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Dordogne Valley, France | September 2009

Join us for 7 days and 6 nights on a unique culinary voyage in the Dordogne River Valley, truly the most beautiful region of the southwest of France – renowned for its well-preserved prehistoric caves, Medieval architecture, and the region’s magnificent culinary contributions to the world: foie gras, duck and truffles.

Historical Significance of the Region:
The long and storied history of the region is evident in the numerous Medieval fortified villages, churches, manors and châteaux, tucked between steep cliffs, river and forests. The River Dordogne threads through the region and allows us to enjoy numerous outdoor activities, including canoeing and hiking. Many historic sites still survive from a local heritage dating back 4,000 years. The villages of Beynac and La Roque-Gageac are officially classed as among “the most beautiful villages in France.” The castle at Castelnaud la Chapelle was a stronghold in the Religious wars; the caves at La Roque-Saint-Christophe were inhabited 40,000 years ago, and again throughout the Bronze Age and in Medieval times. These are but a few of the destinations on our agenda.

Summary of our Voyage:
Based on popular demand, we have decided to again offer our original Culinary Adventure with a few new surprises. This is a very special trip for you – full of culinary and cultural adventure. In addition to having our own French chef to cook with us and for us, and to open our eyes to the bounty of the traditional open-air markets, we will be staying in our own private 18th century chateau, Chateau de Lacoste, overlooking the River Dordogne and the surrounding countryside.
Our itinerary has plenty of choices, allowing you the flexibility to be involved with as much as you want each day – visiting castles and prehistoric caves, canoeing down the Dordogne, visiting the region’s markets – with plenty of time to relax in the gardens of the Chateau or at the poolside. Our voyage includes two cooking classes that will be held in the large chateau kitchen, led of course by Laurent Brazier, Executive Chef instructor at Laguna Culinary Arts. We have planned some fun evenings to take full advantage of our incredible surroundings, with games and music each evening following dinner.

	Monday Group Transfer from Bordeaux train station. Relax after your journey with a sumptuous picnic lunch on the chateau grounds, followed by a tour of the grounds and chateau. Free afternoon to settle in, followed by buffet dinner at the Chateau prepared by chef Laurent Brazier.
	Tuesday Breakfast at the Chateau. Leave for La Roque Gageac, site of prehistoric and medieval caves. Canoe trip down the Dordogne, past the caves, several chateaux, churches and castles to our lunchtime picnic site. Free afternoon to relax poolside, go on a walk, or take an excursion to tour Castlenaud la Chapelle. Aperitif accompanied by optional Petanque lessons, followed by dinner at home.
	Wednesday Breakfast at the Chateau. Join Chef Laurent to explore one of the local markets before enjoying lunch in Domme (the best defended Medieval city of its time). Afternoon options include: Exploring Domme, with free time to shop and tour the churches & caves, or return to the chateau for a walk or relax poolside, Your afternoon cooking class with Chef Laurent is followed by aperitif and dinner. After dinner games and music.
	Thursday Breakfast at the Chateau. Visit to Lascaux II caves (prehistoric cave paintings). Lunch in Montignac, followed by a visit to La Roque-Saint-Christophe cave dwellings. Pool party grill-out at the Chateau – wear your Caribbean best and boogie to French Reggae as we enjoy our dinner under the stars!
	Friday Breakfast at the Chateau. Morning cooking class with Chef Laurent in the Chateau kitchen, followed by lunch at the Chateau. Afternoon options include: visit to Beynac, Petanque, walking/hiking in the region, or relaxing poolside. The evening kicks off with a Bordeaux wine tasting at the Chateau. Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by games and music back at the Chateau.
	Saturday Breakfast at the Chateau. Visit to the Medieval city of Sarlat, including the Saturday market, one of the region’s best. Lunch in Sarlat. Afternoon options include: visit to gardens of Marqueyssac, walking, relaxing by the pool. Farewell dinner party at the Chateau, followed by slide show from the week.
	Sunday Breakfast at the Chateau. Group Transfer to Bordeaux train station. Bon Voyage!

Terms & Conditions
Fees: Your fee includes 2 hands-on cooking lessons with Chef Laurent Brazier (you may also join him in the kitchen at any time while he prepares our meals), accommodations, food and wine at Chateau de Lacoste, and at other restaurants as scheduled, admission to local venues as scheduled, local transportation, and group transfers to and from the Bordeaux railway stations. The price is quoted on a double occupancy basis – a supplement of US $800 is charged for single occupancy, if available.

Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of US $750 per person, made payable to “Laguna Culinary Arts Adventures” is required to secure your booking. Reservations will be confirmed by mail once we receive your signed copy of the booking form, together with the deposit.

Final Payment: The balance of the fee should be received in full by Laguna Culinary Arts Adventures no later than June 30, 2009. A 10% discount is available for full payment by February 2009. If this balance is not paid on time, we reserve the right to regard your reservation as cancelled and retain your deposit.

Cancellations: If we receive written notice of your cancellation 31-60 days prior to departure, (and have also received payment in full for the program), we shall refund 50% of your total fee. There will be no refund for cancellations 30 days or less prior to departure, unless we are able to fill your place with another participant; in this instance, we shall refund all fees received less your original $750 deposit.

In the event that Laguna Culinary Arts Adventures must cancel a trip for any reason, all fees, including deposits, will be returned in full. The costs of any travel arrangements you may have made will however not be reimbursed.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase separate insurance in case you have to cancel your trip, as well as accident, health and baggage and personal effects loss or damage.

Waiver: All participants will be required to sign a Release of Liability Agreement prior to embarkation. Please read this document carefully before signing.

Trip details:
Monday to Sunday, September 7 to September 13, 2009

Cost: $4,200 per person, double occupancy (10% discount for early payment).
$800 single supplement, if available.; $500 credit for rooms without private WC.

Meet the Team

Laurent, Megan and Nancy