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. I continue to be impressed with the activities, guides, and turn-key nature of Rick Steves tours! Conversation was unguarded and meaningful. a panoramic view of the museum, artwork and bridges.". Looking forward to the next one! 3) The hot chocolate in Bayonne I think we were all missing our pets back home and seeing, touching, petting brought a smile to everyone's face. We learned, or tried to learn, Basque history, cuisine, geography, religion, and politics. Tue Dec 20, 2022 - 1:00 PM. The experience was more pleasing and enjoyable than my expectations. Combine two tours into one grand adventure. It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. We learned a lot about the Basque people and where they live. I enjoyed the variety of experiences on the itinery. "I had wanted to go on this trip for many years because of my wish to put my feet on the Camino. Next to our Winery, The Oasis is a hidden gem in South Miami. Another excellent RS tour. Our fellow tour members were experienced with RS tours and all followed your guidelines; we hope to see many of these new friends again. I knew very little about the Basque Country before going on the tour with Francisco. Wineries & Vineyards in San Simeon Food Tours in San Simeon Wine Tours & Tastings in San Simeon. If it wasn't for your tour I might have never had the courage to even consider doing something like this.". Each tour is about an hour. "There were several wow moments so it's hard to pick just one. ", Agustin Ciriza, our guide, was fantastic. We'll begin our day with a walking tour of elegant San Sebastin ("Donostia" in Basque). 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.". This part of Spain is absolutely wonderful. She was a very gracious lady and obviously proud of her collection and connection with bullfighting. We loved exploring the food, wine, culture and history of the Basque people. I would have expected that real time updates to these type directions would be a standard part of the RS office. We had a lot of rain, which had some negative impact. I am a Frank Gehry fan and have looked forward to that for years. The first one was the sheep farm. "Walking the Camino pilgrim trail, San Sebastien, the food and wine!!!". Extremelly pleased with our first Rick Steves Tour. Weve go, Spice up your Friday night come dance the nigh, Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas! From a collector's point of view (like my husband & somewhat myself) her collection was simply OUT OF THIS WORLD. Click to find out more about VIP exclusive benefits and deals! "Walking through a forest on the Camino de Santiago.". We had very interesting and varied experiences. Arrive at the winery and, depending on the food option you booked, enjoy a light tapas or multi-course lunch. The lady who lived there gave us such an impassioned discussion about her bullfighting memorabilia, it really made an impact on me. The guided Wine tasting offers a selection of award winning wines ranging from dry to sweet, and also sparkling. 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. For over twenty-five years, the clay loam soil and perfect meso-climate there have combined to create award-winning grapes for the Hearst Ranch Winery. See comments on my wife's survey as we did those together and or in complete agreement. 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. Sleep in Bilbao. 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. "I liked the running of the bull part and the museum with the artifacts.". I'm very thankful for that experience.". Great restaurants as well.". We did basque then Portugal. 5) The people in our group were all amazing. The tour struck a good balance between group activities and time on our own to explore. I enjoyed seeing the process of making the yogurt and soft cheese. Tour was well planned and the guide's knowledge and enthusiasm were outstanding. Once logged in you can edit your profile, update your credit card(s) on file, view your wine club memberships, update your address book, and view your order history. This area was once the center of the State's grape industry. The view of San Sebastian from atop the Monte Igueldo lookout was also a WOW moment. 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. Our guides were also wonderful.The towns we visited were interesting despite being smaller than some we have visited on previous tours. Bus Tours. We visit the town and learn the story behind the painting first hand. 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. He was attentive to individual needs so everything ran smoothly. The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens. We thoroughly enjoyed our "Basque" experience.We found the food and wine excellent.I would recommend this tour to anyone. Favorite memories: Our guide Francisco's very poignant and thoughtful discourse on family and familia love at the Catedral de Santa Maria in his hometown of Pamplona. Our walk on the Camino de Santiago and tour of Guernica were things we never would have done ourselves. I love watching the people who live and work wherever we travel and this trip did not disappoint.". There was too much time spent at the sheep farm. Guernica". Francisco's heartfelt interpretation of Picasso's painting of Guernica and the background and lessons thereof that brought tears to everyone's eyes The daily events were a correct mixture of guided tours followed by free time. "Too many to list! Tour exceeded our expectations largely due to our outstanding guide, Francisco, and a great itinerary. It was made extra special by having a 'local' share his history/knowledge of the area. 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. 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. Discover our selection of unique and delectable wines for any occasion. He really made the trip. Isnt that enough? Or maybe seeing the Guggenheim at Bilbao. It seems a bit excessive. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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!". Overall, an awesome experience. Our menu celebrates the centuries-old tradition of dining and drinking together in Tapas style. Doing seven miles on the Camino de Santiago and the city of Bilbao. Speciality & Gift Shops in San Simeon. I knew nothing about the Basque people until going on this tour. 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. We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. ", Wonderful to learn and experience so much about an area of the world we had never been to before. The whole experience was fascinating and wonderful. It was a beautiful stretch of the trail. Wow! We were all weeping for our shared humanity. The tour however was not as immersive as other Rick Steves tours I've taken. "The Picasso painting in Guernekey and the discussion led by Francisco.". We had a truly exceptional guide named Augustin. Our guide, Francisco, was fabulous! The 1-hour guided tour was very informative. To get back to the hotel and hear even better singing was a serendipitous experience. "There wasnt one favorite. Francisco was a fabulous guide - personable, knowledgable, and lots of fun! 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. The food? ", "I felt high on life after our day in Pamplona. Honestly, this is our 4th Rick Steves' tour and he is the best ever. Photos do not do it justice; it was more "wow" than I expected, similar to seeing the Sydney Opera House. ", This was our 15-th RS tour and as all in the past have been the Basque Country tour met our expectations. "Great selection of food and wine for our lunches and dinners. Sleep in or near Bayonne. The wristband will be scanned when you board the shuttle bus for the tour. This was my 2nd RS tour, and it did not disappoint. "The Guggenheim in Bilbao. It was great to be with other people enjoying the sites, culture and food. Budget more time if taking multiple tours. Bayonne "Someone said it best, and I paraphrase " There wasn't a "wow" moment as that would denote some activities The walk on the Camino de Santiago was a high point and the reason I was on this tour. Exceptional wine deserves an exceptional view. Francisco (our tour guide) Claire (our local guide in Bayonne) and Agustin (our local guide in San Sebastian) provided excellent leadership and quality decisions regarding our tour's content. She made the trip. We are local guides passionate about our Basque gastronomy and culture. First of all, let me say our tour guide, Francisco, was amazing. I had to wash my travel pants because they smelled and were covered with sheep nibbles. It was wonderful!". All of our tour members were enjoyable company, "We saw a lamb being born on a sheep farm. 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. The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens. We had amazing food in each city and everyone was friendly and helpful. A great lifestyle. After a short orientation walk, our guide will introduce us to the unique culture of eating tapas. The dinner at the gastronomy club was one of the best meals in our 6 tours.". Yes you can buy the ticket at the visitor centre when you enter from the car park, just to see outside area are we able to drive up close during this covid time? 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 was so excited to eat at a men's club in Pamplona. "WOW, this is a hard one. Second was the first view of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.". This area was once the center of the State's grape industry. Francisco was wonderful. We were fortunate to have a wonderul guide (Francisco), great weather, and a great group of fellow travelers. ", "Guernica and Francisco's explanation of the events and his passion for his country. 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. The meals and get together events greatly facilitated getting to know your fellow travelers and establish relationships. Everybody must experience this event once in their lifetime and to do it properly, you have to go thru a RS tour. The Basque Country tour was my 4th RS tour, and the best one so far! Hearst Castle (San Simeon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. You can forget about the hassle of driving and be picked up from your accomodation in a top quality minivan. Our day of walking was certainly a WOW for me. 5K Wine Run visits out Winery for o. I think walking the Camino de Santiago. I felt a strong identification with the locals of this region and I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to walk among them.The Basques are noble people - and that nobility is infectious. .". It was so small and they were cooking separate feasts for two groups of 25. His soliloquy at the end where he compared it to our 9-11 brought me to tears. see our FAQ. "Pamploma walking the way of the