If you love beautiful beaches and diverse scenery, vibrant culture and traditions, fabulous food and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet, this trip is for you.
Travel with USA Today best-selling author Toby Neal on this small group tour for women to the Basque Country where France, Spain, and the Atlantic come together. With Toby’s storytelling spirit and keen eye for detail, this intimate small-group tour blends literary inspiration with adventure, offering a unique perspective on one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.
Monday May 4 WELCOME TO BASQUE COUNTRY
Transfers are being arranged for you to the charming boutique hotel Madison in St Jean de Luz (France) equipped with a spa and heated pool. You will be welcomed to Basque Country by author Toby Neal and Absolutely’s tour escort Nancy McGee at the meet and greet cocktail at 6pm followed by dinner with a stunning ocean view @L’Atlantique .
Tuesday May 5 SAINT JEAN DE LUZ & BEACHCOMBING
Today, you’ll succumb to the charm of authentic St Jean de Luz on a fun tuk tuk (rickshaw) tour, you’ll be taken to visit the church where King Louis XIV married Maria Theresa, the daughter of the king of Spain becoming one of the most important political weddings in history and sample some of the finest delicacies the town has to offer such as macaroons. You will end the morning experience a unique and innovative tasting of remarkable wines aged beneath the ocean’s surface, crafted by a pioneering local winery, this exceptional tasting takes place on a scenic terrace overlooking the bay. Lunch will be in the neighboring village of Ciboure where you’ll savour specialties that 4 generations of chefs have been preparing @chezmattin . After lunch , you’ll depart on your first beachcombing experience in St Jean de Luz stunning bay.
Dinner will be at a traditional restaurant.
Wednesday May 6 ESPELETTE PEPPER FARM , RESIDENCE OF A FAMER AUTHOR & WALKING STICKS
Today you will board a coach with your local guide who will take you to visit some of the most notable landmarks of the area. Your day will start in a small village where the exquisitely refined Makhila walking sticks have been hand crafted for 7 generations. You’ll stroll the french style gardens and visit Villa Arnaga, the former residence of Edmond Rostand author of Cyrano de Bergerac. You’ll visit a farm where the local delicacy “espelette” pepper is cultivated followed by tasting local specialities. You’ll end your day with a tour of the Lartigue factory where Basque household linen that features brightly striped pattern have been woven singe 1910.
Dinner this evening will be at leisure.
Thursday May 7 GUGGENHEIM,SAN SEBASTIAN & BEACHCOMBING
Today’s will begin with a drive to Bilbao, Spain for a visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Guggenheim museum to admire the architecture and stunning modern art. Lunch will be spanish style, that is walking from on pintxos café to another eating a variety of local finger food to your heart’s delight in San Sebastian Spain. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to search for treasures and other objects to take home on your second beachcomb at the fabulous beach in San Sebastian. Dinner will be @Laboete in San Sebastian where chef Vincent will prepare a potpourri of his favorite dishes just for you.
Friday May 8 BIARRITZ & BEACHCOMBING
Today you’ll travel to picturesque and vibrant Biarritz where your guide Nadège will take you for a walking tour of the historical center the kings and queens of Europe frequented and where Chanel opened her first boutique. Your walking tour will end at the lively “halles” market where you will discover the stalls laden with a wide range of fabulous food items for you to pick up and have at one of the neighboring cafés. Save room for the best ice cream in town @Dezamy! After lunch, you’ll have time to comb the beach at Europe’s surfing capital sometimes referred to as Little California. You’ll mingle with the locals while having dinner @la Vieille Auberge in St Jean de Luz.
Saturday May 9 BAYONNE FOOD, ARTS & CRAFTS
You’ll be delighted with your day in Bayonne which will include a stop for a tour and tasting at an women owned artisanal chocolate workshop. You’ll also be welcomed into an American artist’s workshop where she will talk about her experience as an expat in France. We’ll take you to a shop where you will be greeted by the owner who will speak to you about the origin of the famous Basque Berets. The morning will end with a tasting of wine, cheese and ham at Bayonne’s ham museum. After some time off in Bayonne, you’ll head back to St Jean de Luz with a stop for a private visit to Amandine’s workshop where you will learn about the art of crafting traditional custom made espadrilles (sandals). Your farewell dinner will be @Michelin starred Kaiku in St Jean de Luz where chef Nicola Borombo will impress you with his culinary “art”.
Sunday May 10 FAREWELL
After savoring your last café au lait and croissant, it will be time to bid farewell to your new friends. Tranfers are being arranged for you in the morning (check out is at 11) to San Sebastian and Biarritz airports.
Deposit
To secure a place on this tour, you will be required to fill in our reservation form which indicates that a 30% deposit will be required. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program with wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator & guide, activities and admission fees as indicated in program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning on the last day of the tour, coach transport for day trips, accommodation in a 4-star boutique hotel with an indoor heated pool and wellness center .
