DETAILS
Savor the appealing charms of celebrated Bordeaux and Basque Country, each hailed for their exceptional gastronomic traditions, on this nine-night journey featuring four nights in Bordeaux, France, and five nights in San Sebastián, Spain. Take in Bordeaux’s elegant, 18th-century architecture, and broaden your wine knowledge at La Cité du Vin, a fascinating, interactive museum. Spend a pleasant day in the vineyard-lined Bordeaux countryside during a visit to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion and an exclusive winery tour. Relish a boat ride in picturesque Arcachon Bay and fresh oysters by the shore. Other French highlights include fashionable Biarritz, Bayonne’s splendid cathedral and lunch at a cider house. In Spain, explore beautiful San Sebastián, renowned for world-class cuisine, and delve into Basque culture at a dinner with residents. In the lovely Rioja Alavesa wine region, stroll through medieval Laguardia, enjoy an alfresco barbecue, and sample fine wines at a winery. You’ll also admire the art collection of the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao!
- Pricing from
- $4,995
Maximum of 28 travelers. Call 800-323-7373 or click here for more details.
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Tours
- Departure Dates
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Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Catalonia Donosti Hotel Housed in a former 18th-century convent, this contemporary hotel offers the comfort, luxury and modern amenities of a boutique property complemented by historic character. Restaurants, shops and landmarks are an easy walk from its prime location. Head to the rooftop terrace and pool for gorgeous views over San Sebastián and Concha Bay. The Aldapeta Gastrobar serves innovative takes on traditional Basque dishes and a hearty breakfast buffet. Feel rejuvenated at the spa, featuring two pools and a steam bath, or the well-outfitted fitness room. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Hôtel de Sèze
Look forward to an exceptional sojourn at this elegant property perfectly situated for easy access to the best of Bordeaux’s dining, shopping and sightseeing. The hotel’s own restaurant, Le Comptoir de Sèze, presents delectable, classic French dishes prepared in the bistronomic style with the freshest local ingredients. Pause for some quiet time at Le Salon des Illustres, a cozy library nook filled with Bordeaux history, or cap off your day with friends at the relaxing Hotel de Sèze Bar. Designed with sophisticated flair, the wonderfully inviting guest rooms offer a peaceful retreat after exciting days and are outfitted with thoughtful amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi.
CANCELLATION–All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
-Cancellation received up to 121 days prior to trip departure will incur a $500 per person administrative fee.
-Cancellation received 120 to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 60-31 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE AND RECOMMENDED. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
Bordeaux, France
Arrive at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, where your AHI Travel representative will be waiting to take you to the Hôtel de Sèze. After getting settled, gather with your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner in the hotel.
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day 3
Bordeaux
Today’s walking tour acquaints you with this dynamic wine capital on the Garonne River that brims with 18th-century architecture. See the Grand Théâtre, the regal Porte Cailhau gate and the Place du Parlement, and gaze across the expansive Miroir d’Eau, a reflecting pool in front of the stately Place de la Bourse. A lunch in town follows the tour. In the afternoon, visit the La Cité du Vin museum for an engaging interactive and sensory journey through all facets of wine culture and winemaking – from wine’s historical impact and influence on the arts to the complexities of viticulture and terroirs around the world. Afterward, enjoy a glass of wine and scenic views over Bordeaux at the museum. Conclude your day with interesting insights from a local expert on Bordeaux’s viniculture and traditions.
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day 4
Saint-Émilion
Set off to Saint-Émilion, a charming medieval town surrounded by vineyards in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region. After a guided walk along its cobblestone lanes, go down inside the atmospheric, underground monolithic church of Saint-Émilion, carved into the rocky hillside by monks in the 12th century. Relax later over lunch in Saint-Émilion before heading to a highly regarded Bordeaux winery to taste fine regional wines.
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day 5
Arcachon Bay
Delight in an excursion today to picturesque Arcachon Bay. Known as Le Bassin by locals, this large, shallow body of water is ideal for oyster farming. Take a jaunt aboard a traditional wooden pinasse boat and see Cap Ferrat and its lighthouse; Dune du Pilat, Europe’s largest sand dune; and the old cabane tchanquées, wooden cabins on stilts built by oyster farmers to watch over their farms. Finish with a sampling of fresh oysters by the shore and then lunch at a nearby restaurant. Return to Bordeaux for leisure time.
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day 6
Bayonne | Biarritz | San Sebastián, Spain
Check out of the hotel this morning and depart for Bayonne, France’s Basque capital at the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers. On a guided walk, visit the splendid Cathedral of Saint Mary of Bayonne noted for its 13th-century cloisters. During the Middle Ages, it was a stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Next, relax over lunch at a cozy cidrerie, or cider house, with your group. Continue to Biarritz. Walk with your guide along the waterfront in this chic French resort town from St. Eugénie Church to Rocher de la Vierge, a rocky outcrop, and see the old fishing port and the medieval watch tower. Travel afterward to San Sebastián and check in to the Catalonia Donosti Hotel.
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day 7
San Sebastián
This morning, take a guided walk in San Sebastián’s old town to admire the baroque Basílica de Santa María del Coro and other landmarks. Stroll along the boardwalk by stunning La Concha Bay before visiting the San Telmo Museum focused on the history of Basque culture. After free time this afternoon, join a local expert who discusses how the Basque people have preserved their distinctive culture and language for thousands of years in this region. Tonight, gather with a diverse group of residents for a delicious dinner and conversation about Basque life.
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day 8
Bilbao
Visit the acclaimed Guggenheim Bilbao, hailed as one of the most important works of contemporary architecture. Designed by Frank Gehry, it features a stunning, curved titanium exterior. After a tour of the museum’s modern art collection, appreciate Bilbao’s world-class architecture on a scenic tour and then enjoy lunch. Return to San Sebastián for free time this evening. Perhaps you’ll choose to dine at a classic Basque restaurant or try the more casual experience of the pintxos (tapas) bars.
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day 9
Laguardia
Today, travel to Laguardia, the capital of Spain’s Rioja Alavesa wine region, and soak up this medieval walled town’s wonderful ambience on a guided walk. See the fortifications, the Romanesque church, the Plaza Mayor and the underground network of wine cellars beneath the town. Enjoy an al fresco barbecue lunch (weather permitting) and finish with a tasting of the region’s excellent wines at an outstanding winery.
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day 10
San Sebastián
The day is yours to plan! Your Travel Director can assist with suggestions. You can also choose to join the Elective Activity to Pamplona. Tonight, celebrate your delightful Bordeaux and Basque Country journey with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Reception and Dinner.
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day 11
Depart for home city
After breakfast, depart for the Bilbao airport for your flights home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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