Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Basque Country with James Beard Award–winning cookbook author Cheryl Alters Jamison. Relax for the entire week in a carefully selected, stylish boutique hotel in Biarritz—no need to repack or change accommodation, this single-hotel stay will be your comfortable home base while exploring the cultural and culinary riches of Basque Country. With a limited group of fellow food lovers, you’ll enjoy a personalized, hands-on, and immersive experience.
Monday, May 25: WELCOME TO BASQUE COUNTRY
Transfers are being arranged from Biarritz airport to the elegant Hotel de Silhouette. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Biarritz, a charming neighborhood known for its bustling food market and just a short stroll from the iconic Côte des Basques shoreline.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by Cheryl Alters Jamison and Absolutely’s tour escort, Emma Gely, at a meet-and-greet cocktail at 6:00 p.m on the rooftop of the hotel followed by a sumptuous dinner in the private gardens.
Tuesday, May 26: BIARRITZ
Rise and shine for a vibrant walking tour of Biarritz with your local expert guide. You’ll explore the historical center of this elegant seaside town, once the favored retreat of European royalty, and where Coco Chanel opened her very first boutique. The tour concludes at the lively Les Halles market where you will stroll through the colorful stalls brimming with gourmet delights, and enjoy a light lunch at one of the neighboring cafés — at your leisure.
Don’t forget to save room for a scoop (or two) of what’s widely considered the best ice cream in town. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a local boutique where the owner will introduce you to the rich heritage of the iconic Basque beret — an enduring symbol of regional pride.
In the early evening, join Cheryl for an “Introduction to Basque Flavors” — a casual and inspiring talk to whet your appetite followed by dinner at the renowned Chez Albert, beautifully set on the Vieux Port, where fresh Atlantic seafood and coastal specialties await.
Wednesday, May 27: CHEESE, CHILLI PEPPERS AND WALKING STICKS
After breakfast, board your private coach and head to the chili pepper capital, Espelette. On the way, enjoy a stop in a picturesque village known for its Makhila walking sticks, traditionally handcrafted by the same family for seven generations — a true symbol of Basque identity. Then, continue to a local pepper farm. After learning all about the secrets of chili, you’ll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class highlighting authentic regional flavors, all centered around the celebrated Espelette chili pepper.
In the afternoon, enjoy time to explore the colorful lanes of Espelette, where strings of peppers adorn the facades of whitewashed homes.
Before heading back to Biarritz, you’’ll visit at a family–run sheep farm for an tasting of Ossau-Iraty cheese, one of France’s most acclaimed and award-winning cheeses — a deliciously rustic experience that offers insight into Basque pastoral life.
Return to Biarritz for an evening at leisure.
Thursday, May 28: GUGGENHEIM & SAN SEBASTIAN
Today, you will journey across the French border into Spain for an unforgettable day of art and world-class gastronomy. Your first stop is Bilbao, where you’ll visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum—a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take time to admire the striking structure and the impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
You will then continue to San Sebastián, the culinary capital of the Basque Country, for a truly exceptional experience: a Michelin 3-star lunch at Arzak, a legendary, family-owned restaurant. This is a personal favorite of Cheryl’s who has a connection with Chef Elena Arzak and her father, pioneers of avant-garde Basque cuisine.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the charming Old Town of San Sebastián at your own pace. Then, regroup for a legendary Pintxos (Basque tapas) gourmet walking tour. While every bar has its charm, finding the finest, freshest, and most innovative bites is truly an art — and your local guide’s insider knowledge makes all the difference.
As the sun sets, return by coach to Biarritz, filled with tasty memories of an extraordinary day.
Friday, May 29: ST-JEAN-DE-LUZ & WINERY
Today, you’ll be driven to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where you’ll board a tuk-tuk (rickshaw) for a delightful ride through the town’s historic streets. Along the way, you’ll stop to sample some of the finest Basque delicacies, including traditional pastries from the renowned Maison Pariès and Maison Adam. Next, enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the Lartigue weaving workshop, where iconic Basque household linens, known for their bold stripes, have been handwoven since 1910 — a treasured family tradition that continues to this day.
For lunch, you’ll head to the neighboring village of Ciboure, where you’ll dine at the acclaimed Chez Mattin, renowned for its refined local specialties crafted by four generations of chefs.
In the afternoon, experience a unique and innovative tasting of remarkable wines aged beneath the ocean’s surface, crafted by a pioneering local winery in the beautiful bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This exceptional tasting takes place on a scenic terrace overlooking the bay — the perfect setting to toast an unforgettable day.
Dinner this evening is at leisure.
Saturday, May 30: CHOCOLATE AND CURED HAMS IN BAYONNE
This morning, set off to Bayonne, the first city in France to embrace chocolate-making in the 17th century, for a guided chocolate tasting tour. To further delve into the food culture of Bayonne, you’ll visit the Ham museum to about the centuries-old tradition of dry-curing ham, followed by a tasting of their finest regional specialties. On your way back to your hotel, a stop will be make to introduce you to the traditional craft of Basque espadrille making.
In the evening, gather along the riverside at the elegant Gaztelur, a 15th-century manor built in 1401 that still exudes its historic charm, for your farewell dinner.
Sunday, May 31: FAREWELL
After savoring your last café au lait and croissant, it will be time to bid farewell to your new friends. Transfers to Biarritz airport are being arranged for you in the morning (check out is at 11).
Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that your 30% deposit will be required on reservation. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program, 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 of last days of the tour, transportation in a mini coach and vans, accommodation in a stylish boutique hotel in Biarritz.
Not Included
Round trip airfare to France, tip to drivers, 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, 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 Cheryl is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Emma Gely, Director of Tour with Absolutely .
Available Discounts
“Loyalty” Discount: If this is your second trip or more with Absolutely, you are entitled to a loyalty discount .
Cancellation Policy
This is a non-refundable package group tour, no refunds even in the 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 and MasterCard.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out Insure My Trip, 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, May 25, airport transfers are included from Biarritz airport to the hotel. You will be welcomed at the meet and greet by Cheryl and Emma, Tour with Absolutely representative who will be your tour leader the entire stay. On the last day of the tour May 31,airport transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Biarritz airport. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Optional transfers can be organized to and from San Sebastian airport.
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
Phone chargers, power banks, medication, hat, jacket, comfortable walking shoes. If you develop a cough during the trip, you will be required to do a COVID test and out of respect for fellow guests to wear a mask in enclosed or confined spaces (masks and tests are not provided). Amenities, iron and hairdryer are available at the hotels.
Weather
Temperatures should be pleasant. We expect clear sunny skies with average daytime temperatures of between 20°C / 68°F and overnight lows of 12°C / 53°F.
Physical Requirements
This tour is “physically active.” Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their personal luggage. You may be on your feet, walking and standing, for over an hour, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. That means if you need help climbing in a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma has other tour options you may want to explore.
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 are staying the entire week in a carefully selected, stylish boutique hotel de Silhouette in the heart of Biarritz.
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 from the other guests’ rooms.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with roommate matching in twin occupancy as well as pre- and post-tour travel planning.
Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Basque Country with James Beard Award–winning cookbook author Cheryl Alters Jamison. Relax for the entire week in a carefully selected, stylish boutique hotel in Biarritz—no need to repack or change accommodation, this single-hotel stay will be your comfortable home base while exploring the cultural and culinary riches of Basque Country. With a limited group of fellow food lovers, you’ll enjoy a personalized, hands-on, and immersive experience.
Monday, May 25: WELCOME TO BASQUE COUNTRY
Transfers are being arranged from Biarritz airport to the elegant Hotel de Silhouette. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Biarritz, a charming neighborhood known for its bustling food market and just a short stroll from the iconic Côte des Basques shoreline.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by Cheryl Alters Jamison and Absolutely’s tour escort, Emma Gely, at a meet-and-greet cocktail at 6:00 p.m on the rooftop of the hotel followed by a sumptuous dinner in the private gardens.
Tuesday, May 26: BIARRITZ
Rise and shine for a vibrant walking tour of Biarritz with your local expert guide. You’ll explore the historical center of this elegant seaside town, once the favored retreat of European royalty, and where Coco Chanel opened her very first boutique. The tour concludes at the lively Les Halles market where you will stroll through the colorful stalls brimming with gourmet delights, and enjoy a light lunch at one of the neighboring cafés — at your leisure.
Don’t forget to save room for a scoop (or two) of what’s widely considered the best ice cream in town. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a local boutique where the owner will introduce you to the rich heritage of the iconic Basque beret — an enduring symbol of regional pride.
