Arrival and hotel check-in

Arrive in Bordeaux by high-speed TGV from Paris (approximately 2 hours) or by direct international flight. Transfer to the centrally located 4-star boutique hotel.

Guided city walking tour

An expert local guide leads a captivating tour through Bordeaux's beautifully preserved historic centre. Highlights include the Roman-era Palais Gallien amphitheatre, the medieval Saint-Seurin Basilica and Saint-André Cathedral, the grand Cailhau Gate, the neoclassical Grand Théâtre, the elegant Tourny Alleys, and the breathtaking Place de la Bourse — symbol of Bordeaux's opulent 18th-century Golden Age. Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street and the sleek modern lift bridge complete the picture of a city that wears its history and ambition with equal confidence.

Welcome dinner

A convivial welcome dinner brings the group together for the first time — the perfect beginning to an exceptional journey.

Pinasse boat cruise

Embark on a private cruise aboard a traditional pinasse — an iconic wooden vessel of the Arcachon Bay — gliding across tranquil waters with views of the Dune du Pilat, the quaint oyster farms, and the picturesque Île aux Oiseaux with its charming stilted cabins.

Oyster village seafood lunch

A traditional waterfront lunch at an authentic oyster village: fresh Arcachon oysters, prawns, pâté, and local wine served in a relaxed setting beside the water.

Free afternoon in Bordeaux

Return to Bordeaux for an afternoon to explore independently — the city's art museums, vibrant markets, river views, and remarkable architecture offer plenty to discover at leisure.

Scenic drive to St-Émilion wine region

A private driver-guide transfers the group from Bordeaux through the vineyards to the St-Émilion wine region.

Grand Cru winery visit and tasting

A private visit and tasting at a prestigious Grand Cru estate in the St-Émilion wine region — one of the oldest wine-producing appellations in Bordeaux, with a history tracing back to Roman times.

Vineyard lunch

A gourmet lunch at a restaurant nestled in the St-Émilion vineyards — French cuisine crafted from local ingredients, paired with the region's exceptional wines against panoramic vineyard views.

St-Émilion walking tour

An afternoon walking tour through the maze of narrow cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage village, past remnants of medieval monasteries, convents, and the striking limestone church at the heart of the village.

Underground monuments tour

A fascinating exploration of St-Émilion's impressive underground monuments — carved chalk galleries and chambers that add to the town's extraordinary historic character.

Private wine tasting

An exclusive tasting in a celebrated wine cellar in the heart of St-Émilion — a guided selection of St-Émilion and Pomerol wines led by a local wine expert.

Bayonne

A guided tour through the UNESCO-listed Bayonne Cathedral, the bustling Les Halles market, and the scenic canals of this remarkable town at the crossroads of Gascon and Basque cultures. Time to browse artisan chocolate shops — Bayonne is the birthplace of European chocolate.

Biarritz

A stroll along the beach and through the elegant streets of this glamorous seaside town, once favoured by European royalty and still sparkling with belle époque and art deco architecture. Lunch at a lively spot near Les Halles market, specialising in fresh seafood and local Basque specialities.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

A coffee break in this charming Basque fishing village, soaking in its relaxed yet vibrant coastal atmosphere before heading south.

Arrival in San Sebastián

Check in to the centrally located 4-star boutique hotel.

Evening pintxos tour

An informal dinner in the form of a guided pintxos tour through the old town of San Sebastián — four pintxos paired with three Spanish wines (or non-alcoholic alternatives) across up to three bars, with a private guide sharing stories of the city's history and culture along the way.

Scenic city drive — iconic viewpoints

A drive to San Sebastián's most celebrated vantage points: Monte Igueldo (overlooking the crescent sweep of La Concha Bay), the Peine del Viento wind comb sculptures by Eduardo Chillida (dramatically positioned against the crashing waves of the Cantabrian Sea), and Zurriola Beach with the striking Kursaal Congress Centre.

Old Town walking tour (Parte Vieja)

A guided stroll through the most atmospheric quarter of San Sebastián — the heart of the city's pintxos bar culture. Highlights include Plaza de la Constitución, the city's oldest church (San Vicente), the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, and the legendary narrow streets lined with bar after bar of extraordinary food.

