Journeys: Highlights of the Pyrenees to Toulouse
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk: Set off alongside your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through the elegant coastal town of Biarritz. Stroll past grand Belle Époque architecture, admire sweeping views over the ocean as Atlantic breezes sweep off the water, and get comfortably oriented around your hotel
Begin the morning alongside your National Geographic Expedition Leader on a walk through the bustling Les Halles Market in Biarritz. Then, venture inland into the green fields and rolling hills of the Basque Pyrenees. Visit a local farm in Espelette to learn about the town's famous fiery red peppers and taste traditional specialties. Break for lunch on your own in Espelette before visiting St. Jean Pied de Port, a fortified medieval town set against the mountain foothills.
- Morning Les Halles Stroll: As the morning ocean breeze sweeps off the Atlantic, step into the lively Halles de Biarritz alongside your Expedition Leader. Experience the vibrant rhythms of daily Basque life as local vendors display freshly caught seafood, artisanal cheeses, and traditional gâteau basque.
- Piment Espelette Farm Visit & Tasting: Join a local family at L’Atelier du Piment to uncover the secrets of the iconic Basque Espelette chili pepper. Trace its journey from fields to workshop, discovering traditional farming methods before enjoying a tasting of spice-infused regional delicacies.
- Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk: Explore Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port alongside your Expedition Leader, discovering a medieval gem set at the foot of the Pyrenees. As an iconic starting point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, this historic town offers a rich blend of mountain geography, centuries of pilgrimage heritage, and distinct cross-border Basque culture.
Travel from Biarritz to Pau, a city sitting high above the Gave de Pau river, framed by distant Pyrenean peaks. Join your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre, pausing along the Boulevard des Pyrénées for sweeping mountain views before heading into the bustle of Les Halles market. Settle in for an included lunch of fresh regional specialties. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or consider an optional visit to the Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV.
- Storied Strolls Through Pau: Join your Expedition Leader on a walking tour of Pau to uncover its unique British heritage. Explore the charming old town, stroll along the scenic Boulevard des Pyrénées, and wander through lush gardens before concluding at the vibrant Les Halles market for an included lunch.
- Lunch at Les Bistrot des Halles: Savor a classic French lunch directly in the bustling heart of the covered market. Sitting among local vendors and colorful stalls, guests enjoy a fresh daily menu (Formule du Jour)—featuring seasonal ingredients—all while immersed in the vibrant sights, sounds, and energy of daily market life.
- Free Time: Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling along the palm-lined Boulevard des Pyrénées for sweeping mountain views, exploring the Renaissance birthplace of King Henry IV at the Château de Pau and other city sights.
Set out after breakfast and head through the lush Pyrenean foothills from Pau to Lourdes. Upon arrival, join your guide to explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a sacred pilgrimage site set against the mountains. Walk past the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception perched dramatically above the grotto, view the intricate mosaics of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and descend into the vast Underground Basilica of Saint Pius X, built to hold thousands of pilgrims. Afterward, head into Lourdes town to enjoy lunch on your own before returning to Pau.
- Guided Visit of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes & Basilica: Discover the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on a guided exploration of one of the world’s most significant pilgrimage sites. Experience the dramatic, cliffside Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the intricate Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the vast underground Basilica of Saint Pius X. Framed through a neutral, cultural lens, this tour offers travelers of all backgrounds a respectful, immersive look into a powerful living tradition of faith and community.
- Free Time: Enjoy a free evening to relax and explore on your own.
Spend another morning taking in the mountain vistas surrounding Lescar on a relaxing walk. Transfer to Gan to delve deeper into the secret Jurançon wine district, known for its rich history and small-scale producers. Meet with local winemakers to walk through their vine rows, step into quiet cellars, and sample regional vintages alongside a light lunch of local produce. Return to Pau, where the evening is yours to spend as you like.
- Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk: Join your Expedition Leader and step back in time in Lescar, an off-the-beaten-path historic jewel and the ancient Gallo-Roman capital of Béarn. Uncover centuries of hidden history and local legends while wandering through this former bishopric and marvel at its magnificent Romanesque cathedral, which serves as the final resting place for the last kings and queens of Navarre.
- Secrets of Jurançon wine: Set against the backdrop of the Pyrenees, a visit to a local Domaine offers an intimate look into the unique terroir of the Jurançon wine region. Stroll through steep, terraced vineyards nourished by warm mountain foehn winds, where ample sunshine creates ideal conditions for high-altitude viticulture. Guided by local hosts, explore the winemaking process before sitting down to a wine tasting accompanied by locally sourced light lunch paired with the estate's wines.
This morning, head east toward Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City" known for its rosy terra-cotta brick architecture. Upon arrival, step out with your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through grand plazas, past historic churches, and along the banks of the Garonne River. The rest of the afternoon and evening are completely yours to discover cozy neighbourhood cafés, visit local museums, or explore the sunny riverside promenade. In the evening enjoy an included dinner.
- Free Time: Savor a relaxed afternoon lunch on your own in Toulouse, whether pulling up a chair at a bustling bistro on Place du Capitole or enjoying a quiet waterfront bite along the promenade.
- Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk: Set off through the "Pink City" (La Ville Rose) alongside your Expedition Leader for an immersive orientation walk through Toulouse's atmospheric old town. Get comfortably oriented around your hotel before exploring the city's iconic terracotta-brick architecture, grand plazas, before concluding with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade bordering the Garonne River.
Walk with your Expedition Leader from the hotel to the bustling Victor Hugo Market, where the air carries the scent of ripening cheese and fresh bread. Follow a guided food tour through the stalls, meeting vendors who know every wheel and cure by name, tasting local cheeses, meats, and regional treats along the way. Afterwards enjoy a free afternoon to explore Toulouse at your own pace. In the evening perhaps gather with your group for an optional dinner.
- Toulouse Walking Tour and Lunch at Victor Hugo Market: This curated walking tour is a sensory immersion into the architecture and flavors of Toulouse. After exploring the Place du Capitole the journey culminates at the iconic Victor Hugo Market. Here, you’ll experience a true "market-style" lunch amidst the hustle and bustle of this historic marketplace. Weaving past bustling stalls, meet passionate artisan vendors, hear the stories behind age-old Southwestern traditions, and savor generous, lunch-style tastings of regional delicacies.
- Free Time: Enjoy time to explore the city on your own.
Depart at any time. We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
Trip Inclusions
- Basque foothills and fields.
- Storied strolls through Pau.
- Secrets of Jurançon wine.
- Les Halles Market in Biarritz.
- Visit to the Château de Pau.
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
- Underground Basilica of Saint Pius X.
- Built to hold thousands of pilgrims.
- Toulouse.
- The vibrant "Pink City".
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Secrets of Jurançon wine, Gan
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Lunch at Les Bistrot des Halles, Pau
- Your Foodie Moment: Toulouse Walking Tour and Lunch at Victor Hugo Market, Toulouse
- Les Halles Market in Biarritz
- Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a sacred pilgrimage site set against the mountains
- Delve deeper into the secret Jurançon wine district during a winery visit and tasting
- Visit Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City"
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, walking
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout
- Hotels – 7 nts
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
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Dates & Pricing
The Great Adventurers Club
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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