Not Included
Round trips airfare to France, tip to tour guides and coach driver, any personal souvenirs or purchases outside of this tour and not indicated above, additional softs, wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, spa services at the hotel, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or if more interesting opportunities arise. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content. If Toby is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Emma Gely, Tour with Absolutely director.
Cancellation Policy
This is a packaged group tour which is non-refundable, even in case of injury, illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you get sick before the trip departs or during it, you will need your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Payment
We accept Visa & MasterCard.
Discounts
– Early bird discount if you register before September 30th, 2025
– Bring along a friend or family member discount
– You are entitled to a loyalty discount if this is your second trip or more with Tour with Absolutely
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (cancellation for any reason, interruption, medical evacuation…) . Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress free trip.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival, transfers are included from Biarritz or San Sebastian airport and St Jean de Luz train station to the hotel in St Jean de Luz, France. You will be welcomed at the meet and greet by author Toby Neal and Emma Gely, Tour with Absolutely director who will be your tour leader the entire stay. On the last day of the tour, transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Biarritz or San Sebastian airport or St-Jean-de-Luz train station. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.
What to Pack
European adaptors, phone chargers, medication, warm clothing, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes. Amenities, iron and hairdryer are in every room. Laundry service is available.
We kindly ask each guest to bring a mask and a COVID test as a precaution. Out of respect for others, if you develop a cough during the tour, we will ask that you wear a mask in enclosed or confined spaces.
Weather
Average temperatures range between highs of 20°C/68°F and lows of 8°C/47°F.
Physical Requirements
This tour is “physically active.” Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their own luggage. You may be on your feet, walking and standing, on uneven sidewalks, going up and down stairs, for a few hours, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. If you need help climbing onto a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma will have other trips for you to join.
Behavior Expectations
As a group, you are all on this trip to have a good time and to bond with one another. We expect you to do everything in your power to get along with the crew and make other guests feel welcome. If you have an issue with someone or something please speak with your trip leader, do not complain to the other guests. Your trip leader is there to solve any problems.
Accommodation
You will be staying in a 4-star boutique hotel @Madison Hotel in St Jean de Luz, France, with an indoor pool and wellness area.
All hotel rooms are not created equal. We chooses unique hotels for our trips and you will be assigned a room at random. Your room might be smaller, larger, or different view from the other guests’ rooms.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with pre-and post-tour trip planning.
Read here what Toby has to say about traveling with our tour guests.
If you love beautiful beaches and diverse scenery, vibrant culture and traditions, fabulous food and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet, this trip is for you.
Travel with USA Today best-selling author Toby Neal on this small group tour for women to the Basque Country where France, Spain, and the Atlantic come together. With Toby’s storytelling spirit and keen eye for detail, this intimate small-group tour blends literary inspiration with adventure, offering a unique perspective on one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.
Monday May 4 WELCOME TO BASQUE COUNTRY
Transfers are being arranged for you to the charming boutique hotel Madison in St Jean de Luz (France) equipped with a spa and heated pool. You will be welcomed to Basque Country by author Toby Neal and Absolutely’s tour escort Nancy McGee at the meet and greet cocktail at 6pm followed by dinner with a stunning ocean view @L’Atlantique .
Tuesday May 5 SAINT JEAN DE LUZ & BEACHCOMBING
Today, you’ll succumb to the charm of authentic St Jean de Luz on a fun tuk tuk (rickshaw) tour, you’ll be taken to visit the church where King Louis XIV married Maria Theresa, the daughter of the king of Spain becoming one of the most important political weddings in history and sample some of the finest delicacies the town has to offer such as macaroons. You will end the morning experience a unique and innovative tasting of remarkable wines aged beneath the ocean’s surface, crafted by a pioneering local winery, this exceptional tasting takes place on a scenic terrace overlooking the bay. Lunch will be in the neighboring village of Ciboure where you’ll savour specialties that 4 generations of chefs have been preparing @chezmattin . After lunch , you’ll depart on your first beachcombing experience in St Jean de Luz stunning bay.
Dinner will be at a traditional restaurant.
Wednesday May 6 ESPELETTE PEPPER FARM , RESIDENCE OF A FAMER AUTHOR & WALKING STICKS
Today you will board a coach with your local guide who will take you to visit some of the most notable landmarks of the area. Your day will start in a small village where the exquisitely refined Makhila walking sticks have been hand crafted for 7 generations. You’ll stroll the french style gardens and visit Villa Arnaga, the former residence of Edmond Rostand author of Cyrano de Bergerac. You’ll visit a farm where the local delicacy “espelette” pepper is cultivated followed by tasting local specialities. You’ll end your day with a tour of the Lartigue factory where Basque household linen that features brightly striped pattern have been woven singe 1910.
Dinner this evening will be at leisure.
Thursday May 7 GUGGENHEIM,SAN SEBASTIAN & BEACHCOMBING
Today’s will begin with a drive to Bilbao, Spain for a visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Guggenheim museum to admire the architecture and stunning modern art. Lunch will be spanish style, that is walking from on pintxos café to another eating a variety of local finger food to your heart’s delight in San Sebastian Spain. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to search for treasures and other objects to take home on your second beachcomb at the fabulous beach in San Sebastian. Dinner will be @Laboete in San Sebastian where chef Vincent will prepare a potpourri of his favorite dishes just for you.
