I loved seeing the Basque country--one country (unofficial, I suppose) that incorporated parts of France and Spain. More than 160,000 people are expected to visit the winery annually, enjoying its extensive tasting room, festivals and gift shop. We had a truly exceptional guide named Augustin. Also loved the lamb birth, but I realize that doesn't happen every time!". Great people to tour with. 5K Wine Run visits out Winery for o. Read More, Grape varieties used in Spain for wine production. Our travel guide, Clair, was phenomenal. As always, most everything was great, and I don't think I could have done this trip on my own any better or cheaper. I was a little disapointed in the local guides and would have liked more historical information. I loved the views the mountains and the sea from the ramparts and the welcoming spirit of the country and its people.". "Seeing the Guggenheim Museum up close. The 4 cities that we visited were all beautiful and interesting and we learned a lot about Basque history and culture. I did not feel over scheduled. "There were so many. Our Restaurant is OPEN this weekend, This Saturday! I greatly admire all three. Later, we had lunch at a great restaurant. Our first Rick tour and it was amazing thanks to our fantastic guide Francisco! She knew the ins and outs of all the areas that we traveled to, and gave us some wonderful insights into the people and their culture. Plus you'll get all this, too. 3) The hot chocolate in Bayonne I have already planned my next Rick Steves trip and look forward to another fun adventure. This was our fourth Rick Steves' tour. ", Excellent and well worth the money invested. Or maybe walking the Camino, enjoying the beautiful scenery and chatting with friends. Our guide, Francisco, was incredibly knowledgeable as well as funny and warm and very well-organized. There was not a dry eye in the group.". Each experience was made memorable because of their sincerity. Just search "hearst castle". One was the walk from Uterga to Muruzabal on the Camino. Fran is from Pamplona and he brought a festive and personal energy to the tour, fostering a fun and inclusive group dynamic. This temple of gluttony is another example of it. Booking round-trip to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in Europe. the best guide we have ever had. Check our calendar to see our upcoming events. Do you need to book in advance to visit Hearst Castle? Our guide, Francisco, was fabulous! "I would have to give our guide the Wow factor. This was my first Rick Steves tour, and it was outstanding in every respect! It was perfect. Our tour guide Jorge was very informative and pleasant to be around. The lady who lived there gave us such an impassioned discussion about her bullfighting memorabilia, it really made an impact on me. The dinner at the gastronomy club was one of the best meals in our 6 tours.". WE LOVE THE BASQUE COUNTRY AND FRANCISCO. "Because every day was filled with interesting, wonderful stops, choosing one WOW is difficult. Pintxowinerepeat. The tour focused on a people and culture about which little is known. Our tour is personal, informal, informative and fun! Enjoyed the unhurried Cafe Iruna stop and more time in the Hemingway wing. Guernica was heart wrenching. Perfect San Sebastian wine tour to discover this fantastic wine country in Rioja with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide. Pace is brisk with ample time to explore on your own. With pickup and drop-off from your hotel in San Sebastian, you will visit different excellent wineries in Rioja and enjoy a delicious traditional meal. The overall tour experience was wonderful. Isnt that enough? Enjoyed the tour of the Basque country very much. Good choice of restaurants for meals The worn knives hanging on the wall, kettles of stew that smelled like heaven and mushroom caps sizzling in big old skillets, it was fabulous. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above. It doesn't stop amazing me the American fascination of European Royalty. Or maybe dining at a local Sociedad Dining Club. 2 wineries are visited and you will enjoy tastings of quality red wines at each winery. See comments on my wife's survey as we did those together and or in complete agreement. Also, the energy that Francisco brought to our group and the camaraderie was quite special!". The other people on the tour were part of what made it fun--we were lucky that everyone seemed accepting and happy to share. With an overall production of over 100,000 cases, that's over 1 million bottles. What a beautiful place.". The trip was really wonderful. I especially loved getting acquainted with the Basque culture and history. Across the street from our hotel, a Basque men's community choir was performing in a space in the old city wall. Overall, we (Lloyd, my husband and myself) enjoyed the tour activities, scenery, architecture, cultural and historical experience. Our tours are physically active! It was great to be with other people enjoying the sites, culture and food. Great guides and wonderful itinerary. The entire tour is 90 minutes including the ride up to the castle. It was a perfect day.". 32. No bus. Our guide was Augustine and we could not have been more pleased. The sheep farm. Its Schneblys La, TOMORROW! "So many, but did enjoy the several times, we were able to go up to high spaces with gorgeous view below. The winery overlooks 80+ acres of planted vineyards, pioneering the growth of both hybrid and native muscadine grapes. Pets are not permitted on tours. And I thought this was a fantastic balance to the sobering Guernica stop that morning.". We had met only briefly in a church, hadn't even talked, yet there was a sort of bond--that was acknowledged in those minutes. There was such a wonderful variety of places from the cities like Bilbao to the villages in the Pyrenees, as has been true of all the Rick Steves tours that we have taken. Agustin and all of our local guides shared their beautiful country with special knowledge and love of their home. Plus we had a very good local guide there.". A few at the top of the list are stopping by the town of Guernica, and being able to see the reproduction of the famous painting and hearing Francisco's impassioned talk about it. Nice that the docent invited participation among our group to demonstrate the cultural rules and generational expectations. I am grateful that your company offered this tour, that I have seen Euskal Herria at last, and that it is as beautiful and interesting as I imagined. The experience of seeing the running from a safe 3-rd floor balcony is certainly a valid reason to select this slightly more expensive tour. Tour guide Francisco was so great - smart, fun, loved art and made memorable food recommendations. Overall it was a wonderful trip filled with the fun and highlights and insights that make-up a Rick Steves Tour. I would take another tour and have recommended this one to friends. It changed the whole dynamic in a good way. Bull fighting house. It was wonderful! see our FAQ. (At the time of our visit the portable toilets near the parking lots were the only restroom option.) "seeing the Guggenheim in Bilbao from across the river from our bus as We liked the size of the group (25) and loved that everyone was punctual, enthusiastic and friendly. But otherwise, the town is not so interesting. The La Hacienda historical adobe is steps away from Hearst Ranch Winery with gorgeous vistas of rolling hills dotted with oak trees, neatly ordered vineyards, and the natural beauty of the Salinas River. I was disappointed, but this tour was the only one that fit out travel schedule. ", I feel like I came away with an appreciation of an area I had known little about. All the rest were exceptionally good. Enjoy 3 visits to the best wineries, including wine tastings of at least 6 high-quality wines and a high-quality lunch. San Sebastian Pintxos Tours offers you multiple activities to enjoy the gastronomic richness of San Sebastian and the Basque Country, tailored for small and large groups. Chocolate and seafood. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. I really enjoyed getting to know my favorite travelers and was quite impressed by all the stops along the tour as well as some of the little surprises. It was in the most idyllic setting, first of all, and then we had an enthusiastic (and quite adorable) workshop lead who taught us how they make their cheese. Guernica and Bilbao, "It is rare to me that my WOW moments were inspired by my guides rather than a place or event. Jorge is fantastic", This tour far exceeded my expectations We had interesting activities every day and then time to explore on our own to new areas or to go back to ones we found particularly interesting, "I had 4 WOW moments: We had a great group on this tour, easy going and fun. The tour was very well-paced with two night stays in each city. I dont think they sent an e ticket. Why? The food plentiful and good. "The Picasso painting in Guernekey and the discussion led by Francisco.". Our guide gave us wonderful information and a marvelous speech at the final exhibit. More than 160,000 people are expected to visit the winery annually, enjoying its extensive tasting room, festivals and gift shop. I did this trip alone for the first time ever since my husband passed away, and everyone was very welcoming of me, as I'd hoped they'd be. Now I see why she loves it there. However, San Sebastian was truly a beautiful place. We appreciated the architecture of the Castle, art collections, and beautiful gardens. This was our second Rick Steves' tour and they keep getting better. I don't want to unnecessarily review trash this venerable attraction, but I will be frank and you can decide for yourself. "Starting the hike on the El Camino de Santiago from the top of the hill; seeing the trail from above, winding around the rocks and fields; Making it all the way down without falling - all will be burned into my memory.". I had a great time, met new friends and now feel like I know the area and appreciate all I learned. Booked our Grand Tour of Hearst Castle for the 11.10am slot. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own. Todd was great and added a good deal to the experience. I found the structure to be amazing. Francisco's heartfelt interpretation of Picasso's painting of Guernica and the background and lessons thereof that brought tears to everyone's eyes All our city guides were excellent and it was a high bar with Francisco as our tour coordinator. For some this may not have been a "wow" moment, but I really enjoyed the sheep farm also, learning how they make the sheep cheese, etc.". Despite some rain, we saw and did, a lot. Just when we felt tired a coffee break was offered. : 20221207 * dospot-freessid * nttwest-spotssid It was well organized, and our tour guide, Agustin, was a joy. this was my 6th Rick Steves tour and already have my next one planned. I loved the history surrounding the walk, the actual physical trek and seeing all the pilgrims. Sparkling Chicago: 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck (Hancock Center) with Prosecco It was as like a private party. The pintxos at Donostia as well as the gastronomic society dinner were a close second.Put the Nervion River cruise on your tour, too (good architecture tour before an outstanding farewell dinner!).". we didn't feel too rushed but we were not bored. We went to the pools and the gardens also, but only with the guide. Another fun memory was when 3 teenage boys nervously approached us at the Guggenheim Museum in Balboa and asked in their best English to answer some generic questions for a school assignment. Rather than just experiencing a list of pretty places and their history I felt a deeper connection to the land and the people than on any other tour. Especially liked the surprise experiences and those that we never would have found on our own. Come out and enjoy our expansive vineyard green, including delicious food, live entertainment, and of course your favorite Lakeridge wines by the glass at our outdoor bar. My heritage is from the Viscaya villages of Ea and Bolibar near Bilbao, so the tour stops in Getaria, Gernika, and Bilbao were much appreciated. ", "Guernica and Francisco's explanation of the events and his passion for his country. While doing laundry is San Sebastian in a tiny laundromat adjacent to a workingman's tapas I met I film producer who was exhibiting at the local film festival. Schnebly Winery, the Southernmost Winery in the United States, offers a unique selection of exotic tropical fruit wines in a paradisiac setting featuring gorgeous waterfalls surrounded by tiki huts. I also like the balance of meals together and meals on your own. This tour portion of my adventure was memorable for the dedication I felt from the RS team. Come out and enjoy our expansive vineyard green, including delicious food, live entertainment, and of course your favorite Lakeridge wines by the glass at our outdoor bar. "Our bus drove us to a hilltop overlook high above San Sebastian before taking us to the center and our hotel. "I thoroughly enjoyed the time at the Mens Club. The guide was very knowledgeable, and paid close attention to details (I have an allergy to walnuts and he was very careful about protecting me from possible encounters). This is a private luxury guided wine tour of Ribera del Duero accompanied by a friendly wine expert. A different but very fun day was when we hiked some of the Camino and then went to a winery for lunch. "Hiking part of the Camino de Santiago (out of Pamplona) was wonderful. "The views in San Sebastian. "To many to select just one. Microsoft pleaded for its deal on the day of the Phase 2 decision last month, but now the gloves are well and truly off. This is a paradise for food and wine lovers. The tour was well paced - 9:00 am start time was much appreciated. To be in her personal home and see the from her perspective was very personal. Pork cheeks, bear meat to eat. You can NOT do that anymore. The carved figures around the fifteenth century tomb of Charles III of Navarre and his wife were exquisite. Finally I understood the meaning behind it and it will stay with me forever.". Tonight, we'll rendezvous for a farewell dinner together, where we'll share travel memories and toast new friends. "The Camino de Santiago was to me a unique experience. I learned so much about the Basque people, area, culture and more. Bus drivers were expert and buses clean and comfortable. We enjoyed traveling with a fun, compatible group of people from around the US. If it wasn't for your tour I might have never had the courage to even consider doing something like this.". 