Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: Bilbao to Bordeaux: Cuisine & Culture
Day 1 Bilbao, Spain
Arrive in Bilbao, where you are met and transferred to your
hotel. This evening, gather for cocktails and a welcome
dinner at the hotel.
Gran Hotel Domine
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Guernica & the CoastStart your day with a visit to nearby Guernica, a city
inextricably linked to the brutality of war and nationalism as
vividly portrayed in Pablo Picasso’s masterwork, Guernica.
Delve into the poignant history that inspired the master,
seeing ground zero of the infamous bombing raid that leveled
the city in 1937. Next, explore Guernica’s renowned market,
one of the finest in all of Basque Country, where growers from
across the province display their freshly harvested produce
for locals and visitors alike. Then, return to Bilbao to explore
the fascinating streets of its Old Town, followed by a relaxing
evening at leisure.
Gran Hotel Domine
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 BilbaoExplore the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and its world-class collection of modern and
contemporary art. Next, embark on a private boat trip to a
wine cellar sunken more than 60 feet below the surface of
the sea, and enjoy local wines paired with lunch on board.
Proceed to San Sebastián for an A&K-exclusive dining
experience at a local gastronomic society, a members-only
social club where Basque cuisine and culture are passed from
one generation to the next.
Hotel Maria Cristina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 San SebastiánExplore San Sebastián’s local cider culture, learning how this
delightful regional staple is brewed, poured and quaffed in
the Basque tradition. After some time at leisure to relax or
explore, join a Chef ’s Table experience, preparing and tasting
regional favorites.
Hotel Maria Cristina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 PamplonaVisit a family-run dairy farm and taste their fresh cheeses.
Continue to Pamplona — home to the annual festival of San
Fermín (the running of the bulls) that inspired Hemingway’s
classic The Sun Also Rises. After time for lunch at leisure,
stroll the city’s medieval lanes with a local expert, and then
return to San Sebastián. Tonight, you may opt to explore the
city’s world-renowned culinary scene independently, with
advice from A&K if you like.
Hotel Maria Cristina
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Bordeaux, FranceCross the border into France, pausing to take in the scenic
fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Continue into the
foothills of the Pyrénées, stopping to try the local peppers
of Espelette, an ingredient prized by chefs the world over.
Proceed to coastal Bayonne for an expert-led chocolate
tasting. Continue northward to Bordeaux, where your guide reveals the city as you walk to a local restaurant for dinner.
Intercontinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 BordeauxToday, explore some of Bordeaux’s iconic chteaux, enjoying
privileged access to areas otherwise closed to the public.
Savor expertly curated tastings of some of the world’s most
coveted wines, and pause for lunch at one of the chteaux.
Intercontinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 BordeauxTravel to Arcachon, a charming seaside town renowned for
its oysters. Join an oysterman to Ride Like a Local around
his beds, savoring fresh oysters plucked straight from the
sea. After lunch on board, head to shore for a guided tour of
The City of Wine, celebrating the region’s deeply rooted wine
culture with a Scenic Sundowner. Tonight, enjoy a farewell
dinner in a private salon of your hotel overlooking the opera
house.
Intercontinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 BordeauxAfter breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your
departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast