It was as like a private party. 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. a panoramic view of the museum, artwork and bridges.". No bus. Although we had been to Spain several times (once on a Rick Steves 'My Way' tour), the Basque Country of France/Spain was a new region for us. Winetourismspain is Spains leading wine & food travel portal, Discover unique ideas to enjoy Spanish wine during your vacation or road trip in Spain. Also, I really liked the small amount of road time because of the small geography Every meal was a "WOW" moment!". Great guide, beautiful locations, amazing experience. If I were to pick a city to stay in for a while, it would be San Sebastian. Strenuous walking: 28 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. lunch at wine and men's club dinner. It doesn't stop amazing me the American fascination of European Royalty. It was a perfect day.". The group was very enjoyable and the guide knowledgeable "I think it was while on the bus climbing the hill and cresting it seeing the bay of San Sebastian appear in front of me it was magical.". Your guide will help you get pointed in the right direction for home, or to continue your travels in Europe. This is one tour I'd consider doing a second time (as long as we could have Francisco as our guide). "Many WOW moments and I will not pick a favorite.". We liked the size of the group (25) and loved that everyone was punctual, enthusiastic and friendly. Felt like a real insider when we went to the private bullfighting museum in Pamplona! Perfect! I would take another tour and have recommended this one to friends. Open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5p.m. 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. Sleep in Bilbao. We had a great group of fellow travelers and a fantastic guide in Francisco. Complimentary Winery tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week "The walking tour of Pamplona was excellent. It was special on this tour to see both the bull-fighting collection and the bar in Cafe Iruna.". Versatile, compatible tour mates, of mixed generations. Knowing little about the Basque culture when I arrived, I felt it gave us a wonderful introduction to the culture and the history. Isnt that enough? In no particular order, we like the small groups, compatible tour members, big busses, great guides, lots of free time, and interesting places to visit that we would probably not have discovered on our own. As always, most everything was great, and I don't think I could have done this trip on my own any better or cheaper. This particular tour did not entail too much time on the bus. I found Pamplona and Bilbao fascinating with abundant places/things to explore, however other stops on the tour felt more like shopping opportunities. the visit to the woman's home in Pamplona, visiting the sheep farm, dinner at the private club in Pamplona. Just search "hearst castle". I feel we were given a great introduction to the Basque and saw Basque life and beautiful scenery and architecture. "Going swimming at the beautiful beach in San Sebastian and the puppies and goats at the cheese far.". Salsa! Make It Your Own. This part of Spain is absolutely wonderful. This tour gave us both aspects in vivid detail. This was among the best trips I've taken, whether with Rick Steves tours or others: a fairly in-depth experience of a culturally and historically rich part of the world--the Basque Country. I was so enchanted by the landscape, the people and the food. Our guide Francisco was incredible. "Walking the Camino trail. As close to perfect as a tour could possibly be. Well organized, informative, interesting, anf fun. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. The second was the lady's house/bullfighting "museum" in Pamplona. Bus Tours. and a group of friendly, studious, and thoughtful participants! Prop 30 is supported by a coalition including CalFire Firefighters, the American Lung Association, environmental organizations, electrical workers and businesses that want to improve Californias air quality by fighting and preventing wildfires and reducing air This was my first Rick Steve's tour and I was very pleased with all aspects of the tour. Very fun tour! "The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona was definitely the highlight. As a veteran of many Rick Steves tours, my expectations are high. Take your tour to the next level with ourVIP Tour & Tasting Experiences. His enlightening and passionate descriptions were wonderful and personal, such as a local's view of bull fighting and historical perspective on Guernica. Great Place to Go Once; Ridiculously Expensive Ticket Fees. For example, the Guernica story as heartbreaking and provided some opportunities for reflection. "Seeing the Guggenheim Museum up close. "Claire, Claire, Claire and Claire!!! Great guide in Claire, Assistant guide Andrew was very helpful. The winery tour and wine tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes. "We did two wine trips from Madrid with Winetourismspain during our 8 full days there. "Walking the Camino right from Pamplona with a small group. We thoroughly enjoyed our "Basque" experience.We found the food and wine excellent.I would recommend this tour to anyone. 1. The city guides were just as impressive with the knowledge they gave our group. Our fellow tour members were experienced with RS tours and all followed your guidelines; we hope to see many of these new friends again. The Basque country is absolutely gorgeous in the spring! Why? That being said, I am growing more and more cynical about Hearst Castle as the years go by. Also, the tours by local guides of the Basque Museum and the Guggenheim. Read More. Ive been on lots of RS tours and enjoy them very much. He was attentive to individual needs so everything ran smoothly. We liked learning about the Basque people and their history. Perhaps the one moment that will stay with me always is Francisco's passionate description of Picasso's Gernika, relating it to other world events, during our stop in Gernika.". The tour again provided experiences that would not have been possible outside a tour. The weather and the views for that day were very special making for a very "WOW" moment. Mambo! And I loved the food and wine. Fun, educational and eye-opening. Enjoyed the amount of free time given "There were many, however our experience at Guernica with Franciscos explanation was quite emotional and the Camino experience will always be remembered especially stopping at Santa Maria de Cunate at the end.". can we tour the grounds or do we need a ticket? Shocking. The dynamic of our group was fantastic, and James was a knowledgeable and fun guide. Hotels were good, not great. Here's what you'll see and do on our Basque Country tour: Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. Join us for a guided tour of the estate to learn the history of how Schneblys all began! The tour guides were wonderful and the area spectacular. I came away with profound respect for the people, the history and the culture (not to mention the food!). Lakeridge Winery offers complimentary tours and wine tasting seven days a week. Our trip leader led us the last couple of miles to Iglesia de Santa Mara de Eunate, which was one of the most interesting religious sites I have visited.". Each day was filled with a balance of historical, contemporary, and cultural interest. He knew everyone's name from the first day! A true highlight of the trip. The sheep farm. The winery tour and wine tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes. Discover our selection of unique and delectable wines for any occasion. 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!". None of us wanted to sat goodbye!". "The views in San Sebastian. Enthusiastic and good people. I think walking the Camino de Santiago. "It's hard to say. Wonderfully focused itinerary provided rich opportunity for in-depth learning about Basque history and culture. He loves his culture, Spain, and sharing his love of all thing's Basque with all his tour members. Highly recommended., Madrid to Barcelona private tour via wine country, Madrid to San Sebastian or Bilbao Private Tour, Barcelona to Madrid via Rioja and Ribera del Duero, San Sebastian or Bilbao to Madrid Private Tour, San Sebastian or Bilbao to Barcelona with Rioja Wine Tour, Ribera del Duero day tour from Madrid - Private, Toledo wine tour from Madrid - Private Tour, Montserrat & winery tour with lunch (full day), Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela Road trip, Barcelona to Madrid road trip via wine country, Basque Country road trip with Pamplona and Rioja, Rioja wine region. This tour has only three bus days and that was only for a few hours each time, giving us more time for experiences. 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. It changed the whole dynamic in a good way. Our walk on the Camino de Santiago and tour of Guernica were things we never would have done ourselves. ", Wonderful to learn and experience so much about an area of the world we had never been to before. The hotels were well located so that we could walk to numerous restaurants and other activities. I could have enjoyed a few more days in Pamploma, San Sebastian, and Bilboa. A different but very fun day was when we hiked some of the Camino and then went to a winery for lunch. Our guide, Francisco, was fabulous! The owner and helper truly gave you a feel for what they do to make cheese. 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. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. There were so many "wow" moments. It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. Francisco takes us through the once demolished town and explains the significance of the details in the painting. Francisco was a fabulous guide - personable, knowledgable, and lots of fun! "The Guggenheim Bilbao museum was an exceptional experience.". I learned a great deal about the history and culture of the Basque people. Open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5p.m. Come and enjoy with family and friends our farm to table food, wine tastings, brunch, lunch and dinner next to our waterfalls and Koi ponds. Let us do all the work for you while you enjoy the scenery! 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. "A private docent tour of the Guggenheim.". "Lunch at the Bodegas Lezaun winery.the food and wine both amazing! We learned a lot of history and important facts about the area. (And everything else!)". Whether you are looking forguidedwine toursto Spains wine regions, a private tour, ideas for a road trip, honeymoon, orvacations in wine country, you will find something special to suit your needs. Who ever knew that, except those on a Rick Steve's tour. Recommend you go there to get tickets and all the info. We recommend booking Hearst Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. There was too much down time. Loved the sheep farm and the visit Francisco arranged at this friends home in Pamplaco - the bull fighting displays.". But honestly, there were many other wow moments.". 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 got lost trying to find the hotel. We had a great group on this tour, easy going and fun. He challenged us to live in the present and not focus on the past or future. Priorat has emerged as one of the worlds most respected wine regions in recent years. Grand Knik Helicopter Tour - 2 hours 3 landings - ANCHORAGE AREA, Baltimore Evening Sail on the Summer Wind, See all 8 Hearst Castle tours on Tripadvisor, 3-Day California Coast Tour: San Francisco to Los Angeles, See all Hearst Castle experiences on Tripadvisor, View all hotels near Hearst Castle on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Hearst Castle on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Hearst Castle on Tripadvisor. All the rest were exceptionally good. I really enjoyed the sheep farm and being in the rural setting after all the beautiful cities that we visited.". A close second was visiting the Cathedral in Pamplona which had an interactive exhibit on the history of religions and how they changed throughout history and how they affected Pamplona. Sleep in San Sebastin. I knew nothing about the Basque people until going on this tour. 