2 nights in Bilbao, 2 nights in San Sebastian, 7-night roundtrip Bordeaux cruise, 2 nights in the Loire Valley and 1 night in Paris

1. Day 1
   Sun, Sep 27, 2026

   BILBAO. Check into your hotel for the beginning of your Basque Country land package.
2. Day 2
   Mon, Sep 28, 2026

   BILBAO. Travel to the Basque town of Guernica, infamously bombed by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War ''' and the subject of one of Picasso'''s most renowned paintings. Immerse yourself in culture and visit the open-air market where you'''ll find a variety of local specialties, from cheese to peppers to fish. Later in the day, take an informative walking tour through Bilbao and learn how to order Basque tapas, known locally as pintxos, and revered for their small size and big taste. (Meals: B)
3. Day 3
   Tue, Sep 29, 2026

   BILBAO ''' SAN SEBASTIAN. Take a deep dive into the contemporary art within the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a work of art itself. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum features a daring and innovative fa''ade and showcases work by such artists as Andy Warhol, German artist Anselm Kiefer, and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. Later in the day, transfer to San Sebasti''n and check into your hotel. In the evening, take a stroll through Old Town, the second oldest neighborhood in the city, where distinctive architecture and pintxos bars beckon, made even more romantic by the evening light. (Meals: B)
4. Day 4
   Wed, Sep 30, 2026

   SAN SEBASTIAN. Discover the charms of the '''City by the Bay of Biscay.''' Known in the Basque language as Donostia, San Sebasti''n was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort. Later in the day, enjoy some free time in the city renowned for holding the second highest number of Michelin stars per square meter. (Meals: B)
5. Day 5
   Thu, Oct 01, 2026

   SAN SEBASTI''N ''' BAYONNE ''' BORDEAUX - EMBARKATION. Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bordeaux via the French Basque town of Bayonne. Later, arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux and embark your beautiful river cruise ship, docked on the Garonne River a stone'''s throw from the city'''s historic center. After time to get settled in your stateroom'''and to explore Bordeaux on your own if time allows'''kick off your journey with a welcome reception on board this evening.''' (Meals: D)
6. Day 6
   Fri, Oct 02, 2026

   LIBOURNE AND SAINT ''MILION. Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne converges with the Dordogne River, forming the Gironde Estuary. Follow the Dordogne during a relaxing morning on the water, cruising between vineyards and villages to Libourne, the gateway to some of Bordeaux'''s most prestigious wine regions.'''Discover one of them on an excursion to the town of Saint ''milion, perched on a cliff overlooking an endless patchwork of vineyards. Here you'''ll tour an unusual church carved out of a single piece of limestone, and then descend beneath the church to discover its catacombs and caves.''' If you seek a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyards of this UNESCO-designated region on a guided bike ride from Libourne to Saint ''milion. (Meals: B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Sat, Oct 03, 2026

   LIBOURNE AND BERGERAC. Set out for the charming town of Bergerac, which traded hands between the English and French several times during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour along winding lanes lined with age-old half-timbered houses, stop in to see the Clo''tre des R''collets at the Maison du Vin and visit the Tobacco Museum, housed within a stunning 17th-century townhouse. Or stay in Libourne and delve into the town'''s lively market, tasting the region'''s specialties as you meander among open-air stalls stocked with everything from olives and herbal soaps to epicurean cheeses and local honey. Alternatively, visit an age-old watermill and learn about traditional breadmaking or enjoy a vineyard hike followed by a wine tasting and tapas. (Meals: B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Sun, Oct 04, 2026

   BLAYE ''' BOURG. Return west along the Dordogne toward Blaye, situated at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary.'''A renowned wine appellation in its own right, Blaye is known for its imposing 17th-century citadel, one of 12 designed by military engineer Vauban, now collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the expansive cliff-top fortifications or take a guided bike ride along a former railway. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world'''s oldest cave paintings, representations of horses, ibexes and mammoths that date back some 30,000 years. Instead, bike through the idyllic countryside to Bourg or travel there by road for a walking tour and a visit to the Carriage Museum and the World War II Petrol Cistern. As evening falls, meet local wine growers at a wine festival in this charming medieval village and enjoy the region'''s wine as well as live French music and dancing.''' (B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   Mon, Oct 05, 2026

   CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC. Across the estuary lies Cussac-Fort-M''doc, a lovely base from which to explore the famed M''doc region, renowned for producing some of the finest Bordeaux wines. The town is home to Fort M''doc, another of Vauban'''s World Heritage-listed fortifications, which guards the western bank of the Gironde Estuary. Set off on a guided hike through this picturesque region, visiting the fort as well as the verdant vineyards that blanket this surrounding landscape. You'''ll also have the chance to sample Grand Cru Class'' wines accompanied by local specialties.''' (B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    Tue, Oct 06, 2026

    CADILLAC. Cruise to Cadillac and meet the owner of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, where Henri IV held Queen Margot captive. Tour the magnificent property, owned by only four families since its founding, and see the original furnishings within. Or visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Choose to continue with a tour of the intriguing Cadillac Ducal Castle, a once-splendid chateau that served as a women'''s prison until the mid-20th century. Or opt to bike through Cadillac on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    Wed, Oct 07, 2026

    BORDEAUX. Glide back into the heart of Bordeaux, a capital of not only wine, but also art and culture. Discover the rich traditions and golden-hued neoclassical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a city tour, then visit the indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local delicacies.''' Choose to end your walking tour with one of three'''options;'''witness Les Bassins des Lumi''res, a spectacular sound and light show; visit the interactive La Cit'' du Vin, housed in a whimsical building designed to capture the liquidity of wine; or take a guided tour of the Mus''e d'''Aquitaine, which traces the history of the region from prehistory and the Roman period, to the Atlantic slave trade, and through the modern era. Bike enthusiasts may wish to ride along the city'''s amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    Thu, Oct 08, 2026

    BORDEAUX ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' LOIRE VALLEY/AMBOISE. Disembark the ship and transfer to Amboise, with a visit to Cognac en route for lunch and free time before arriving in the Loire Valley, where you will check in to your Amboise hotel. (Meals: B)
13. Day 13
    Fri, Oct 09, 2026

    AMBOISE. Visit three of the Loire Valley'''s regal ch''teaux starting with the Ch''teau de Chenonceau, one of the most beautiful castles in France. This ch''teau has been referred to as the '''Women'''s Castle''' since it is the only castle in the region that has been built, inhabited and saved by women during the Renaissance. Ch''teau du Clos Luc'' was Leonardo da Vinci'''s last home where he completed some of his most famous works under the patronage of the King of France. The Ch''teau d'''Amboise, perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire River, was the first Renaissance ch''teau built in the Loire Valley and features extravagant residences, gardens and a Gothic chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. (B)
14. Day 14
    Sat, Oct 10, 2026

    AMBOISE ''' PARIS. Check out of your Amboise hotel and, en route to Paris, visit two more majestic ch''teaux. While Ch''teau de Chambord, located at the heart of Europe'''s largest enclosed wooded park, began as an unassuming hunting lodge, it is now the biggest ch''teau in the Loire Valley with 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces. Next, either marvel at the residence of seven kings and ten queens of France at the famous Ch''teau de Blois where you'll discover the secrets of the French court or enjoy free time. Afterwards, transfer by motorcoach to your hotel at Charles De Gaulle Airport. (Meals: B)
15. Day 15
    Sun, Oct 11, 2026

    DEPART PARIS. Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B). . B,L,D ''' Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.