*Barcelona and Madrid — points of reference on the map.
Arrival and first impressions
We arrive in Bordeaux and check in. This day is for recovering from the journey and easing into the trip. In the evening — a group dinner and introductions.
Informal, around the table, with wine and conversations that set the tone for the whole week.
Bordeaux and the Wine Museum
In the morning we explore Bordeaux with a guide: the historic center, the riverfront, the architecture and city details that make you understand how people live here and why the city gets under your skin.
Then — lunch and a break.
In the afternoon we visit the Wine Museum to understand how wine became part of the region's life, not just a drink.
A calm, rich day that leaves you with a complete feel for Bordeaux.
Ocean, dune, oysters
We drive from Bordeaux to the ocean. Arcachon is the oyster capital of France and one of the main resorts on the Atlantic. While everyone heads to the Côte d'Azur, the French come here — for the beaches, seafood, and a relaxed time by the water. We'll walk around and take it all in.
Next — Dune du Pilat. The tallest sand dune in Europe — 100+ meters. We climb to the top: ocean on one side, forest on the other. Great views, photos happen by themselves.
After the dune — oysters. Fresh, straight from the farm. We sit somewhere by the water, order a dozen (or two), lemon, white wine.
Saint-Émilion and wine culture
Today we head to a place where wine is not an industry — it's part of everyday life.
If Bordeaux is the capital, Saint-Émilion is the heart of the region. Kilometers of vineyards and the finest wine, which we taste at a wine château: a tasting and lunch right among the vines.
After — a walk through town, wine shops, old streets, and an evening in Saint-Émilion. Night in Bordeaux.
Road to Spain
Today we have a long drive toward Spain. But first — a stop in Biarritz, a city many have heard of, a pearl on the Atlantic. A short walk, the promenade, and a coffee break.
Then — on to San Sebastián, the most expensive city in Spain. Check-in and dinner at a sidrería with a tasting.
San Sebastián and the cliffs
San Sebastián rarely leaves anyone indifferent — and today you'll understand why. We'll walk through the city and figure out why it's considered the gastronomic capital of Spain and why it's one of the most expensive cities in the country.
Then we head out for a short trip to one of the region's best viewpoints — Zumaia.
In the evening — dinner at an authentic Basque restaurant in San Sebastián.
Bilbao and Dragonstone Island
Today is a packed day — and by evening emotions will be running high. We start in Bilbao — the unofficial capital of the region. The famous Guggenheim Museum and the story of how in 30 years the city went from one of the dirtiest in Europe to a center of contemporary art.
In the afternoon — a walk to Dragonstone Island, the most visited location in the region. The hiking trail is not the easiest, but every step is absolutely worth it.
In the evening we return to San Sebastián.
Farewell
Today we say goodbye to the north — but we leave with a full load of emotions and memories. Last purchases before the journey home and that moment when you just don't want to say goodbye. So we won't. We'll say — until next time.
● Accommodation throughout the route — Bordeaux and San Sebastián● Breakfasts + 1 dinner● All transfers between destinations● We're with you from airport pickup to departure — showing, telling, guiding you along the route● Access to the Wine Museum, oyster farm, château tasting, and Gaztelugatxe island
● Flights● Lunches and dinners (sidrería dinner is on us)● Travel insurance (around €15)● Everything personal — souvenirs, wine, whatever you want to take home
France guide
Insider of the French Atlantic She is based in Bordeaux with direct access to the owners of exclusive Grand Cru châteaux. I don't quote guidebooks — I show the region from the inside. My expertise: the cultural anthropology of wine and connections that open doors closed to regular tourists.
We start in Bordeaux and finish in Bilbao — both with airport and bus station pickup. We can also arrange pickup in other cities, just let us know. Prefer it the other way around — start in Bilbao, finish in Bordeaux? That works too, as a private tour format.
This is a private tour available on request only.
— Group tour (up to 6 people): from €1,590/person
— Private tour (up to 3 people): from €1,990/person
— Fewer than 3 people: contact us for a custom quote
Reserve your spot with €300 now — pay the rest on arrival. Or pay 100% upfront, whichever works for you. We accept PayPal, cards, crypto, and cash.
Your deposit is fully refunded if you cancel 60 days or more before the trip. After that — no refund. We recommend travel insurance — it covers unexpected situations.
The program is balanced — sightseeing and rest in equal measure. The most active day is Gaztelugatxe: steps down and back up, about 1.5-2 hours. Everything else is easy-paced walking. No special fitness required — comfortable shoes are a must.
Yes. Best age is 10 and up. The itinerary works for both adults and teenagers. At wineries, kids are offered non-alcoholic drinks. For younger children, a private tour format works better — more flexible pace.
3-star hotels with breakfast in central Bordeaux and central San Sebastián. Everything is within walking distance.
Marina leads the group through France — from Bordeaux to Biarritz. In Biarritz, Andrei takes over and guides you through the entire Basque Country. No gaps, no downtime — one of us is with you at all times.
Yes. Private Bordeaux to Basque Country tour for up to 3 people — from €1,990/person. Fewer than 3 — contact us for pricing. Same itinerary, just your group only.
We'll match you with a roommate from the group. Want your own room — add approximately +20% to the price. Solo travelers are common in our tours and always fit right in.