The Grand Tapas, Pintxos & Wine Tour

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Barcelona

   Barcelona is a city with a big historic legacy. Its origins can be traced back to the 1st-century BC when it became the Roman colony of Barciro. Today Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist architecture has become the main attraction for visitors from all over the world. Barcelona has two UNESCO listings covering nine buildings. Seven of them are by Gaudi! Despite its age, a youthful, energetic city vibe can be felt in all Barcelona’s quarters. Embrace your hidden love of Gothic aesthetics followed by Catalan cuisine with a private chef and finish your evening with a ramble on La Rambla, the heart of social Barcelona. So whether you feel like a picnic overlooking the beach-fronted La Estrella Herida, a private tapas tour throughout the city, or a stroll through the Gaudi-inspired Park Güell, there is something for everyone!

   We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Barcelona's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. The duration of the transfer is about 30 minutes.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Ramble on La Rambla

   Embrace the authentic Catalan spirit with an evening stroll along La Rambla on your first night in Barcelona. Spanning nearly a mile, this historic street is the sole avenue in the old part of the city, running parallel to the historic city wall. Unlike the bustling downtown, La Rambla offers a broad and spacious expanse, serving as an ideal meeting place for both locals and visitors alike. Flanked by bars, bistros, boutiques, and galleries on either side, La Rambla stands as a distinctive microcosm of Barcelona's charm.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Barcelona

   

   Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Group Tour

   During this tour, you will learn about Barcelona's history and its relation to Catalan cuisine. Fifty minutes of this tour are walking with your guide while they pass on interesting information and historical notes. The other time is spent in various bars and small restaurants where you will indulge in many different tapas and drinks. Drinks will often be paired with cured meats, cheeses, and more. One of the stops originally opened in 1945 and has served the same four tapas ever since! You'll finish the tour with a classic dessert – the Catalan precursor to crème brûlée.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Shop Fresh and Local

   Barcelona's markets have evolved beyond mere grocery venues; in the past decade, they've transformed into vibrant dining hubs. Drawing over 45,000 daily visitors, La Boqueria dazzles with exquisite displays of cheese, charcuterie, seafood, and fresh produce. For a quieter market experience, explore Mercat de Santa Caterina, a cherished neighborhood institution. Established in the 19th century as the city's inaugural covered food market, it underwent a significant 2005 renovation, featuring its distinctive colorful, undulating rooftop.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Barcelona

   

   Get a grounding in Barcelona

   The best place to start exploring Barcelona is in the Old Quarter. There's plenty of time to discover the marvelous works of Gaudî, and we have a number of private and small group excursions to do just that. Still, for now, we'll concentrate on the basics, learning a little about the history of the city and the surrounding Catalunya region. And what better way to soak up some history than accompanying it with a little tapas and wine tasting?

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Half-Day Private Gaudi Tour with Visits to Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell

   This private tour is focused on Gaudi with visits to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. You will have a guide with you while you are touring the monuments. After receiving plenty of information about Gaudi and seeing Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, the tour also includes outside visits and explanations about Casa Milá and Casa Batlló (Passeigs de Gràcia). This last part consists of a short walk between the houses.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Traveling to San Sebastian by Airplane / Arrival in San Sebastian

   

   From Barcelona to San Sebastian (EAS), you can take a flight on one of the low-cost airlines. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Barcelona and take you to the airport for your flight. The duration of the flight is 1 hour 15 minutes. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. If you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   San Sebastián is rightfully known as one of the most beautiful cities in northern Spain. It flourished in the early 20th century as a holiday resort for aristocrats and to this day attracts visitors to its famed beaches. San Sebastian is also a haven for foodies. A landmark for gastronomy, San Sebastian has more Michelin Star restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Europe! But it’s not all about white table cloths and silver service. The bars in the quaint Old Town have the most delicious pintxos – the local take on tapas – which you must try while in San Sebastian. San Sebastian’s best-kept secret might be its cider houses. The cavernous sidrerias are where the locals can be found of an evening.

   We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at San Sebastian EAS airport and take you directly to your accommodations in San Sebastian.

   

   To the Ocean

   Begin your first night's adventure by heading towards the Atlantic Sea. Whether your lodging is close to La Concha Bay or the chic Gros district, embark on a discovery stroll in the direction opposite to your accommodation. Cross the river, encountering enticing bars and restaurants along the way. Take a seat, relish a couple of pintxos paired with fine wine or beer, and immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of San Sebastián's nightlife.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in San Sebastian

   

   A City Made for Walking

   San Sebastián is often regarded as a "Belle Époque" city, due to its art nouveau buildings, ornate bridges and beautifully maintained parks and plazas, all built during the times of economic prosperity at the beginning of the 20th century. As if its grandiose architecture wouldn't be enough, the city boasts a reputation as one of the world’s greatest dining destinations! Your private guide will show you the most important sights in San Sebastián and take you to try some local pintxos (Basque tapas).

