7-Day Private Bordeaux to San Sebastian Package - 5* Hotel

Today, arrive in Bordeaux. We will come and pick you up at Bordeaux Mérignac airport or Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station and transfer you and your party to your centrally located hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, here are some suggestions of things to see & do in Bordeaux:

1. Explore the Old Town: Bordeaux's Old Town, also known as the "Golden Triangle," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the city's most beautiful architecture, such as the Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre.

2. Visit the Cité du Vin: The Cité du Vin is a wine museum that showcases the history and culture of wine. Visitors can learn about the different wine regions of France, taste wines from around the world, and enjoy panoramic views of Bordeaux from the museum's tower.

3. Walk along the Garonne River: The Garonne River runs through the heart of Bordeaux, and walking along the riverfront is a great way to experience the city's charm and beauty. There are several parks and gardens along the river, as well as cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating.

This morning we will come and pick you up at your hotel. 

Discover our Bordeaux food tour

Follow one of our expert guides through the streets of Historical Bordeaux and taste some of the most delicious food and wines of the region. Your private tour will begin by a short walk in the city center that will take you along the famous Place des Quinconces and through the narrow streets of the heart of the city.

The Cannelé of Bordeaux

Your food tour in Bordeaux includes a number of stops that will delight your taste buds. On your way to your first stop, you will have the pleasure to taste a cannelé, Bordeaux's most famous cake. In the 16th century, to filter the wine, egg white was used by the winemakers to obtain a wine with less particles.

The egg yolk, not needed for this process, was given to the nuns of the Annonciades Convent who would also obtain wheat and rhum on the docks of Bordeaux. With these ingrediants, they created cakes that were given to the poor or needy. The cakes did not look like the one's you will taste on your food tour. It wasn't until the early 1900's that the cake will take this typical shape that we know today, completely redesigned by a Bordeaux Pastry Chef.

Basque Country Cured Meats & Delicacies

Your goumet tour will include Basque specialties. Located just a mear 2 hours south of Bordeaux, the Basque country is home to many delicacies including its cured meats. In this local shop popular with locals you will taste products that respect tradition, seasons, nature one of the most famous being the Kintoa PDO ham & meats. The ham is cured for 16 to 18 months and produces a dark red marbled meat. 

The Basque country is also famous for being one of the most important chocolate destination in France. The first traces of hot chocolate served in France is mentioned in the town of Bayonne where the cocoa first arrived in the 17th century. Since 1895, the Pariès Family excels in Chocolate making and is today recognized as one of the most famous chocolate makers of France. The most famous products of this Chocolate Maker include the Mouchou and the Kanouga which you can taste on your tour today depending on the itinerary you plan with your guide.

The Dunes Blanches

Taste one of the most delicious deserts that can be found in Bordeaux, the Dunes Blanches. Dune Blanche is a delicious little crispy chou bun topped with a cream as light as a cloud. This lovingly garnished chou bun is a concentrate of happiness. Legend has it that the son of a famous baker of Cap Ferret, coming home after a long night out, mixes a Chouquette (sugar puffs) with a very light cream, secret of the family. The Dunes Blanches were born!

Food & Wine Pairing

It would be impossible to follow a Bordeaux Gourmet Tour without including local Bordeaux wines and what pairs the best with it: cheese or chocolate. Depending on the time of the day and your desires, the tasting will be salty or sweet. The goal here, is to have you experience simple pairings that you will be able to reproduce at home. On this stop it will be all about food & wine pairing !

Experience an Exclusive Private Half Day Medoc Wine Tour

Explore the world-famous Bordeaux wine region on an exclusive private half-day Medoc wine tour this afternoon. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region while tasting some of the world's most prestigious red wines with cabernet sauvignon blends. Our personalized sightseeing tours prioritize experience, ensuring that you'll discover hidden gems and enjoy expert guidance in a relaxed, informal setting.