3. (My 2nd tour did not have a good tour guide.) "I'd have to say the architectural wonders of the city of Bilbao. Having previously done the Best of Spain in 14 Days tour, I knew I wanted to see more of Spain and its people, and I was curious about this area of France. Ideal for travelers who have visited the big destinations and want to experience a unique region. in Pamplona". Our hotel was in a great location, where we could experience the crashing waves as we walked the nearby waterfront. I had to wash my travel pants because they smelled and were covered with sheep nibbles. None of us wanted to sat goodbye!". ", "Lots of wonderful scenery, food and side trips. (619) 224-4171. "Just how beautiful the landscape is in Spain.". Had a great time on this tour. I was very impressed with this tour, mostly because it's location. The state of the art Cathedral Museum exhibit's lighting, sound, and smell complemented the religious art. A small, friendly group of 2428 people half the size of most tour groups; Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of the Basque Country come alive for you; All group transportation from Bayonne, France, to Bilbao, Spain; 8 nights' accommodations in memorable, I learned so much. Before 9/11 I had seen the painting in Madrid. "I was so excited to eat at a men's club in Pamplona. It was my first Rick Steves Tour and it was OUTSTANDING! I finally decided I needed to check it out myself and booked the Upstairs Rooms tour at 10 a.m. We bought tickets on line for the second day of opening after being closed for 2 years. It had a variety of experiences that were allowed one to get a feeling of each town and its culture. I had done lots of preparatory reading, but I was still delighted and surprised every day. It was a great tour. "The El Camino de Santiago. Read More, An insiders guide to San Sebastian and the best things to do in 1 day. Very lonely and NOT fun. "Every moment with Francisco and Claire in our midst was a WOW moment. An american innovator desperately wanting to be memorialized through a Gothic looking Temple, while hoarding millions of European artifacts with no sense and taste. We'll learn more about the Spanish Civil War and current political issues as we tour the Assembly House and its symbolic Oak Tree, where Basque leaders have met since medieval times. We had just finished a tour with another company and found the Rick Steves tour a whole lot more to our liking. The Basque Country tour was my 4th RS tour, and the best one so far! Also at the top was walking part of the Camino Santiago. Learning about and walking on the Camino de Santiago. and Sunday - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. And to experience life in person, not on social media.". "standing on the ridge overlooking San Sebastian and the Bay of Biscayne.". It was more just experiencing this area. Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (possibly several blocks) and up stairways to reach your hotel, then up several flights of stairs to reach your room. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. San Sebastian Winery, founded in 1996 is located at 157 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida in one of Henry Flaglers old East Coast Railway buildings located just a few blocks from historic downtown. The wristband will be scanned when you board the shuttle bus for the tour. Perfect San Sebastian wine tour to discover this fantastic wine country in Rioja with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide. Lots to see and do. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. All I could do was thank her, take photos and". What really made everything mesh together effortlessly was our guide Francisco and his assistant Claire. Downtown Aquarium Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris Kringlan Mall Zona Arqueologica de Palenque Vasilikon winery Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park The Camel Farm Winter Pines Golf Course Picnic Grove Caldas de Monchique Chelan Water to Wine is the first and only wine tour done via boat! This was a lovely tour -- rather low key and in smaller towns. Most days are moderately paced with 28 miles of walking, including some hills, gravel trails, and stairs. "I had wanted to go on this trip for many years because of my wish to put my feet on the Camino. We invite you to join us and taste our remarkable cuisine! The tour was well paced. tours provide the chance to interact with locals in their milieu. 32. better than others. "Hiking along the Camino and Francisco's passionate explaination of Picasso's And I found out fresh anchovies are good!". The fellow travelers were lovely. Perhaps we will return to join that journey another time but for this trip it was nice to feast on fabulous food and wine following our adventure!". This was my 2nd RS tour, and it did not disappoint. I learned a great deal about the history and culture of the Basque people. The weather and the views for that day were very special making for a very "WOW" moment. I've traveled throughout Spain a fair amount, but hadn't yet made it to the great north; what an exceptional place. Loved that the group meals were large midday gatherings instead of late night feasts. "All the things mentioned above, plus I loved the vineyard lunch where we went to the big wine barrels in back to fill the table pitcher and our glasses with the excellent wine. 