Private 10 day Spain and France tour

Long private tours
Private tours
  • 10 DAY PRIVATE TOUR
Rated 5 out of 5
  • FROM BILBAO
  • PRIVATE TOUR
  • BEST PRICE GUARANTEED
  • Private Tour
  • 10 days
  • Mon-Sun
  • Hotels included

Private tour description

The itinerary shown begins in Bilbao, which offers excellent air connections, including direct flights from the United States. However, the journey can just as easily and seamlessly be arranged to start in Barcelona or Madrid.

This luxury private tour offers a dream journey through Northern Spain and the South of France.

Carefully crafted with great care by our travel experts, this itinerary combines outstanding hotels, exceptional stops, and world-famous highlights with hidden corners that make the experience truly unique.

Every detail has been thoughtfully arranged by local specialists with many years of experience designing journeys that flow naturally and effortlessly. Along the way, expert guides share their deep knowledge and their love for our land, helping you discover places, stories and traditions that make this part of Europe so special.

The result is an exclusive and authentic experience, created to make you fall in love with some of the most beautiful landscapes and cultures of Spain and France.

Tour highlights

  • Enjoy the remarkable Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
  • Experience outstanding Basque cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bilbao.
  • Discover the landscapes, wines and gastronomy of La Rioja.
  • Admire La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world.
  • Explore the charming villages, lively markets and picturesque harbours of the Basque Country.
  • Visit Dune of Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe, and savour fresh oysters in Arcachon.
  • Stroll through Bordeaux and admire the elegance of its grand squares and refined architecture.
  • Discover Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO-listed town surrounded by world-renowned vineyards.
  • Explore the Dordogne region, where fortresses and stately mansions overlook the river from dramatic hilltop settings.
  • Visit Cognac and enjoy a visit to one of its historic distilleries.
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This Private tour of Northern Spain and Southern France includes

Professional Guides

Expert, friendly local guides will join you for most of the itinerary, sharing their passion, knowledge, and insights while also giving you free time to explore, ensuring a balanced mix of guided experiences and personal discovery.

Transfers with quality vehicles

Private transportation between cities included in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off on the first day in Bilbao included too.

Top quality gastronomy

A total of 9 carefully selected meals are included (one per day), offering a wide culinary journey that ranges from authentic tapas and traditional dining in local restaurants across France and Spain to the refined creativity of a Michelin-starred experience, ensuring a rich and varied gastronomic experience

Top cultural highlights and private tours with local experts

Tours of outstanding attractions designed to uncover hidden gems, including a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the scenic Sierra de Cantabria landscapes in Rioja, La Concha Beach in San Sebastián, charming Basque harbours, the breathtaking Dune du Pilat, UNESCO-listed sites such as Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, and the natural beauty of the Dordogne River.

Excellent hotels

9 nights of accommodation with breakfast at superb 4-star hotels carefully selected by our experts. All properties are centrally located and offer exceptional comfort, service, and quality.

Taxes, Tolls & services

21% Spanish Taxes (VAT). Complimentary water

thPrivate cultural, wine & food tours

Rioja Tour: A full-day experience with visits to three wineries, including excellent wine tastings, scenic landscapes, and traditional Riojan gastronomy. Private tour of the French Basque Country from San Sebastián: A privately guided excursion through the French Basque Country, visiting Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Hondarribia. Discover elegant coastal towns, Basque culture on both sides of the border, and outstanding local gastronomy along the way. Bayonne, Dune du Pilat & Arcachon Tour: A journey to the authentic city of Bayonne, renowned for its chocolate, followed by the natural beauty of the Dune du Pilat and the coastal charm of Arcachon, where lunch is included. Bordeaux walking tour: Explore the highlights of Bordeaux on a guided walking tour, including lunch with river views at the Cité du Vin. Saint-Émilion wine tour: Discover the Saint-Émilion region with visits to two wineries, including lunch at one of them. Dordogne tour: Explore the beautiful town of Sarlat, enjoy a traditional French lunch, and take a short Gabare boat cruise on the Dordogne River near La Roque-Gageac. Cognac tour: Learn about cognac production with visits to two emblematic cognac houses, complemented by traditional French gastronomy in Cognac.

Practical information & Dietary restrictions

You will receive your detailed itinerary approximately two weeks before the start of your tour. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions so we can ensure all arrangements meet your needs.

Nothern Spain and Southern France tour itinerary

This standard itinerary has been thoughtfully crafted for a seamless and enriching journey. At the same time, we know every traveler is unique, and we are delighted to adapt any part of the tour to ensure your experience is truly personal and memorable.

Day 1. Bilbao

Day 2. Rioja

Day 3. San Sebastian

Day 4. Basque Country

Day 5. Arcachon & Bordeaux

Day 6. Bordeaux

Day 7. Saint Emilion

Day 8. Dordogne

Day 9.Cognac

Day 10. End of Trip

DAY 1 - Bilbao
Upon arrival at Bilbao airport, your driver will transfer you to your centrally located 4* hotel. You will enjoy the charming streets of the Old Town, admire the striking architecture of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with a private tour, and you will be treated to a spectacular Michelin-starred dinner, an unforgettable culinary experience that perfectly showcases the creativity and excellence of the region’s world-famous cuisine. This exceptional first day sets the tone for your journey through Northern Spain and Southern France, where rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and outstanding food await.
DAY 2 - Rioja
Morning departure from Bilbao towards the renowned Rioja wine region, a scenic journey that also serves as the perfect transition to San Sebastian. Visit to 2 wineries, a traditional one with historic underground calados (wine cellars), where you will learn about the centuries-old traditions that have shaped the character of Rioja wines. Continue to a second winery for a tasting with spectacular views of the Sierra de Cantabria. Lunch today is served at a traditional asador. In the late afternoon you will be driven to San Sebastián, where you will check in to your hotel and begin discovering one of Spain’s most elegant and gastronomically celebrated cities.
DAY 3 - Free Day in San Sebastián
Today you will have the day at leisure to discover San Sebastián at your own rhythm. Known for its refined atmosphere, magnificent bay, and exceptional culinary reputation, this sophisticated coastal city offers countless opportunities to enjoy its unique charm and the amazing Concha beach. The tour includes today a pintxo tour. You will meet your expert guide and stop at bars indulging in the outstanding gastronomy that has made San Sebastián one of Europe’s most acclaimed food destinations.
Day 4 - Basque Country: Hondarribia, Saint-Jean-de-Luz & Biarritz
Today you will say good bye to Spain. On this day you embark on a private journey through the enchanting Spanish and French Basque Country, visiting the charming coastal towns of Hondarribia, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz, discovering spectacular ocean views, distinctive architecture, and the unique character of this cross-border region. Throughout the day, special emphasis will be placed on gastronomy, with opportunities to sample local specialties, regional wines, and traditional products that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the French and Spanish Basque Country. Your private guide will share fascinating insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the area, creating a truly immersive experience. In the evening, you will check in to your hotel in Biarritz, where you can enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of this iconic Atlantic destination.
Day 5 - Arcachon & Bordeaux
This morning, you will continue your journey northward with a stop in Bayonne, a charming historic town known for its picturesque streets, half-timbered houses, and rich Basque heritage. Take time to stroll through the old quarter and experience the unique atmosphere of this vibrant French Basque city. The journey then continues to Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. From the summit, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding pine forests, and the entrance to Arcachon Bay. After this unforgettable visit, enjoy lunch in Arcachon, a charming seaside town celebrated for its fresh seafood and elegant Belle Époque atmosphere. In the afternoon, continue to Bordeaux, where you will be dropped off at your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this magnificent city at your own pace
Day 6 - Bordeaux
This morning, you will enjoy a private guided walking tour of Bordeaux, a unesco city renowned for its elegant architecture by the river. Accompanied by your expert guide, you will discover many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Place de la Bourse and the famous Miroir d’Eau, the impressive Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux at Place de la Comédie, Porte Cailhau, the scenic riverfront, Place des Quinconces and its majestic fountain, and the magnificent Bordeaux Cathedral. Following the tour, you will enjoy lunch at La Cité du Vin, where spectacular panoramic views over Bordeaux provide the perfect setting to savor a memorable meal. After lunch, you may choose to visit La Cité du Vin independently, exploring its immersive exhibits dedicated to the history, culture, and traditions of wine from around the world. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to continue discovering Bordeaux at your own pace.
Day 7 - Saint Emilion
This morning, your private guide will pick you up at your hotel in Bordeaux and take you into the heart of the enchanting Saint-Émilion wine region, where rolling vineyards, historic estates, and centuries of winemaking tradition await. Your day begins with a visit to a charming family-owned château, where you will be welcomed by the winemaker and introduced to the passion and dedication that go into every bottle. At lunchtime, you will share a relaxed and elegant meal at the estate, enjoying a “picnic chic” experience paired with the château’s own wines in a truly authentic setting. In the afternoon, continue to another prestigious estate in Saint-Émilion or Pomerol for an exclusive tasting and a deeper look into the distinctive character of these world-famous appellations. You will then explore the storybook village of Saint-Émilion, with its cobbled streets, golden-stone buildings, and timeless atmosphere. A scenic drive through the surrounding vineyards offers wonderful photo opportunities and sweeping views over some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated terroirs. Before heading back, enjoy one last tasting in a carefully selected local wine boutique.
Day 8 - Dordogne
We leave Bordeaux and drive east into the beautiful Dordogne Valley for a guided tour of medieval Sarlat. This golden-stone town, with its winding alleyways, hidden squares and Renaissance buildings, is absolutely charming. The day will follow with a tasty lunch featuring local specialities. Then enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Dordogne aboard a traditional gabarre boat. In the afternoon we stop at La Roque-Gageac and Beynac for stunning panoramic views over the river.
Cognac
We head north from Bordeaux into the peaceful Cognac countryside to visit a charming family-owned distillery in a small town. You’ll enjoy a wonderful tasting of their elegant Cognacs and the sweet Pineau des Charentes. If you’re traveling between November and March, you’ll usually get to see the traditional pot stills quietly in action. We’ll have a relaxed lunch at a lovely local restaurant, then continue to the heart of Cognac town itself for a guided visit to one of the most prestigious distilleries. There you’ll discover the production process and finish with a special tasting of their finest Cognacs. A perfect, flavorful day in the land of Cognac.
End of Trip
Today marks the gentle end of your journey. As your tour concludes in Bordeaux, we hope you’ll take home precious memories of the breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences from Northern Spain through the South of France. Your adventure can easily continue: fly directly from Bordeaux Airport to your next destination, or take a comfortable high-speed train to Paris (just 2 hours).

