Bilbao to Bordeaux: Celebrating Cuisine & Culture

Arrive in Bilbao, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, gather for cocktails and a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Begin with a tour of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Considered an architectural masterwork in and of itself, the Frank Gehry-designed structure boasts a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art. Next, embark on a private boat trip to a wine cellar sunken more than 60 feet below the surface of the sea, where local wines are paired with lunch aboard. Explore the fascinating streets of Bilbao’s Old Town, then relax with an evening at leisure.

Depart Bilbao for nearby Guernica, a city inextricably linked to the brutality of war and nationalism immortalized in Pablo Picasso’s masterwork, Guernica. Delve into the poignant history that so deeply inspired the master, seeing ground zero of the infamous bombing raid that leveled the city in 1937. Next, explore the many stalls of Guernica’s renowned market, one of the finest in all of Basque Country, where growers from across the province display their freshly harvested produce for locals and visitors alike. Later, proceed to San Sebastián.

After breakfast, set out for the countryside to visit a family-run dairy farm and taste their fresh cheeses. Then, explore San Sebastián’s local cider culture, learning how this delightful regional staple is brewed, poured and quaffed in the Basque tradition. Next, enjoy time at leisure to relax or explore this sophisticated city of sun and surf on your own. Later, join a Chef ’s Table experience preparing and tasting regional favorites.

Discover Pamplona — home to the annual festival of San Fermín (the running of the bulls) that inspired Hemingway’s classic The Sun Also Rises — strolling the city’s medieval lanes with a local expert. After time for lunch at leisure, return to San Sebastián. Tonight, you may opt to explore the city’s world-renowned culinary scene independently, with advice from A&K if you like.

Cross the border into France, pausing to take in the scenic fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Continue into the foothills of the Pyrénées, stopping to try the local peppers of Espelette, an ingredient prized by chefs the world over. Proceed to coastal Bayonne, France’s home for cocoa since the 17th century, for an indulgent chocolate tasting led by a local expert. Continue northward to Bordeaux, where your guide reveals the city as you walk to a local restaurant for dinner.

Today, explore some of Bordeaux’s iconic châteaux, enjoying privileged access to areas otherwise closed to the public. Savor expertly curated tastings of some of the world’s most coveted wines, and pause for lunch at one of the châteaux.

Travel to Arcachon, a charming seaside town renowned for its oysters. Join an oysterman to Ride Like a Local around his beds, savoring fresh oysters plucked straight from the sea. After lunch on board, head to shore for a guided tour of The City of Wine, celebrating the region’s deeply rooted wine culture with a Scenic Sundowner. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel’s renowned Gordon Ramsay restaurant.

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight.