After changing planes at Madrid, we arrive in Bilbao, northeastern Spain. We are met by Gerard Venet, the veteran tour manager who accompanied us through Provence in 2023. Enjoy a welcome Dinner tonight! (FD)

Photo: a selection of Basque delicacies, pinchos, and tapas

Our city tour includes a visit with a local guide to the modern Guggenheim Museum, the Artxanda Funicular, and the Plaza Nueva Flea Market. 

This afternoon and evening are free at leisure to explore Bilbao and its restaurants on your own. (B,L)

Photo: Guggenheim Museum

We head east to the octopus fishing village of Zumaia, where we will see the San Telmo church (shown at the top of the tour's webpage),  the patron saint of sailors.  We also visit the village of Deba. Continuing east, we check in for our first night of four at San Sebastián. On any of the next three days, you can have a day free if you do not wish to participate in the included features. Dinner is included. (B, D)

Photo: On Zumaya's beach is the longest set of continuous rock strata in the world, known as flysch, which dates back to the mid-Cretaceous period to the present (over 100 million years ago).

We enjoy a guided tour of San Sebástian, including a funicular ride on Monte Igueldo. In Donostia (the port of San Sebastian), we admire the works of art in the San Telmo museum and visit the old town. We stroll through the garden of Miramar Palace, designed in the English style by architect Selden Wornum for Queen Maria Cristina of Austria, widow of Alfonso XII. It was during her regency that an uprising took place in Havana (1895), supported by the United States, which obtained Puerto Rico and then annexed the Philippines at the end of the war with Spain. Lunch is included, and you are free this evening to try the local restaurants' specialties. (B,L)

Photo: Donostia, the port of San Sebastian

Today, we visit the French Basque area, located just across the border in Biarritz, known for its surfing and historic summer resort on the Bay of Biscay, a favorite destination for European royalty. Visit the lighthouse for the splendid vista. After the included lunch, Gerard shows you around the village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The evening is free. (B,L)

Photo: The marina in Biarritz, France

We are planning more fun. Some optional, and there's also free time to head out on your own, or join Larry and Alaina if you're not sure what to do. (B,L)

Photo: traditional outfits.

We head south and stop for lunch at Burgos en route to Madrid. We have a free evening. (B,L)

Photo: Arco de Santa Maria, Burgos

This morning we have a panoramic city tour of Madrid. Free afternoon before our gala Farewell Dinner. (B,D)

Photo: Madrid cityscape at Calle de Alcala and Gran Via.

We bid chau to the cheesecake, Gerard, and Spain, flying non-stop to Chicago, where our waiting private motorcoach takes us back to Central Illinois with wonderful memories of the unique Basque experience. (B)

Photo: Basque Cheesecake (I will research whether one is allowed to bring one back in your carry-on bag. The fee for this, one piece for me!)