Follow the Castle Road to Grand Cru Wineries

Embark on a journey through the heart of Medoc's vineyards, following the iconic castle road that leads to many Grands Crus Classés wineries. Your knowledgeable driver-guide, a certified expert in wines and spirits, will take you to two carefully selected wine estates that are ranked as Grand Cru, classified growth Château or cru bourgeois estates.

Learn about the history and wine-making facilities of the domains, and witness the wine-making process first-hand. Your tour continues with an exciting wine-tasting session in each winery, where you'll have the opportunity to sample delicious cabernet sauvignon wines.

Discover the Margaux and Haut Medoc Appellations

The Margaux and Haut Medoc appellations produce wonderfully perfumed French wines that are a delight to the senses. Margaux wines are distinguished by their fragrant taste, which is attributed to the high gravel content of the soil in these vineyards. The Haut Medoc appellation is vast, with almost 400 different wine producers operating there. Each winery produces wine with a unique texture and flavor, making it an exciting destination for wine enthusiasts.

Expertly Guided Tour with Accredited Guides

At Ophorus, we take pride in providing the highest level of service to our guests. Our drivers are fully accredited guides, ensuring that you get double the expertise on this great Medoc tour. They're not only wine connoisseurs, but also authorities on the local area, ready to share a wealth of information about the stunning Bordeaux region. With at least a WSET level 2 certification in wines and spirits, our expert guides will teach you how to judge a wine using all your senses – eyes, nose, tongue, and memory.

At the end of your Médoc wine tour, we will return to Bordeaux. Evening is at leisure and night at your hotel.

Full day Private Saint Emilion wine tour

This morning, meet your guide for an unforgettable private full-day wine and history tour to the charming village of St Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to taste some of the best Bordeaux wines, explore the picturesque countryside, and visit historical landmarks.

Start your day with a comfortable air-conditioned minivan ride from Bordeaux to the rolling hills of the right bank wine region, the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region. Here, many vineyards carry the Saint Emilion AOC designation and produce vintages with distinct soil features backed by a long winemaking heritage. The wines produced here are a blend of Merlot grapes with deep, bold flavors, along with other local grape varieties, especially Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visit Two Grands Crus Wineries

This tour offers an in-depth wine experience by taking you to two different wineries, each with its own unique style and winemaking techniques. You will have the opportunity to see how production and techniques can vary from one winery to another. We will visit a modern winery and a traditional family-owned one to help you better understand the technical transformations that have taken place over the years and the differences between traditional and modern winemaking. You will also have the chance to sample some of the finest Saint Emilion wines.

Private Visit of Underground Monuments

The highlight of your trip to St Emilion will be the private visit to the underground monolithic church, built directly into the limestone of the rocky site. This rare construction feat is a testament to the history and heritage of the village.

Your certified licensed guide will take you on a tour of the four monuments: the hermitage of Émilion, the Trinity Chapel and its medieval paintings, the catacombs, and the underground church. Learn about the history of the founding monk of the village and the digging of the surprising monolithic church.

During the day, you will have some free time in the village of Saint Emilion for personal discovery and lunch (at own expense). Don't hesitat to ask your guide for recommendations.

At the end of your Bordeaux wine tour to Saint-Emilion, it will be time to return to Bordeaux. Evening is at leisure and night at your hotel.

Embark on an exhilarating sightseeing transfer from Bordeaux to San Sebastian, stopping in Bayonne for an immersive experience at a renowned ham making facility. Indulge your senses with a visit to a delightful chocolate factory and cap off the day with a captivating evening pinxos tour. Immerse yourself in the finest flavors of the region and create unforgettable memories.

Bordeaux to San Sebastian sightseeing Tour: Uncover Gastronomic Delights in Bayonne

Experience an extraordinary journey from Bordeaux to San Sebastian, immersing yourself in the captivating culinary wonders of the region. Discover the picturesque town of Bayonne, where tradition and flavors intertwine seamlessly. Unveil the secrets of ham production at a renowned facility, indulge in heavenly chocolates at a local factory, and relish the vibrant atmosphere of an evening pinxos tour. This full-day excursion promises an unrivaled fusion of gastronomy and culture that will leave you craving for more.

