Day 1: Welcome to Bordeaux
Arrive in Bordeaux, a city shaped by its wine trade, broad boulevards and grand riverside setting. Join your Travel Director for an orientation through the city centre, seeing the Opéra National, Place des Quinconces and the Monument aux Girondins before a stroll along the Garonne to Place de la Bourse. This evening, get to know your fellow Small Group travellers over dinner and your first taste of the region’s cuisine. (D)
Day 2: Markets and Vineyards
Dive into Culture as you visit Libourne’s Sunday market, where stalls are filled with fresh produce, cheeses and regional specialities. Then drive through the Dordogne to Saint-Émilion, part of the UNESCO-listed Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion. Explore the village’s narrow streets, browse wine shops and cafes. Back in Bordeaux, your evening is free for dinner around Saint-Pierre or to explore Cathédrale Saint-André. (B)
Day 3: The Tallest Dune in Europe
Begin at the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe, for wide views over the Bassin d’Arcachon. Then continue to Arcachon, where you could walk the seafront, try local oysters and take in views over the basin before travelling on through Les Landes to Biarritz. On arrival, join your Travel Director for an orientation of this elegant Basque resort, including the lighthouse and a first look at the coastline. This evening, stay local or join an Optional Experience with a ride on the Petit Train de Biarritz followed by dinner. (B)
Day 4: Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz
Head into the Basque mountains and, if you choose, join an Optional Experience to La Rhune, where a historic rack railway climbs to the summit for wide views across the Basque Country. Later, continue to Saint-Jean-de-Luz for an orientation with your Travel Director through this handsome coastal town. See the market, taste a macaron from Maison Adam, whose name has been linked to the town since 1660, and visit the church where Louis XIV was married. Then return to Biarritz, where the evening is yours for dinner, drinks or a walk along the seafront. (B)
Day 5: Across the French Border to San Sebastián
Cross into Spain and arrive in Hondarribia, where an orientation introduces the old town’s colourful houses, historic streets and strong Basque character. You may want to use your free time here for a Spanish coffee and pastries before continuing to San Sebastián. There, join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the city, taking in its elegant centre and famous bay. (B,D)
Day 6: Walk the Camino
Walk part of the Camino del Norte between Zumaia and Getaria, following one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Continue along the Basque coast past cliffs, sea views and vineyard-covered slopes before arriving in Getaria, where fishing traditions and txakoli vineyards shape daily life. Spend time exploring the harbour and historic streets before your Be My Guest experience with a local fishing family, where the day’s catch, grilled seafood and the flavours of the Cantabrian coast take centre stage. (B,L)
Day 7: Picasso’s Basque Heritage and Bilbao
Visit Guernica, one of the most important symbols of Basque identity, and join a Local Specialist to explore its powerful history. See the Tree of Guernica and the Assembly House, long linked to Basque self-government and freedoms. During your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet local elders whose stories help preserve Basque heritage and cultural memory. Enjoy time to discover more of the town at your own pace before continuing to Bilbao. Get your bearings with an orientation of the city, then spend the evening as you like. Later, head into the old town for dinner and drinks, stroll along the river or make the most of Bilbao’s lively bar scene. (B)
Day 8: Art and Culture in Bilbao
Continue to La Ribera Market, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, seafood and local specialities. Later, you’ll have free time to keep exploring Bilbao, whether that’s spending more time in the old town or admiring the views along the river, before coming together this evening for dinner with your fellow travellers. (B,D)
Day 9: Adiós Bilbao
After your Small Group journey through southwest France and northern Spain, say goodbye to Bilbao this morning as you prepare for your onward travels. (B)