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. But, if I have to choose one I would have to say that it was our dinner at the supper Club in Pamplona, Spain. Camino walk. Together, these labels have won more than 600 awards for excellence in winemaking. The overall tour experience was wonderful. Guide, group, food, sights and experiences, bus rides, and all hotels except maybe 1 were perfect! The tour guide was great. It was better than expected, and we were expecting a lot. The carved figures around the fifteenth century tomb of Charles III of Navarre and his wife were exquisite. Usually 80 minutes between tours is enough. Loved that the group meals were large midday gatherings instead of late night feasts. I thought we were on a Rick Steve's tour that was out of the ordinary, but everyone we talked to that had been on previous RS tours said this tour was pretty much typical of what you get from RS. "Overall, on this trip - wasn't a big "Wow" moment. Francisco's interpretation of Picasso's "Guernica" was moving and profound. We seemed to be tucked into our own little world.". The Guggenheim museum was also a Wow. The group dinners were all superb; from the food and wine to the venues. Oh my. However, the months of May, September, and October offer the best combination of good weather and lighter crowds. Hello, and welcome to Protocol Entertainment, your guide to the business of the gaming and media industries. Ohhh such a memorable trip."WOW"". He kept us entertained with his wealth of knowledge. "WOW, this is a hard one. All part of an itinerary that will stop at the most amazing examples of fantastic architecture with the purpose of wine making. We rode up the mountain on the funicular and saw the beautiful view of San Sebastion Bus drivers were expert and buses clean and comfortable. Activities well-paced. Discussed life in Spain and New York (where he now lives). As this was the first tour I've ever been on, I wasn't sure what to expect. 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. The tour was outstanding. I had a great time, met new friends and now feel like I know the area and appreciate all I learned. The spirit of the trip is fun, interesting and informative. The wines sold at each location can vary, if you do not see your favorite Lakeridge wine at your favorite location you can request it through the store manager. We had an excellent guide, Francisco, who helped us learn more about the Basque communities and explore the many cultural and historic sites. 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. Francisco was wonderful. This afternoon you'll have free time to enjoy Bayonne or take a short train or bus ride (20 minutes) to the seaside towns of St-Jean-de-Luz or Biarritz. Hello, we are 2 adults and 2 teens. Loved learning about a new area, people and history. Jorge in basque and Fatima in Portugal are everything you want. It was wonderful!". Before returning to San Sebastian, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the charming medieval village of Laguardia, the perfect way to end your day in Rioja. FREE Cancellation Policy and 24/7 Customer Service to Help You if Your Plans Change. The range was excellent from the Guggenheim in Bilbao to the sheep farm and the partial walk of the Camino with checkpoints in small towns. 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. This tour was great in that it had a significant cultural learning content in addition to some neat places to visit. Roncesvalles nestled in the trees of the Pyrenees. The tour was quite active with many opportunities for walking. 2) The upbeat, happy atmosphere in Pamplona Boat cruise and dinner on last night! Breathtaking!". Transportation by bus, may be shared with other groups, A private full day wine tour to Priorat from Barcelona. I'm in the Basque Country!" He was always upbeat and energetic and attentive to individual needs. It was very informative. The sheep ranch, Gastronomic Society, and private bullfighting collection were really enjoyable. Our guide was Augustine and we could not have been more pleased. 3) The hot chocolate in Bayonne You will find value options and a fantastic selection of ideas collected with all the inside knowledge of our local experts. This was my first Rick Steves tour and everything from the tour guide to the experiences were absolutely amazing. This was our fourth Rick Steves' tour. I loved the views the mountains and the sea from the ramparts and the welcoming spirit of the country and its people.". Our group was fun and friendly. Complimentary tastings and tours are included. The determination of the townspeople is almost inconceivable. The stops we had between the destination locations on the tour were well planned out and proper time allotted. "I thoroughly enjoyed the time at the Mens Club. This was a great tour perfectly planned with a moderate pace and so many wonderful experiences we would not have found traveling on our own. ; making us comfortable using local transport; patiently helping us overcome our disorientation and navigate cities on our own. The Basque culture is one that only gets a footnote in our US knowledge and much of that has been negative due to incidents in modern times. The home visit was so special and standing on the balcony I could visualize the running of the bulls.". "The visit to Gernika forever left its mark on my heart. Sleep in or near Bayonne. Tue Dec 20, 2022 - 1:00 PM. All so unforgettable!". This was a wonderful trip in every way. 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. This was my first Rick Steves tour, and it was outstanding in every respect! It's a beautiful area- mountains, seaside resorts, charming cities, and more. Bus: 3 hours. I did not feel over scheduled. The tour guide was excellent and made the whole tour so much fun. ", Fabulous! "I think my favorite experience was the day on the Camino. Well organized schedule Our guide gave us wonderful information and a marvelous speech at the final exhibit. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. We learned a lot about a culture and a people we knew very little about. The meals that were included with the tour were outstanding! Lots of wow moments.". "The first dinner. Our guides were very helpful. He was well-versed in the history of the region. Great people to tour with. I'm glad we got to see and experience so many towns in the Basque region but I'd prefer not to move every two days or so. Every location was new for us, and we loved the food, the sights and well, everything. Francisco was informative, enthusiastic and caring making sure everyone was having a great time. It was only a fraction of the distance "real" pilgrims walk, but it gave us a much better understanding of why people undertake this 500-mile odyssey.". Sunday 11:00 am 5:00 pm, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards opened its doors in February 1989 in Clermont, Florida and sits on a 127-acre estate in gently rolling countryside some 25 miles west of downtown Orlando. I loved the history surrounding the walk, the actual physical trek and seeing all the pilgrims. 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. The towns/cities we visited were great. It just felt good for us to be there - one of the best trips we've ever had. I was also greatly impressed with Francisco, probably A great lifestyle. The hotels were always in a good location that made it convenient to walk to other places. Loved, loved, loved this tour! Great guides and tour venue. And I thought this was a fantastic balance to the sobering Guernica stop that morning.". The Redlander offers Farm to Table cuisine available for lunch, dinner & brunch. I was a little disapointed in the local guides and would have liked more historical information. "Great selection of food and wine for our lunches and dinners. Rick-you and your coworkers have created an amazing company. 2) make sure you take photos of where your tour guide stops because the tour itself is one way, so you don't get to go back and explore what you've missed. From the balcony we could watch people below and the parade go by. ", Great guide We enjoyed traveling with a fun, compatible group of people from around the US. Being on streets where the running of the bulls takes place, the Guggenheim museum, walking parts of the Camino were all highlights.". From start to finish the Basque Country Tour showed its travelers the highlights of the region through the backdoor. Walking the Camino Santiago. Tours ; Add a Place ; Travel Forum ; Airlines ; Travel Guides ; Best of 2022 ; Road Trips ; Help Center ; Homewood Suites by Hilton St Augustine San Sebastian. 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. Although we had traveled to Europe on our own utilizing the Rick Steve's books many times over the years, this was our first actual Rick Steve's Tour. This Rioja private tour has it all: high-end wines, tastings at 4 different wineries, a fantastic meal. Wonderful tour with a fabulous guide, Todd. 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. What's the best way to see Hearst Castle? "Guernica! I had no clue about the Basque culture and absolutely feel in love with the people and food. "Hiking part of the Camino de Santiago (out of Pamplona) was wonderful. And I should mention hiking a bit of the Camino de Santiago You get the idea. They all were unique and interesting. The fact that we spent at least two nights in every town where we stayed was a plus, I never felt rushed. He really made us feel at home and part of the community. Interesting but not a WOW tour. I couldn't have anticipated the many awesome sights, sounds, and tastes we experienced. I really enjoyed this tour. ", The trip was fantastic. We got a taste of what pilgrims experience in St. Jean Pied-de-Port as we obtained our passports and seashells. About Our Coalition. Fran explained history and connection with the group on an emotional level. The site selections, hotels, transportation arrangements and guide services were first class. Excellent tour overall. "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.". Things to Do in San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain: See Tripadvisor's 223,699 traveler reviews and photos of San Sebastian - Donostia tourist attractions. 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. 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. On the tour I learned about a part of the world that was basically unfamiliar to me--its politics and culture and food ways and physical beauty. A few tips during the tour: 1) make sure you don't touch on displayed items unless the tour guides said it's ok. Our travel guide, Clair, was phenomenal. 2 wineries are visited and you will enjoy tastings of quality red wines at each winery. All of our hotels were centrally located, the rooms, "Pamploma! "The bullfighting museum. 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. Pets & Service Animals The guided Wine tasting offers a selection of award winning wines ranging from dry to sweet, and also sparkling. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Enjoyed the unhurried Cafe Iruna stop and more time in the Hemingway wing. I did not approve of the "taunting" of a single cow by masses of people.should have had more bulls in the ring to make it even!". The tour was absolutely fantastic! "I love the outdoors, so walking on my own on part of the Camino trail was special. Sandwiched in the center of this 21 day adventure was the RS "Basque Country" tour. Enjoy 3 visits to the best wineries, including wine tastings of at least 6 high-quality wines and a high-quality lunch. Close 2nds were the beach in San Sebastian, the cheese/sheep farm and Cathedrale Ste Marie in Bayonne.". James is an excellent guide, very personable, always going the extra mile for the clients. Our tour guide, Augustine was amazing. Purchase your favorite award winning Lakeridge wine and gourmet food items in large retail area and gift shop. Read More, Here we discuss the different options available for getting to San Sebastian from Barcelona including train, plane, bus and walking! We then lined up for the bus that took us up the hill to the Hearst Castle. 2 Basque Country Private Tours from San Sebastian. "Too many to choose just one. "It's hard to pick one, but maybe going to the dining club in Pamplona was something we couldn't have done on our own, and it was a wonderful experience.". They were outstanding! What a great introduction to the Basque country, no way could we have put together a similar experience ourselves. Enjoyed the beached of San Sebastian, history of Pamplona, and Guernica. But otherwise, the town is not so interesting. Enjoy wine tastings, farm to table food, live music and much more! Fast forward 18 years later. Fourth trip and we meet great people on every one. "Laying on the beach in San Sebastin, listening to the waves, watching the surfers and drifting off to a delightful nap.". Our driver took us on a route that allowed Wineries & Vineyards in San Simeon Food Tours in San Simeon Wine Tours & Tastings in San Simeon. Or maybe learning about Spain's civil war and their recovery. The flow of the tour was well thought-out. Discover Madrid wine region with a friendly local guide and relax in a luxury air-conditioned minivan. There is a lot of walking but at a reasonable pace. 3. I am not a tour type of person as I plan my own trips. He did an excellent job! The food was outstanding except for the last meal in Bilbao as the monk fish was poorly prepared. To get back to the hotel and hear even better singing was a serendipitous experience. I've traveled throughout Spain a fair amount, but hadn't yet made it to the great north; what an exceptional place. First off the City of Pamplona runs a great event, which is the biggest festival in Europe. On the third and last one we had an outstanding lunch. The visit to the town of Guernica which was very emotional", As usual everything was ready to go, from the first meeting until the last dinner, the group was good size and the guide exceptional, "View of San Sebastian Bay from the tower". 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 I loved the special experiences that were part of the tour, absolutely adored our tour guide, and learned a ton. We saw a really neat bullfighting museum in a private home in Pamplona. Will ask for his leadership anytime. 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. And most importantly, he is a very nice person. The trip also provided a good balance of guided and free time. This area was once the center of the State's grape industry. San Sebastin was wonderful with all the food history and lovely beaches.". Since I had read a book about it many years and enjoy hiking as well, in addition to being spiritually inclined, this really struck both my wife and I as an essential part of this tour. It is so great to be travelling again!! Club members and friends of the winery are invited to join us in celebrating award-winning wines, breathtaking locations, and worthy causes. The hotels were very good to excellent, the food th3 same, the local guides the same. I could have stayed there several more hours just asking the host questions. We have spent a considerable amount of time in Europe on business and touring by ourselves. "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. This was a wonderful tour. Fascinating tour of the Basque culture, language and landscape. It seems a bit excessive. I was fascinated with their beauty. Pets are not permitted on tours. I had a couple of days in Bayonne at the start of the trip so feel as if I got to experience it. So many of the activities are not places or things that I would think of or find on my own. "My "wow" moment was Francisco's heart-felt and stirring talk in Guernica in front of the ceramic tile reproduction of Picasso's "Guernica." This was an amazing cultural experience and I walked away with such an appreciation for this region. I enjoyed the variety of experiences on the itinery. It was great to get back to Europe after a number of years away and we knew that a Rick Steves tour was the best way to reconnect to travel. 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, We admired his rigor and ability to have fun while working. This was the shortest of my eight RS trips, and it covered the most compact geographical area (no long bus rides). This was our fifth RS tour. Now $75 (Was $133) on Tripadvisor: The Morgan Hotel - San Simeon, San Simeon. Visiting small towns and villages. "Walking the Camino, short though it was, was more powerful than I thought it would be. We'll also learn about Pamplona's association with author Ernest Hemingway who hailed from Illinois but is celebrated here as a native son. 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. Our Guide was a class act. All the connections went smoothly and no one on our tour got COVID! Conversation was unguarded and meaningful. Excellent tour. The guided Wine tasting offers a selection of award winning wines ranging from dry to sweet, and also sparkling. He mixed well with all his guests and a delightful companion. Let's run with the bulls today figuratively speaking, of course as we take a walking tour through the historic heart of Pamplona ("Irua" in Basque), including its cathedral and ramparts. "It is impossible to pick one "wow' moment as each one seemed to be surpassed by the next. I visited Spain for the second time in the late 70s, but the Basque Country was still not considered safe. ", Really enjoyed everything about this tour. Another shout out to Francisco and his interpretation of Picasso's Guernicca.". Today we'll board our bus and drive deeper into El Pas Vasco the Spanish Basque Country. The state of the art Cathedral Museum exhibit's lighting, sound, and smell complemented the religious art. "The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao was amazing - the architecture as well as the exhibits were incredible.". See our FAQ | Email tour@ricksteves.com. I live in a very conservative part of the country. Below are lists of the top 10 contributors to committees that have raised at least $1,000,000 and are primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure or a candidate for state office in the November 2022 general election. Routes, trips and terroir, Best way to get from Barcelona to San Sebastian, Best way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, 12 Highlights for a Road Trip in Northern Spain, 10 Things to do in San Sebastian, Spain in 1 day. The tour was everything I had hoped for and more. 976 You can find our wines at supermarkets or wine shops throughout the state of Florida and South Georgia. Visiting St. Jean Pied de Port was important to introduce us to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage which followed us along on this trip. Together, these labels have won more than 600 awards for excellence in winemaking. September and October don't have long days. Most days are moderately paced with 28 miles of walking, including some hills, gravel trails, and stairs. We couldn't have asked for anyone better. Guernica". He tells the story with such personal passion and then brings it around to 9/11. Arriving in Pamplona during the Saturday of the San Fermin Festival. 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. Our tour is personal, informal, informative and fun! "Just how beautiful the landscape is in Spain.". Cathedrals (of course), a museum of bullfighting memorabilia in Pamplona, sunny San Sebastian beaches, and the incomparable Guggenheim in Bilbao are just a sampling of our experiences. I had a very good tour of the Basque Country for a number of reasons including the following: an exceptional tour director, beautiful countryside views, wonderful views of the ocean, interesting history lessons about the cities and the Basque culture, great food and drink, and interesting tour companions. Incredible! What a "country!" 