Flavors of France & Spain

Day One

Depart on your overseas flight for Madrid!

Day Two

Visit Retiro Park, one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful city parks, and explore Madrid’s unique districts filled with culture and charm. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner with wine at one of the city’s traditional Spanish taverns for an authentic taste of Madrid.

Day Three

Our day begins with a guided visit to some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Palacio Real, official residence of the Spanish Monarchs. We’ll continue to the world-renowned Prado Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of masterpieces by legendary artists such as Francisco de Goya, El Greco, and Velázquez—treasures that have inspired visitors for centuries. We’ll also explore the historic Plaza Mayor and its charming surrounding streets, filled with local character and Old-World charm. The afternoon provides the perfect opportunity to discover the creative and vibrant spirit of one of Europe’s greatest capitals. Enjoy a free evening to dine, relax, or uncover more of Madrid at your own pace.

Day Four

Depart Madrid and journey north through the historic region of Castile and León, a land of medieval villages, sweeping vineyards, golden wheat fields, and Gothic church spires punctuating the horizon. Our first stop is the ancient city of Burgos, once the capital of the Kingdom of Castile. Here, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming medieval quarter before visiting the magnificent Cathedral of St. Mary—one of the largest and most stunning Gothic cathedrals in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continuing east, we enter La Rioja, Spain’s premier wine region celebrated around the world for its exceptional vintages. As we travel, you’ll be treated to views of endless vineyards blanketing the countryside. We will stop at a traditional local winery for a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars, followed by a delightful wine tasting experience. This evening, we arrive in the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where we’ll stay in a former monastery beautifully transformed into a luxury hotel—offering a unique blend of history, character, and comfort.

Day Five

Today, we continue our journey north into the lush and captivating Basque Country, beginning with a visit to its largest city, Bilbao. Known for its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, Bilbao boasts a rich cultural heritage, striking architecture, and a proud industrial past. Our visit includes one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the extraordinary Guggenheim Museum. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, this architectural masterpiece is clad in shimmering titanium and houses an impressive collection of contemporary art from international artists. Afterward, we’ll experience Bilbao’s celebrated gastronomic culture with a short food tour through the historic streets. Here, we’ll sample the city’s famous pintxos—delicious bite-sized specialties—along with fresh seafood dishes, all enjoyed in a selection of lively local bars and restaurants. Later in the day, we depart Bilbao and travel along the scenic coastline to the charming fishing village of Lekeitio, which will be our home for the next three nights. Nestled between green rolling hills and bordered by sandy beaches and the Cantabrian Sea, Lekeitio offers a peaceful and authentic Basque experience.

Day Six

Today, we explore the spectacular natural beauty of the Basque Country. Our morning begins with a short scenic drive to one of Europe’s most breathtaking coastal landmarks—the dramatic islet of Gaztelugatxe. Recognizable to many as Dragonstone from the series Game of Thrones, Gaztelugatxe is famed for its small hilltop hermitage dedicated to St. John, linked to the mainland by a winding stone bridge and over 200 steps. Enjoy time to stroll along the rugged shoreline and soak in the sweeping views of the Cantabrian Sea, where crashing waves and dramatic cliffs create unforgettable scenery. In the afternoon, we continue to the historic town of Guernica (Gernika), a symbol of Basque identity and resilience. The town is forever linked to Pablo Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica,” which depicted the tragic bombing of the town during the Spanish Civil War. Despite its turbulent past, Guernica today is full of Basque charm, culture, and character. During our visit, we will explore important landmarks such as the Tree of Guernica, a powerful symbol of Basque freedom and tradition, and the Casa de Juntas, the Basque Parliament House, where regional assemblies have met for centuries.

Day Seven

This morning, enjoy some free time to experience the relaxed charm of Lekeitio. Stroll along its scenic harbor, wander through its narrow coastal streets, or simply enjoy a coffee by the waterfront while watching the fishing boats come and go. It’s a perfect opportunity to appreciate the peaceful rhythm of Basque seaside life. In the afternoon, we travel inland into the green valleys of the Basque countryside, where we’ll discover one of the region’s most traditional and beloved culinary treasures—Basque apple cider. Our destination is a traditional cider house (sagardotegi), where we’ll learn about the production of this naturally fermented drink, a craft that dates back centuries.

Following the tour, we’ll enjoy a Txotx lunch and ceremony. Txotx (pronounced choach) is the Basque word used when tasting cider directly from the barrel—similar to saying “cheers.” During cider season (from late autumn to early summer), cider houses open their doors to share this festive tradition with guests. We’ll sample a variety of ciders straight from the barrel and enjoy a delicious four-course Basque meal, featuring regional specialties made from local produce—an authentic celebration of Basque culture, cuisine, and hospitality.

