Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

14-Day Bordeaux & Northern Spain

Customisable Itinerary
5.0 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

This fantastic itinerary begins in Bordeaux, where we invite you to explore France’s ‘Petit Paris’ and the biggest urban World Heritage site in the world. Let yourself be seduced by some of France’s finest wines and inspired by the city’s incredible culinary scene.

Allow this voyage of the senses to take you south to the Basque Country, both French and Spanish, where art, culture and gastronomy are a fundamental part of the local tradition.

Your cultural pilgrimage will culminate in Santiago de Compostela; Galicia’s capital known for receiving thousands of visitors every year to complete the Way of Saint James, finishing at his burial site.

On this France and Spain tour, delicious food, inspiring wine, rich culture and splendid art are on the menu!
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Outdoors & Nature

Customise this trip for a perfect match

Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
Travel With ConfidenceFeel assured travelling with an accredited Australian company with comprehensive financial guarantees and a local emergency system.
More than 1900 travellers have booked with us. Join them to make your next trip full of lifelong memories.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival: Bienvenue!

Closeaccordion
Arrival: Bienvenue!

Upon arrival in Bordeaux, we will arrange for a private transfer to your hotel in the city centre. We will provide you with good recommendations for places to eat, drink and tips for city walks or any events happening during your France and Spain tour.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Bordeaux Airport to Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bordeaux

Day 2

Bordeaux

Closeaccordion
Bordeaux

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux on a private walking tour of its major attractions. Find out about interesting French customs and culture as your guide shares their local knowledge and French experience. You will also make stops to taste some of the best culinary specialities from the south-west of France: hams, cheese, canelés, and of course, wine.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bordeaux City Tour & Tasting

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bordeaux

Day 3

Arcanchon Bay

Closeaccordion
Arcanchon Bay

On this full-day trip to the Bay of Arcachon, you'll head to Cap Ferret in the Arcachon Bay, famous for its brightly coloured wooden huts and oyster farming where you’ll board a Pinasse (a traditional wooden boat) to learn about the region’s oyster parks. You'll taste some oysters with a glass of white wine and a view of the Dune du Pyla. You'll have time to have lunch at La Corniche in Philippe Starck’s hotel. Then, it's back to Bordeaux where you'll have the evening free.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Arcachon Bay Day Trip

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bordeaux

    France

Day 4

Saint-Emilion Wine Region

Closeaccordion
Saint-Emilion Wine Region

Today, you'll first enjoy a walk around the enchanting medieval village of Saint-Emilion. Then, it's on to the world-famous vineyards of Saint-Emilion, both of which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. You will then enjoy a private tasting at Château Troplong Mondo. Lunch will be at the restaurant La Terrasse Rouge (cost not included) followed by a private tasting at Chateau de Ferrand, Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Saint-Emilion Wine Region

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bordeaux

    Saint-Émilion

Day 5

French Basque Coastline on the Way to San Sebastian

Closeaccordion
French Basque Coastline on the Way to San Sebastian

Today, go along the French Basque Coast on the way to San Sebastian, visiting its most beautiful coastal villages on the way: Bayonne, Biarritz and St Jean de Luz. On this scenic drive, you will first stop at Bayonne, before arriving at the famed seaside town of Biarritz; the "Queen of resorts & the resort of Kings" was a magnet for celebrities and royalty. Then, head to St-Jean de Luz where you'll enjoy a visit of the town before crossing the Spanish border to San Sebastian.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    French Basque Coastline Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bordeaux

    Ossès

    San Sebastián

Day 6

The Flavours of San Sebastian

Closeaccordion
The Flavours of San Sebastian

Admire San Sebastian from its best viewpoint starting with a drive up to Mount Igueldo. You will also make a short stop in the "Peine del Viento" to visit the most symbolic place of the city, as well as in Sagues, for a different perspective from its surfing beach. Then, go for a walk through the city centre and old town for some pintxos paired with Spanish wines: learn about local customs and taste the best local specialities in our favourite bars!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    San Sebastian City Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Sebastián

