DESCRIPTION :

On this 3 day multi day tour departing from Bordeaux you will discover Biarritz, the Pearl of the Atlantic, a famous 19th century resort. The unspoilt Basque region and its authentic villages will also be on your program as well as the world famous Guggenheim museum located in Bilbao

DAY 1
Depart from Bordeaux in the morning and head towards Biarritz. From a small whale fishing village, Biarritz became famous in 1854 when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) built a palace on the beach that is today the Grand Hôtel du Palais. This made Biarritz one of the most trendy destinations attracting the British royal family such as Queen Victoria, Edward VII, and other European royalty as Alfonso XIII of Spain. The resort became even more famous when movie stars such as Charles Chaplin or celebrities like Coco Chanel bought huge 19th century villas and began to live in Biarritz.

Upon arrival in Biarritz, enjoy a panoramic tour and a guided walking tour to discover the resort and some of the most famous villas. Free time for lunch and afternoon at leisure for you to enjoy the city.

DAY 2
Your day is dedicated to the Spanish Basque region with the discovery in the morning of the Guggenheim museum located in Bilbao. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, it is one of several museums belonging to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The museum features permanent and visiting exhibits of works by Spanish and international artists. One of the most admired works of contemporary architecture, the building has been hailed as a "signal moment in the architectural culture", because it represents "one of those rare moments when critics, academics, and the general public were all completely united about something." The museum was the building most frequently named as one of the most important works completed since 1980 in the 2010 World Architecture Survey among architecture experts.

In the morning, visit of the Guggenheim museum on your own and free time for lunch in Bilbao.

After lunch depart for San Sebastian. Known as Donostia, the city you will discover developed into a fully-fledged seaside resort at the end of the 19th century, becoming an attracting focus for renowned international figures of culture and politics, such as Mata Hari, Leon Trotsky, Maurice Ravel. Donostia is also renowned for its Basque cuisine. San Sebastián and its surrounding area is home to a high concentration of restaurants boasting Michelin stars, namely Arzak, Berasategi, Akelarre or Mugaritz. Adding to these cooking highlights, the city features tasty snacks similar to tapas called pintxos, which may be found at the bars of the Old Quarter.

In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour of San Sebastian and follow your guide through the streets of the old town to taste some of those famous pintxos that are so unique to "Donostia" Return to Biarritz.

DAY 3
On this final day, depart for the port town of Saint Jean de Luz. Located on the Atlantic coast, just a few kilometers from Spain, Saint-Jean-de-Luz's wealth stems from its port and its past, with the town being associated with either fishing or from the capture of vessels by its own Basque corsairs, or pirates. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is also known for its royal wedding: in 1659, Cardinal Mazarin spent several months in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, from where he would embark on almost daily trips to the island of Bidassoa for Franco-Spanish meetings that resulted in the Treaty of the Pyrénées, one clause of which was the marriage of Louis XIV to Maria-Teresa, the Infant of Spain. The royal wedding took place on June 9, 1660.

In the morning, follow your guide for a walking tour of Saint Jean de Luz and discover its unique church , a perfect example of religious Basque architecture, where Louis XIV married the infant of Spain.

The Basque region of France is somewhat unique as it has preserved much of its traditions and authenticity and this is noticeable through the language, architecture and cultural expression found in the region but even more so in the villages.

This afternoon, your day will be dedicated to the visit and discovery of some of the most typical Basque villages such as Espelette, Sare or Ainhoa so as to better comprehend this local culture and way of life. Return to Bordeaux at the end of the day.

Prices :