Bordeaux to the Basque Country

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bordeaux, Biarritz, San Sebastian with Rioja & Bilbao

This in-depth private tour features the very best wine, culinary and cultural highlights of Bordeaux and 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. Sample local wines during private touring of Bordeaux vineyards, wineries and chateaux in St. Emilion and the Medoc. 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, an elegant seaside resort town in southern France. During private touring, see the highlights of the Pays Basque. In Bayonne, the cultural capital of the region, see half-timber houses and the city walls, visit the cathedral, peruse markets, learn about local culture at the Basque Museum, and sample Bayonne's famous chocolate and smoked ham. Stop in the traditional town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, which has charming shops selling local linens, espadrilles and gourmet food products. Also enjoy free time to relax at the beautiful resort and explore the town's upscale boutiques, excellent restaurants and markets, and scenic coastal paths.

Next you will be transferred into northern Spain to San Sebastian, an elegant seaside resort that's the gastronomic capital of the Basque Country and home of some of the finest cuisine in the world. With your private guide, tour the picturesque historic center and walk along beautiful seaside promenades. Enjoy a private tasting tour that features the city's best pintxos—the Basque version of tapas—and Txakoli, an effervescent white wine from the region. Also enjoy a private tour of a local market followed by a cooking lesson at a private gastronomic society. One day, enjoy a private excursion to La Rioja, one of the world's most renowned wine regions. Drive through vineyards, enjoy wine tastings at some of Spain's top bodegas (wineries), and see outstanding winery buildings designed by celebrated contemporary architects such as Santiago Calatrava and Zaha Hadid. Also enjoy views of the medieval villages and beautiful mountains typical of the Rioja region. Also visit Bilbao, a city renowned for contemporary architecture. Enjoy a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum—a stunning building designed by Frank Gehry—and its art collection. Perhaps have lunch in its Michelin-starred restaurant. Then, see highlights of the Old Town, as well as additional architectural landmarks around the city by Calatrava, Foster and others.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Bordeaux, France Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 2 Bordeaux Full-day private wine touring Day 3 Bordeaux & St. Emilion Full-day private wine touring Day 4 Bordeaux – Biarritz Private transfer to Biarritz for 2 nights, with stops en route Day 5 Biarritz & Bayonne Half-day private excursion Day 6 Biarritz – San Sebastian, Spain Private transfer to San Sebastian for 3 nights, with touring en route. Evening private pintxos tasting tour of Old Town Day 7 San Sebastian Morning private market visit and cooking class at a gastronomic society Day 8 San Sebastian & Rioja wine region Full-day private wine and architecture excursion Day 9 San Sebastian – Depart Bilbao Private transfer to Bilbao for tour of town and the Guggenheim Museum. Continue to airport for onward flight

Hotels

Bordeaux: InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel Biarritz: Hotel du Palais San Sebastian: Hotel Maria Cristina

Cost

Upon request