Day 7

A Free Day in San Sebastian

Closeaccordion
A Free Day in San Sebastian

You'll this entire day free to further explore and enjoy this gorgeous city. We highly recommend spending the day relaxing by the beach; San Sebastian has three beautiful beaches: La Concha Beach, Ondarreta and Zurriola Beach (also known as Gros Beach). San Sebastian is much more than just a beach town, it has four main areas for you to explore: the Parte Vieja (old town), Área Romántica, the district of Gros, and Playa de Ondarreta.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Day in San SebastianOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Sebastián

Day 8

The Bay of Biscay on the Way to Bilbao

Closeaccordion
The Bay of Biscay on the Way to Bilbao

This road trip through the Basque Coast will make you discover amazing beaches, incredible lookouts, cute villages, stunning cliffs, unbelievable islets and a unique bridge. You will visit the quaint coastal villages that pepper the Basque Coast: Getaria, Zumaia, Guernica and the impressive island of San Juan de Gaztelugache. Absorb the tranquil ambience of these picturesque marinas on this enriching day trip. This stunning drive will end in Bilbao, where you will spend the next few days.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Miró4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bay of Biscay Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Sebastián

    Gaztelugatxeko Doniene

    Bilbao

Day 9

Bilbao & Surroundings

Closeaccordion
Bilbao & Surroundings

Today's introductory walking tour of the historic old town will help you understand the founding of this city and its fascinating history. Then, it's off to explore Bilbao's surroundings and the picturesque old fishing port of Algorta, driving through Getxo. In Algorta, you could enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the restaurants near the port. You will be driven back to Bilbao to spend a couple of hours visiting the Guggenheim Museum at your own pace.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Miró4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bilbao & Surroundings

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bilbao

Day 10

La Rioja Wine Region

Closeaccordion
La Rioja Wine Region

On this gastronomic and educational tour of LaRioja, you'll get an overall perspective of the region's winemaking style. You'll taste its most renowned wines and get to admire the most impressive, and unique architecture this region has to offer. For lunch, you will be served a traditional Riojan style tapas paired with, of course, Rioja red wine. Then, we will take you to explore the medieval hilltop town of Laguardia before heading back to Bilbao for a free evening.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Miró4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    La Rioja Wine Region

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bilbao

    La Rioja

Day 11

Rias Baixas, Galicia

Closeaccordion
Rias Baixas, Galicia

A Morning flight will take you to Vigo where you will be picked you upto explore the Rías Baixas (Galician for "Lower estuaries"); a series of four estuarine inlets located on the southwestern coast of Galicia where you will visit a winery & explore beautiful towns. After lunch (cost not included), you will explore enchanting villages known for mussel production. Before heading to your hotel in Santiago de Compostela you will make a final stop in  Sanxenxo, a very popular coastal town.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Pazo De Altamira3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rias Baixas in Galicia

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Miró to Bilbao Airport

    Plane from Bilbao Airport to Vigo Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bilbao

    Galicia

    Santiago de Compostela

Day 12

Santiago de Compostela

Closeaccordion
Santiago de Compostela

Explore the main sites of this UNESCO-listed city founded in the 9th century with the discovery of Saint James’ tomb. You will visit the famous 11th-century cathedral, its museum, and the four squares that surround the cathedral. Stroll around the streets of Vilar and Franco, from where you get to admire the beautiful views to the Palace of Fonseca. Your walk will continue on through Cervantes Square and the Mercado de Abastos, the city's local market.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Pazo De Altamira3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Santiago de Compostela

Day 13

Ribeira Sacra

Closeaccordion
Ribeira Sacra

Admire the natural beauty of the spectacular landscape of the Ourense province in inland Galicia and enjoy a private boat trip along the River Miño on a Zodiac. On this unforgettable tour discover the Romanesque architecture and the breathtaking landscapes of the inland Galicia bathed by the rivers Sil and Miño, the Ribeira Sacra or sacred riverside. This wonderful experience includes a tasting of some of the local wines and products at a cosy place just down by the river.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Pazo De Altamira3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ribeira Sacra Tour of Galicia

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Santiago de Compostela

    Galicia

Day 14

Departure

Closeaccordion
Departure

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We hope you enjoyed your stay with us. Hasta pronto!

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Pazo De Altamira to A Coruña Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Santiago de Compostela

Share With Your Partners

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

What’s included?

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 11 activities
  • 13 breakfasts and 3 lunches
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
As seen on
Partners