2026 Bordeaux & Northern Spain Eclipse Trip

Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)

Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion. (B,L,D)

Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. As a unique alternative, travel back in time to visit an ancient watermill and learn the tradition of breadmaking. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of local wine and tapas. (B,L,D)

Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)

Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. Enjoy a guided hike through this picturesque region, where you will take in the beauty of this fort as well as the verdant vineyards that decorate this breathtaking landscape. (B,L,D)

Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History”. You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. In the afternoon, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Alternatively, you can enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. (B,L,D)

Disembark from your cruise ship this morning. Travel first to Bayonne for free time to explore and grab lunch on your own. Next it's onto the aristocratic seaside resort of San Sebastián. Northern Spain’s Basque country has evolved into the best place to eat in the Western world. Tonight enjoy dinner with the locals, as you savor the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine. Buen provecho! (D)
HOTEL: Check in to Barcelo Costa Vasca Hotel San Sebastian or similar for 2 nights.

Enjoy a morning at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk. The harbor is filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, so you can enjoy several sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known as the Jewel of the Basque Country. (B)

Today first head to Bilbao and admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. There is some free time to explore here, before continuing on to Santander. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages and pause in the seaside city of Getaria to see 'El Ratón', the mouse-shaped rock. (B)
HOTEL: Check in to Eurostars Real Hotel Santander or similar for 2 nights.

Spend the day at leisure in elegant Santander. Relax on the sun-kissed shores of one of the nearby beaches, amble through the charming Old Town or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the coastal town of Comillas, with its cobbled streets. You can explore Gaudí's El Capricho, built in the late 19th century as a summer villa, then would carry on to Santillana del Mar to visit the museum dedicated to the impressive UNESCO-listed Altamira Caves. (B)

Check in to Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes or similar. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while traveling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets, admiring stone houses decorated with carved, heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. Then visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park boasting spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. (B)

This morning a Local Expert will show you the 9th century churches built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe. Then journey to the historic capital of Castile, where we will visit the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the tomb of El Cid, a national hero and the protagonist of the most significant medieval Spanish epic poem – El Cantar de Mio Cid. This evening enjoy your Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
HOTEL: Check in to Collection Hotel Palacio de Burgos or similar for 2 nights.

Enjoy a relaxed day before heading to a designated viewing spot for the eclipse (pending viewing location details). Set up your eclipse glasses or solar viewing equipment and witness the eclipse while capturing some photos and soaking in this unique experience. (B)

Today after breakfast, there is one group transfer to the Madrid Airport for your flight home. This is a 2.5hr+ drive to Madrid, so flights should depart 1pm or later if possible. (B)