Bordeaux & the Basque country
Legendary wines along the Atlantic coast.
Day 1
The subtle art of blending
Day 1 – Your today’s highlights
Let’s meet this morning in the lobby of your hotel. Today we are going to visit perhaps the most famous of Bordeaux vineyards…The Medoc region is located on the left bank of the Gironde Estuary north of the city of Bordeaux. To begin your day, you will discover the subtle art of blending and crafting your own vintage in Chateau Malescasse with Alban Cacaret, our host today and member of the family that owns and runs the domain. This workshop will give you some idea of what it’s like to be a winemaker and learn about the specific features of grape varieties. At the end of the session you will enjoy a buffet lunch of local specialities at Chateau Malescasse.
FEATURED THEME : Wine is a bottled poem
This afternoon, we will visit and enjoy wine tasting sessions at prestigious vineyards and wineries in no less than the world-famous Pauillac & Margaux wine- growing communes which together boast some of the most renowned wines in the appellations with Crus such as Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Lafite- Rochschild, Chateau Latour… to mention but a few.
FEATURED THEME : Wine is a bottled poem
Hotel 5 stars and eco-lodge
Les Sources de Caudalie
Day 1
Looking for the pearl
Day 2 – Your today’s highlights
After a nice breakfast at your hotel, we will meet in the lobby and head to Arcachon Bay (Bassin d’Arcachon). This little inland sea open on the ocean is known for its exceptional natural heritage & beautiful oyster villages that have remained authentic and untouched over the years. There we will embark on a “Pinasse”, the traditional long and narrow wooden boats, and meet Thierry our skipper for the day. We’re going to cruise with him around the bay, and admire the iconic “cabane tchanquée’’.
FEATURED THEME : Into the wild
Carpe Diem, the quintessential gourmetOn your way back to the hotel, we can’t miss the opportunity to climb to the famous Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe.
FEATURED THEME : Moving makes things happen
In the hotel’s jacuzzi, you can bask in the water coming directly from the hot spring located 540 meters underground!
FEATURED THEME : Inner travel
We’ll then get ready for our dinner at 2-Michelin star restaurant ‘‘La Grand’Vigne’’ located in the 18th-century orangery of your hotel, where Nicolas Masse, the chef, like a winegrower, seeks to express the very essence of this exceptional terroir and its products. He assembles and composes in order to ultimately retain only the essentials.
FEATURED THEME : Carpe Diem, the quintessential gourmet
Hotel 5 stars and eco-lodge
Les Sources de Caudalie
Day 1
Extxerrik Asko!
Day 3 – Your today’s highlights
We’re off to Biarritz this morning. This beautiful coastal city will be our gateway and entrance to discover the charms and the mysteries of the Basque country. Today we suggest a coastal walk to Spain. This beautiful 9 km long walk begins in Guetary, a cute fishing harbor, where we can have a café au lait on the seafront, and from there start our walk.
FEATURED THEME : Moving makes things happen
Lunch will be in a lovely Relais et Châteaux restaurant in the Hôtel Parc Victoria. This 19th-century manor has one of the finest collections of art deco furniture in Europe.
FEATURED THEME : Carpe Diem, the quintessential gourmet
This afternoon, we suggest introducing you to Golf while discovering the most beautiful courses in the Basque Country, situated in superb natural environments between the sea, mountains and forests.
FEATURED THEME : Moving makes things happen
Transfer to Biarritz and settling in at the legendary 5-Star Palace in Biarritz, the iconic Hôtel du Palais. Perched majestically above the Grande Plage of Biarritz, the hotel has maintained the spirit of its prestigious 19th-century design and architecture. Its sumptuous facade, top-quality services and high-end facilities and amenities all set it apart. Welcome diner at your hotel gourmet restaurant.
Hotel 5 stars
Hotel du Palais - Biarritz
Day 1
Cider & Sailors
Day 4 – Your today’s highlights
This morning we will take one of the most scenic roads to San Sebastian over the famous Jaizkibel mountain overlooking the ocean. On arrival, we will meet our captain, Miss Iratxe, who will be waiting for us onboard her sailing boat, ready to show us the basque way of sailing… After a lovely 1h30 cruise we will disembark in the small harbour of Getaria.
FEATURED THEME : Moving makes things happen
A fishing port that was also home to the great fashion designer Balenciaga, and the museum dedicated to his work is next on our list. Our host, Miki, an industrial graphic designer and expert in the history of the arts, will guide us around this fascinating fashion museum. We will then visit the house of the celebrated contemporary art sculptor Eduardo Chillida.
FEATURED THEME : Curating your stay
We can’t visit the Basque country without visiting a cider house or ‘‘Sidreria’’… these are well known for their fresh bacalao (codfish) and huge steaks. You’ll also drink your cider straight from the massive cider barrels …and this is where we’ll stop for lunch.
FEATURED THEME : Carpe Diem, the quintessential gourmet
This afternoon, let’s enjoy a San Sebastian Bike tour with our friend Inaki, born and raised in the city, and who will tell us how and why the city became one of Spain’s most prominent centers for gastronomy, art and culture.
Check-in the 4-star Hotel Sala Plaza in San Sebastian where you will be accommodated for 2 nights and where we’ll get ready for your 3 Michelin star restaurant at the Akelarre.
Hotel 4 stars
Hotel Sala La Plaza - San Sebastian
Day 1
Do you believe in witches??
Day 5 – Your today’s highlights
A horseback ride in the Baztan valley and the Irati woods is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These woods are considered to be the setting for all the witchcraft legends in the area and are renowned for their mysterious atmosphere and the great variety of trees. Our friend Edu, one of the national park rangers, will ride along with and, show us the complex ecosystem which thrives here.
FEATURED THEME : Into the wild
He will bring us to meet one of his shepherd friends, where the good man will share lunch with us and we will taste the cheese he produces in the fields we just discovered.
FEATURED THEME : Carpe Diem, the quintessential gourmet
After lunch we will visit the museum and the cave of Zugarramurdi with the anthropologist, Arantxa Leku, who will talk about all those traditions still alive in the Basque region that are considered pagan and pre- Christian; and that the Holy Inquisition persecuted for decades.
FEATURED THEME :
After delving into the old traditions, we will get ready for our final night dinner in one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the area, Casa Camara. In the aquarium in the centre of the dining room are different species of lobster and fish which will later be enjoyed by diners.
FEATURED THEME : Carpe Diem, the quintessential gourmet
Hotel 4 stars
Hotel Sala La Plaza - San Sebastian
Hotels
Les Sources de Caudalie : Bordeaux
Between vineyards and forests, just 20 minutes from downtown Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie was designed by architect Yves Collet, who used recycled local materials to create a collection of state-of-the-art buildings, perfectly in tune with the idyllic setting. Les Sources de Caudalie is a genuine source of well-being surrounded by the Grand Cru vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte.The service and details of a palace hotel in a familiar atmosphere.
Hotel du Palais : Biarritz
Just imagine yourself in an Empire-style palace facing the sea. Hotel du Palais is a symbolic jewel of Biarritz overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1854, the former imperial residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie awaits you for a memorable experience and a place to embrace the extraordinary.
Hotel Lasala Plaza : San Sebastian
Perfectly settled overlooking the harbour of San Sebastian, this hotel blends urban and sophisticated atmosphere to the best of the Basque traditions. Right Into the heart of this vibrant city enjoy the best views over the San Sebastian legendary bay. Without a doubt the best place to stay in town.
