Atlantic Route: Bordeaux → Basque Country


Dates

on request

Estimated price

€1,590/person. Up to 6 people

Europe that's hard to put together on your own. This route isn't a random set of dots on a map — it's a complete logic of the Atlantic region. In 7 days we travel from aristocratic Bordeaux through the oyster farms of Arcachon to authentic villages and gastronomic capitals of Spain. This trip is for those who value local identity and professional organization.


Trip geography


Карта авторского тура Бордо — Страна Басков: винный Сент-Эмильон, дюна Пила, Биарриц, скалы Сумайя, остров Гастелугаче и Бильбао.


*Barcelona and Madrid — points of reference on the map.

The script for your best trip

  • Group dinner Bordeaux wine evening travel

    Day 1

    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.

      Activity level:⚡️

  • Bordeaux historic center riverfront guided tour

    Day 2

    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.

      Activity level: ⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: ~ 0 h. 40 m.

  • Dune du Pilat Arcachon oysters Atlantic coast France

    Day 3 

    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.

      Activity level:⚡️⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: ~2 h. 20 m. 

  • Saint-Émilion vineyard wine tasting château Bordeaux region

    Day 4

    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.

      Activity level:⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: ~1 h. 50 m. 

  • Biarritz Atlantic coast promenade San Sebastián sidrería

    Day 5

    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.

      Activity level: ⚡️⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: 3 h. 30 m. 

  • Баскская кухня в Сан-Себастьяне: стейк чулетон, чизкейк и скалы Флиш на побережье.

    Day 6

    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.

      Activity level: ⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: 0 h. 50 m. 

  • Gaztelugatxe island (Dragonstone) and walk through Bilbao with visit to La Ribera market

    Day 7

    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.

      Activity level:⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️  

      Travel time: 2 h. 40 m.

  • Финал путешествия по Северу Испании и трансфер в аэропорт Бильбао.

    Day 8

    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.

      Activity level: ⚡️

What are you paying for?

What's included

● 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

What's not included

● Flights● Lunches and dinners (sidrería dinner is on us)● Travel insurance (around €15)● Everything personal — souvenirs, wine, whatever you want to take home

Guides

  • Marina — Bordeaux region expert and French wine culture specialist, Viajes del Norte team

    Marina

    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.

  • Андрей, организатор и гид по Стране Басков и Северу Испании — команда Viajes del Norte.

    Andrei

    Spain guide

    Architect of atmosphere and movement 5 years in event industry management allow me to run a route with Swiss watch precision. I'm an expert on Northern Spain, specializing in group dynamics. My goal is simple: your only concern on this trip should be which wine to order at dinner.

Reviews

Where else are we going?

Northern Spain in 5 days

Where else are we going?

Gastro adventure across northern Spain

Where else are we going?

Private trip across northern Spain

Where else are we going?

Rioja Wine Experience: the harvest

FAQ

  • 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.