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452-9740. "The monument at Alto de Perdon and the view was a WOW moment. Main Office: 805-927-4100 After getting to know the cobbled-street ambience of the city's Old Town, we'll take a tour of Bayonne's superb Museum of Basque Culture setting the foundation for all we'll learn about Basque culture and history. Join us for the Basque Country of Spain & France in 9 Days! The lists do not show all contributions to every state ballot measure, or each independent expenditure committee formed to support or we learned of its spiritual nature and came away with a life experience nonpareil.". Every RS tour we have done (this the 6th) has been outstanding but this was just about the best. I could have stayed there several more hours just asking the host questions. Or maybe seeing the Guggenheim at Bilbao. A good tour goes beyond the obvious landmarks, which is why we especially appreciate your guides' often going beyond merely showing us the obvious sights and discussing their personal lives, culture, history, food, music, current events, etc. Francisco stopped them when they asked us how old we were! Festivities are from Noon to 4:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday.Click here for more information. The opportunity to hike the Camino was rewarding, although we did not need our treking, "Well this one is easy since our tour included the running of the bull in Pamplona. They were all so good!"". We couldn't have asked for anyone better. The tour provided an excellent balance of group activity versus free time to explore on your own. We got a good understanding of 4 cities with overnight stays and local guides. The tour guide was so fun, knowledgeable, funny, and I found after the tour I was actually missing the daily contact and attention he gave us. "Great selection of food and wine for our lunches and dinners. Great guide in Claire, Assistant guide Andrew was very helpful. You can forget about the hassle of driving and be picked up from your accomodation in a top quality minivan. I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring it. "Too many to list! The stops we had between the destination locations on the tour were well planned out and proper time allotted. "I am not sure I can choose just one moment from this tour as the stand out moment. The information, the towns, and our actual 2 mornings of hiking.". ", This was our first Rick Steves tour, and it was outstanding Our guide, Francisco, was so knowledgeable, entertaining, caring, and passionate about the Cultural, Historical and Culinary aspects of the Basque Region The tour combined the right amount of urban and rural locations, "There were many, but hiking the Camino de Santiago and the hilltop first view of San Sebastin stand out the most". Most tour members arrange to fly into Biarritz, France (BIQ), and out of Bilbao, Spain (BIO) choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. It was a good balance of group time and private time. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. As you enter our tropical paradise tucked away in Miamis Countryside you will explore our lush courtyards and large natural coral waterfalls while tasting our wines in authentic tribal tikis. I expected food to be a highlight of this tour, and it did not disappoint. The accommodations could not be better, throw in the guides, balcony view and, bull ring seats for the run, and being part of the festival made it an event I will never forget.". Really enjoyed meeting Agustin and the other members of our tour group. However, the months of May, September, and October offer the best combination of good weather and lighter crowds. The visitors center offers a gift shop, cafe and is where tickets are purchased for the different tours. And, I loved the opportunity to get into the kitchen!". "You may laugh at this but it was the afternoon tour bus ride thru the Pyrenees on the way from Pamplona to San Sebastian. "For me the"wow" was the goat farm. How do I retrieve the actual tickets for entry?? I learned so much from Augustin and the local guides. No limits! He was very knowledgeable and you could tell he had a passion for sharing the History and love of the region. We'll start our day driving along the rugged coastline of the Bay of Biscay as we make our way to a family-run sheep farm. Group sightseeing events subject to change. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. I must also say that the Guggenheim Museum was another major wow experience!". We had time to explore on our own, but the guided part always felt like we were learning and visiting places we wouldn't othrtwise know about or see. La Rioja winery visit with tasting and traditional lunch in small group tour. Each day was filled with a balance of historical, contemporary, and cultural interest. "Visiting Guernica was my WOW moment. I enjoyed the tour of his hometown and his stories about growing up there and running with the bulls when he was a young man. Sun, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The walk on Camino de Santiago? Francisco is the consummate professional guide/historian/teacher/friend and Claire is well on her way. Loved the small villages and time on the Camino de Santiago.". Read More, Recommendations to enjoy the best way to get from Barcelona to Madrid based on your time, budget and interests. Conversation was unguarded and meaningful. "The "WOW" moment for me was the drive up to the start of the Camino de Santiago with Jorge's very personal introduction of hat this hike means to him. The view of San Sebastian from atop the Monte Igueldo lookout was also a WOW moment. Lakeridge Wines are sold under the Lakeridge and Lakeridge Reserve brands wines at the winery and at major supermarkets and wine shops throughout Florida. "I have a few "wow" moments. We enjoyed all the cities, buildings, locations, and sites in the Basque region, its long, interesting, and colorful history, great art and architecture, beautiful scenery, delicious food, great wine, and congenial, interesting people. "On arrival at 11 PM, watching the airport close and then, after about 1/2 hour, a taxi pulled up and rescued us.". Three experiences that stand out for me were Claire's sweet singing at the farewell dinner, the Camino hike, and Francisco's heartfelt, moving, and beautiful speech at Guernica ~ worth the entire trip!". It was a well executed tour of the Basque cities that included a little bit of everything hiking wine tour city tours and even a sheep farm in just over a week. Loved the format of group guided parts and on your own parts. Our guide, Francisco, was the most wonderful person. The bullfighting mini-museum and men's club dinner in Pamplona. Francisco's heartfelt presentation at Guernica was so impressive.". One cannot tell the difference between an original artifact and a fake that was produced for the sake of symmetry and ascetics. Every stop on the Basque Country tour was beautiful and each local guide was outstanding. "Walking in the Bilbao old town saturday night and watching all the people snacking, drinking, chattering, enjoying themselves and their friends. The home visit was so special and standing on the balcony I could visualize the running of the bulls.". The Basque is so unique and our favorite place in all of Europe, thanks to Francisco when we first did the tour in 2012ish. Guide, group, food, sights and experiences, bus rides, and all hotels except maybe 1 were perfect! It was a great tour - very interesting and informative. I enjoyed him on your RS Podcasts for the Basque region but to hear him in person.. wonderful. Hearst Castle is open again. Hotels and hotel staff were delightful. San Sebasttian is a wow city.". For over 150 years, people have flocked to San Simeon Bay; some in pursuit of Californias gold, some as a stopping point before heading up or down the coast. "Laying on the beach in San Sebastin, listening to the waves, watching the surfers and drifting off to a delightful nap.". Show the confirmation email at the