(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Bordeaux, Biarritz, San Sebastian & Bilbao
This in-depth private tour features the very best of the Basque region in France and Spain.
Begin in Bordeaux, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Enjoy a private walking tour of the city of Bordeaux, a historic port on the banks of the Garonne River. Tour highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site such as well-preserved 18th-century architecture, ancient churches, shopping streets, excellent museums and surprising contemporary additions to the cityscape. One day, sample local wines during a private tour of Bordeaux vineyards, wineries and chateaux. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange meetings with local winemakers, vertical flight wine tastings, meals in Michelin-star restaurants with wine pairings and more, upon request.
Continue to Biarritz, a famed resort town in the French Basque Country, and stay at a luxury Belle Epoque-era hotel on the beach. One day, enjoy a private excursion in the Pays Basque. Perhaps visit Pyrenees mountain villages such as Espelette and Sare, or tour the town of Bayonne to see half-timbered houses, peruse local markets, see the cathedral and city walls, learn about local culture at the Basque Museum, and sample the town’s famous chocolate and smoked ham.
Continue to San Sebastian, an elegant seaside resort near the border of France that is the gastronomic capital of the Basque Country. Tour the picturesque old town, and browse local produce and fish markets. Basque cuisine is generally considered to be Spain’s finest and on this tour you will have ample opportunity to sample the local specialties. Take a class at a private cooking club, and enjoy a private tasting of the region’s delicious pintxos—the Basque version of tapas—and Txakoli, a local, slightly sparkling white wine.
One day, enjoy an excursion to Bilbao, one of the most architecturally progressive towns in Spain. Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a stunning building of swooping titanium curves designed by Frank Gehry. After a private tour of the museum’s art collection, perhaps enjoy dining in its Michelin-starred restaurant. Also visit other interesting architectural and cultural sites in Bilbao before returning to San Sebastian.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Bordeaux
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour
Day 2
Bordeaux
Full-day private excursion to wine country
Day 3
Bordeaux – Biarritz
Private transfer to Biarritz for 2 nights
Day 4
Biarritz
Half-day private tour of the Pays Basque
Day 5
Biarritz- San Sebastian
Private transfer to San Sebastian for 3 nights. Afternoon private tour
Day 6
San Sebastian
Morning private market visit and cooking class. Evening pintxos tour
