Bayonne and Bilbao
For the first time we are delighted to combine these two fascinating
cities, both brimming over with cultural, historical and gastronomic
interest. Bayonne has always been one of the jewels of the Basque Riviera.
It has a fine historic centre, a magnificent cathedral, a clutch of
splendid museums and a relaxed and genteel atmosphere, whilst Bilbao
has been reborn over the last 20 years with a unique programme of urban
renewal encapsulated in the spectacular Guggenheim Museum.
As well as exploring the many attractions of these two cities, our itinerary
takes us to the neighbouring city of Biarritz, along the French Basque
coast through St Jean de Lux and San Sebastian and into the spectacular
scenery of the interior, It goes without saying that we are in a region
of culinary excellence and our dinners will feature the food and wine
of the Basques. An added attraction of this tour is that clients can
travel by train from St Pancras.
DAY 1: A combination of Eurostar and the TGV brings us into Bayonne
in a little less than eight hours. (There is also a possibility of travelling
by air to Biarritz: please ask) We make our way directly to our home
for three nights in Bayonne: the excellent Hotel Loustau.
DAYS 2 & 3: Bayonne is a delightful city with an important historical
pedigree. Our visits include the major gothic cathedral and the Musée
Bonnat, the most complete art gallery in the French Pays Basque with
a splendid collection of old masters alongside works by the eponymous
Léon Bonnat. On Day 3 we take the local train to Biarritz, one
of the most elegant resorts on the Atlantic coast.
DAY 4: Our itinerary takes us away from Bayonne along the coast where
we stop (briefly) in St Jean de Luz and (at length) in San Sebastian,
Spain’s most exclusive and beautiful coastal city. Our destination
is Bilbao where we stay in the Hotel Conde Duque, perfectly located
on the river opposite the Guggenheim.
DAYS 5, 6 & 7: Bilbao has always been a very interesting city but
over the last years it has blossomed into one of Spain’s finest.
The reason is the visionary process of re-development that has transformed
the centre. The focal point is the Guggenheim, of course, but there
is far more to Bilbao: a well-preserved medieval quarter, wonderful
museums including a major Fine Arts, an elegant early 20th-century district.
Then there are the tapas bars and the FOOD!.......
On Day 6 we drive to Gernika, where we visit the Parliament, the Museum
of the Basque People and a remarkable winery where they have revolutionized
the local Txacoli wine and then into the mountains where we take lunch
in a bustling rural cider restaurant.
DAY 8: We return to Bayonne for our return journey.
THIS TOUR WILL DEPART: 16th September 2010
OUR HOTELS: The Hotel Loustau in Bayonne;
the Conde Duque opposite the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
NUMBER IN PARTY: 12-16
THE PRICE OF THIS TOUR: £1520
(single supplement £150)