Immerse Yourself in Ham-making Traditions

Bayonne Ham Making Facility Visit

Kickstart your day with a visit to a prestigious Bayonne ham making facility, where age-old techniques and meticulous craftsmanship converge to create a true culinary masterpiece. Witness the process from start to finish as expert artisans transform carefully selected pork into the renowned Bayonne ham.

Savor the distinct aromas and flavors while learning about the curing process, precise seasoning, and the history behind this iconic delicacy. Experience firsthand why Bayonne ham holds a cherished place in the hearts of gourmands worldwide.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth in a Chocolate Factory

Chocolate Factory Exploration

Indulge your senses in a delightful visit to a local chocolate factory, where craftsmanship and creativity harmonize to produce heavenly confections. Immerse yourself in the tantalizing world of chocolate as you witness the intricate process of transforming raw cacao beans into delectable treats.

Observe skilled chocolatiers as they pour, mold, and decorate their creations with precision and artistry. Engage in a sensory journey, relishing the rich aromas and sampling an array of exquisite chocolates. Discover the story behind each bite and understand why this region is renowned for its mastery of chocolate making.

After some free time for lunch during the day (at onw expense) it will be time to drive to San Sebastian. Upon arrival, check in at your centrally located hotel. 

Unleash Your Taste Buds on an Evening Pintxos Tour

Captivating Evening Pintxos Tour

As the sun sets and the evening unfolds, prepare yourself for an unforgettable pintxos tour through the enchanting streets of San Sebastian. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore the city's vibrant culinary scene, renowned for its tantalizing bite-sized Basque delicacies.

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of bustling bars and local taverns, where colorful platters of pinxos tempt you at every turn. Savor the eclectic blend of flavors, from traditional Basque classics to modern reinterpretations, expertly paired with regional wines and refreshing beverages. Engage in friendly conversations with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and relishing the conviviality that defines this authentic gastronomic experience.

Night at your hotel.

San Sebastian Full-Day Tour: Morning Market Stroll and Gastronomic Club Lunch

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of San Sebastian with a full-day tour featuring a vibrant morning market stroll, followed by an exquisite lunch experience in a prestigious gastronomic club. Discover the freshest local produce, engage with passionate vendors, and indulge in a memorable meal prepared by talented chefs. Join us for a gastronomic adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories.

Explore the Vibrant Morning Market and Savor Gastronomic Excellence

Embark on a captivating full-day tour in San Sebastian, where the culinary treasures of the city come alive. Immerse yourself in the bustling ambiance of a vibrant morning market, where a kaleidoscope of colors and aromas entice your senses. Engage with passionate vendors, discover the region's finest produce, and immerse yourself in the gastronomic culture.

Afterwards, elevate your culinary journey with a memorable lunch experience at a prestigious gastronomic club. Let the skilled chefs amaze you with their expertise, creating a feast that showcases the essence of Basque cuisine. Indulge in a day of gastronomic delights that will leave you with a profound appreciation for San Sebastian's culinary prowess.

Engage Your Senses in a Vibrant Morning Market Stroll

Morning Market Exploration

Start your day with a vibrant stroll through San Sebastian's renowned morning market, a culinary paradise where local producers and artisans showcase their finest offerings. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you navigate through a kaleidoscope of fresh fruits, vegetables, fragrant spices, and tantalizing seafood.

Engage with passionate vendors who are eager to share their stories and expertise, providing insights into the region's gastronomic traditions. Take in the vibrant colors, inhale the aromatic scents, and let your taste buds anticipate the flavors of the day ahead. Discover the treasures of the market and gather inspiration for the gastronomic journey that awaits.

Indulge in an Exquisite Lunch at a Prestigious Gastronomic Club

Gastronomic Club Culinary Experience

Elevate your gastronomic adventure with an extraordinary lunch at a prestigious gastronomic club, renowned for its culinary excellence and innovation. Immerse yourself in an exclusive setting where talented chefs transform the finest local ingredients into artful creations.