Have a Question?

Have a look first at our Q&A section or contact us.

Our local team has updated the information on this tour on May 12, 2026.
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Reviews

"We want to thank the whole team for their flexibility and all the great ideas that made our honeymoon absolutely incredible. Every single guide was so friendly and made us feel really special. The food was fantastic and the tours were all unique. Everything was wonderful, but if we have to highlight our favorite moments, the day in rioja, the views from the dune, and the boat ride on the dordogne were the absolute tops for us"
Old bridge in Biarritz
Wendy

Map - Northern Spain and Southern France tour

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from €4800

(Price per person based on 4 people in your group)

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Why with us and Terms

  • Dietary restrictions.  The tour can accomodate nearly all possible dietary restrictions. You will be requested to provide dietary restrictions through the booking process.
  • Can the itinerary be extended? Let us know about your ideas and we will try to adapt the itinerary to best suit your travel plans
  • Can I pay with Amex? You need to contact us to be able to book with Amex

  • Can I pay with a paypal account? You need to contact us if you wish to pay using Paypal

  • Can I have the name of the wineries we will visit? We do not advertise the names of the wineries visited and prefer not to provide them to ensure we keep the exclusivity of the tour to its maximum for our customers. We only visited small, top wineries that fit perfectly well into the schedule for the day.  

  • Can I propose which wineries to visit? We understand you may love some wines and would like to visit the winery where they are produced. We are happy to listen to your preferences but please bear in mind that some wines are great, but the wineries not worth visiting. Please bear also in mind that some wineries do not accept visits or are not available on many days. Lastly, visiting certain wineries may imply a huge detour. The local team is expert in wine country and will ensure your tour includes the best possible experience to fit the itinerary

Winetourismspain.com is the most secure, easy and best way to experience the fantastic wineries of Ribera del Duero and Rioja during your stay in Madrid. Not only can we save you the time and effort of organising your winery visits in English, we can also offer you the opportunity to explore the area in luxury and comfort with your own experienced wine expert guide for the day, and really get to know the wineries and high quality wines in the area.

We only work with the best guides and wine producers in Ribera del Duero and Rioja. We are experts in the region and our customers count on our knowledge to build the perfect tour on the chosen day.

You can make your reservation by selecting an available date from the calendar. Then select the number of people. To proceed to the payment page click “BOOK NOW”.

If you are booking well in advance and prefer to pay a 30% deposit to reserve your date, please contact us by clicking on “Contact Us” and we can then send you a payment link for the deposit

If cancelled 30 days before the start of your trip, 15% of the total services cost will be deducted. For cancellations within 30 days of the starting date of the service, 30% of the total cost will be charged. Tours cancelled 7 days or less prior to the first day of your trip are non-refundable. We advise that you consider purchasing Trip Cancellation / Travel Insurance.

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