Settle into the good life in one of France’s most charming cities. With its rosy-hued architecture and laid-back vibe, Toulouse makes the perfect home base for a week of slow travel, great food, and cultural discovery. Unpack once and soak it all in — from café-lined squares and riverside strolls to day trips that bring you to the fairytale walls of Carcassonne, the sacred sites of Lourdes, and the UNESCO treasures of Albi. This is your chance to live like a local in the heart of the French south — and fall for everything it has to offer.
Travel Style
Local Living
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Toulouse Food Tour, Toulouse. Orientation walk of Toulouse. Guided walking tour Carcassonne. Walking touf Albi with a local guide. Free time in Albi. Guided walking tour in Lourdes. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and grotto visit. Free time in Toulouse. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Stroll the sun-soaked streets of Toulouse and discover why it’s called the Pink City, Explore the medieval hilltop fortress of Carcassonne and take in the panoramic views, Visit Lourdes a place of pilgrimage and quiet reflection, Wander the UNESCO-listed town of Albi known for its stunning cathedral and artistic legacy
How large will the group be?
Max 14, average 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
6 breakfasts
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Train, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (6 nts).
Itinerary
Toulouse
Arrive at any time. Meet your fellow travellers at an evening welcome meeting, then set off with your CEO to explore Toulouse on a short orientation walk. Welcome to Toulouse, nicknamed "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) in response to the prevalent pink bricks. As fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until a group meeting this evening. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city before connecting with your fellow travel mates and enjoying an orientation walk with your CEO.
Toulouse
Set off on foot to discover the neighbourhoods and food scene of Toulouse like a local. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling Victor Hugo Market and sample some of the most mouth-watering treats and fresh ingredients around. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore some of the city's many highlights, museums and parks.
Carcassonne / Toulouse
Climb aboard a local train this morning and set off through vineyards and olive groves for Carcassonne, a beautifully preserved medieval city known as "La Cité." Head out on foot on a walking tour of the area to learn about what makes it so special before some free time to explore on your own. Return by train to Toulouse in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.
Albi / Toulouse
Set off again by local train for the short trip to Albi, an historic town located on the Tarb River. Discover Albi's charm and history on a guided walking tour along its medieval streets lined with beautiful buildings and intricate architecture. Enjoy some free time to choose from some of the many wonderful restaurants and cafes or to walk along the river before returning to Toulouse for the evening.
Lourdes / Toulouse
Set off today for Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in France. This quaint town is nestled in the foothills of the French Pyrenees mountains, at the base of the Pic du Jer. Head off on a walking tour and discover the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, visiting the sanctuary and the grotto. Enjoy free time to explore the town before returning to Toulouse in the late afternoon.
Toulouse
Take advantage of a full free day in Toulouse to explore on your own or relax in one of the city's many charming cafes to watch the world go by. Perhaps visit the Cité de l'Espace, Halle de la Machine, or the Aeroscopia experience, or join your CEO on a trip to Foix, a medieval gem said to be the gateway to the Pyrenees and home to the largest navigable subterranean river in Europe. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out on the town.
Toulouse
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
