Best of the Basque Country, Rioja & the French Coast, Spain & France

Discover the spirit of the Basque Country across Spain and France, blending avant-garde cities, medieval towns, world-class gastronomy and the celebrated vineyards of Rioja. This immersive journey connects Bilbao, Logroño and San Sebastián with Pamplona and the elegant French Basque coast.

Private Itinerary
8 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

This curated exploration showcases the diversity of the Basque Country, from Bilbao’s architectural icons to Rioja’s prestigious wineries and the refined seaside towns of France. Enjoy private guided touring, deluxe transport throughout, and premium wine tastings, all balanced with time to experience the region’s exceptional gastronomy and distinctive cultural identity.

  • 7 nights in boutique 4 and 5-star accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L)
  • Private guided walking tour of Bilbao including admission to the Guggenheim Museum
  • Private guided visits to Guernica and Vitoria-Gasteiz including admission to Santa María Cathedral and María Inmaculada Cathedral
  • Private winery tour and tasting at Casa Primicia in Rioja Alavesa
  • Winery tasting lunch at Eguren Ugarte overlooking the vineyards
  • Private guided walking tour of Pamplona
  • Private Old Quarter walking tour in San Sebastián with Txakoli wine tasting
  • Full-day excursion with private driver to France’s Basque region including independent time in Bayonne, Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
  • Deluxe private transport throughout as indicated
  • Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included

Discover The Itinerary

Explore your itinerary in detail, featuring carefully selected hotels, unique experiences, and premium inclusions designed to elevate your travel experience.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

DAY 1: Bilbao

Bold, creative and a culinary haven, welcome to Bilbao. Arrive at your hotel for check-in and settle in for an evening at leisure. Perhaps stroll along the Nervión River or explore the atmospheric Casco Viejo.

Hotel Tayko Bilbao

Overnight Hotel / or similar

DAY 2: Bilbao

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a walking tour of Bilbao, a city that has transformed from industrial port to architectural icon. Explore the historic quarter before visiting the landmark Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The afternoon is at leisure, perhaps explore the riverside promenade or enjoy pintxos in Plaza Nueva.

Hotel Tayko Bilbao

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included
Maria Inmaculada Cathedral Vitoria-Gasteiz exterior

DAY 3: Bilbao – Guernica – Vitoria-Gasteiz – Logroño

After breakfast, check out and meet your private driver for your journey to Logroño. Stop in Guernica, a powerful symbol of Basque identity, for a private guided walking tour focusing on Basque history and culture. Continue to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the elegant capital of the Basque Country, where you will enjoy independent time for lunch before a private guided tour including admission to Santa María Cathedral and María Inmaculada Cathedral (New Cathedral). Continue to Logroño and check in to your hotel. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Áurea Palacio de Correos

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 4: Logroño – Rioja Alavesa – Logroño

After breakfast, meet your private driver for a full-day exploration of Rioja Alavesa, known for its limestone-rich soils, boutique wineries and elegant Tempranillo wines influenced by strong Basque heritage. Visit Casa Primicia for a private winery tour and tasting, followed by independent time in the medieval village of La Guardia. Continue to Eguren Ugarte for a winery visit and wine tasting lunch overlooking the vineyards. Return to Logroño in the afternoon and enjoy your evening at leisure.

Áurea Palacio de Correos

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

DAY 5: Logroño – Pamplona – San Sebastián

After breakfast, check out and meet your private driver for your journey to San Sebastián. On the way, stop in Pamplona, famed for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival. Enjoy a private guided walking tour through its fortified old town, cathedral and Plaza del Ayuntamiento, followed by independent time for lunch. Continue to San Sebastián and check in to your hotel where you then have the evening at leisure.

Hotel Catalonia Donosti

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 6: San Sebastián

Enjoy breakfast before meeting your private guide to explore San Sebastián’s charming Old Quarter, known for its Belle Époque architecture and world-renowned culinary scene. Conclude with a tasting of traditional Txakoli wine, a lightly sparkling, crisp white wine indigenous to the Basque Country, historically enjoyed by local fishermen and renowned for its refreshing acidity and delicate citrus notes. The afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to relax at La Concha Beach or ride the funicular to Monte Igueldo for panoramic coastal views.

Hotel Catalonia Donosti

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 7: San Sebastián – Bayonne (France) – Biarritz – Saint-Jean-de-Luz – San Sebastián

After breakfast, meet your private driver for a full-day cross-border journey into the French Basque Country. Begin in Bayonne, known for its half-timbered houses, Gothic cathedral and chocolate-making tradition. Continue to Biarritz, once a glamorous seaside retreat for European royalty, where you can stroll the Grande Plage and admire dramatic Atlantic views. In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, explore its charming harbour, historic streets and connections to French maritime history. In the afternoon, return to San Sebastián and enjoy your final night at leisure.

Hotel Catalonia Donosti

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 8: San Sebastián

Enjoy breakfast then check out of your hotel and continue your onward journey.

