Bordeaux to Bilbao & the Pyrenees
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Depart for Bordeaux via Paris.
Arrive in Bordeaux, enjoy a small driving tour, and settle in our centrally located hotel before free time and a Welcome Dinner.
Spend the day exploring Bordeaux’s neoclassical architecture, tree-lined avenues and timeless quarters along the Garonne River. You’ll have free time to explore the lively streets or charming quaysides. Later, visit the incredible Cité du Vin, an interactive wine museum, for a truly unique cultural experience.
Journey to the picturesque, medieval Saint-Émilion. Explore its historic centre, and enjoy a wine tasting, followed by some time at leisure. Later, we’ll explore the Pomerol region, known for its prestigious wines, for another taste and vineyard visit.
Travel to beautiful Arachon Bay, a pristine lagoon with oyster farms and a bird reserve. We’ll ascend the remarkable Dune of Pilat - Europe’s tallest sand dune, for panoramic views, then enjoy a cruise on the bay and a stroll in the seaside resort town of Arcachon. We finish at the quaint port of Larros in Gujan-Mestras, for a scenic oyster tasting experience.
Travel into the Pyrenees towards Lourdes, a global pilgrimage site for millions annually. Tour the serene Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where thousands of pilgrims take part in a moving torchlight procession each evening.
Travel to the majestic Pyrenees National Park, France’s oldest national park full of biodiversity and breathtaking views. Enjoy a trail walk and take in the rushing streams, waterfalls and ancient pine forest. Later, visit the charming village of Cauterets, famous for its thermal baths, ski resorts and delicious sweets.
Discover the 2000-year-old heritage of Bayonne, including the Gothic cathedral, ramparts, cloister, Château-Vieux, bustling streets and fresh food market. Continue to Biarritz for a three-night stay.
We visit the 19th century aristocratic capital of Biarritz. We’ll see the lighthouse, the Chambre d’Amour, the fisherman’s wharf, the rock of the Virgin and lively city centre. Later, enjoy the ocean vistas or relax at a world-renowned Thalassotherapy centre.
Traverse the Basque Mountains’ timeless countryside, with whitewashed walls and timbered houses, on the way to the villages of Ainhoa and Espelette. There, enjoy a tasting of chef-renowned paprika. Continue to the maritime town of Saint-Jean-deLuz, whose active port is filled with historical architecture. Walk along the bay as your tour takes you to the house of Louis XIV, the Maison de L’Infante, and Church of St. John the Baptist.
Visit the Maritime Heritage Museum in Albaola to learn about Basque whalers and fishermen. Proceed to chic San Sebastian, former meeting place of royals and aristocrats. Take the funicular up the cliff for panoramic views. After a walking tour of the old town, enjoy free time before travelling to Bilbao for four nights.
Tour the Old Quarter and Church of San Nicolas, Santiago Cathedral, Teatro Arriaga, Mercado de la Ribera and neoclassical Plaza Nueva. Next, visit the famous Guggenheim Museum before an afternoon to explore this splendid city at leisure.
We head to the idyllic countryside of La Rioja, with its eclectic wineries designed by world-famous architects, and savour some superb wines. Later, stroll through fortified LaGuardia’s historic town surrounded by lush vineyards and soaring mountains. Enjoy a traditional lunch with Rioja wine!
Visit the Maritime Museum in Bilbao, followed by a scenic cruise on the Nervion River and a visit to the charming coastal town of Getxo, famous for its “hanging bridge”, beaches and historic architecture. Lastly, stroll through the fishing village of Algorta before returning to Bilbao for local drinks and “pintxos”.
Fly home via Paris.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