running of the bulls. I couldn't have anticipated the many awesome sights, sounds, and tastes we experienced. There was a suggestion that the lamb should be called "Ricky" Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. As always, most everything was great, and I don't think I could have done this trip on my own any better or cheaper. Many walls are exposed concrete, much to our surprise. In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's first and last hotels is included in your tour confirmation email as well as in the Itinerary section of your tour account. About Our Coalition. This is a marvelous tour. Very well put together and the guide Agustin was perfect. Plus you'll get all this, too. Todd was fantastic. Very will organized. Superlatives for every aspect of the tour. Water bottles were ok. I came away with profound respect for the people, the history and the culture (not to mention the food!). The sites were beautiful, full of new learning, history, good food, fun shopping options, easy to learn mapping. Lakeridge Wines are sold under the Lakeridge and Lakeridge Reserve brands wines at the winery and at major supermarkets and wine shops throughout Florida. "The views in San Sebastian. Jorge in basque and Fatima in Portugal are everything you want. "Finally getting to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Museum. "The camino trail was my favorite moment.". Our first international tour since the pandemic. I loved the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, and the streets of Pamplona.". better than others. It just felt good for us to be there - one of the best trips we've ever had. I found the food in this region to be really good. 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. But the food was the real star. I liked that this tour was a culture within a culture. Great tour, wonderful Guide, very informative local guides along the way. "Walking the Camino was one of many highlights of this tour for us. 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. Perhaps due to different museum guide (and I don't recall having the hearing device last time). Our guide was Wonderful; can't imagine anyone better for any tour. 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. 39. from $224 per adult. Enjoy 3 visits to the best wineries, including wine tastings of at least 6 high-quality wines and a high-quality lunch. Our guide was Jorge who did a GREAT job keeping us on schedule and delivering good explanations of all the various areas and events we experienced. "The first dinner. Booked our Grand Tour of Hearst Castle for the 11.10am slot. Todd helped us more fully understand the Basque culture, gastranomy, people and history. The food was incredible. Wine tasting in San Diego with friends Escondido/Highland Valley Wineries Altipiano Vineyard and Winery Location: 20365 Camino Del Aguilla, Escondido, CA 92025 619-857-7242 Website Tasting Room Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Noon to 6 pm Tasting Fee: $15 pp/5 wines. Bus: 3 hours. Architecture and artwork was amazing.". The guide, the food, and the fellow travelers made the tour a great experience. I had vaguely heard about it but had no idea why one would consider walking for so many miles. From start to finish the Basque Country Tour showed its travelers the highlights of the region through the backdoor. Walking the Camino Santiago. He mixed well with all his guests and a delightful companion. who created a wonderful atmosphere through his knowledge, sense of humor, and 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. This was our fifth RS tour. 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. 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. We laughed and had such a good time sharing experiences and comparing cultures as well as learning so much about their different background experiences. The Basque Museum tour was a bit long and became a little tedious. Today, Guernica is considered the very heart of the Basque nation. The hotels we stayed in were all well located and comfortable. The Biarritz airport is a 20-minute bus ride from Bayonne, where the tour begins. Who ever knew that, except those on a Rick Steve's tour. "Seeing the Bilbao museum from the outside as well as the inside. Excellent tour overall. Consider more time in Bilbao, with more to see than Guggenhenheim. The entire tour is 90 minutes including the ride up to the castle. Agustin's narrative on the Guernica by Picaso really brought home the ravages of war. We had a great group of fellow travelers and a fantastic guide in Francisco. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. "I think my favorite experience was the day on the Camino. 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. This was a wonderful trip in every way. Visit our Wine & Heath page to learn more about this super fruit and it's health benefits. "Walking and surviving the Camino de Santiago was wonderful - but the sheep farm and Sylvia were a definite highlight. The fact that we spent at least two nights in every town where we stayed was a plus, I never felt rushed. Read More, Grape varieties used in Spain for wine production. Plus we had a very good local guide there.". Never knew there was so much interesting history in this area. I loved the places we stayed; especially the Palacio Gwendulain in Pamplona. Great coordination from beginning to end. We wanted to see the Basque Country, its food, its wine, its people and its culture. This was our 3rd tour with the Rick Steves organization and for the 3rd time in a row - we had a blast! Very lonely and NOT fun. The tour was quite active with many opportunities for walking. We really would have loved more opportunities to hike various parts of the trail.". Have done a few other tours in the past. We also offer membership in our Legacy Wine Club which receives two six-bottle shipments each year. "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. Also at the top was walking part of the Camino Santiago. Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1, Private Hearst Castle Day Trip from San Francisco, Private Tour of Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel from San Francisco, Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Paso Robles, CA, Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour in California (Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway), Private Tour of California's Central Coast (San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Cambria), Semi-Private, Modified "Hop-On Hop-Off" Wine Tasting Tour from Paso Robles, Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour from Cambria &San Simeon, Wine Tasting Tour of Paso Robles in Small Group, Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway), Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour from Morro and Cayucos, Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Pismo Beach, CA, Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Cambria, CA, Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay (Monterey Bay NationalMarine Sanctuary). Our guide, Jorge, was excellent. "My wow moment was our time in Bilbao. Love being outside in Europe". 32. Or maybe enjoying pinchos and crianza at one of the many bars. ", Tour was what we expected - we came to get better understanding of Basque region and we did, "Have to say it was the day we spent walking the Camino with two other tour members. However, the months of May, September, and October offer the best combination of good weather and lighter crowds. I really cannot say enough good about this trip. He made the scenes of the past come to life. "the description from our outstanding tour guide Francisco of Picasso's Guernica This tour turned out much better than I expected as it was the first group tour my wife and I have ever done. "I'd have to say the architectural wonders of the city of Bilbao. "Spending the morning walking the Camino De Santiago was one of the highlights. Let me start by saying this place is incredible and just setting foot on the property deserves 5 stars but Im writing this review to help other travelers plan since they just reopened after 2 years and things have changed. 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. Camino walk. "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. One cannot tell the difference between an original artifact and a fake that was produced for the sake of symmetry and ascetics. Overall it was a wonderful trip filled with the fun and highlights and insights that make-up a Rick Steves Tour. Felt like a real insider when we went to the private bullfighting museum in Pamplona! Let us do all the work for you while you enjoy the scenery! This was one of those "secret" places that you only get with a Rick Steves tour.". Wonderful, we had Francisco as a tour leader and his generosity and joy where infectious. You will find value options and a fantastic selection of ideas collected with all the inside knowledge of our local experts. 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. But honestly, there were many other wow moments.". 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 tour is very well organized, with some down time and scheduled events. This was an amazing cultural experience and I walked away with such an appreciation for this region. The tour also includes a fantastic local meal to enjoy Segovian most famous dishes. "Thoroughly enjoyed the communal meals with the gastronomic society in Pamplona and the winery (Bodegas Lezaun) on our way to San Sebastin. this was my 6th Rick Steves tour and already have my next one planned. Francisco translates an enthusiasm for the Basque that is homegrown; his life intersects with Basque history and culture. 4) The dinner in Bilbao was the Best I have EVER had!! "I have a few "wow" moments. "The Guggenheim Museum was, perhaps, our favourite "wow" moment. "The monument at Alto de Perdon and the view was a WOW moment. 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!". Or maybe walking the Camino, enjoying the beautiful scenery and chatting with friends. The only disappointment was the Cider House restaurant. Our Guide was a class act. Fascinating to learn about the Basque country, an area I knew very little about. Even as a museum collection this place fails. The guide Francisco was great. Overlooking a breathtaking bay, beside Highway 1 and across from the iconic Hearst Castle, our San Simeon tasting room is a must-visit destination. As a veteran of many Rick Steves tours, my expectations are high. "The El Camino de Santiago. 