From the French Basque Country to Bordeaux - Fine French cuisine at the foot of the Pyrenees and an escapade in the Gironde

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From the French Basque Country to Bordeaux

Fine French cuisine at the foot of the Pyrenees and an escapade in the Gironde



Tour Description:

Dive into the French Basque experience before a cruise on the Garonne and Gironde Rivers. Vacation in the heart of the famous seaside resort of Biarritz. Indulge in Basque culinary traditions and heritage—Espelette chili peppers, chocolate and ham in Bayonne, and Irouléguy wines. This trip will bring you to well-known pilgrimage points such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port—the last stage of the Way of St. James before the Pyrenees. Then, kick back and enjoy a delightful cruise while discovering the region surrounding Bordeaux.

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Dates & Pricing

Wednesday 14 Aug 24 — Tuesday 20 Aug 24Starting at $2,927 Get a Quote
Friday 02 May 25 — Thursday 08 May 25Starting at $3,099 Get a Quote
Saturday 11 Oct 25 — Friday 17 Oct 25Starting at $3,099 Get a Quote


ITINERARY

Biarritz
We'll welcome you at your four-star hotel (or similar accommodations) in Biarritz at 5:00 p.m., where you'll check in and enjoy a welcome cocktail.Dinner and evening in Biarritz.Although once a whaling village, Biarritz is now an upscale seaside resort. The city's destiny changed forever when Napoléon III and his wife, Eugénie, came to take advantage of the ocean's health benefits. Enjoy some free time on the Atlantic coast by walking along the cliffs or even having a swim!

Biarritz - French Basque Country - Biarritz
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Set out on a full-day excursion to the French Basque Country. The tour will begin in Espelette, a small, colorful city decorated with its signature festoons—dried chili pepper strings. Mildly hot Espelette peppers are a cornerstone of French Basque cuisine. Take some time on your own to explore the city.We'll enjoy a traditional Basque lunch in Espelette.In the afternoon, we'll tour Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and indulge in a tasting of Irouléguy wine. A charming village in the heart of the Pyrenees, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port was named one of the most beautiful villages in France in 2016. Its unique position as the last stop on the Way of St. James makes it popular with pilgrims and hikers. After a guided tour, we'll head over to the Irouléguy wine cellars for a visit and tasting. At the end of the day, we'll return to Biarritz. Dinner. You'll spend the night at the hotel.

Biarritz - Bayonne - BORDEAUX
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.This morning, join us for a guided tour of Bayonne and a salted-meat workshop. The guided tour of old Bayonne introduces you to the history of the French Basque Country and its culture. Strolling down the quaint, narrow streets, you'll learn about the city center's rich architectural heritage, including the cathedral, cloister, and fortifications. We'll then visit a salted-meat workshop to see how dried ham is made and taste a few of its products.Enjoy a traditional Basque meal at lunch in a local cider house. Have a glass of cider directly from the barrel!After your tour, you'll leave by coach for Bordeaux, where you'll board our ship at 6 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.

BORDEAUX - CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC - The Médoc
We will cruise down towards Cussac-Fort-Médoc.In the afternoon, join us for the optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion proposed: Following the trail of the grands crus wines of Médoc, a renowned region where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated.We'll return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment.

CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC - Gironde Estuary - BLAYE(1)
We'll start sailing early this morning towards Blaye, whose Citadel built by Vauban is not to be missed. Join us on the optional excursions proposed:CLASSIC: The Route de la Corniche Fleurie and the Blaye Citadel, journey through tradition and authenticity.DISCOVERY: Tour Blaye and its underground monuments on foot. After our tour, we'll get to taste some regional products with an excellent glass of wine*.We'll return on board and cruise on the Gironde all the way to the estuary. Enjoy an evening of dancing.

BLAYE(1) - LIBOURNE(1) - Saint-Emilion
We'll cruise to Libourne, a town rich with history and full of character located at the confluence with the Isle and the Dordogne Rivers. Upon arrival, join us for the optional excursions proposed:CLASSIC: tour of Saint-Emilion.DISCOVERY: Libourne by bike and wine tasting.We'll return on board in Libourne. Tonight is our festive gala dinner and evening.

LIBOURNE(1) - BORDEAUX
We'll cruise to Bordeaux this morning. Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 11:00 a.m. End of our services.For an optimal organization of the cruise, the organization of excursions can be modified according to the tide.Note to coach : double-decker buses are not allowed on many roads in Gironde, including Libourne, Saint Emilion, Blaye and Cadillac.