Experience the Basque culinary philosophy firsthand as you savor meticulously crafted dishes that celebrate the region's rich flavors and traditions. Each bite is a symphony of taste, a harmonious blend of textures and aromas that showcase the creativity and skill of the culinary masters.

Engage in delightful conversations with fellow food enthusiasts and embrace the conviviality that defines this unique dining experience. Prepare for a culinary journey that will leave an indelible mark on your palate.

Personal discovery of San Sebastian

The rest of the day is at leisure. Here are a few suggestions of things to do in San Sebastian during your free time in the afternoon:

1. La Concha Beach: One of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, La Concha Beach boasts a picturesque crescent shape, golden sand, and crystal-clear waters. Relax on the beach, take a dip in the sea, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade.

2. Old Town (Parte Vieja): Lose yourself in the charming streets of the Old Town, known as Parte Vieja. Explore its narrow, winding alleys lined with historic buildings, bustling pintxo bars, and traditional shops. Don't miss the iconic Church of Santa Maria, a Gothic-style gem.

3. Mount Urgull: Hike or take a funicular ride up Mount Urgull, which offers stunning panoramic views of San Sebastian's coastline and the cityscape. At the summit, you'll find a historic fortress, Castillo de la Mota, and the impressive sculpture of Jesus Christ.

4. Mount Igueldo: Another hill with breathtaking vistas, Mount Igueldo is home to an iconic amusement park. Enjoy thrilling rides, take in the panoramic views from the vintage funicular, and capture memorable photos of the city from the hilltop.

San Sebastian to Rioja Wine Region Full-Day Tour

Embark on an unforgettable full-day tour from San Sebastian to the Rioja wine region. Immerse yourself in a world of renowned wineries, indulge in three tastings of exquisite wines, and savor a traditional hot and cold tapas-based lunch in a picturesque winery setting. Discover the rich flavors and time-honored winemaking traditions of Rioja while creating lasting memories on this immersive wine tour.

A Journey of Wine and Gastronomy

Take part in captivating full-day tour from San Sebastian to the Rioja wine region, where vineyards sprawl across the picturesque landscape. Uncover the secrets of Rioja's renowned wineries, delight your palate with three tastings of exceptional wines, and indulge in a traditional hot and cold tapas-based lunch in the idyllic setting of a winery.

Immerse yourself in the rich history, exquisite flavors, and time-honored winemaking traditions of this world-class wine region. Join us for a wine and gastronomic adventure that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Rioja's oenological treasures.

Explore Rioja's Finest Wineries and Wines

Winery Visits and Wine Tastings

Today, your private wine tour will take you on a journey through Rioja's prestigious wineries, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's winemaking heritage. Visit three carefully selected wineries known for their exceptional wines and warm hospitality. Immerse yourself in the winemaking process as knowledgeable guides take you through vineyards, cellars, and aging rooms, sharing insights into the art of winemaking.

Engage your senses with guided tastings of a variety of Rioja wines, from robust reds to crisp whites, allowing you to appreciate the distinct flavors, aromas, and characteristics that define the region's wines. Expand your oenological knowledge while discovering the secrets behind Rioja's acclaimed vintages.

Indulge in a Traditional Tapas-Based Lunch at a Winery

Gastronomic Delights: Traditional Tapas Lunch

Immerse yourself in the gastronomic traditions of Rioja as you savor a traditional hot and cold tapas-based lunch in the charming ambiance of a picturesque winery. Delight in an array of mouthwatering tapas, showcasing the finest local ingredients and regional flavors. Sample traditional dishes that harmoniously blend hot and cold flavors, expertly paired with Rioja wines that complement each bite.

Engage with friendly winery staff who will guide you through the culinary journey, sharing insights into the art of tapas preparation and the perfect wine pairing techniques. Relish this authentic gastronomic experience and appreciate the marriage of flavors that exemplify Rioja's culinary heritage.

After your full day Rioja wine tour, return to San Sebastian. Night at your hotel.

This morning, check out from your hotel after breakfast. End of our services.