PREVIEW - F&WT Optional 3-Night Pre-Cruise Program - Basque Country

Basque Country

This pre-cruise package is not yet available for purchase. Specific details for this program are not yet finalized and the tour elements are subject to change. An email announcement will be sent to all confirmed group members approximately 8 - 9 months prior to departure.

Day 1

Arrive at the 5-star Gran Hotel Domine in Bilbao for a welcome wine tasting and introduction to Basque food & wine in a local culinary space presented by a Basque chef. Guests will have Pintxos and other local products served with the wine. Enjoy free time the rest of the evening.

Day 2

Transfer to Rioja Alavesa (approx. 1 hr 15 min). Morning winery visit and tasting at Baigorri, located at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. Enjoy a wine paired lunch at Casa Primicia winery in the medieval town of Laguardia. After lunch have time to explore Laguardia then transfer to San Sebastian and check into your new hotel. Dinner is on your own.

Day 3

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a visit and tasting at a Txacoli winery called Gaintza. After the winery visit stop at the cider house Astarbe. Following a tasting of their great ciders we will head into San Sebastian for lunch and a traditional "sociedad gastronomica" or "Txoko" in Basque. Here guests will enjoy the full Txoko experience. Normally closed to the public, these are exclusive culinary clubs where only members (usually local chefs) are allowed. After lunch guests check into their hotel in downtown San Sebastian. Rest and relax this afternoon and early evening before joining back up with your local guide and chef for a guided pintxos tour of historic San Sebastian. Hotel overnight.

Day 4

Depart in the morning from the hotel for a direct transfer by luxury coach to the ship in Bordeaux. Total travel time is approx. 3-4 hours (3 hours driving with a 30 min. stop along the way).