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in San Sebastian

   Visit Spain's Most Famous Wine Region

   Embark on a day trip to the Rioja region from San Sebastian to savor world-class wines amid picturesque vineyards. Explore historic wineries, indulge in exquisite wine tastings, and delight in the scenic landscapes of this renowned wine-producing region. Take your pick of private or small group trips, based on your budget or your desire to socialize with like-minded travelers.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Private Wine Tour Day Trip to La Rioja (Non Refundable)

   You will be picked up from your accommodations and taken on the Private Wine Tour Day Trip to La Rioja – the "all about wine" experience for those who want to learn about the Rioja wine region! During a guided visit, you will discover an excellent, family-run bodega, taste wines adapted to your preferences in two other wineries, and finish with a traditional Riojan 3-course menu. Then, you will be driven back and dropped off at your accommodations.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 10 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Rioja Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from San Sebastian

   On this tour, you will visit two different wineries (also known as bodegas), have a relaxing walk through the vineyards, and learn the process of wine-making from the initial picking to the slow creation of the wine itself. You will finish the experience by tasting the wine in each winery and sampling some of the best Rioja wines. Two wineries are visited to learn the difference between each winery. During the day, you will also see the charming medieval village of Laguardia.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Guggenheim in Bilbao

   Exploring a Guggenheim Museum is a must wherever you are, featuring as they do striking exteriors and captivating exhibits. Inside the Guggenheim in nearby Bilbao essentials include a Mark Rothko bicolor painting, Jeff Koons' colossal puppy, and a circular interpretation of "time" by Serra. This contemporary collection adds another gem to your cultural experiences. Bilbao is easily accessible from San Sebastian, just an hour and a half away by public transport, or opt for our well-planned day trip to uncover more along the picturesque Biscay Bay.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

7. Day 7 Traveling to Bordeaux by Private Transfer / Arrival in Bordeaux

   

   Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in San Sebastian and take you directly to Bordeaux, France. Duration of the journey is around 2 hours and 40 minutes. For an additional fee, on the way you can also visit Biarritz, city famous for its beaches, luxury hotels, old-fashioned houses and high-class villas that dazzle with art deco and beautiful époque details.

   Part of the Nouvelle - Aquitaine region in the southwest of France, the city of Bordeaux spreads around its crescent-shaped harbor. The so-called Port of the Moon is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being a place of exchange of cultural values over the centuries. Yet Bordeaux owes its fame almost exclusively to its wine-making culture and traditions. Dotted with century-old vineyards and fairytale-like castles, the stunning countryside of the Nouvelle - Aquitaine region is where the famous French wine is born before it travels to all corners of the world to warm the hearts of wine enthusiasts from all across the globe.

   Our driver will take you directly to your accommodation.

   At a Wine Bar With Locals

   The best way to start your trip in Bordeaux is to follow in the locals' footsteps by stepping inside a warm wine bar, sitting back, relaxing, and indulging in a slow wine tasting paired with French cheese and other local delicacies. Exploring the city's wine-bar culture is the fastest way for Bordeaux to find its way into your heart and stay there for good. Our favorite ones are Bar à Vin, centrally situated near the Place de La Comedie, and Wine More Time. You can use this experience as a starting point for further exploration of Bordeaux's wine scene.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Bordeaux

   

   Wine and City Private Experience

   The history of Bordeaux is interwoven with wine. Join this tour to learn everything there is to know about Bordeaux wine without even visiting the vineyards. In the course of three hours, you will visit several of the city’s main points of interest, and you will be amazed at the extent to which they connect with the history of wine-making in Bordeaux.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Best Museums in the Wine Capital of France

   Spending time in the city's diverse museums is one of the best ways to get to know Bordeaux. Since you are in the Wine Capital of France, it makes sense to start from the Cité du Vin, a modern museum and event hall that narrates the history of wine and explores its influence on geography and culture. Similarly, the Musée du Vin et du Négoce is also all about wine, but this time in the setting of an 18th-century merchant's mansion. Apart from wine-related museums, you should also consider the Musée d'Aquitaine, the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts, the CAPC Bordeaux Contemporary Art Museum, and the Musée Mer Marine while in Bordeaux.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Bordeaux

   Following Bordeaux's Wine Routes

   On one of your days in Bordeaux, we recommend taking a day trip to the glorious French countryside to fill your eyes with the mesmerizing spectacle of century-old vineyards swaying in the breeze. When it comes to wine-themed tours in or near Bordeaux, the choices are plenty. Our first suggestion is a day trip across Médoc, a wine-making region renowned for the prestigious wines it produces. During this tour, you'll have the chance to visit some of the area's top wineries and marvel at the most magnificent castles along the Routes des Chateaux, France's scenic castle route. Our second suggestion is a trip across Saint-Emilion, a picturesque wine-making region set in a gorgeous landscape of rolling hills and medieval charm.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   A Day in Medoc Private Wine Tour

