Discover Biarritz & Lourdes

Upon arrival in Biarritz, we will be met by our local representative and transferred directly to the hotel.

We will start our morning with a guided tour exploring San Sebastian, the pearl of the Spanish Basque Country and undoubtedly one of Spain's most elegant cities. Nestled along the picturesque Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian stands as an elegant coastal gem, with two distinct beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Zurriola. We will wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where centuries-old buildings house a labyrinth of pintxos bars, traditional shops, and a vibrant plaza. We'll discover emblematic places such as the Paseo de Salamanca, the Town Hall, the Concha promenade, Ondarreta Beach, the Miramar Palace, the Buen Pastor Cathedral and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre... . 

In the afternoon, on our way back, we will head to Saint-Jean-de-Luz to discover this beautiful fishing town located close to the Spanish border, famous for the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, where King Louis XIV married Marie-Thérèse of Spain. As we begin our leisurely stroll around this town, we will notice the diverse range of architecture with typical Basque–style houses with their painted timber framing.

Today you will have a free day at leisure to explore the Basque town of Biarritz. Why not take a stroll along the beachfront promenade or enjoy a coffee while enjoying the views across La Grande Plage – Biarritz’s most famous beach along the Bay of Biscay?  The Casino, the Rocher de la Vierge, and the beautiful Villas that bear witness to Biarritz's prestigious past are all waiting for you to marvel at. 

At the end of the day, have a drink on the top of La Cote des Basques and watch the gorgeous villa Belza and the sun going down behind the surfers.  

This morning, we will check out of the hotel in Biarritz for a transfer by coach to Pau before continuing onto Lourdes.

After we have departed Biarritz, we will have a stop to explore the beautiful city of Pau at your own leisure. A heritage city full of history and art makes this dynamic town a must see. A walk along Pau’s central Boulevard des Pyrenees offers spectacular views of the French countryside along with a view of the Pyrenees mountains on clear days. The boulevard leads us directly to the castle of Chateau de Pau birthplace of King Henry IV of France.

Upon arrival in Lourdes, we will check into our hotel and have the evening at leisure in this elegant seaside town.

Today let's explore Lourdes, a popular pilgrim site and market town located in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. This morning, our guide will lead us on a tour of Lourdes, the famous Catholic Marian shrine and pilgrimage site.  From the ancient Roman necropolis to its market squares, from medieval remains to its fountains, Lourdes will not fail to surprise you.

In the afternoon you will have some free time to continue exploring the Sanctuary or take part in various ceremonies happening.

This morning, you are free to attend the international Mass, normally held in the Underground Basilica of St Pius X, one of the most spectacular events to attend while in Lourdes.

In the evening there will be a torchlight procession known as the Marian Torchlight Procession, this iconic procession is the most popular celebration in Lourdes. Join fellow pilgrims for this spiritual walk from the Grotto of the Apparitions to the esplanade of the Rosary Basilica.

Let's start our full-day excursion in the Pyrenees mountains with a guided visit to the Betharram Caves.  Let's go underground for an extraordinary journey back in time! It took 15 million years for the rains to carve out the incredible  Betharram Caves. Discovered in 1819, they have been open to the public since 1903. They are divided into 5 levels and can be explored on foot, by small train and by boat on the underground river. A multi-millennial drip has given birth to draperies, fringes, lace, stalagmites... 

The Betharram Caves consist of an upper part which is accessible to all (including wheelBetharram Caveschairs users) and a lower part that requires to go about 250 steps down and 50 steps up (the boat and the small train are in the lower part of the Caves). For people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility, it is possible to visit the upper part only. For 45 minutes you will discover magnificent rooms rich in speleothems. 

In the afternoon, let's become acquainted with a stone giant, known as Victor Hugo’s «colossus of nature», listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site : the Cirque de Gavarnie. 

You can get up close and personal with this wonder, carved out by the glacier that created the valley here. From the far end of the village of Gavarnie, you can set off on a two/three-hour walk (round trip) to the foot of this mighty Cirque (Walk accessible to all - 2h30 / 3h return - 8 km and 250m ascent). Easy to start with, the route becomes more challenging towards the end, but your hard work is doubly rewarded by the sight that greets you at the foot of the monumental waterfall (Europe’s biggest!).

This morning, we will check out of our hotel for our guided transfer to the airport for our return flight home.