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. "Waliking into the Guggenheim Bilbao and looking up - WOW! I feel like I'm a better person for having known them.". Our guide Francisco was incredible. WOW and then some. The state of the art Cathedral Museum exhibit's lighting, sound, and smell complemented the religious art. Fourth trip and we meet great people on every one. The group meals were fun and the food and wine plentiful. Bilbao's airport can be easily reached by taxi or bus and provides easy connections to Madrid and all major European airline hubs. We were in her house, standing on her balcony, eating tapas and drinking wine. A team of experts located in different wine regions throughout the country offer a wide range of travel experiences in different parts of Spain through our easy-to-use and informative website. "#1 was the Camino de Compostela; both seeing the start at St Jean Pied de Port (and getting our passport and shell) to walking the Camino the following day. The itinerary was well planned and well paced with a good variety of activities. He loves his culture, Spain, and sharing his love of all thing's Basque with all his tour members. The Redlander offers Farm to Table cuisine available for lunch, dinner & brunch. 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. 32. 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. Each day brought a new perspective from the visual beauty of the area to the vast historical and cultural aspects of the country. Loved that the group meals were large midday gatherings instead of late night feasts. This is a private luxury guided wine tour of Ribera del Duero accompanied by a friendly wine expert. The outstanding memories are the Camino, the bull-fighting house, Guernika and the Guggenheim. 10. No bus. not great vegetarian meals, not thrilled about Pamplona but enjoyed some aspects of the festival and time at the Bull museum. Excellent itinerary with Pamplona added and a different, 5-mile Camino walk. We have spent a considerable amount of time in Europe on business and touring by ourselves. 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. It did not disappoint. The winery overlooks 80+ acres of planted vineyards, pioneering the growth of both hybrid and native muscadine grapes. The tour delivered what was advertised plus more thanks to Augustin and the local guides. Agur! I loved the Camino and all the history explained and Pamplona-the running of the bulls was so interesting and historical. One of my fears was that I or another member of my group might have to leave the tour due to illness. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Also Francisco's Guernica talk - I was in tears.". Despite some rain, we saw and did, a lot. Everyone we encountered in the various towns/cities were friendly and helpful. Before 9/11 I had seen the painting in Madrid. Francisco was informative, enthusiastic and caring making sure everyone was having a great time. The flower depicting love and hope is simply beautiful.". Plenty of free time 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. Above is from its official web site. The spirit of the trip is fun, interesting and informative. More than 160,000 people are expected to visit the winery annually, enjoying its extensive tasting room, festivals and gift shop. La Rioja winery visit with tasting and traditional lunch in small group tour. A longer and somewhat tiring tour, but so full of information about Basque culture, I persevered in want of more. I loved the idea of following in the footsteps of Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises. Our group was fun, our tour guide knowledgeable and helpful. It is a beautiful area, the Basque people impressive in accomplishments. Pamplona was an unexpected surprise. We went to watch the 1-hour movie after we arrived at the Visitor Center. Together, these labels have won more than 600 awards for excellence in winemaking. The history of the Basque people/ culture was fascinating, brought to us by our fantastic guide, Francisco, From live music to parties, special brunches, dinners and much more, Schneblys is always sure to make your night on the town feel like a paradise vacation. 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. Winery hotels, winery visits, tours and ideas in Ribera del Duero. Good historical information and took care of us well. He has a great personality, lots of jokes, and really defines the ultimate guide. It was as like a private party. The food was so different from our American fare, delicious and abundant. "Every day I woke up in the morning and said "WOW! And, I loved the opportunity to get into the kitchen!". We had enough time in each location so that we didn't feel we were missing out on anything. 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. 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. I would have enjoyed more up-close-and-personal experiences with locals; more unique opportunities. "I especially enjoyed walking the Camino. The only animals that are permitted on the hilltop estate are service animals. A combination of history, culture, everyday living experiences, cuisine, scenery and surprises that made for a memorable total experience. Informed, enthusiastic, patient, and effective. Walking around a town or city allows for the best views and best way to get immersed quickly in the culture. For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, British museum.". I feel we were given a great introduction to the Basque and saw Basque life and beautiful scenery and architecture. Fantastic trip! 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 Pets & Service Animals "The opportunity to visit and enjoy a private, men's social club in Pamplona was very special.". Our easy walk on the Camino gave us a glimpse of a significant journey many people aspire to make, "The tour of the church and its special museum in Pamplona with a terrific guide. The food experiences were delicious and so much fun! So probably the eating and drinking,scheduled and spontaneous!! "Walking a part of the Camino de Santiago de Compastella trail and realizing that pilgrims had been during this for hundreds of years.". 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. A complete guide to understanding the red grapes and white grape varietals most used in Spain.. Reds and white grape varietals in Spain: tempranillo, verdejo, menca, garnacha, cabernet sauvignon, graciano, etc. Enjoyed the tour of the Basque country very much. We had a wonderful trip!!! Our guide gave us wonderful information and a marvelous speech at the final exhibit. The tiny and mysterious church along the Camino de Santiago, where we were told delightful stories of a mystery and a wedding. Being on streets where the running of the bulls takes place, the Guggenheim museum, walking parts of the Camino were all highlights.". I am a local to the Hearst Castle area but have never gotten around to visiting. We liked having some dinners with the group and some on our own. Without hesitation I can say the Rick Steves was by far the best. Most tour members arrange to fly into Biarritz, France (BIQ), and out of Bilbao, Spain (BIO) choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. Good information about each new place, guided tours of the highlights and enough free time to spend on your own. i am a big Picasso fan so probably visiting Guernica and understanding what happened there.". It was more just experiencing this area. If I had anything to do over again, I'd do MORE with them and less on our own! "On arrival at 11 PM, watching the airport close and then, after about 1/2 hour, a taxi pulled up and rescued us.". Nice that the docent invited participation among our group to demonstrate the cultural rules and generational expectations. We experience the culture and learn the history of the places we visited. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. "FRANCISCO'S DESCRIPTION OF PICASSO'S GEURNICA WAS TRUELY MOVING.". The hotels were well located. My favorite experiences were dinner at the men's club, seeing the course for the of the bulls, walking the camino, and the Guggenheim.". Amazingly cohesive and like-minded group of 25 tour members. "I would have to give our guide the Wow factor. Enjoyed the amount of free time given Excellent tour. ", This was an outstanding tour, I enjoyed everything about it, "As a land locked midwesterner I loved the seacoast at San Sebastian. "My favorite wow moment happened twice. "Getting off the bus at San Sebastian at the highest point for an incredible view of the city, bay and surroundings.". The visitors center is right off the highway. I really appreciated his passion, and ability to explain things. 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. The guides were excellent, Francisco was exceptional in the history of the area and the people of the region. 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. Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. I am an architecture fanatic so the Guggenheim was on the top of the list.". 2 wineries are visited and you will enjoy tastings of quality red wines at each winery. 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. Last chance for touring and tasting offered at 4:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday 10:00 am 5:00 pm It was a fabulous experience and educational and spiritual. This was our first Rick Steves tour, and it exceeded our expectations. "To many to select just one. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above. Lovely city, lovely people!". His knowledge of the Basque region was phenomenal, and he did an exceptional job managing a group of Americans! We took the UPSTAIRS SUITES TOUR to see the library. We walked a small bit of the Camino there and in Pamplona. Designed by Noel Cross Architects, the idea for this structure was influenced by buildings of Italy's Tuscany region. The tour contained just the right amount of structure and free time. It was a perfect day.". Our first tour was fabulous! can we tour the grounds or do we need a ticket? 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. One was the walk from Uterga to Muruzabal on the Camino. It will not be our last. And Guernica so much emotion that day. "Many "Wow" moments! Even though the initial tour information indicated moderate level of activity I found myself walking quite a bit which was fine. The education I received on this tour was so satisfying. Salsa! There were more but jet lag takes over at this moment.". "Many WOW moments and I will not pick a favorite.". I loved learning about the Basque people and the Basque history, so much I didn't know (isn't that the best thing about traveling?) 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. The only Basque word we thought we mastered was thank-you. A full day tour to Montserrat from Barcelona and wine country. And I loved the food and wine. I have wanted to visit the Basque Country since my first student trip to Spain over 50 years ago. Enjoyed everything. 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.". The information, the towns, and our actual 2 mornings of hiking.". 