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 Amsterdam.
Arrive in Bordeaux, enjoy a small driving tour, and settle in our centrally located hotel before free time and a Welcome Dinner.
Walk through Bordeaux charismatic quarters. See the Girondins Monument, the Grand Theatre, Place de la Bourse and the Mirroir d’Eau, the Hôtels Particuliers (mansions), Porte Cailhau, Parliament Place, Saint-André Cathedral and the City Hall, formely the Palais Rohan. The afternoon is free to perhaps visit Bordeaux’s main attractions and museums, do some shopping in quaint rue des Remparts or take a stroll on the promenade along the Garonne River with its charming quaysides.
Journey to the pretty medieval village of Saint-Émilion. Explore the historic centre and a winery for a taste of the region’s exquisite red wine, followed by some free time to enjoy lunch at one of the lovely bistros. Later, we’ll explore the Pomerol region, known for its prestigious wines, for another taste and vineyard visit.
Head towards Arcachon Bay, a pristine lagoon with oyster farms and a bird reserve. We’ll ascend the impressive Dune of Pilat for panoramic views, then enjoy a stroll in the seaside resort town of Arcachon and a cruise on the Bay. We conclude the day with a glass of wine and 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.
Explore 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.
First discover the 2000-year-old heritage of the beautiful town of Bayonne including its remparts, cloister, Château-Vieux, bustling streets and food market. Afterwards, continue to Biarritz, a favourite beach gateway since the mid-19th century.
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.
This morning take in the old fishing town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz whose active port is filled with historical architecture. Walk along the bay as your tour takes you to the Grande Plage, Place Louis XIV, the Church of St. John the Baptist and more. Enjoy some free time and then traverse the Basque Mountains to the typical villages of Ainhoa and Espelette with whitewashed walls and timbered houses. Here we visit a pepper farm and enjoy a tasting of Chef-renowned paprika.
Visit the unique Albaola Maritime Culture Factory, learn about Basque whalers and fisherman heritage and craftmanship. Then proceed to chic San Sebastian, former meeting place of royals and aristocrats. Take in the panoramic view from Monte Igualdo and enjoy a waling tour of the quaint old town with free time. Continue to Bilbao for the last 4 nights.
Tour the Old Quarter and Church of San Nicolas, Teatro Arriaga, Plaza Nueva and lively Ribera Mercado. 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 more Rioja wine!
This afternoon, visit the charming town of Getxo, famous for its “hanging bridge”, beaches, and iconic architecture. Then embark on a cruise on the Nervion River followed by a stroll through the fishing village of Algorta. Lastly, visit the Maritime Museum in Bilbao and our Farewell Dinner.
Fly home via Amsterdam.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 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).