Day Eight

Today, we depart Lekeitio and travel east along the coast to the elegant city of San Sebastián (Donostia), one of Spain’s most beautiful and celebrated destinations. Nestled along a crescent-shaped bay framed by green hills, San Sebastián is famed for its golden beaches, sophisticated architecture, and world-class cuisine. Our visit begins with a stroll along the iconic La Concha Beach, often ranked among the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe. We will then explore the lively Old Town (Parte Vieja), a charming maze of narrow streets lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, and lively cafés. San Sebastián is also known as the culinary capital of the Basque Country, boasting one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. We’ll enjoy a pintxo food tour, sampling the region’s famous bite-sized creations in traditional local bars while learning about the city’s rich gastronomic culture. It’s easy to understand why, for more than 150 years, San Sebastián was a favored seaside retreat for Spanish and French aristocracy.

Later in the evening, we continue east to the fortified coastal town of Hondarribia, beautifully situated on the Bidasoa River directly across from France. This charming town, filled with colorful Basque houses and medieval streets, has long stood as a crossroads between the two nations. Tonight, we enjoy a unique stay in a 12th-century castle, now transformed into a historic hotel overlooking the scenic bay that separates Spain and France.

Day Nine

Today, we bid farewell to Spain as our journey continues into France. After breakfast, our luggage will be loaded onto the coach, but before we depart, we’ll enjoy one last stroll through the medieval streets of Hondarribia. Walking through its historic quarter toward the harbor, we’ll board a small ferry for a short 3-minute crossing over the bay—an atmospheric and memorable way to reach France. Et voilà—bienvenue en France! Upon arrival on the French side, our coach will be waiting as we begin our discovery of Southwestern France. Our first stop is the historic city of Bayonne, where Basque culture continues across the border. Bayonne is renowned for its impressive Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, a striking Gothic masterpiece with soaring spires and beautiful stained glass. We’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming Old Town, known for its timbered Basque houses, riverside views, and artisan boutiques. Bayonne is also famous for two delicious specialties—fine chocolate and Jambon de Bayonne (cured ham)—so we’ll make time to sample both at traditional local shops. Later in the afternoon, we travel north to the elegant city of Bordeaux, often called the “Paris of the South” and “Sleeping Beauty” for its beautifully restored 18th-century architecture. After checking into our hotel, enjoy a free evening to explore Bordeaux’s grand boulevards, riverside promenades, and inviting cafés at your own pace.

Day Ten

After a delightful evening in Bordeaux, we begin our day with a late-morning walking tour of the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its elegant 18th-century architecture and grand public squares. Our tour includes highlights such as the impressive Bordeaux Cathedral (Saint-André) and the Pey-Berland Tower, as well as the striking Monument aux Girondins, dedicated to the memory of the Girondin deputies of the French Revolution. Following lunch, we continue with a visit to the Musée du Vin et du Négoce (Museum of Wine and Trade), where we’ll explore the fascinating history of Bordeaux’s centuries-old wine industry. Learn how this region became one of the world’s most prestigious wine producers—and enjoy a guided wine tasting showcasing local varieties. The evening is free to discover Bordeaux by night. Perhaps enjoy dinner at one of the city’s charming brasseries, take a stroll along the illuminated Garonne River, or relax in one of the lively café-lined squares.

Day Eleven

Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion to the historic village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most charming medieval towns in all of France. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and centuries of winemaking tradition, Saint-Émilion is a true gem of the Bordeaux wine region. We’ll explore the town’s cobblestone streets, lined with stone houses and wine boutiques, and admire its impressive Romanesque architecture. A highlight of our walking tour includes a visit to the extraordinary Monolithic Church, a remarkable 12th-century structure carved entirely into limestone rock—one of the largest of its kind in Europe. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of a prestigious local wine estate. Here, we’ll learn about the traditional winemaking process, from vine to barrel, and sample some of the world-renowned Saint-Émilion wines that have earned this region global acclaim. Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a history lover, or simply appreciate breathtaking scenery, this day in Saint-Émilion promises to be rich in culture, flavor, and unforgettable experiences

Day Twelve

This morning, we visit La Cité du Vin, an innovative museum dedicated to the culture, history, and art of wine from around the world. Through interactive exhibits and immersive displays, we’ll explore how wine has shaped civilizations across centuries—an educational and engaging experience for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. In the late afternoon, we experience one of Bordeaux’s most unique and captivating attractions: Les Bassins des Lumières. Housed inside a massive former World War II submarine base, this extraordinary digital art center brings masterpieces to life through light, sound, and motion. Surrounded by reflections on water and towering walls, we will be immersed in a stunning multimedia exhibition that transforms art into an unforgettable visual journey. In the evening, we make our way to the banks of the Garonne River for a relaxing river cruise. As we glide along the water, we’ll enjoy a traditional French dinner accompanied by local wines, all while admiring the sparkling night views of Bordeaux’s riverfront. It’s a perfect and memorable way to celebrate our final evening in France.

Day Thirteen

It’s time to say goodbye to Bordeaux and France. But as always, once you visit France, it will enchant you for life, and you will most certainly return. Our tour ends after breakfast. Transfer from our hotel in Bordeaux to Bordeaux airport.