Paris to Madrid: Castles & Basque waves

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll travel to Bordeaux, a lively city on the Garonne River and in the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region. Upon arrival, enjoy free time for lunch. Then, for a perfect introduction to the city, visit the Cité du Vin & Museum and sip a glass of wine at the Belvédère, the museum’s panoramic observation deck.

Continue with a short walking tour of Bordeaux’s historic center, where you’ll stroll through cobblestone streets lined with classical stone buildings. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Bordeaux.

Distance covered today: 220 miles (approx. 3.5hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Get ready to discover San Sebastian this morning, a unique coastal city in the Basque Country along the Bay of Biscay. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore highlights such as the shell-shaped La Concha Beach and the charming Old Town.

Later, continue to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a striking islet linked to the mainland by a winding stone footbridge. Spend some free time taking in the dramatic views at this unforgettable site, featured in Game of Thrones as “Dragonstone.”

Finally, head to Bilbao, an incredible city known for the world-famous Guggenheim and its blend of cosmopolitan modernity with deep-rooted Basque traditions. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Sample some pintxos in this culinary hotspot or wander the medieval streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town). Overnight stay in Bilbao.

Distance covered today: 264 miles (approx. 4hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning enjoying some free time in Bilbao before departing for Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja wine region. This legendary city is a paradise for wine lovers, with its abundance of wine bars and tapas culture. Free time for lunch before continuing your journey through La Rioja’s vineyards and across the wide plains of Castile and León en route to Madrid.

Spain’s enigmatic capital welcomes you with elegant architecture, lively squares, and leafy parks. After hotel check-in, the evening is yours to explore. Madrid is famous for its brilliant food scene and lively nightlife, so be sure to go out in the evening to enjoy the incredible atmosphere. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a guided tour of Madrid, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza de España. Explore the more contemporary areas of the city, such as Gran Vía, and see both the Cibeles Fountain and the Neptune Fountain.  Finally, discover Madrid’s medieval origins in the Barrio de la Morería, famous for its historic monuments like the Muslim-era walls. You can choose to explore these sights from the coach or step off to take a closer look.

The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Madrid boasts numerous rooftop bars and restaurants, perfect for enjoying spectacular sunset views. We recommend joining our optional Madrid tapas and wine tour with rooftop drinks*, a gastronomic experience that lets you savor the city’s culinary delights. Overnight stay in Madrid.

*Optional: Madrid tapas and wine tour with rooftop drinks: Discover Madrid’s signature cuisine, gourmet products, and food culture with a local guide across different districts of the city. This culinary adventure introduces the true art of Spanish ‘tapeo’ and ends on a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views and a glass of cava.