San Sebastian and Beyond – Small Group

SAVE up to $767 per person!

From Bordeaux to Bilbao, this Small Group journey weaves through the celebrated wine regions, dramatic coastlines and historic towns of southwest France and northern Spain.

Along the way, walk a section of the Camino, discover highlights such as Saint-Émilion, Biarritz and San Sebastián, and enjoy time to linger over local flavours, wander at your own pace and make each destination your own. With charming villages, renowned food and wine, and a mix of cultural discovery and coastal beauty, this is a richly rewarding journey through two of Europe’s most character-filled regions.

Pricing

9 days

from

$6,296*

per person, twin share

Based on 3 Apr 2027 departure.

Highlights

• 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

   

What's Included

Your Small Group Tour with Trafalgar includes:

• 8 nights in handpicked hotels
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• 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
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Optional Experiences and free time

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Bordeaux

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. (D)

Day 2: Markets and Vineyards

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. (B)

Day 3: The Tallest Dune in Europe

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. (B)

Day 4: Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz

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. (B)

Day 5: Across the French Border to San Sebastián

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. (B,D)

Day 6: Walk the Camino

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. (B,L)

Day 7: Picasso’s Basque Heritage and Bilbao

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. (B)

Day 8: Art and Culture in Bilbao

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. (B,D)

Day 9: Adiós Bilbao

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

Terms and Conditions

Save 10% on select Small Groups as featured on Trafalgar.com as "Early Booking Offer". Valid on new bookings made between April 20, 2026 and September 30, 2026; not valid on existing bookings. Deposit is due at time of booking to lock in savings; full payment is due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if within 120 days. Prices are in NZD, are per person, land or river cruise only, based on double occupancy, are subject to availability and we reserve the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. Bookings made and confirmed before this offer is withdrawn or amended will be honoured at the price advised at the time of booking confirmation. Where reasonably practical, we will endeavour to provide advance notice of any withdrawal or material changes to this offer on our website. Minimum number of guests are required to operate departures. If guests change to another tour, river cruise, small group or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions; discounts are not transferrable. Offer is combinable with 5% Global Tour Rewards loyalty discount available to eligible past guests only, but cannot be combined with: any other promotional offer or discount code; Future Travel Credit carry-forward discounts or any other special offer, unless expressly stated otherwise. The availability shown on our website is indicative only and may not reflect real-time capacity. In some instances, departures which have recently become fully booked may continue to display as available for a brief period. All bookings are subject to confirmation of availability following your booking request. Other conditions apply. We reserve to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. Professional service fees apply.