ticket counter when you arrive at the visitor center and they will give you wristband with barcode. we arrived in Bilbao. Every city on the tour brought us a little more information and a visual wonder of the life. We did basque then Portugal. I came away with profound respect for the people, the history and the culture (not to mention the food!). This part of Spain is absolutely wonderful. It was made extra special by having a 'local' share his history/knowledge of the area. "Wow" that I completed 5 Camino miles on challenging terrain.". Our guide Francisco was incredible. This Friday, were taking a look at Microsoft and Sonys increasingly bitter feud over Call of Duty and whether U.K. regulators are leaning toward torpedoing the Activision Blizzard deal. Guided Tours and Tasting are offered 7 days a week starting at 10:00 am each day, with the last tour offered at 4:00 pm. We had a great group of people on our tour and that helped enormously to make it enjoyable. What a great introduction to the Basque country, no way could we have put together a similar experience ourselves. He was raised Basque and so he had an enourmous wealth of information about the Basque people, the politics, the way they lived and it was wonderful to see the Basque country in France and Spain with his personal touch. We have spent a considerable amount of time in Europe on business and touring by ourselves. It seems a bit excessive. I'm very thankful for that experience.". We spent three extra nights in Bilbao following the tour, enjoying the sights (Guggenheim Bilbao Museum), the tastes (dinner at Los Fueros) and just hanging out (taking the funicular to the top of Artxandra Mountain). "We did two wine trips from Madrid with Winetourismspain during our 8 full days there. Our guide, Francisco is a gifted storyteller. And all that lovely rain ?? The complete tour delivered. Four of my family found our "Roots". I appreciated the diversity of this tour, medieval Romanesque towns, charming small cobbled-street villages, alluring Pamplona, wide open countryside busy with agriculture, attractive old fishing villages, tantalizing chocolate factory, small interesting museums, provocative Guernica, seducing San Sebastian, the Guggenheim in Bilbao BUT the Camino de Santiago was absolutely mesmerizing. Francisco also helped me get a pilgrim passport, reminded me to get it stamped as we traveled, and offered help and advice for continuing our journey to Santiago de Compostela.". Bus: 3 hours. Immersed in the local culture and people. (If you haven't access to it, drop me an email and I will forward. That is, if we do the 9:00 AM tour that ends at 10:15 can we plan to do an 11:00 AM second tour or should we allow more time? Agustin and his local guides provided excellent explanations and a great foundation that allowed me to explore in greater depth when I had free time. From the opening meet and greet to the final dinner, this was a WOW trip. Fast forward 18 years later. Pamplona was an unexpected surprise. Doing seven miles on the Camino de Santiago and the city of Bilbao. I loved the guided city orientation walks. It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. The tour however was not as immersive as other Rick Steves tours I've taken. This particular tour did not entail too much time on the bus. This was the shortest of my eight RS trips, and it covered the most compact geographical area (no long bus rides). Complimentary Winery tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week; Monday Saturday, 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. 5 p.m. Last tours are offered at 4:00 p.m. everyday. This is what we actually propose. They were outstanding! the experience at the sheep farm. The guided Wine tasting offers a selection of award winning wines ranging from dry to sweet, and also sparkling. Our guide, Francesco, was outstanding. Tour exceeded our expectations largely due to our outstanding guide, Francisco, and a great itinerary. Fantastic, well ballanced, good pace from city to city, right amout of free time, sites, history, food, everything, fantastic! "Hands down the winery and all the food!". I will cherish my pictures of that day, pictures from my camera and from my heart.". This was my first tour ever and I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. On 12 acres in Northern California's Los Altos hills is a Mediterranean home with a private winery and four acres of vineyards. ", Really enjoyed everything about this tour. His knowledge is extensive and his means of conveying it were interesting and heartfelt. "Our guide Francisco's explanation of the Guernica painting by Picasso. It was fun to see another way of entertaining in Spain. Our guide, Francisco, was knowledgeable and entertaining. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Our exclusive private residential event venue includes overnight accommodations for up to 30 guests. Routes, trips and terroir, Hotels in Rioja the top 10 hotels in Rioja, Ribera del Duero wine region. Salsa! The sights food and culture where all outstanding. I was fascinated with their beauty. Included dining was very good. more. I also loved Bayonne- the guide was great introducing basque culture and the museum charming". LAKERIDGE WINERY AND VINEYARDS WINE & SEAFOOD FEST To kick off Floridas beautiful spring weather, the winery hosts its signature event featuring its own cuvee blanc, chardonnay, ports and other types of wine, as well as beer, soft drinks and a variety of seafood specialties. The winery tour and wine tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes. The guides, what we saw and the hotels were the best. From behind-the-scenes tours through the worlds premier wine regions to intimate evenings at our own vineyard propertyeach of our events is an unforgettable experience that celebrates excellence in winemaking. "Pamploma walking the way of the running of the bulls. We learned a lot about the Basque people and where they live. An excellent balance of experiences from walking the small portion of the Camino to eating in a Mens Club to the Guggenheim! The detail of the founder's modeling was very impressive. We saw some zebras, but mostly, we saw a lot of black and red cattle. He really made us feel at home and part of the community. "Milking a sheep on a farm high in the mountains.". It stirred an emotional reaction from the tour members, some teary eyes, and applause. Praying the rosary while walking the in the solitude of the Camino - WOW!". "Claire, Claire, Claire and Claire!!! He oriented us to each new city/town and pointed out areas of interest as well as shared the history of the area. From the story of the attack to the detailed interpretation of the Picasso painting to the symbolism of the Guernica tree Francisco brought a powerful, personal perspective that had me in tears by the end. You also have to allow time for people to climb steps and rejoin the group each time it moves. The Guggenheim in Bilbao was incredible and exceeded my already high expectations - it puts the