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San Sebastian and Beyond (Small Group)

9 Days Bordeaux to Bilbao
San Sebastian and Beyond (Small Group)
San Sebastian and Beyond (Small Group)
San Sebastian and Beyond (Small Group)

Overview

Trafalgar
Trip Operated By:
 (1,007) Reviews Total No. of Tours & Cruises 292
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.
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A$5,042 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

9 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Bordeaux

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Bilbao

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Trip Style
Trip Style

Small Group

Accommodation
Accommodation

4 Star

Budget
Budget

Premium

Age Range
Age Range

5-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

18

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

YBSQ

Itinerary

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.

Accommodation: Indigo Bordeaux Centre
Included Meals: Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Indigo Bordeaux Centre
Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Novotel Anglet Biarritz
Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Novotel Anglet Biarritz
Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: NH Collection Aranzazu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: NH Collection Aranzazu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Abando
Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Abando
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After your Small Group journey through southwest France and northern Spain, say goodbye to Bilbao this morning as you prepare for your onward travels.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • 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

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.

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.

Be My Guest

  • Getaria: Meet a local fishing family in Getaria and discover how generations of knowledge shape the town's celebrated seafood traditions. Join them as they prepare and grill the day's catch, then share local anchovies, tuna and txakoli while hearing stories of life on the Cantabrian coast.

Make Travel Matter®

  • Gernika: In Guernica, meet local elders who help preserve Basque heritage and share stories of the town's devastating Spanish Civil War bombing, the event that inspired Picasso's famous anti-war painting. With your Local Specialist translating, hear a perspective rooted in lived experience, cultural memory and resilience. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

  • 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 (Additional Cost) and free time

  • 8 Breakfasts (B)
  • 2 Dinners (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Operator

Trafalgar
 (1,007) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises292
We are the world’s leading and most awarded travel brand spanning all 7 continents of the globe. From the iconic to the unexpected our guests connect to the real depth of the places we go. They will break bread with the locals at our exclusive Be My Guest experiences and unlock local secrets of our Travel Directors and more Local Specialists. Everything is taken care of, so they travel with true ease and get the real thing without worrying about a thing.

We consider how we can positively impact the communities we engage with. Through our JoinTrafalgar initiatives powered by TreadRight, guests don’t just leave footprints on the ground, but leave a lasting legacy for the betterment of locals and the future of their communities.

It’s 72 years of destination experience and feedback from over 5 million happy guests that fuels our innovation to continually delivery simply the best holidays.
Must-sees to Local Secrets
Must-sees to Local Secrets

You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more

Connect with Locals
Connect with Locals

With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more

Stay With Stories
Stay With Stories

Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more

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Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2026-27)

Trafalgar’s 2026–27 worldwide collection features over 240 guided holidays across 70 countries on six continents, offering iconic sights, authentic local encounters, and expertly planned itineraries. From Be My Guest dining and Stays with Stories to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences, each tour is designed to connect you meaningfully with every destination. more With dedicated Travel Directors and Drivers handling every detail, you can relax and enjoy a journey filled with culture, insight, and unforgettable moments.

Dates & Pricing AUD AUD

Saturday 03 Apr 2027 03 Apr 27 Bordeaux
Sunday 11 Apr 2027 11 Apr 27 Bilbao
Details
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Was: $5,775
A$5,042
Save $733
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Saturday 17 Apr 2027 17 Apr 27 Bordeaux
Sunday 25 Apr 2027 25 Apr 27 Bilbao
Details
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $5,775
A$5,456
Save $319
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
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.
Note
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 Trafalgar. 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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