Exclusive lunch at a private gastronomic club (txoko)

The centrepiece of the day — lunch at a private gastronomic society, a txoko, where locals gather to cook, eat, and celebrate Basque cuisine in an intimate setting usually closed to outsiders. Watch expert chefs prepare traditional dishes, enjoy a multi-course meal featuring seasonal local ingredients, and pair the food with local wines in a setting that captures the true spirit of Basque hospitality.

Afternoon at leisure

The afternoon is free to explore San Sebastián independently — stroll La Concha Beach, wander the Gros district, browse the old town, or seek out a traditional cider house for an authentic local experience.

Scenic drive to La Rioja

A private driver-guide collects the group from the hotel in San Sebastián for a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to La Rioja.

Classic Rioja winery — visit and tasting

A private visit and tasting at a boutique winery in the renowned Haro area, producing a wide range of premium wines from terroir-driven cuvées to classic Gran Reservas. The vineyards capture the essence of Rioja Alta's distinctive landscape.

Boutique winery tastings

Visits to two additional boutique wineries — one classic Rioja style and one small family-owned producer — for intimate tasting experiences featuring wines of the highest quality.

Traditional Riojan tapas lunch

A traditional lunch of hot and cold Riojan tapas paired with Rioja red wines at one of the wineries — served either on a terrace overlooking the vineyards or in a private cellar carved into the bedrock, depending on the season.

Laguardia

An afternoon exploring the medieval hilltop town of Laguardia, surrounded by 13th-century walls and lined with Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical buildings — a remarkably well-preserved Basque village rising from a sea of vines.

Iconic wine architecture

A drive past two architecturally celebrated wineries: one designed by Santiago Calatrava and one by Frank Gehry — two of the most photographed buildings in the wine world.

Checkout and departure

After breakfast and hotel checkout, the group departs San Sebastián along the Basque coast.

Zumaia — Flysch cliffs

A stop at the world-famous Flysch cliffs — a 60-million-year-old rock formation of extraordinary geological importance, with dramatic panoramic views of the rugged Atlantic coastline. The San Telmo Hermitage, perched on the clifftop, adds to the spectacle.

Getaria — Txakoli winery tasting

A visit to a family-run winery overlooking the sea in the Getaria Txakoli appellation — home to the lightly sparkling, crisp white wine that perfectly accompanies the region's fresh seafood. A guided tasting looks at what makes this coastal wine so distinctive.

Winery lunch with ocean views

A long, relaxed lunch at the winery featuring local specialities — anchovies, fresh tuna, cured meats, and cheese — paired with Txakoli, with views across the vineyards and the Atlantic Ocean.

Getaria fishing village

A walk through the charming medieval streets and fishing port of Getaria — birthplace of the great navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano and the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Fresh seafood, a fascinating museum, and a quietly proud fishing community.

Arrival in Bilbao

A scenic one-hour drive to Bilbao, arriving in the early evening.

Evening pintxos tour

A guided tour of Bilbao's old quarter for pintxos and local wines — four pintxos paired with three Spanish wines across three bars, discovering Bilbao's food culture with a knowledgeable local guide.

Casco Viejo walking tour

A 2.5-hour guided walk through the charming, narrow streets of Bilbao's old quarter — visiting Plaza Nueva, the Catedral de Santiago, the bustling La Ribera Market, and San Antón Church, each revealing a layer of the city's proud history.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Skip-the-line entry and a one-hour guided tour of Frank Gehry's titanium masterpiece — the building credited with triggering the 'Bilbao Effect' and transforming a post-industrial city into one of Europe's most visited cultural destinations. The collection spans sculpture, installation, and painting from leading international and Basque artists.

Afternoon at leisure

A free afternoon to explore at will — the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Alhóndiga cultural centre, the café culture of Plaza Moyúa, or simply a final wander through the old town.

Farewell dinner

A celebratory farewell dinner to mark the end of an exceptional journey through France and Spain.

Breakfast and checkout

Final breakfast at the hotel in Bilbao. The programme concludes and travellers depart independently.

Onward travel

Bilbao Airport connects directly to major European hubs. Extensions to Madrid, Barcelona, Portugal, or the Balearic Islands can be arranged — enquire at the time of booking.