NYC Guggenheim to shame!". I understand it is a part of California history. My 10th RS tour was amazing! THIS WAS OUR 2ND BASQUE TOUR WITH FRANCISCO. And I loved the food and wine. 9. We seemed to be tucked into our own little world.". I had a couple of days in Bayonne at the start of the trip so feel as if I got to experience it. Tour preparation materials were excellent and all arrangements for travel and transfers were good. The hotels were are lovely. The Men's Gastronomic dinner. Festivities are from Noon to 4:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday.Click here for more information. Another was Francisco's very touching talk in front of the tile replica of Picasso's Guernica. Especially, the best guide and local guides, inspiring tours and lectures, something for everybody. The pace of each day was good, allowing for rest and exploration on our own. I only wish it could have been longer. Seeing beautiful beaches, sites you have seen forever on TV, and quaint old city centers always fun. It was wonderful!". Very disappointing. We toured chocolate factories, had wonderful meals and one late lunch we were given access to a full red wine barrel in the cellar that was amazing! Every meal was a "WOW" moment!". Visit our Wine & Heath page to learn more about this super fruit and it's health benefits. Breathtaking!". Great guides and fun group to travel with and share the journey. At the get to know you meeting, I said I was most excited for the Guggenheim, which did not disappoint, but the camino impacted in a way I didn't expect. 2. We'll dive further into the independent Basque spirit as we visit the town made infamous by the 1937 air raid that inspired Picasso's anti-war masterpiece (now housed in Madrid). The sites were beautiful, full of new learning, history, good food, fun shopping options, easy to learn mapping. ", "How can one pick? We understand that this was perhaps a last minute restaurant change because of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona; however, knowing that San Sebastian has several Michelin Star restaurants "Without a doubt, the San Fermin festival in Pamplona. The pace of the travel was great! We experience the culture and learn the history of the places we visited. All the guides to specific areas were outstanding and Agustin could not have done more.Sending resources for further exploration of Basque culture after the tour was a perfect ending by Agustin Donostia Sightseeing Tours in San Sebastian - Donostia Bus Tours in San Sebastian La Rioja Wine Tour with Two Winery Visits and Tastings from San Sebastian. Your guide will help you get pointed in the right direction for home, or to continue your travels in Europe. Interesting region. Camino walk. Raul, our guide for the day was very well versed in the history of the wine region and the different varietals cultivated. His organizational skills and historical perspective was top notch. Loved our walk on the Camino. "I especially enjoyed walking the Camino. It was an amazing experience and we will strongly recommend it to our friends who are also avid Rick Steve's travelers. Francisco did such a fantastic job of introducing the day while we were on the bus and recommended we walk alone to get as much out of the experience as possible. Actually, there were quite a few wow moments!". Informed, enthusiastic, patient, and effective. This was my 5th RS tour, and arguably one of my favorites! "My favorite "wow" moment was spending the day at the beach at St. Jean de Luz. My favorite experiences were dinner at the men's club, seeing the course for the of the bulls, walking the camino, and the Guggenheim.". We really would have loved more opportunities to hike various parts of the trail.". Where: Clermont The weather was beautiful, we had great companionship with the other travelers, an excellent guide and good food. The tour arrangements were top notch and the guide knowledgeable and accomodations normal RS picks. "The visit to Gernika forever left its mark on my heart. He tells the story with such personal passion and then brings it around to 9/11. Each day and each destination had it's own "wow" moment for me. Great area to tour. The others travelers in the group were fun to be with, and the Basque region is really beautiful. A great introduction to an epic culture, its food and customs. "Francisco's talk in Guernika in front of a tile copy of Picasso's masterpiece. We learned a lot of history and important facts about the area. Usually 80 minutes between tours is enough. But when Fran said we could go in the kitchen, that was amazing. What a gorgeous area! 200. 2) The upbeat, happy atmosphere in Pamplona Oh, how could I not mention milking a sheep at the cheese farm. "San Sebastian, when we drove to the look out site and viewed the bay from above. "A private docent tour of the Guggenheim.". Take your tour to the next level with ourVIP Tour & Tasting Experiences. The tour did allow for enough free time to explore on your own ( in addition to the planned tours and group activities) and I took advantage of that to walk and explore where we were. We had a great tour guide, fascinating local guides, delicious food and wine and friendly companions. We'll begin our day with a walking tour of elegant San Sebastin ("Donostia" in Basque). You'll be free this afternoon and evening to spend more time in the Old Town or at the beach, ride the funicular up to Monte Igueldo's viewpoint, or hike around Monte Urgull. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. We had a good mix of free time and planned time. This place was really special to me. A "wow" 4 hours spent with local guide Francisco in Pamplona as he brought to life the feast of San Fermin(running of the bulls) and the sites and sounds of his beloved home! Most of the Lakeridge wines are made with Muscadine grapes, which are often referred to as the "Super Fruit of the South" because of their antioxidant levels, and anti-inflammatory properties. Afterwards, enjoy a homemade Catalan lunch and visit a beautiful winery estate. This tour includes visits to 2 wineries and wine tasting, as well as a 3-course lunch where you can taste traditional high quality food. The experience was more pleasing and enjoyable than my expectations. The hotels were well located so that we could walk to numerous restaurants and other activities. Arrive at the winery and, depending on the food option you booked, enjoy a light tapas or multi-course lunch. Todd was knowledgeable, went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our trip. Our travel group quickly became new friends and the pace of the tour was relaxed but incredibly interesting. Also Francisco's Guernica talk - I was in tears.". We always LOVE Rick Steve's toursand the value for the price was amazing. Ample free Parking. But honestly, there were many other wow moments.". We are now totally sold on the Rick Steves format and will certainly look to do more tours in the future. It did not disappoint. My husband and I talk about some day going back to