Readers' Trip Swiss Family: Bordeaux & the Basque Country

Your journey begins in comfort by TGV from Bern, Zurich or Basel via Paris to Bordeaux. After a bistro lunch in the French capital, a transfer takes you to Montparnasse station for the onward TGV journey to Bordeaux. In the early evening you arrive in 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 Hotel FirstName Bordeaux by Hyatt).

The morning begins with a city tour of elegant Bordeaux. You stroll past magnificent squares and classical façades from the old town to Saint André Cathedral. The Garonne shapes the flair 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 wine cultures around the world. The later afternoon is at your leisure to wander the elegant streets or enjoy a coffee by the river. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Today an excursion to Saint-Emilion awaits you. The gentle hills, expansive vineyards and medieval walls create a fairytale atmosphere. On a walk through the lanes you will learn why the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is 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 picturesque drive leads through vine-covered slopes that look like a mosaic. At a tasting you will 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, Europe's tallest shifting dune. At the top, an overwhelming view opens up over the Atlantic, the Bay of Arcachon and the pine forests. In Arcachon you enjoy an organised lunch in a coastal atmosphere. You then continue your journey to Spain, reaching Bilbao in the early evening. After hotel check-in, you round off 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 provides fascinating insights into the city's transformation into a cultural metropolis and into the rich traditions of Basque culture. After lunch at your own arrangement, you visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. Its curving titanium façades are among the icons of modern architecture and house outstanding contemporary art inside. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Today an excursion to the Rioja wine region awaits you, fascinating with its 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. Lunch at the winery rounds off the programme authentically. Back in Bilbao, the evening is yours to spend as you wish.

In the morning you drive to San Sebastián, one of Spain's most beautiful coastal cities. La Concha Bay with its crescent-shaped beach provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed day. During the city tour you discover the elegant old town and the atmospheric seafront promenade. For lunch, a pintxos experience awaits you, showcasing the culinary creativity of the region. 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 return journey by coach towards Switzerland begins. After lunch at your own arrangement, you reach the impressive fortified city of Carcassonne in the afternoon. Use the time to explore the mighty walls and historic lanes of the famous Cité on your own. You then continue to Montpellier, where you will spend the night. (Overnight stay at the Hotel Mercure Montpellier Centre Comedie).

Alternatively, today there is the option of flying back to Switzerland from Bilbao.

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