Bordeaux, Basque & La Rioja With a Chef
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in the distinct flavors of Bordeaux, French and Spanish Basque Country, and La Rioja on this 11-day itinerary. From premier and boutique vineyard visits nearly 300 miles apart in Bordeaux and La Rioja, to the hand-selected culinary experiences throughout France and Spain, taste and develop unforgettable insights on the distinct local offerings. Coupled with carefully curated visits to iconic cultural sites, exceptional accommodations, and our Expert Host, its sure to be a Premier Experience.
Premier Experiences, Premier Advantages
Private transportation and baggage portage
Experienced guides and English-speaking Premier representatives
Unparalleled Expert Host
Purposefully small groups
Delicious daily breakfast
Hand-selected private experiences
Curated Accommodations
Internet (where available)
24/7 Premier support
Lunches and dinners as noted

Itinerary
Highlights of Bordeaux, France
Day 1Arrive in Bordeaux, France this morning. A Premier Tours & Travel representative will meet you in the arrival hall and escort you to your accommodation — a favorite boutique hotel in Bordeaux — for a four-night stay in a Superior Room, including breakfast.
Meet with the group for an introduction to Bordeaux this afternoon. On the walking tour, visit iconic sites located near our hotel, including the historic Grand-Théâtre — an architectural masterpiece from the 18th century, Esplanade des Quinconces, and Le Monument aux Girondins, and enjoy wine and cheese tasting along the way.
Connect with the group for a Welcome Dinner.
Arrive in Bordeaux, France this morning. A Premier Tours & Travel representative will meet you in the arrival hall and escort you to your accommodation — a favorite boutique hotel in Bordeaux — for a four-night stay in a Superior Room, including breakfast.
Meet with the group for an introduction to Bordeaux this afternoon. On the walking tour, visit iconic sites located near our hotel, including the historic Grand-Théâtre — an architectural masterpiece from the 18th century, Esplanade des Quinconces, and Le Monument aux Girondins, and enjoy wine and cheese tasting along the way.
Connect with the group for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2Following your breakfast (included daily), set off from the hotel with our guide on a private panoramic and walking tour of Bordeaux to immerse yourself in the history and sites, including the treasured UNESCO World Heritage Cathédrale Saint-André, the stunning Place de la Borse — the symbol of Bordeaux with is elegant, glass-like water feature, the Pont de Pierre connecting the left and right banks of the Garonne River and commissioned by Napoleon in 1882, the Grosse Cloche (one of the oldest belfries in France), and Port Cailhau with its spectacular views of Bordeaux, among others. Enjoy lunch in a traditional creperie during the tour.
Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to dine, shop or rest in this magical city.
Following your breakfast (included daily), set off from the hotel with our guide on a private panoramic and walking tour of Bordeaux to immerse yourself in the history and sites, including the treasured UNESCO World Heritage Cathédrale Saint-André, the stunning Place de la Borse — the symbol of Bordeaux with is elegant, glass-like water feature, the Pont de Pierre connecting the left and right banks of the Garonne River and commissioned by Napoleon in 1882, the Grosse Cloche (one of the oldest belfries in France), and Port Cailhau with its spectacular views of Bordeaux, among others. Enjoy lunch in a traditional creperie during the tour.
Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to dine, shop or rest in this magical city.
Day 3Explore the famous “Chateau Route” of the Medoc with a private driver and guide, including wine tour and tasting. Our expert guide will share all you need to know about the Bordeaux and Medoc wine regions as you go. Visit a charming and authentic family-run vineyard. Feel the intimacy of a private chateau run by a passionate family for generations. Start the visit in the vineyards, tour around the traditional vat room and discover the cellar. Enjoy a tasting class before heading to a Great Classified Growth estate. Visit the vineyards, the vat room and the cellars of the one of the most prestigious chateaux of Bordeaux. Enjoy some explanations about their wine making process, from the vine to the bottle. Finish the visit by a tasting of the estate’s wines while enjoying an aperitif with French delicacies for lunch.
Return to Bordeaux for the evening at leisure.
Explore the famous “Chateau Route” of the Medoc with a private driver and guide, including wine tour and tasting. Our expert guide will share all you need to know about the Bordeaux and Medoc wine regions as you go. Visit a charming and authentic family-run vineyard. Feel the intimacy of a private chateau run by a passionate family for generations. Start the visit in the vineyards, tour around the traditional vat room and discover the cellar. Enjoy a tasting class before heading to a Great Classified Growth estate. Visit the vineyards, the vat room and the cellars of the one of the most prestigious chateaux of Bordeaux. Enjoy some explanations about their wine making process, from the vine to the bottle. Finish the visit by a tasting of the estate’s wines while enjoying an aperitif with French delicacies for lunch.
Return to Bordeaux for the evening at leisure.