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. Please note that they are very strict about guests bringing food and liquid. Budget more time if taking multiple tours. We were fortunate to have a wonderul guide (Francisco), great weather, and a great group of fellow travelers. I expected food to be a highlight of this tour, and it did not disappoint. It is an amazing piece of architecture filled with a very diverse collection of art. I was quite impressed by the quality of the hotels and food. The Guggenheim in Bilbao was incredible and exceeded my already high expectations - it puts the NYC Guggenheim to shame!". Fun creating our own happy hour with the group, using snacks and beverages that we all sourced and then shared.". My husband and I talk about some day going back to complete the camino. We had enough time in each location so that we didn't feel we were missing out on anything. "I have a few "wow" moments. A fantastic tour through the winery and its vineyards with organic red wine tasting before heading back to Barcelona after a unique and unforgettable experience. Its Saturday and the body knows it! I have done Light walking: 24 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. "Hands down the winery and all the food!". View from the balcony during the running of the bulls and the morning watching the masses and bulls enter the ring. As a result I learned so much about the Basque culture which is of particular interest to me as I have a relative who lives in Biarritz. There were many other wow moments - a cheese making demonstration on a rural, working Basque farm. The guides, what we saw and the hotels were the best. We didn't know it before the tour but we ended up being there during the San Fermin Festival. It took 28 years to complete William Randolph Hearst's lavish estate, which includes 165 rooms on 125 acres. At dinner, our entire table was comprised people with common outlooks. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont, Florida 34715, 1-800-768-WINE. I must caveat my evaluation in that this was our first RS tour, and I am not that much of a traveler. Photos do not do it justice; it was more "wow" than I expected, similar to seeing the Sydney Opera House. Nice tour which focused on a unique region and culture lead by passionate guides from the region. Good pace, well worked out logistics, and lots of varied sites to make sure we got a good feel for the area. We know what to expect when touring with you and we have not been let down. He really took us into the culture of the Basque area in Spain, and made our trip very enjoyable. This is a unique private tour for a more personal experience, This is not just another tour to Segovia, but a unique cultural and wine tour from Madrid.. You will visit things that are not included in any other tour to Segovia, such as a short stop at the amazing El Escorial Monastery and La Granja de San Ildefonso (a beautiful Royal Palace surrounded by gardens and fountains -Spains Versailles). I enjoyed seeing the process of making the yogurt and soft cheese. For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, Be on your feet, walking and standing, for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. "My favorite wow moment was the private bullfighting memorabilia collection.". Nicer hotels than expected. "There were several wow moments so it's hard to pick just one. "The walk on El Camino de Santiago was a unique "Rick Steves moment." The Men's Gastronomic dinner. Lakeridge ranks as Florida's largest premium winery, and remains a pioneer in the development of premium and sparkling wines from the native Muscadine grape varieties Noble, Carlos and Welder, as well as Vinifera varieties to include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Bus rides do not bother me, but this was nice. Not as many blockbuster sites as other tours, but we felt we had a thorough introduction into the history, cuisine, and daily life. The extra experiences included in this tour were also fabulous and an education we could never have had on our own, even with Rick's books. People ask us which one was the best, and we don't know the answer. On 12 acres in Northern California's Los Altos hills is a Mediterranean home with a private winery and four acres of vineyards. 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. The winery overlooks 80+ acres of planted vineyards, pioneering the growth of both hybrid and native muscadine grapes. Later, we had lunch at a great restaurant. Our menu celebrates the centuries-old tradition of dining and drinking together in Tapas style. The Basque country tour was my first experience with Rick Steves' travel although I had been on tours with other companies. Great coordination from beginning to end. We went to the pools and the gardens also, but only with the guide. The fun loving attitude continued with singing on the bus, theme songs to old TV programs, while sharing photos in airdrop, eating and drinking together! A truly delightful trip through four cities and the back roads of the Basque Country. A 7 hours tour to enjoy wine country south of Madrid. Great blend of culture, cuisine, and history. 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. Our tour group was terrific and added to the outstanding experience. "Considering relocating to San Sebastian. We were a compatible group of travelers from the get-go and having Francisco and Claire at the helm started us off on a great footing. "We loved eating pintxos with txakoli in little bars and restaurants, so in Barcelona a few days later, we always looked for Basque restaurants.". I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would highly recommend both this trip and our guide, Agustin Ciriza. "FRANCISCO'S DESCRIPTION OF PICASSO'S GEURNICA WAS TRUELY MOVING.". 2 Our visit to the sheep farm learning to make cheese and petting the goats and sheep, when all of a sudden one sheep decided to give birth! A Selection of Our Wines at Your Doorstep! Muchas Gratias, Agustin! Also, great food! 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). "Walking on the Camino, which was very peaceful and beautiful. Augustine was a good tour guide as were the city guides. Ideal for travelers who have visited the big destinations and want to experience a unique region. This was our second Rick Steves' tour and they keep getting better. Great accommodations, great food, tour guides were very knowledgeable and interesting. Click to find out more about VIP exclusive benefits and deals! The wristband will be scanned when you board the shuttle bus for the tour. We'll gather at our hotel in Bayonne, France, at 5 p.m. for an introductory meeting. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. "I had several wow moments. The accommodations were consistently in high end hotels. The wristbands are scanned to get on the bus. If we wish to take 2 tours in one day how much time should we allow from the end of the first tour to the start of the 2nd tour? "I loved the day at the sheep farm (again an experience I would not have had outside the tour). We went to watch the 1-hour movie after we arrived at the Visitor Center. Francisco is such a great tour guide - weaving personal experience and history together in masterful storytelling. The physical aspect was very demanding and everybody was extremely fit., "Walking the Camino de Santiago, the small sheep farm where we made our own sheep cheese and yogurt and the precious little chapel in the midst of fields, Eunate, 12th century Templar church.". Each day was an adventure. Agustin was the most informed, patient, and awesome tour guide. His heartfelt delivery of Picasso's "Guernica" had me in tears. 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. Nice hotels. Walking the full day on the Camino.". The hotels we stayed in were all well located and comfortable. we learned of its spiritual nature and came away with a life experience nonpareil.". "Our bus drove us to a hilltop overlook high above San Sebastian before taking us to the center and our hotel. Topa! "Spending the morning walking the Camino De Santiago was one of the highlights. The visitors center is right off the highway. They confiscated our mini bag of fish cracker. Our guide Francisco was wonderful. Discover the art of winemaking via audiovisual presentation, a guided tour and wine tasting. Good choice of restaurants for meals A slice of life!! I know many Americans are very opposed to bull fighting but his presentation helped us to understand the history and tradition.". Loved his sense of play. Plus you'll get all this, too. The tour is very well organized, with some down time and scheduled events. An american innovator desperately wanting to be memorialized through a Gothic looking Temple, while hoarding millions of European artifacts with no sense and taste. "Francisco's speech in Guernica. Tour groups are bused up the hill while listening to a recorded audio portion about the property. professionalism. Explore different ways to experience this place. On our website, you will find a great selection of Spain private tours that not only cover wine country, but also excellent local gastronomy, culture, and much more. This was my 5th Rick Steves tour and was just as wonderful as all previous tours! Can we purchase a ticket for the bus to tour the outside of the castle during the week? Looking out our window where the river meets the Bay of Biscay Watching the huge waves crashing on the granite rocks flowing up the river. : 20221207 * dospot-freessid * nttwest-spotssid Every year, the vines provide an abundant crop of grapes - the building blocks for our award-winning Lakeridge wines. He had a great personality, wonderful sense of humor, was quite knowledgable, and was really good at "herding cats' (i.e. Each day and each destination had it's own "wow" moment for me. It can be used as a premier wedding venue and a weekend getaway thats perfect no matter what youre celebrating! If you are planning on spending a few days in San Sebastian, Spain, then we suggest reading this post in which we have summed up in an easy guide what there is to see and do and how to get there. Amazingly cohesive and like-minded group of 25 tour members. We aim at providing recommendations that offer overall great road trip experience in the north of Spain. The weather was beautiful, we had great companionship with the other travelers, an excellent guide and good food. There were no awful moments.". Our guide, Francisco is a gifted storyteller. The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens. According to historians, this area is the birthplace This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Buying it on line allows you to see how many tickets are left. Excellent itinerary with Pamplona added and a different, 5-mile Camino walk. ", "How can one pick? I learned so much from Augustin and the local guides. I greatly admire all three. (That was it, we didn't have much else to say--but it was special to me. On our way back from dinner, we had seen young men sitting outside a tavern singing Basque songs in harmony. I especially loved getting acquainted with the Basque culture and history. "Our entire full day in Pamplona, from the mini bullfighting museum hidden in an apartment near the main square to our gastronomic club dinner. "The private bull fighting museum in Pamplona.". Combine two tours into one grand adventure. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. "I think for me it was the first night at dinner when we go to laughing so hard that everyone thought we had been drinking when in fact we were enjoying ourselves and getting to know one another. ", Agustin Ciriza, our guide, was fantastic. Several intimate dining experiences reflecting the culture, fine food, drink and new friends. 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. 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. All have been outstanding. I enjoyed him on your RS Podcasts for the Basque region but to hear him in person.. wonderful. We also offer membership in our Legacy Wine Club which receives two six-bottle shipments each year. Each tour is about an hour. We have traveled in Europe off and on for over 20 years and this was the best vacation we have ever had. Never a dull moment. "Too many: The goat farm, Bilboa and the Guggenheim, view from the hills as we approached San Sebastion, the discovery of the Basque. I was hesitant to do a group tour altho my wife had done two. 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. Old Town Trolley Tours: With nearly 500 years of history, including rule by Spain, Britain, and the U.S., Stop #12: San Sebastian Winery: 5:12 pm Stop #13: Whetstones Chocolate Factory: 5:13 pm Stop #14: Plaza de la Constitucion: 5:20 pm Stop #15: Oldest House: 5:30 pm Or maybe enjoying pinchos and crianza at one of the many bars. "Walking on the Camino with others and alone. Visiting Guernica, was very moving. Our wines are a timeless marriage of history and innovation, and theres no better way to explore them than by visiting one of our unique tasting room experiences. This trip was fabulous and I did not expect it be so enjoyable. General Email: info@hearstranchwinery.com One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your first tour hotel and a complete list of hotels where we'll be staying while on tour in the Documents section of your tour account. what is available to see and do we need tickets. We are now totally sold on the Rick Steves format and will certainly look to do more tours in the future. "Milking a sheep on a farm high in the mountains.". and Sunday - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Rick's travel philosophy fits neatly with our own travel philosophy (skip the luxury and go for value and experiences, travel light, etc). walking the Camino.". My favorite experiences were dinner at the men's club, seeing the course for the of the bulls, walking the camino, and the Guggenheim.". our own in Europe. This morning we'll devote our time to Frank Gehry's dazzling temple of modern art: the Guggenheim Bilbao. Fascinating to learn about the Basque country, an area I knew very little about. Nice that the docent invited participation among our group to demonstrate the cultural rules and generational expectations. i am a big Picasso fan so probably visiting Guernica and understanding what happened there.". I would have expected that real time updates to these type directions would be a standard part of the RS office. Several meals were outstanding. 