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Panoramic view of colorful traditional Basque houses lining the harbor of Saint-Jean-de-Luz under a bright blue sky.
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Spain/France

Bordeaux & Basque Country: A Tale of Two Cultures

Program No. 25666RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Bordeaux
Program Concludes
Bordeaux
Meals
26 ( 11B, 7L, 8D )
Activity Level
From
7,499
Free Airfare From Select Cities
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Experience a journey of stunning contrasts as you immerse yourself in two of Europe’s most deeply proud and culturally distinct regions. Your learning adventure begins on land, where you’ll dive into the global legacy of Bordeaux’s wine trade at the magnificent Cité du Vin. Then, cross an invisible border into the Basque Country, a nation without a state, to explore its unique language, ancient traditions and staunchly independent identity. From the modern marvel of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum to the spice-scented streets of Espelette, you’ll uncover what it means to be Basque. Then, step aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac — exclusively ours for this voyage — and sail along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, tasting your way through the legendary vineyards of Saint-Émilion and the cellars of Cognac.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Delve into the heart of Basque identity, from the architectural marvel of Bilbao’s Guggenheim to the preserved rural traditions of charming French Basque villages like Ainhoa and Sare.
  • Sail the Garonne and Dordogne rivers on an exclusive ship, unraveling the story of Bordeaux's global wine legacy with expert-led visits to the legendary towns of Saint-Émilion and Cognac.
  • Taste the maritime heritage of the Atlantic coast, from the fresh oyster beds of Arcachon Bay to traditional Basque cider houses, experiencing firsthand the Franco-Spanish cultural exchange.
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See Related Programs
River BoatsAdventures Afloat Study CruiseNewFloating Campus
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied terrain. Standing up to 2 hours per day. Program will require approximately 25 miles of walking over 11 days. Expect some inclines in Basque villages (Espelette/Sare) and Saint-Emilion. Use of stairs is required at some wine cellars and sites. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Floating Campus®
On our Road Scholar Floating Campuses, we’ll have the entire ship to ourselves and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it
  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

    An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

    An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

    An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

    An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it
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