Friday May 8 BIARRITZ & BEACHCOMBING
Today you’ll travel to picturesque and vibrant Biarritz where your guide Nadège will take you for a walking tour of the historical center the kings and queens of Europe frequented and where Chanel opened her first boutique. Your walking tour will end at the lively “halles” market where you will discover the stalls laden with a wide range of fabulous food items for you to pick up and have at one of the neighboring cafés. Save room for the best ice cream in town @Dezamy! After lunch, you’ll have time to comb the beach at Europe’s surfing capital sometimes referred to as Little California. You’ll mingle with the locals while having dinner @la Vieille Auberge in St Jean de Luz.
Saturday May 9 BAYONNE FOOD, ARTS & CRAFTS
You’ll be delighted with your day in Bayonne which will include a stop for a tour and tasting at an women owned artisanal chocolate workshop. You’ll also be welcomed into an American artist’s workshop where she will talk about her experience as an expat in France. We’ll take you to a shop where you will be greeted by the owner who will speak to you about the origin of the famous Basque Berets. The morning will end with a tasting of wine, cheese and ham at Bayonne’s ham museum. After some time off in Bayonne, you’ll head back to St Jean de Luz with a stop for a private visit to Amandine’s workshop where you will learn about the art of crafting traditional custom made espadrilles (sandals). Your farewell dinner will be @Michelin starred Kaiku in St Jean de Luz where chef Nicola Borombo will impress you with his culinary “art”.
Sunday May 10 FAREWELL
After savoring your last café au lait and croissant, it will be time to bid farewell to your new friends. Tranfers are being arranged for you in the morning (check out is at 11) to San Sebastian and Biarritz airports.
Deposit
To secure a place on this tour, you will be required to fill in our reservation form which indicates that a 30% deposit will be required. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program with wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator & guide, activities and admission fees as indicated in program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning on the last day of the tour, coach transport for day trips, accommodation in a 4-star boutique hotel with an indoor heated pool and wellness center .
Not Included
Round trips airfare to France, tip to tour guides and coach driver, any personal souvenirs or purchases outside of this tour and not indicated above, additional softs, wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, spa services at the hotel, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or if more interesting opportunities arise. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content. If Toby is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Emma Gely, Tour with Absolutely director.
Cancellation Policy
This is a packaged group tour which is non-refundable, even in case of injury, illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you get sick before the trip departs or during it, you will need your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Payment
We accept Visa & MasterCard.
Discounts
– Early bird discount if you register before September 30th, 2025
– Bring along a friend or family member discount
– You are entitled to a loyalty discount if this is your second trip or more with Tour with Absolutely
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (cancellation for any reason, interruption, medical evacuation…) . Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress free trip.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival, transfers are included from Biarritz or San Sebastian airport and St Jean de Luz train station to the hotel in St Jean de Luz, France. You will be welcomed at the meet and greet by author Toby Neal and Emma Gely, Tour with Absolutely director who will be your tour leader the entire stay. On the last day of the tour, transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Biarritz or San Sebastian airport or St-Jean-de-Luz train station. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.
What to Pack
European adaptors, phone chargers, medication, warm clothing, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes. Amenities, iron and hairdryer are in every room. Laundry service is available.
We kindly ask each guest to bring a mask and a COVID test as a precaution. Out of respect for others, if you develop a cough during the tour, we will ask that you wear a mask in enclosed or confined spaces.
Weather
Average temperatures range between highs of 20°C/68°F and lows of 8°C/47°F.
Physical Requirements
This tour is “physically active.” Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their own luggage. You may be on your feet, walking and standing, on uneven sidewalks, going up and down stairs, for a few hours, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. If you need help climbing onto a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma will have other trips for you to join.
Behavior Expectations
As a group, you are all on this trip to have a good time and to bond with one another. We expect you to do everything in your power to get along with the crew and make other guests feel welcome. If you have an issue with someone or something please speak with your trip leader, do not complain to the other guests. Your trip leader is there to solve any problems.
Accommodation
You will be staying in a 4-star boutique hotel @Madison Hotel in St Jean de Luz, France, with an indoor pool and wellness area.
All hotel rooms are not created equal. We chooses unique hotels for our trips and you will be assigned a room at random. Your room might be smaller, larger, or different view from the other guests’ rooms.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with pre-and post-tour trip planning.
Read here what Toby has to say about traveling with our tour guests.
You don’t need to have read the author’s books to fully enjoy the tour! While literary conversations are part of the experience, the journey is designed for all travelers who love culture, history, and unique local experiences. With hands-on workshops, gourmet dining, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, the tour offers a rich and immersive adventure that goes far beyond the page. Whether you’re a devoted reader or simply looking for an inspiring getaway, you’ll enjoy meaningful connections, storytelling, and unforgettable moments in beautiful settings.
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
