Silversea Luxury Cruises À ST JEAN DE LUZ

Marvel at the splendid works of the world's most successful Basque designer during this memorable, half-day visit to the Balenciaga Museum.

Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the coastal town of Getaria. Upon arrival, proceed to the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum, the first of its kind created specifically to display garments designed and created by the Basque fashion icon.

Perched on a panoramic hilltop in Getaria's Aldamar Park, the museum includes two sections; the historic Aldamar Palace, and a new building that annexes the palace and features an integrated, floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Inside, three suspended areas house the galleries.

During your independent, audio-guided tour, view a wide array of Balenciaga's creations, including a coat and dress commissioned by Grace Kelly, and the wedding dress worn by Queen Fabiola of Belgium. Afterward, re-board the coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience the wonderful culture, scenery and flavours of the Basque country during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Saint Jean de Luz and Ainhoa Village

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Ainhoa. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through this charming village, which was virtually destroyed by the Spanish in 1629 and rebuilt during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its main street boasts some of the finest houses in the Labourd style, with their dates of construction and names of the owners engraved on the lintels above the doorways.

Basque Countryside and Farmhouse, Sare Village and a Tasting of Local Specialities

Next, re-board your coach for the drive through the countryside surrounding Sare, a delightful village that lies in the shadow of Rhune Mountain. A stop is made at a well-preserved Basque-style farmhouse. Here, sample delicious local specialities that include cheese, apple jelly, and Basque cake served with cider and wine. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the scenic splendour of the French Basque countryside during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Biarritz, Grand Plage and Hotel du Palais

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Biarritz, the 'Queen of Resorts and Resort of Kings'. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing drive through this beautiful city. Along the way, see the Grande Plage, the town's main beach and a world-renowned beacon for surfers, and Hotel du Palais. The hotel's façade overlooks the golden beach of Biarritz, and recounts the frivolity of the 1920s. Built in 1855 as a summer house for the Imperial couple, the building owes its 'E'-shape to the name of the Empress, Eugenie.

Fishing Ports, Rock of the Virgin and Lighthouse

Next, a stop is made at the cosy fishing port nestled in the rocks, which is considered by many as a tiny village within the city of Biarritz. From here, proceed to the Rock of the Virgin, a landmark 'island' accessible via an imposing bridge constructed by Gustave Eiffel, architect of the Eiffel Tower. Your last stop in Biarritz is at the ancient whaling port, an integral part of the history of Biarritz. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made at the Lighthouse. Located at the northern tip of Biarritz, this vantage point offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and coast.

Bayonne, Old District, Cathedral and Cloister

Leaving Biarritz, head to Bayonne, located at the junction of the Nive and Adour rivers. Both the regional capital and port, this town is steeped in history. Originally a Roman garrison, medieval Bayonne was developed on the same site under the coat-of-arms of both France and England. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour along the narrow pedestrian streets of 'Old Bayonne', which are lined with 18th-century homes, and see the Cathedral and Cloister. Following your guided tour, some free time is made available to explore the town at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the splendid beauty, history and architecture of San Sebastian during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Saint Jean de Luz and Basque Country

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive across the Spanish border en route to San Sebastian. The Kings and Queens of Spain chose San Sebastian as their royal seaside resort, just as Napoleon III and the Empress Eugenie chose Biarritz. Today, San Sebastian remains a brilliant and seductive city, and the cultural hub of the Basque country.

San Sebastian City and Bay, Monte Igueldo, Old Town, and Free Time

Upon arrival in San Sebastian, a photo stop is made at Monte Igueldo for breath-taking panoramic views over San Sebastian Bay. Afterward, re-board your coach for a picturesque orientation drive through San Sebastian en route to the Old Town. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour along the narrow pedestrian streets, which are lined with the city's renowned tapas bars. Following your walking tour, some free time is made available to browse the charming shops, and/or taste some tapas with Spanish wines or local cider at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience the wonderful culture, scenery and flavours of the Basque country during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Saint Jean de Luz and Ainhoa Village

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the tiny village of Ainhoa, for centuries a stop for pilgrims on the Santiago de Compostela trail. Although most of its original homes were destroyed during the Thirty Years War between France and Spain, reconstruction in the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in the charming collection of typical "Labourd" Basque houses we find today. As you make your way along the main street, look out for the owners' names and construction dates engraved on the doorways.

Red Chilli Pepper Espelette village

Reboard your coach and continue to Espelette village, located near Bayonne. Famous for its red peppers, this little charming village, situated in the middle of the Basque countryside, is also home to the Antton Chocolate house, nestled in a traditional red-timbered house.

Chocolate History in France

Chocolate was first introduced in France, 400 years ago when Jews fleeing the inquisition settled in the city of Bayonne. Using the recipe brought back from their travels to the Americas, they became the first in France to transform cocoa beans. These chocolate makers soon became known for the quality of their ingredients and excellent blending.

Antton Chocolate House, Espelette Chilli Pepper Chocolate

There you will be welcomed for a guided visit of the premises, including the production workshop. Discover Antton's most famous specialties: the Espelette chilli pepper chocolate and the black cherry chocolate. You will have the opportunity to taste some of these fine chocolate before re-boarding your coach for a drive back to pier.

Discover the scenic splendour of the French Basque countryside during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion, including a visit and tasting at the local market.

Biarritz, Lighthouse

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Biarritz, the 'Queen of Resorts and Resort of Kings', located in the Bay of Biscay. Drive past the ancient whaling port, an integral part of the history of Biarritz and enjoy a photo stop at the Lighthouse. Located at the northern tip of Biarritz, this vantage point offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and coast.

Grand Plage and Hotel du Palais

Upon arrival in the centre, take a sightseeing drive through this beautiful city. Along the way, see the Grande Plage, the town's main beach and a world-renowned beacon for surfers, and Hotel du Palais. The hotel's façade overlooks the golden beach of Biarritz, and recounts the frivolity of the 1920s. Built in 1855 as a summer house for the Imperial couple, the building owes its 'E'-shape to the name of the Empress, Eugenie.

Fishing Ports, Rock of the Virgin and Lighthouse

See the cosy fishing port nestled in the rocks, which is considered by many as a tiny village within the city of Biarritz. From here, proceed to the Rock of the Virgin, a landmark 'island' accessible via an imposing bridge constructed by Gustave Eiffel, architect of the Eiffel Tower.

Market and local tasting

Then it will be time to visit the bustling marketplace, where you will walk among the stalls, meet the vendors, and discover the marketplace's delectable offerings. Fresh seafood, specialty cured ham, traditional sheep's cheese and Basque cake can all be found here. Of course, a taste of specially selected items will be offered. Return to your ship with an appreciation for the historic treasures and palate-pleasing foods of Biarritz.