   The birthplace of the most famous red wines in Bordeaux, Médoc awaits to seduce you with its charms on a day filled with winery visits, exquisite flavors, and spectacular views along the Route des Chateaux, France's scenic castle route.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8-9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   A Day in St-Emilion and Pomerol Private Wine Tour

   The Saint Emilion region has a remarkable reputation when it comes to wine production. This day tour to the Southwest of France perfectly combines traditional chateaux visits with wine tastings and learning about the region's wine culture. But that is not all. Visiting Saint Emilion means exploring one of the most beautiful and fascinating villages in the Southwest of France, registered as a heritage site by UNESCO.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

10. Day 10 Traveling to Tours by Train / Arrival in Tours

    

    You're leaving Bordeaux behind today and heading to Tours. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and second class tickets. There are a few train departures to Tours daily, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Tours by Private Transfer

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    About 150 miles southwest of Paris, Tours became the Royal Court’s second home after being the French capital during the 15th and 16th centuries. This explains the plethora of stunning mansions and castles around Tours and further down the Loire Valley. Also called the White and Blue City because of its white walls with blue slate roofs, Tours is home to the Vieux-Tours, a medieval historical center registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture, are two stops you won't want to miss before letting the scenery of the Loire Valley seduce you with its utter beauty.

    Upon arrival at the train station in Tours, a driver will meet you to take you to your accommodation.

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Tours

    

    Chinon & Azay Touraine Small Group Tour

    With majestic châteaux and world-famous wines, Chinon and Azay are among the most charming places to visit in the Loire Valley. During this half-day tour, you will immerse yourselves in the beauty of the vineyard-filled scenery and the distinct flavors of local wine.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 5 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Chateaux Chambord, Chenonceau, and Winery Private Full-Day Tour

    Prepare for an extraordinary journey blending visual splendor and culinary delights. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the magnificent Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unparalleled grandeur. Next, explore the captivating history of Château de Chenonceau, adorned with opulent interiors and masterpieces by renowned artists. Indulge in local delicacies and wine tastings along the way, with lunch included for a truly unforgettable experience amidst vineyards or in a charming winery setting.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 10 hours 30 minutes

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

12. Day 12 Traveling to Paris by Train / Arrival in Paris

    

    You're leaving Tours behind today and heading to Paris. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and second class tickets. There are a few train departures to Paris daily, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Paris by Private Transfer with stops in Chateau Chenonceau and Chateau d'Amboise

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    Paris is situated in the northern part of France. The city sprawls over both banks of the Seine River and on two islands: the Îles Saint Louis and the larger Île de la Cité. The historical city center is built around the Seine, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. For a glimpse into the oldest part of Paris, take a stroll along the Seine and around the 1st and 4th districts to admire iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris or the Louvre Museum, among others. But leave some space and time for the rest of the city's districts, as each of Paris' 20 arrondissements possesses incredible treasures to discover.

    Welcome to the City of Light! A driver will be waiting for you at the train station to take you to your accommodation.

    

    Welcome to the City of Light

    When in Paris, seizing every opportunity to witness the city in the evening is a must. The illuminated skyline, showcasing iconic landmarks and monuments, paints a mesmerizing picture of the City of Light that shouldn't be missed. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a sparkling spectacle, with city highlights casting their radiant glow over the Seine River. Whether you're strolling along its banks or cruising on an all-glass-top boat, the magic of Parisian evenings is an experience to savor.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 1 hour and 15 minutes

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

13. Day 13 Your First Full Day in Paris

    

    The Magic of Paris in a Day

    Today, you will experience the premier attractions that Paris has to offer on an extensive full-day walking tour. This remarkable journey includes numerous notable locations: marvel at the views of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square, where you can appreciate the city's grandeur; explore the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the charming neighborhood of Montmartre; delve into the heart of Medieval Paris with a visit to the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral; and gain entry to the Louvre Museum to witness the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces. Conclude your day with a serene 1-hour cruise down the River Seine, providing a unique perspective of the city from the water.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 9 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

14. Day 14 Your Second Full Day in Paris

    

    French Wine & Cheese Group Tasting Experience

    Through this experience, you will learn about wine and cheese. During the two-hour experience, you get to taste five tantalizing French wines, expertly accompanied by five French cheeses! All from famous regions of France. This wine-tasting experience suits everyone, whether you have a deep understanding of wine or know very little. So, you can drink, chat about French wines, discover five French wine regions, learn how to pair wine, and ultimately enjoy a memorable and unique moment in Paris.

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Enjoying Paris Like a Local

    While visiting Paris' iconic attractions is a must, exploring lesser-known districts, often frequented by locals, adds a unique charm to your trip. Cour du Commerce St-André and Canal Saint-Martin offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of Parisians. For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Belleville stands out, providing an opportunity to mingle with locals over a glass of wine or indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine. To enhance your authentic Parisian experience, consider a picnic at Buttes-Chaumont, where you can savor delightful local treats amidst the scenic beauty of this hidden gem.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

15. Day 15 Departure Day

    It's time to leave France behind. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.