France, Basque Country and Spanish Mediterranean
Your curated experience begins with sipping champagne in Épernay before meandering through the storybook châteaux of the Loire Valley. In Bordeaux, we explore cobbled lanes, neoclassical facades and sip world-class wine at historic wine estates nestled among rolling vineyards. We cross into the coastal charm of Basque Country, admire the culinary artistry of pintxos in San Sebastián and wander through Pamplona, famed for its lively spirit, rich history and Gothic grandeur. Your journey concludes in sun-drenched Barcelona, where Gaudí's masterpieces await. A journey of beauty, culture and connection, designed to be savoured.
Highlights
- Privately guided tours through historic town centres and opulent chateaux
- Vineyard day tours in Bordeaux and Rioja through stunning countryside
- Learn to cook local Spanish dishes
- Coastal culture and culinary indulgence in San Sebastián
- Visit Gaudi's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia
- Elegant, centrally located accommodation in quality hotels
Day 1: Paris, France
Welcome to Europe! Arrive in Paris and settle into your boutique hotel in the City of Light.
In the late afternoon, meet your fellow travellers and learn about each other over dinner at a local bistro, enjoying the conversation and delicious French cuisine.
Day 2: Paris to Champagne
After breakfast, travel by private minibus to the heart of the Champagne region.
Along the way we will stop for a leisurely lunch at a local winery and soak up the vistas of the stunning French countryside. Arriving at our central accommodation, unpack, relax, and toast to the start of the adventure!
Day 3: Epernay - Avenue of Champagne
Begin the day late morning with a guided visit to a prestigious Champagne house on the Avenue de Champagne.
Learn the history of the méthode traditionnelle and enjoy a tasting of this historic and celebrated wine. The afternoon is free to explore the boutiques and cafés of town and the option to join your host for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Champagne to Châteaux - Journey into the Loire
Travel southwest to the cultural heart of the Loire Valley, the summer home to past royalty, where we stay in a grand Château.
On arrival, unwind in your private room or explore the grounds before joining the group for dinner together - tonight we feast like Queens!
Day 5: Loire Valley - Château Day
Late this morning, walk to a nearby Château for a private guided tour. Wander halls steeped in history, hear their stories and imagine how they lived.
In the afternoon, stroll through the gardens, read a book, take a nap - ready for dinner together at our Château.
Day 6: Loire Valley - Countryside
A private, local guide will transport us by minibus through the lush, green countryside to experience the local wine specialties, visit a historic Château and savour lunch together on this relaxed and leisurely day exploring the wider region.
Day 7: Loire Valley to Bordeaux - Into Wine Country
Private transfer to Bordeaux, where cobblestone lanes, elegant squares and some of the world's most famous wines await.
Settle into your old town hotel, choose to wander around the area, people watch from a wine bar or café or simply relax.
Option to join your host for a local dinner - this is the home of the famous steak frites!
Day 8: Bordeaux - Strolling the City
Enjoy a guided walking tour with a local expert in the late morning. Explore Bordeaux's Garonne River waterfront and the famous Miroir d'eau (Water Mirror) and historic quarter including landmarks such as Cathedrale Saint Andre, Pey-Berland Tower, the Grosse Cloche (big bell) and 15th century city gates.
Afternoon free to visit a museum, browse the boutiques or café hop. Join your host for an optional dinner or find your own cosy bistro to enjoy Bordeaux's vibrant food culture.
Day 9: Bordeaux - Vineyards and Saint Emilion
Today, venture out by privately guided minibus to explore the famous Bordeaux wine region and visit two estates to understand what makes Bordeaux's wine so special, taste a selection of their premier wines and soak in the rolling countryside.
We will enjoy lunch together and exploring the incredible medieval village of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 10: Bordeaux to San Sebastián - Basque Country
We cross into Spain, stopping for a break in the French seaside town of Biarritz, famous for both its surf and attracting visitors such as Napoleon III and Coco Chanel, before arriving in the picturesque San Sebastián, nestled on the Bay of Biscay.
Settle into your cosy hotel or enjoy a relaxing seaside walk in this coastal gem. Optional dinner at a local restaurant with your host - the Basque take their food seriously and there are so many delicious options to discover.
Day 11: San Sebastián - Old Town and Pintxos
We join a local guide for a walking tour of the old town and learn the fascinating history of the Basque culture, enjoying the Belle Epoque architecture and the culinary art of pintxos (Basque tapas) with a tasting tour over lunch into the afternoon.
Come hungry!
Day 12: San Sebastián - Free Day
Today is yours to do whatever takes your fancy. You could indulge at a spa day, work up an appetite with a walk up Monte Urgull for panoramic views, wander the old town and do some shopping - or simply rest and recharge.
Option to join your host to pintxos bar hop in the evening, like a true local.
Day 13: San Sebastián to Pamplona - Old World Charm
Early afternoon travel to Pamplona, capital of Navarre, city of medieval walls and literary legends - Ernest Hemingway wrote his famous book, The Sun Also Rises, here.
Settle into your central accommodation and, if you wish, join your host for a relaxed local dinner. We're still indulging in the culinary delights of the Basque cultural region here!
Day 14: Pamplona - Local Living
Start late morning with a walking tour led by a passionate local guide. Visit the historic centre, the San Fermin (running with the bulls) route, and ancient fortifications.
Afternoon at leisure to shop, wander, or enjoy café culture. Meet your host for an optional pintxos meal and Navarra wine in the evening.
Day 15: Pamplona - Rioja wine region
Today we take a private guided tour to the heart of the Rioja wine region, an area rich in history with evidence of vineyards dating back to the Roman times and famous for its red Tempranillo varietal.
We will visit and tour three vineyards, tasting the wine and enjoying an authentic lunch of Riojan cuisine alongside soaking in the incredible scenery.
Day 16: Pamplona to Barcelona - The Final Chapter
After breakfast, travel to Barcelona via private minibus, stopping at a winery in the highly regarded Penedes region which is renowned for Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain.
In the evening, meet your host for an optional dinner in the local Eixample neighbourhood.
Day 17: Walking tour in Barcelona
Late morning, your local, private guide will lead you through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter - past stunning medieval buildings and beautiful streets and squares, finishing at Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece, Sagrada Familia for an interior tour of this awe-inspiring space.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace, perhaps visiting Gaudi's other famous attractions such as Parc Guell with its expansive city and coastal views or the modernist wonder of Casa Batlló, with an option to join your host for an evening meal if desired.
Day 18: Cooking class
Today we visit the famous Boqueria Market and learn to cook traditional Spanish dishes from local experts, enjoying the results over a delicious lunch together.
Tonight we meet for dinner to celebrate and share stories of our journey and time together. Salud!
Day 19: Departure Day
Meet for breakfast together before goodbyes.
Head home, or on to the next part of your adventure, with special memories of the experiences you've had, the connections and friendships you've made and inspired for what's next!