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. 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. Show the confirmation email at the ticket counter when you arrive at the visitor center and they will give you wristband with barcode. The directions to the first hotel in Bayonne are bad! "Visiting relatives birthplace. "The view of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao from the river was breath-taking. Never a dull moment. See 1,026 traveler reviews, 266 candid photos, and great deals for The Morgan Hotel - San Simeon, ranked #5 of 9 hotels in San Simeon and rated 3.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Great people to tour with. Raul, our guide for the day was very well versed in the history of the wine region and the different varietals cultivated. When we arrived at Alto del Perdon, our Camino experience went to a whole new level. ""Becoming Basque" for a week. 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. Pictures don't begin to capture the magic of that building or the art inside.". Educational, interesting, eye opening. 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! 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. He challenged us to live in the present and not focus on the past or future. Booking round-trip to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in Europe. The opportunity to visit the Bull Fighting museum was such a gift. Todd was great and added a good deal to the experience. Usually 80 minutes between tours is enough. View from the balcony during the running of the bulls and the morning watching the masses and bulls enter the ring. Our tour group was terrific and added to the outstanding experience. This was my 5th Rick Steves tour and was just as wonderful as all previous tours! Just a few miles inland from the fog-touched hills of San Simeon, in the heart of the Paso Robles Appellation, lie ninety-acres known as Saunders Vineyard. wonderful overall tour guide (Todd) and all local tour guides. The weather was beautiful, we had great companionship with the other travelers, an excellent guide and good food. He was very knowledgeable and you could tell he had a passion for sharing the History and love of the region. Join us for the Basque Country of Spain & France in 9 Days! The Guggenheim? Along with a wide array of members-only benefits, our Proprietor's Reserve Club receives three six-bottle shipments hand selected by our winemaker. Visiting Guernica, was very moving. Ideal for travelers who have visited the big destinations and want to experience a unique region. The significant amount of free time allowed for personal exploration and discovery with respect to the people and culture of our host regions and cities. "Watching the sunset as we walked along the San Sebastian promenade. 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. I only wish it could have been longer. "Walking on the Camino with others and alone. Visit to Guernica and the recreated mural was a close secondthanks in large part to Francisco's very thoughtful context setting and discussion for the past and present.". Taking 4 years of Spanish in California tells you very little about Spain and the Basque culture and history. I expected food to be a highlight of this tour, and it did not disappoint. The Guggenheim Museum was indeed a highlight as well as the overall look and feel of the city. Learned a lot about a region I knew very little about, "I have wanted to go to the Guggenheim Museum for years and finally got there!!!". FREE Cancellation Policy and 24/7 Customer Service to Help You if Your Plans Change. ", Fabulous! Never once did anyone on the trip reach out to me to tag along during free time or share a meal. Muchas Gratias, Agustin! The tour guide was excellent and made the whole tour so much fun. My 10th RS tour was amazing! Great guides, group, meals, and experienced! We saw a really neat bullfighting museum in a private home in Pamplona. Strenuous walking: 28 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. "My favorite wow moment was our tour guide Francisco's incredibly poignant and powerful analysis of Picasso's Guernica in front of a replica of the painting during our visit to Guernica.". It was truly a life moment.". He is informative, friendly and funny, with a serious side that is a joy to behold. The food plentiful and good. Across the street from our hotel, a Basque men's community choir was performing in a space in the old city wall. "Learning about and walking a portion of the Camino de Santiago was a highlight. His knowledge is extensive and his means of conveying it were interesting and heartfelt. The tour guides were wonderful and the area spectacular. This was my first tour ever and I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. It was exactly what I expected, Charming hotels, good restaurants, great sites and our tour guide was terrific. Added bonus was the animals. This was my eighth Rick Steves tour. If we reserve for a 9:00 AM tour when should we plan to be at the parking lot? I especially like the scheduled free time to explore on our own. I was very impressed with this tour, mostly because it's location. Overall, we (Lloyd, my husband and myself) enjoyed the tour activities, scenery, architecture, cultural and historical 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. 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