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San Sebastian and Beyond - Small Group - 03 Apr 2027 to 30 Oct 2027
Operated by Trafalgar
Tripcode: YBSQM27
Overview
Destination:
France,
Spain,
Duration:9 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
April 2027 - October 2027
From Bordeaux to Bilbao, this Small Group journey follows the wine regions, coastlines and historic towns of southwest France and northern Spain. You’ll walk part of the Camino, explore places like Saint-Émilion, Biarritz and San Sebastián, and make the most of free time with room to taste, wander and see more of each stop your way.
Sightseeing highlights
- Explore Bordeaux, Saint‑Émilion, Arcachon, Biarritz, San Sebastián and Bilbao
- Visit the Dune du Pilat, the Church of Saint‑Jean‑Baptiste, Gernika and Walk part of the Camino del Norte
Iconic Experience
- Saint-Émilion: Drive through the Dordogne to Saint-Émilion, a historic wine village surrounded by vineyards. Explore its narrow streets, stone buildings and small squares, browse wine shops, stop at a cafe and take in views over the surrounding vines.
- Dune de Pilat: Visit the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe, rising to around 101 m (331 ft). Climb to the top for views over the Bassin d’Arcachon, the Atlantic coastline and the pine forests of Les Landes, with the Banc d’Arguin and Cap Ferret out in the distance.
- Arcachon: Spend time in Arcachon, a classic seaside town on the Bassin d’Arcachon known for its broad waterfront and oyster culture. Walk the promenade, head out along the jetty or settle in for a plate of local oysters while boats move across the bay and enjoy the town’s beachside atmosphere.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Taste the original macaron from Maison Adam, the bakery first established in 1660. Try the almond biscuit that has been part of the town’s story for centuries, still made to the same recipe that made it famous.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Visit the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660. Inside, see the decorated interior, carved galleries and the setting for one of the town’s most important moments.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Follow the Basque coastline to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with Atlantic views along the way as you make your way to this fishing town.
- Bay of Biscay: Travel along the Bay of Biscay and follow the Basque coastline into Spain, passing coastal towns and Atlantic views along the route.
- Hondarrabia: Visit Hondarribia, a colourful Basque town just across the Spanish border, known for its old quarter, lively streets and strong local character. Explore its historic centre with its painted balconies and traditional houses, then use your free time to stop for Spanish coffee and pastries.
- San Sebastián: Try pintxos in San Sebastián, with small bites served across the old town featuring seafood, cured meats and local produce. Move between bars and sample different specialities, from counter classics to regional favourites.
- Camino: Walk part of the Camino del Norte, the coastal branch of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. On this stretch between Zumaia and Getaria, the path runs through a landscape of cliffs, sea views and vineyards, following a route that has drawn pilgrims across northern Spain for centuries.
- Visit Guernica, one of the most important symbols of Basque identity. See the Assembly House and the Tree of Guernica, long associated with Basque freedoms and self-government, then explore the town known around the world through Picasso’s Guernica, painted after the bombing of 26 April 1937.
- Bilbao: Head to La Ribera Market, set beside the estuary in Bilbao’s old town. Browse stalls selling fish, seafood, meat, fruit, vegetables and other Basque staples. Recognised by Guinness Book of Records in 1990 as the most complete municipal food market, it remains one of Bilbao’s best-known food spots.
Dive Into Culture
- Libourne: Spend the morning at Libourne’s Sunday market, where you’ll browse cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal produce and regional specialities in the heart of the bastide. This is where locals come to shop for the week, stop for coffee, socialize in the main square.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Optional Experiences and free time
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allWelcome to Bordeaux
Arrive in Bordeaux, a city shaped by its wine trade, broad boulevards and grand riverside setting. Join your Travel Director for an orientation through the city centre, seeing the Opéra National, Place des Quinconces and the Monument aux Girondins before a stroll along the Garonne to Place de la Bourse. This evening, get to know your fellow Small Group travellers over dinner and your first taste of the region’s cuisine.
Markets and Vineyards
Dive into Culture as you visit Libourne’s Sunday market, where stalls are filled with fresh produce, cheeses and regional specialities. Then drive through the Dordogne to Saint-Émilion, part of the UNESCO-listed Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion. Explore the village’s narrow streets, browse wine shops and cafes. Back in Bordeaux, your evening is free for dinner around Saint-Pierre or to explore Cathédrale Saint-André.
The Tallest Dune in Europe
Begin at the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe, for wide views over the Bassin d’Arcachon. Then continue to Arcachon, where you could walk the seafront, try local oysters and take in views over the basin before travelling on through Les Landes to Biarritz. On arrival, join your Travel Director for an orientation of this elegant Basque resort, including the lighthouse and a first look at the coastline. This evening, stay local or join an Optional Experience with a ride on the Petit Train de Biarritz followed by dinner.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz
Head into the Basque mountains and, if you choose, join an Optional Experience to La Rhune, where a historic rack railway climbs to the summit for wide views across the Basque Country. Later, continue to Saint-Jean-de-Luz for an orientation with your Travel Director through this handsome coastal town. See the market, taste a macaron from Maison Adam, whose name has been linked to the town since 1660, and visit the church where Louis XIV was married. Then return to Biarritz, where the evening is yours for dinner, drinks or a walk along the seafront.
Across the French Border to San Sebastián
Cross into Spain and arrive in Hondarribia, where an orientation introduces the old town’s colourful houses, historic streets and strong Basque character. You may want to use your free time here for a Spanish coffee and pastries before continuing to San Sebastián. There, join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the city, taking in its elegant centre and famous bay.
Walk the Camino
Walk part of the Camino del Norte between Zumaia and Getaria, following one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Continue along the Basque coast past cliffs, sea views and vineyard-covered slopes before arriving in Getaria, where fishing traditions and txakoli vineyards shape daily life. Spend time exploring the harbour and historic streets before your Be My Guest experience with a local fishing family, where the day’s catch, grilled seafood and the flavours of the Cantabrian coast take centre stage.
Picasso’s Basque Heritage and Bilbao
Visit Guernica, one of the most important symbols of Basque identity, and join a Local Specialist to explore its powerful history. See the Tree of Guernica and the Assembly House, long linked to Basque self-government and freedoms. During your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet local elders whose stories help preserve Basque heritage and cultural memory. Enjoy time to discover more of the town at your own pace before continuing to Bilbao. Get your bearings with an orientation of the city, then spend the evening as you like. Later, head into the old town for dinner and drinks, stroll along the river or make the most of Bilbao’s lively bar scene.
Art and Culture in Bilbao
Continue to La Ribera Market, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, seafood and local specialities. Later, you’ll have free time to keep exploring Bilbao, whether that’s spending more time in the old town or admiring the views along the river, before coming together this evening for dinner with your fellow travellers.
Adiós Bilbao
After your Small Group journey through southwest France and northern Spain, say goodbye to Bilbao this morning as you prepare for your onward travels.
Dates
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Operator
Trafalgar
The best of the world unlocked for you. Imagine unmissable experiences you’ve always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way. Here's what you'll experience: Must-sees to local secrets: Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of travelling, however, travelling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors – think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist. One-of-a-kind experiences: Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit. Responsible travel at heart: When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.
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8 nights
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