Breakfast

Meals Included

Upcoming Departures

Enjoy your private itinerary

Experience the freedom of a private, fully customisable itinerary with Ormina Tours. This itinerary can start on any date, with options to adjust activities, upgrade experiences, and tailor every detail to suit your travel style, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey designed just for you.

  • Depart on any date you choose
  • Fully customisable
  • Unique activities
  • Comfort and privacy
From $8,290 AUD PPFrom price (Private driver)

Upgrade Options

  • Upgrade to stay in stunning 5-star accomodation - recommended: Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao (Bilbao) and Hotel Maria Cristina (San Sebastián)
  • From Bilbao, visit the dramatic islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, famed as a Game of Thrones filming location, along with Mundaka and historic Gernika
  • Sample six traditional pintxos paired with three local drinks in Bilbao’s atmospheric Old Town
  • Explore San Sebastián's historic Old Town before ascending Mount Igueldo for sweeping views over La Concha Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Ormina Tours provide?

Ormina Tours provides land services in Europe. We cover most of Europe and are continually expanding. If your destination is uncommon, please contact us to confirm availability.

We offer Small Group Journeys on set departure dates (max. 10 guests for 2025 and max. 12 guests for 2026), tailored private journeys (full F.I.T. services), and booking and coordination of accommodation. From airport transfers to fully customized European travel, we cover everything, except flights

Where is Ormina Tours based, and do you serve clients worldwide?

We are an Australian company with offices in Sydney and Perth, as well as a team in Europe to ensure seamless service delivery. While based in Australia, we cater to clients globally and partner with over 250 travel agents across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

When is the best time to visit Europe, and do your tours operate year-round?

Europe offers charm year-round. May and September are popular for Australians, while beach destinations are busiest in August. Most Small Group Journeys run between April and October, while private journeys are available year-round. Early planning (at least 6 months) is recommended for busy regions like the Amalfi Coast.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we require all clients travelling to have travel insurance as this is a requirement for Tour Operators Insurances, otherwise guests must sign a release and discharge of liability waiver for us to accept the booking. If you need assistance arranging insurance, just ask.

Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?

We tailor all journeys to our client’s travel preferences and needs, including any mobility challenges whether it is special vehicles, travel scooters, hotel rooms with accessible showers and hoists. We also have expertise on most attractions and towns to know which are more accessible than others.

With our Small Group Journeys, any significant mobility challenge requires an accompanying minder/helper to attend on the tour as it is not always possible for our Tour Directors, drivers and guides to offer continuous care in a group environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is the group size, and what happens if only two people book the tour?

Our Small Group Journeys are designed for a maximum of 10 guests (12 guests in 2026) to ensure an intimate experience. A minimum of 2 guests is required to guarantee departure (4 guests in 2026).

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is included and excluded in a Small Group Journey?

Our itineraries include accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and meals as marked – B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). Exclusions typically include flights, city taxes, personal expenses, and any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service. After booking you will be provided with some tipping guidelines should you choose to do so.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each guest can bring one standard checked bag and one carry-on. Please inform us if you need to bring extra luggage.

What is a private journey?

Private journeys (named City Breaks and Regional Discoveries) are not tours with other people. They are suggested itineraries for the city/region that can be fully customised with prearranged services, allowing independent exploration.

Can I choose my hotel?

For private itineraries, we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.

Hotels are set for Small Group Journeys but you can opt to upgrade your room.

What currency are your tours priced in?

Tours (that is our Small Group Journeys) are priced in AUD for Australian residents, NZD for New Zealand residents, and USD for US residents. Other nationalities will pay in AUD unless otherwise arranged.

Prices are fixed once paid in full. In rare cases of significant currency fluctuations, unpaid bookings may be subject to price adjustments. If this occurs, we will contact you or your travel agent to advise you and you will have the option to either pay the full tour price by a certain date or accept the increase.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, though credit card fees may apply. Domestic wire transfers are also accepted.

What deposit is required?

Deposit amounts vary on the size of the booking and whether the booking includes tickets and admissions that maybe non-refundable or non-transferable after purchase. Full payment is due 3 months before your first service date.

Can I change or cancel my booking after making a deposit?

Changes incur a $100 fee per request unless additional services are added. Cancelling more than 50% of services is considered a cancellation, and fees will apply.
Any cancellation made by you prior to your travel (including any changes to your departure date) will result in the following cancellation fees:

Days of notice from notification to first date of service:

  • 91+ days: Loss of deposit
  • 90–75 days: Loss of Booking Deposit and 50% of the balance of the Tour Price
  • 75 days or less: Loss of Booking Deposit and 100% of the balance of the Tour Price

We always advise our clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.

What are Ormina Tours’ COVID-19 guidelines?
  • Follow local laws, wear masks, and maintain social distancing as required.
  • Do not travel if you are symptomatic, recently exposed, or COVID-positive.
  • Stay updated on airline and country-specific protocols.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Reach out to our team for personalised assistance and start planning your next European adventure with Ormina Tours.