Bilbao to Bordeaux: Cuisine and Culture

Spain is one of the most history-laden countries in Europe, a melting pot of languages, cuisines and cultures. Set in the living heart of Basque country, Bilbao is a bastion of art, architecture and wonderful traditional dishes such as pintxos. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, where this evening you gather for cocktails and a welcome dinner.

Start your day with a visit to nearby Guernica, a city inextricably linked to the brutality of war and nationalism as vividly portrayed in Pablo Picasso's masterwork Guernica. Delve into the poignant history that inspired the master, seeing ground zero of the infamous bombing raid that leveled the city in 1937. Next, explore 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. Then, return to Bilbao to explore the fascinating streets of its Old Town, followed by a relaxing evening at leisure.

Explore the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and its world-class collection of modern and contemporary art. Next, visit a cellar where the wines are aged more than 60 feet below the surface of the sea, to sample these special vintages paired with pintxos. Proceed to San Sebastián for an A&K-exclusive dining experience at a local gastronomic society, a members-only social club where Basque cuisine and culture are passed from one generation to the next.

Explore San Sebastián's local cider culture, learning how this delightful regional staple is brewed, poured and quaffed in the Basque tradition. After some time at leisure to relax or explore, join a chef-led culinary experience, preparing and tasting regional favorites.

Visit a family-run dairy farm and taste their fresh cheeses. Continue to Pamplona — home to the annual festival of San Fermín (the running of the bulls) that inspired Hemingway's classic The Sun Also Rises. After time for lunch at leisure, stroll the city's medieval lanes with a local expert, and then 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 southwestern France, pausing to take in the scenic fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Proceed to coastal Bayonne, a mellow enclave of Basque country at the foot of the Pyrenees. Continue northward to Bordeaux, where your guide reveals the city as you walk to a local restaurant for dinner. Famed the world over for its wines, Bordeaux, like France itself, is also a noted center for superb gastronomy.

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. Afterward, take a guided tour of The City of Wine, celebrating the region's deeply rooted wine culture with a refreshing drink.

Travel to Arcachon, a charming seaside town renowned for its oysters. Join an oysterman to cruise through his beds, savoring fresh oysters plucked straight from the sea. After lunch on board, view the Grande Dune du Pilat, largest sand dune in Europe, before returning to Bordeaux for the evening.

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Explore the Installations at the Bassins de Lumiere, a dynamic art center featuring monumental immersive digital exhibitions. Indulge in a Sweet Gourmet Walking Tour of the city, stopping to sample pleasing desserts and other treats. Join a Private Bordeaux Wines Masterclass, sampling several regional whites and reds as well as a selection of charcuterie. Mark the end of your journey with a celebratory farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.