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. It will not be our last. I throughly enjoyed my first experience on a Rick Steves tour. This was an amazing property! I was disappointed, but this tour was the only one that fit out travel schedule. To learn about the horrific siege of the town, and then see the story told through Picassos paintbrush was truly a moment to remember. 5K Wine Run visits out Winery for o. Pointing to where his family lives and visiting the church he was married in made this an amazing tour. I had vaguely heard about it but had no idea why one would consider walking for so many miles. The hotels were well located. The only animals that are permitted on the hilltop estate are service animals. Join us for the Basque Country of Spain & France in 9 Days! Perfect San Sebastian wine tour to discover this fantastic wine country in Rioja with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide. It was a real treat. "Wow" that I completed 5 Camino miles on challenging terrain.". Kasteel de Haar Wiener Staatsoper Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum Kayangan Lake Taj Mahal Shopping Center Desert Day Tours Andreyevskiy Spusk San Sebastian Winery The Play that Goes Wrong Playa La Bocana Original Boston Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling - Meet on Location | Free Photos Molokini Wild Side: Snorkel And Cruise from The first would be The Guggenheim Bilboa. You can find our wines at supermarkets or wine shops throughout the state of Florida and South Georgia. Well organized, prompt, very friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. Todd was knowledgeable, went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our trip. I feel I learned so much about the Basque region from Francisco's ability to share his native culture through knowledge and humor. We are Spains leading website for wine & food travel experiences. 2. From the opening meet and greet to the final dinner, this was a WOW trip. The fellow travelers were lovely. we arrived in Bilbao. There was much singing of CANTOS REGIONALES after that sumptuous meal (the wine flowed freely)!". "Francisco's talk in Guernika in front of a tile copy of Picasso's masterpiece. 3) San Sebastian was just lovely, the hike up to see Jesus was fun for me. "It is hard for me to pick one. The day on the Camino was spiritual and emotional, punctuate with the beautiful poem sung by Claire in the chapel at Eunate! "The Camino de Santiago was to me a unique experience. Wine is the only artwork you can drink Luis Fernando Olaverri, About UsPrivacy PoliceTerms Of UseReturns & Cancellations, 30205 SW 217th AveHomestead Florida 33030Email: info@schneblywinery.comT: (305) 242-1224, Monday to Thursday: Noon 5pmFriday: 11am Midnight Saturday: 11am MidnightSunday: 11am 8pm. enjoyed the variety of towns and the short hike on the camino , Wonderful, caring and thoughtful guide, . 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452-9740. Take your tour to the next level with ourVIP Tour & Tasting Experiences. We had a wonderful trip in a beautiful part of the world. Wonder food, locations, history, tour members and Francisco! This tour did not have many "blockbuster" sights like some of the others, but I enjoyed learning about the Basque culture, walking the Camino, seeing where the bulls run in Pamplona, visiting and learning about Guernica, and of course, the sheep farm in the Pyrenees was awesome. The tour was well-planned and we were always informed of what was coming up and what to expect. Nice group too! better than others. I had done lots of preparatory reading, but I was still delighted and surprised every day. I very much enjoyed the sites the sights and learning the history and commentary by Agustin (and Rodrigo). This tour turned out much better than I expected as it was the first group tour my wife and I have ever done. "There were really no WOW moments, but there were several very moving moments. It was really special having a Basque guide for a Basque tour..especially at Guernica. 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. We compare for you the options being plane, car, train or bus. It was fun. We all got to experience the sheep, goats and dogs first hand. We walked a small bit of the Camino there and in Pamplona. This was an active tour, which is what we like. Straddling the modern-day borders of Spain and France is one of Europe's most ancient, independent-thinking regions: the Basque Country. You also have to allow time for people to climb steps and rejoin the group each time it moves. I think we were all missing our pets back home and seeing, touching, petting brought a smile to everyone's face. "My favorite moments were probably not the same as for others, since my two main reasons for taking this trip were to get to 1) St. Jean Pied de Port to walk in the place where the Camino starts for so many people and 2)to visit the place where Charlemagne crossed the Pyrenees and the tragic death of Roland occurred near Roncesvalles. An excellent balance of experiences from walking the small portion of the Camino to eating in a Mens Club to the Guggenheim! Remember this is a living museum so everything you see there is an artifact from a century ago. Read More, Recommendations to enjoy the best way to get from Barcelona to Madrid based on your time, budget and interests. This is what we actually propose. Great guides and fun group to travel with and share the journey. You could see the passion of the owner, how proud he is of what he does, and how he loves to share his experience with others. 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