris, travelling by Eurostar back to St Pancras.

Availability

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Date
Departing From
Price From
Availability
19/04/2027
London St Pancras
£2,465
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01/09/2027
London St Pancras
£2,465
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Solo Traveller Supplement From: £390
Destination
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HOTELS

Tour Accommodation

Mercure Albi Rives du Tarn, Albi
This four-star hotel enjoys a riverside location just a short walk from Albi’s historic centre, with views across the Tarn to the UNESCO-listed cathedral. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century watermill, the hotel combines historic red-brick character with modern comfort. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and well equipped, featuring tea/coffee making facilities, safe, minibar, TV and hairdryer, offering a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Albi.

Hotel Website   

our regular tours

Mobility Information

This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
 
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
 
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.

Mobility Information
Your questions answered

Tour FAQ

If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.

Simply complete our online booking form or give us a call on 020 7251 0045 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday where you can speak to a real person. A 20% deposit per person is required at the time of booking, to book your place. Payments by debit card or credit card incur no charge. 

You must pay for the balance of your holiday at least 12 weeks before departure. Please note: no reminder for balance payments is sent to you and are not receipted unless requested. If you book your holiday within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at time of booking. Please note that some tours may require final payment to be paid earlier than 12 weeks, due to financial commitment with suppliers. The exact date will be notified to you at the time of booking. Final joining instructions and documentation will be dispatched approximately 10 days before travel.

In almost all cases, the price includes your accommodation, meals as described in the itinerary, all excursions shown in the programme, and travel arrangements from the UK. Excursions are taken by private coach exclusively for Travel Editions guests. If anything is ever excluded from the price, it will be clearly marked as optional and payable locally, you won’t find any hidden extras on your final bill. Travel Editions operates a firm no-surcharge policy, so the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

The specifics vary by tour and are set out in your individual itinerary, but most of our tours depart from London, either by Eurostar from St Pancras International or by air. For rail tours, we advise allowing at least one hour before the Eurostar departure when planning your journey to London. For flights, all costs are based on economy class unless otherwise stated, and all times shown are local time. For tours in the UK, these often start at the hotel in question.

Flight upgrades and connections from regional airports are available on request and subject to availability, contact us on 020 7251 0045 or at tours@traveleditions.co.uk for details. We strongly recommend not booking non-refundable connecting travel until you have received your final joining instructions, which are sent around 10 days before departure and confirm all timings and meeting points.

Yes, and you’re very welcome. Single room supplements apply on most tours, reflecting the fact that single and double rooms are generally priced similarly by hotels. If you would prefer to share with another solo traveller of the same gender, we are happy to arrange this, simply let us know at the time of booking. Sharing is subject to another traveller in the same situation being booked on the same tour.

Each tour is accompanied by a dedicated tour manager, who in most cases will travel out from the UK with the group. On some tours, the tour manager will meet you at your destination station or airport, with full details being confirmed in your joining instructions 10 days before travel. Many of our tours are also led by expert lecturers or specialist guides whose knowledge brings each destination to life; details of who will be accompanying your particular tour are included in the individual tour pages and itineraries.

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Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.

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Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.

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