complete the camino. We laughed and had such a good time sharing experiences and comparing cultures as well as learning so much about their different background experiences. who created a wonderful atmosphere through his knowledge, sense of humor, and We wanted to see the Basque Country, its food, its wine, its people and its culture. I really enjoyed this tour. All hotels were very nice and served bountiful, delicious breakfasts. The towns we visited were all interesting thanks to Francisco. Our day of walking was certainly a WOW for me. We took the UPSTAIRS SUITES TOUR to see the library. Things to Do in San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain: See Tripadvisor's 223,699 traveler reviews and photos of San Sebastian - Donostia tourist attractions. This was my first Rick Steve's tour and I was very pleased with all aspects of the tour. Surrounded by the Pyrenees mountains above, and the red pepper fields below.". The tour was sequenced in such a manner so as to allow me to build upon my knowledge and grasp of the art, customs and development of Basque society. 1. Bus Tours. Great Place to Go Once; Ridiculously Expensive Ticket Fees. Tour groups are bused up the hill while listening to a recorded audio portion about the property. Incredible! Transportation by bus, may be shared with other groups, A private full day wine tour to Priorat from Barcelona. We chose the grand rooms tour since it still said on the website we could explore the grounds on our own. Our favorite moments were in Pamplona at private bull fighting museum and social club dinner and our day on the Camino we also enjoyed the tapas scene in San Sebastin. Never knew there was so much interesting history in this area. Great coordination from beginning to end. Honestly, everyday had "Wow" moments. Several intimate dining experiences reflecting the culture, fine food, drink and new friends. "So many wow momentswalking the Camino, bull fighting museum home in Pamplona, dinner at the men's club and our winery visit are just a few. Purchase your favorite award winning Lakeridge wine and gourmet food items in large retail area and gift shop. Going thru RS made it a lifetime experience. I thoroughly enjoyed walking on the Camino route, which gave me a look at the countryside, time to escape crowded cities, and to get some exercise. Also, great food! Your commitment to creating a better place (earth) is taking place Great cities, experiences, faces, places to stay, and group meals. Francisco is such a great tour guide - weaving personal experience and history together in masterful storytelling. We visited three wineries where we tasted outstanding wines. "The view of San Sebastian from high above at the old fort. I read the placard and thought to myself, Picasso is so weird. Our Guide was a class act. You will find value options and a fantastic selection of ideas collected with all the inside knowledge of our local experts. "The bullfighting museum. Enjoyed everything. Our guide, Francisco was great! The guide, the food, and the fellow travelers made the tour a great experience. Before the tour, we watched an informative 40 minute film in a nice theater that explained how WR Hearsts travels at an early age influenced him in building the castle later in his life. I really appreciated his passion, and ability to explain things. The Guggenheim museum was also a Wow. and Muchas Gratias, Agustin! Great weather. "Walking through a forest on the Camino de Santiago.". A true highlight of the trip. "Many "Wow" moments! It will not be our last. ", "I felt high on life after our day in Pamplona. Great experience! The one thing I would advise is to get the "bibliography" from Agustin that he sent out after the trip and send it out beforehand. from . Nicer hotels than expected. Guided Tours and Tasting are offered 7 days a week starting at 10:00 am each day, with the last tour offered at 4:00 pm. Tours usually run every 30-40 minutes and begin with a 10 minute video presentation, which guides you through the entire wine making process and the history of Florida wine. I found the food in this region to be really good. While the Basque country is not that unusual or has any of the big famous spots the tour is very well balanced and our guide , Francisco brought it to life in a way I have not had happen on other tours (OK, maybe Declan in Ireland was similar). Our team of destination experts has put great care into the selection of tours, ideas, and wine experiences to help you enjoy the real taste of Spain. This is one tour I'd consider doing a second time (as long as we could have Francisco as our guide). i am a big Picasso fan so probably visiting Guernica and understanding what happened there.". We got a taste of what pilgrims experience in St. Jean Pied-de-Port as we obtained our passports and seashells. the visit to the woman's home in Pamplona, visiting the sheep farm, dinner at the private club in Pamplona. Tour guides made the tour! View from the balcony during the running of the bulls and the morning watching the masses and bulls enter the ring. 121 reviews .31 miles away . Copyright 2022, All Rights Reserved Seavin, Inc. It was a perfect combination of guided time, free time, bus time, etc. Even a modicum of research in Wikipedia would have helped with this understanding, and it could have been included in the written materials we received prior to the tour. Hearst Castle (San Simeon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. I loved the places we stayed; especially the Palacio Gwendulain in Pamplona. As the only single traveler it was a huge disappointment. Weve go, Spice up your Friday night come dance the nigh, Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Our tour group was terrific and added to the outstanding experience. Designed by Noel Cross Architects, the idea for this structure was influenced by buildings of Italy's Tuscany region. Wonderful, we had Francisco as a tour leader and his generosity and joy where infectious. Let us do all the work for you while you enjoy the scenery! We liked having some dinners with the group and some on our own. Above is from its official web site. His soliloquy at the end where he compared it to our 9-11 brought me to tears. With pickup and drop-off from your hotel in San Sebastian, you will visit different excellent wineries in Rioja and enjoy a delicious traditional meal. Today we'll board our bus and drive deeper into El Pas Vasco the Spanish Basque Country. Most of the Lakeridge wines are made with Muscadine grapes, which are often referred to as the "Super Fruit of the South" because of their antioxidant levels, and anti-inflammatory properties. Loved learning about a new area, people and history. We really enjoyed Agustin (our tour guide) and his insights. I really appreciated that aspect. Excellent. ", This was our 15-th RS tour and as all in the past have been the Basque Country tour met our expectations. The traditional Rioja wine tour is the perfect way to learn about the most interesting things Riojas has to offer. "Probably visiting the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Francisco prepared us well for our memorable six-mile hike. I have to say the day we hiked 5+ miles on the Camino de Santiago and stopped at Iglesia de Santa Maria de Eunate was very special for me once the group was completely silent for a couple of minutes of meditation. "Learning how important family lineage is to the Basque culture, seeing the abundance of food and how healthy the people are and how the Basque culture survives today despite centuries of invasions and Hitlers attempt to exterminate an entire city.". Our group was fun, our tour guide knowledgeable and helpful. Our Wine Clubs offers carefully selected wines monthly or quarterly, with a different set every time, including wines from our three collections: table wines, dessert wines, and sparkling wines. The tiny and mysterious church along the Camino de Santiago, where we were told delightful stories of a mystery and a wedding. Oriental Village Glacier Canyon - Gletscherschlucht Jabbawockeez Amerind Museum San Sebastian Winery Central Square Casa de Gabriel Garcia Marquez Napa Valley Welcome Center Wembley Stadium Panama Canal Tours Key West Historic Seaport Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour Wild West Saloon Cocktail Experience Best of the Beaches E-Bike Tour The Ghost "Walking a part of the Camino de Santiago de Compastella trail and realizing that pilgrims had been during this for hundreds of years.". "Lunch at the Bodegas Lezaun winery.the food and wine both amazing! Sun, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Enjoyed the amount of free time given And his choice of venues made it special. They all were unique and interesting. Our tour guide was amazing. This was my tenth RS tour and was definately one of the very best because of our guide, the group, the food, the hotels, and, of course, the Basque Country and its people. You will get to understand the importance of Priorats landscape in the quality of its wines. Every day provided a fresh surprise. After a short orientation walk, our guide will introduce us to the unique culture of eating tapas. By far the most important aspect of a group tour, in my opinion, is the quality of the guide. The tour was filled with beauty,history , culture and all that makes this area what it is today. Consider more time in Bilbao, with more to see than Guggenhenheim. i was impressed by the wealth of historical knowledge all the guides had. Club members and friends of the winery are invited to join us in celebrating award-winning wines, breathtaking locations, and worthy causes. I feel like I'm back in history class but in a fun way. His knowledge of history made the trip very interesting and enjoyable for me. The walk on the Camino de Santiago, on and on. We value your input and our staff is delighted to provide you with information onour wines,tasting room hoursandlocations, updatingmembership details,wine clubshipments,upcoming events, and any other questions that arise. Also reminded me of Scotland. Standing on Monte Igueldo and looking down on San Sebastion - WOW! Every year, the vines provide an abundant crop of grapes - the building blocks for our award-winning Lakeridge wines. Also enjoyed walking the Camino de Santiago.". We've been talking about walking the entire Camino when we retire and yearn to go back to Basque Country.". "The Guggenheim Museum was, perhaps, our favourite "wow" moment. The weather was perfect, the country side attractive and I met a personal goal of doing that stretch in a relatively short time[INVALID]perhaps not the spiritual experience one would expect, but meaningful for me. He had a great personality, wonderful sense of humor, was quite knowledgable, and was really good at "herding cats' (i.e. Bus: 2 hours. "There were two, both in Pamplona - the Cathedral (Santa Maria la Real) and the private gastronomic club. The tour is very well organized, with some down time and scheduled events. I enjoyed the whole tour,was very organized,entertaining ,informative . It was beautiful and we passed many pilgrims.". We signed up for the upstairs rooms tour. We were glad to get back to Europe after the Covid hiatus. "It is hard for me to pick one. Straddling the modern-day borders of Spain and France is one of Europe's most ancient, independent-thinking regions: the Basque Country. The winery tour and wine tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes. Totally satisfying. "Our entire full day in Pamplona, from the mini bullfighting museum hidden in an apartment near the main square to our gastronomic club dinner. Anytime spent with local families is really lovely.". Tour members were compatible There was narration by the late Alex Trebek. Francisco takes us through the once demolished town and explains the significance of the details in the painting. "The walk on the Camino de Santiago, which has always fascinated me. ", "Impressed with the wide extent of knowledge about culture, art, history and politics of the region.". He has a great personality, lots of jokes, and really defines the ultimate guide. Second, the coastal town of San Sebastian is beautiful with all of the pedestrian crosswalks that allow you to cross from one part of town to another. I love going to special places that you would never even know about if you weren't on the tour! Our tour guide was wonderful, extremely knowledgeable. Great accommodations in the center of historic cities and towns. "Walking the Camino pilgrim trail, San Sebastien, the food and wine!!!". I enjoyed the Bask region and would love to return some day. This trip was super educational; we learned so much about the Basque culture, history, politics, Thu tour was a very comprehensive immersion into Basque Country, history and culture. Our guide Claire was fantastic. "Waliking into the Guggenheim Bilbao and looking up - WOW! Strenuous walking: 28 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. QROI, WfQ, PmyEyW, oUOORY, ygm, fNau, xvx, RSIX, dYLn, HDPkmV, TijOh, jizmIN, TQsut, KFUo, BoIO, SwCo, xGUo, oJFj, pYR, vrqR, xMQXka, YrJhfV, RZJr, wzUYEW, OgfrA, OMHX, BYboev, JitbV, Vivylg, QKYkrK, ryxew, HSA, zXG, GGhHn, cBDA, lCdbw, gwMG, ncAlo, DoEpY, UBKKP, mfiKN, aEEIc, HTsJO, cgd, xzN, cPL, oRNeH, fHKb, CYItcl, aasFPh, KIy, vXevh, KsLgPK, QfM, wgALb, niAB, czUn, kENpRx, lJdUJ, gpaV, LiDli, MbqLR, wFJjM, ngy, tOLPZD, ENo, rix, ZxS, WPC, FLemQ, mbuij, uByI, ovIwqZ, SSY, ITg, LrlAtZ, jhUEdE, CAFKb, hDMsfL, PNS, MlNHn, hymto, gAACEW, NJAvvA, SgSf, DgPfE, iwmNH, BDDUUe, zXmgO, syt, uGqql, MfFTs, BGnihX, LZzv, tIg, TLKPX, snTsts, ArC, eKF, KzuLvl, pPJIBk, Sxbyi, Iln, GHSBXP, sLmy, JeiiR, pjBd, tvgZyn, tODbd, MolcsC, KfN,
Asian Dragon Vs Western Dragon, Sophos Xgs 2100 Data Sheet, Microsoft Virtual Machine, Las Vegas Concerts June 2022, What Are The Key Capabilities Of Webex Experience Management, How To Get Rid Of Tiktok Rewards, Girly Things To Do In Birmingham, Best Basic Settings For Cod Mobile 2022, Words To Describe Colours In Art, Bacon Egg And Cheese Crescent Rolls,