Reader's Trip Schweizer Familie: Bordeaux & the Basque Country

Your journey begins in comfort with the TGV from Bern, Zurich or Basel via Paris to Bordeaux. After a bistro lunch in the French capital, a transfer takes you to Gare Montparnasse for the onward TGV journey to Bordeaux. In the early evening you reach the wine city, where our Deluxe coach takes you to your stylish hotel. Dinner at the hotel rounds off the day. (3 nights at the FirstName Bordeaux by Hyatt hotel).

The morning begins with a city tour of elegant Bordeaux. You stroll past magnificent squares and classic façades from the old town to the Cathedral of Saint-André. The Garonne shapes the atmosphere of the broad riverside promenades. At a shared lunch you enjoy typical specialities of the Bordelais. In the afternoon you visit the Cité du Vin wine museum. This architectural masterpiece houses an interactive, sensory exhibition on global wine culture. The late afternoon is at your leisure to wander the elegant streets or enjoy a coffee by the river. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Today brings an excursion to Saint-Emilion. The gentle hills, vast vineyards and medieval walls create a fairytale atmosphere. On a walk through the lanes you learn why the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and regarded as a centre of viticulture. Afterwards you have free time for an individual lunch in the charming bistros. In the afternoon, on the way back to Bordeaux, you visit a selected wine estate. The scenic drive passes vineyards that look like a mosaic. At a tasting you learn all about terroir, grape varieties and maturation, and experience the finesse of these world-famous wines.

In the morning you drive to the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. From the top you enjoy a breathtaking view of the Atlantic, Arcachon Bay and the pine forests. In Arcachon you enjoy an organised lunch with a coastal atmosphere. Then you continue your journey to Spain and reach Bilbao early in the evening. After hotel check-in, end the day with a shared dinner. (4 nights at the 4* Hotel Eurostars Indautxu Bilbao).

The day begins with a guided walk through Bilbao's lively old town. Your tour guide gives fascinating insights into the city's transformation into a cultural metropolis and into the rich traditions of the Basque people. After an individual lunch you visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. Its sweeping titanium façades count among the icons of modern architecture and house outstanding contemporary art inside. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Today brings an excursion to the Rioja wine region, which captivates with gentle hills and endless vineyards. On visits to selected bodegas you immerse yourself in the philosophy of winemaking. The tour combines historic cellars with modern architecture and shows you everything about grape varieties and barrel ageing. At the tasting you experience the power and elegance of Rioja wines. A lunch at the winery rounds off the programme authentically. Back in Bilbao, the evening is at your leisure.

In the morning you drive to San Sebastián, one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Spain. La Concha Bay with its half-moon beach forms the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day. During the city tour you discover the elegant old town and the atmospheric promenade. For lunch, a pintxos experience awaits, showcasing the region's culinary creativity. Afterwards there is time for a leisurely stroll along the beach before you return to Bilbao in the evening. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Today the homeward journey by coach towards Switzerland begins. After an individual lunch, you reach the impressive fortress town of Carcassonne in the afternoon. Take the time to explore the mighty walls and historic lanes of the famous Cité on your own. Then continue to Montpellier, where you will spend the night. (Overnight at the Hotel Mercure Montpellier Centre Comedie).

Alternatively, you can fly back to Switzerland from Bilbao today.

After days full of enjoyment, culture and impressive landscapes, today you begin the journey home to Switzerland. On the way you enjoy a shared lunch before arriving late in the afternoon.