Day 4This morning, set off to enjoy the famous vineyards of Saint-Emilion. Embark on a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Emilion, including Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion, a subterranean church and an UNESCO World Heritage site, and its other underground monuments such as the caves. Visit two chateaux for tours and tastings — including a Grand Cru Classe chateau and a family run estate. Enjoy lunch amongst the vineyards.
Return to the hotel for the balance of the day at leisure.
This morning, set off to enjoy the famous vineyards of Saint-Emilion. Embark on a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Emilion, including Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion, a subterranean church and an UNESCO World Heritage site, and its other underground monuments such as the caves. Visit two chateaux for tours and tastings — including a Grand Cru Classe chateau and a family run estate. Enjoy lunch amongst the vineyards.
Return to the hotel for the balance of the day at leisure.
Highlights of Biarritz, Bayonne, Espelette & St. Jean de Luz, France
Day 5Our private driver will escort the group to the train station in Bordeaux. Enjoy a first-class, high-speed train ride from Bordeaux to Biarritz, France this morning. Upon arrival in Biarritz — the pearl of the French Basque coast, our driver and guide will meet the group and embark on an introduction to this elegant seaside town on the southwestern Basque coast. Biarritz has been a popular resort town since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. Explore the historic light house, and enjoy a light lunch along the way. Discover the symbol of Biarritz, Rocher de la Vierge, which is a rocky outcrop topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Reached via footbridge, it offers sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay. Meander the quaint streets of this whaler’s village-cum-aristocratic playground. Bask in the history of your one-night accommodation in Biarritz upon check in.
Reconnect with the group this evening for a quintessential French Basque dining experience.
Our private driver will escort the group to the train station in Bordeaux. Enjoy a first-class, high-speed train ride from Bordeaux to Biarritz, France this morning. Upon arrival in Biarritz — the pearl of the French Basque coast, our driver and guide will meet the group and embark on an introduction to this elegant seaside town on the southwestern Basque coast. Biarritz has been a popular resort town since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. Explore the historic light house, and enjoy a light lunch along the way. Discover the symbol of Biarritz, Rocher de la Vierge, which is a rocky outcrop topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Reached via footbridge, it offers sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay. Meander the quaint streets of this whaler’s village-cum-aristocratic playground. Bask in the history of your one-night accommodation in Biarritz upon check in.
Reconnect with the group this evening for a quintessential French Basque dining experience.
Day 6A guided tour of the covered market in the capital of the French Basque region, Bayonne, awaits you this morning. Taste its world-famous pate, ham and renowned chocolate — Bayonne is historically the French capital of chocolate. Tour the old town and view the Cathedral, which is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue on to Espelette, a village that is world-renowned for the Piment d’Espelette (Espelette red pepper). Experience an immersive tour of the farm and processing area. Learn about the history of Espelette pepper and the different stages of its production, as well as a tasting of this infamous spice. Visit Saint Jean de Luz, an elegant seaside town overlooking the pretty horseshoe bay for a seaside lunch and see local artisans making the famous St. Jean de Luz lace.
Continue on to San Sebastian and your accommodations for the following five nights. Take time to refresh and relax before reconnecting with the group for dinner this evening.
A guided tour of the covered market in the capital of the French Basque region, Bayonne, awaits you this morning. Taste its world-famous pate, ham and renowned chocolate — Bayonne is historically the French capital of chocolate. Tour the old town and view the Cathedral, which is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue on to Espelette, a village that is world-renowned for the Piment d’Espelette (Espelette red pepper). Experience an immersive tour of the farm and processing area. Learn about the history of Espelette pepper and the different stages of its production, as well as a tasting of this infamous spice. Visit Saint Jean de Luz, an elegant seaside town overlooking the pretty horseshoe bay for a seaside lunch and see local artisans making the famous St. Jean de Luz lace.
Continue on to San Sebastian and your accommodations for the following five nights. Take time to refresh and relax before reconnecting with the group for dinner this evening.
Highlights of San Sebastian and La Rioja, Spain
Day 7Embark on a panoramic and walking tour of San Sebastian today. Drive along the Bay of Biscay and the glistening beaches of San Sebastián: Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola. Pass the Town Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Spain. It was originally designed as a casino in 1886 during the Belle Epoque and became the Town Hall in 1947. View San Sebastián’s fishing port and world-famous marina overflowing with colourful fishing boats. Stroll the narrow streets of Parte Vieja — the Old Town — with the stunning baroque Basílica de Santa María del Coro. Visit La Calle 31 de Agosto — the 31st of August Street and learn about the historical significance of the street and the annual tradition honoring it. Following the tour, the balance of the day is at leisure.
This evening, experience a Pintxos (Basque-style tapas) walking tour with our local expert guide. The guide will lead you through the old quarter of San Sebastián to enjoy the famous Pintxos at the most characteristic bars and Basque cheesecake to top it off.
Embark on a panoramic and walking tour of San Sebastian today. Drive along the Bay of Biscay and the glistening beaches of San Sebastián: Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola. Pass the Town Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Spain. It was originally designed as a casino in 1886 during the Belle Epoque and became the Town Hall in 1947. View San Sebastián’s fishing port and world-famous marina overflowing with colourful fishing boats. Stroll the narrow streets of Parte Vieja — the Old Town — with the stunning baroque Basílica de Santa María del Coro. Visit La Calle 31 de Agosto — the 31st of August Street and learn about the historical significance of the street and the annual tradition honoring it. Following the tour, the balance of the day is at leisure.
This evening, experience a Pintxos (Basque-style tapas) walking tour with our local expert guide. The guide will lead you through the old quarter of San Sebastián to enjoy the famous Pintxos at the most characteristic bars and Basque cheesecake to top it off.
Day 8Explore the La Rioja region of Spain today on this full-day tour. Visit Haro, a town that has become the epicenter of wine, wineries, and gastronomy of the La Rioja region due to the concentration of world-class centenary wineries all within walking distance. Enjoy the flavors of iconic vineyards and family-owned estates on this full-day exploration of Spanish wines, including a traditional lunch. Following spend time exploring the walled city of LaGuardia with its magnificent views of the vineyards. Enjoy a final wine tasting in LaGuardia before returning to San Sebastian for the evening at leisure.
Explore the La Rioja region of Spain today on this full-day tour. Visit Haro, a town that has become the epicenter of wine, wineries, and gastronomy of the La Rioja region due to the concentration of world-class centenary wineries all within walking distance. Enjoy the flavors of iconic vineyards and family-owned estates on this full-day exploration of Spanish wines, including a traditional lunch. Following spend time exploring the walled city of LaGuardia with its magnificent views of the vineyards. Enjoy a final wine tasting in LaGuardia before returning to San Sebastian for the evening at leisure.
Day 9Explore the Saturday market with our local culinary expert and our Expert Hots and experience a quintessentially Spanish Basque culinary event with a private cooking class at a gastronomic society for lunch. The balance of the day will be at leisure.
Explore the Saturday market with our local culinary expert and our Expert Hots and experience a quintessentially Spanish Basque culinary event with a private cooking class at a gastronomic society for lunch. The balance of the day will be at leisure.
Day 10Spend the day basking in the gorgeous views of San Sebastian. La Concha Beach offers open views across the bay, where Monte Urgull towers over San Sebastian’s old town, and the lofty heights of Monte Igueldo soar above to the western end of the bay. Explore these viewpoints at leisure or simply relax in a local café people watching on La Concha Beach.
Reconnect with the group for a Farewell Dinner this evening.
Spend the day basking in the gorgeous views of San Sebastian. La Concha Beach offers open views across the bay, where Monte Urgull towers over San Sebastian’s old town, and the lofty heights of Monte Igueldo soar above to the western end of the bay. Explore these viewpoints at leisure or simply relax in a local café people watching on La Concha Beach.
Reconnect with the group for a Farewell Dinner this evening.
Day 11As you know, all good trips must come to an end. Transfer with the group to the airport this morning based upon your departure time.
As you know, all good trips must come to an end. Transfer with the group to the airport this morning based upon your departure time.
Pre-Tour Two Nights in Paris including Premier’s preferred accommodation with daily breakfast, private arrival and departure transfers, first-class train tickets from Paris to Bordeaux, and a highlights of Paris city tour. Optional add-ons available upon request, including private, guided tours of the Louvre and Versailles, and dinner river cruise (not included in the pricing).
From $1200 per person (double occupancy)
Post-Tour Two Nights in Madrid including Premier’s preferred accommodation with daily breakfast, private arrival and departure transfers, and a highlights of Madrid city tour. Transportation between San Sebastian and Madrid is not included. Optional add-ons available upon request, including private tapas tour and private guided Prado Museum tour (not included). From $1400 per person (double occupancy).
Bordeaux, Basque & La Rioja With a Chef
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Our Expertly Done Culinary & Wine Travel Includes:
EXPERTLY CURATED ITINERARIES
Over 35 years of experience goes into planning every custom itinerary and represents a balanced blend of cultural, culinary, and wine-related experiences.
HAND-SELECTED EXPERT HOSTS
Carefully selected Expert Hosts to ensure each tour is enhanced with knowledgeable, approachable insights, and hands-on cooking and/or wine tasting and education.
INTENTIONALLY SMALL GROUPS
Each tour is kept intentionally small to ensure more one-on-one experiences with our Expert Hosts.
CAREFULLY CHOSEN ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels, villas, and chateaus are expertly chosen with an eye toward modern-day comfort, amenities, and location that enhance your experience.
ASSURANCE
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