In the early evening, join Cheryl for an “Introduction to Basque Flavors” — a casual and inspiring talk to whet your appetite followed by dinner at the renowned Chez Albert, beautifully set on the Vieux Port, where fresh Atlantic seafood and coastal specialties await.
Wednesday, May 27: CHEESE, CHILLI PEPPERS AND WALKING STICKS
After breakfast, board your private coach and head to the chili pepper capital, Espelette. On the way, enjoy a stop in a picturesque village known for its Makhila walking sticks, traditionally handcrafted by the same family for seven generations — a true symbol of Basque identity. Then, continue to a local pepper farm. After learning all about the secrets of chili, you’ll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class highlighting authentic regional flavors, all centered around the celebrated Espelette chili pepper.
In the afternoon, enjoy time to explore the colorful lanes of Espelette, where strings of peppers adorn the facades of whitewashed homes.
Before heading back to Biarritz, you’’ll visit at a family–run sheep farm for an tasting of Ossau-Iraty cheese, one of France’s most acclaimed and award-winning cheeses — a deliciously rustic experience that offers insight into Basque pastoral life.
Return to Biarritz for an evening at leisure.
Thursday, May 28: GUGGENHEIM & SAN SEBASTIAN
Today, you will journey across the French border into Spain for an unforgettable day of art and world-class gastronomy. Your first stop is Bilbao, where you’ll visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum—a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take time to admire the striking structure and the impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
You will then continue to San Sebastián, the culinary capital of the Basque Country, for a truly exceptional experience: a Michelin 3-star lunch at Arzak, a legendary, family-owned restaurant. This is a personal favorite of Cheryl’s who has a connection with Chef Elena Arzak and her father, pioneers of avant-garde Basque cuisine.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the charming Old Town of San Sebastián at your own pace. Then, regroup for a legendary Pintxos (Basque tapas) gourmet walking tour. While every bar has its charm, finding the finest, freshest, and most innovative bites is truly an art — and your local guide’s insider knowledge makes all the difference.
As the sun sets, return by coach to Biarritz, filled with tasty memories of an extraordinary day.
Friday, May 29: ST-JEAN-DE-LUZ & WINERY
Today, you’ll be driven to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where you’ll board a tuk-tuk (rickshaw) for a delightful ride through the town’s historic streets. Along the way, you’ll stop to sample some of the finest Basque delicacies, including traditional pastries from the renowned Maison Pariès and Maison Adam. Next, enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the Lartigue weaving workshop, where iconic Basque household linens, known for their bold stripes, have been handwoven since 1910 — a treasured family tradition that continues to this day.
For lunch, you’ll head to the neighboring village of Ciboure, where you’ll dine at the acclaimed Chez Mattin, renowned for its refined local specialties crafted by four generations of chefs.
In the afternoon, experience a unique and innovative tasting of remarkable wines aged beneath the ocean’s surface, crafted by a pioneering local winery in the beautiful bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This exceptional tasting takes place on a scenic terrace overlooking the bay — the perfect setting to toast an unforgettable day.
Dinner this evening is at leisure.
Saturday, May 30: CHOCOLATE AND CURED HAMS IN BAYONNE
This morning, set off to Bayonne, the first city in France to embrace chocolate-making in the 17th century, for a guided chocolate tasting tour. To further delve into the food culture of Bayonne, you’ll visit the Ham museum to about the centuries-old tradition of dry-curing ham, followed by a tasting of their finest regional specialties. On your way back to your hotel, a stop will be make to introduce you to the traditional craft of Basque espadrille making.
In the evening, gather along the riverside at the elegant Gaztelur, a 15th-century manor built in 1401 that still exudes its historic charm, for your farewell dinner.
Sunday, May 31: FAREWELL
After savoring your last café au lait and croissant, it will be time to bid farewell to your new friends. Transfers to Biarritz airport are being arranged for you in the morning (check out is at 11).
Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that your 30% deposit will be required on reservation. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program, 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 of last days of the tour, transportation in a mini coach and vans, accommodation in a stylish boutique hotel in Biarritz.
Not Included
Round trip airfare to France, tip to drivers, 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, 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 Cheryl is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Emma Gely, Director of Tour with Absolutely .
Available Discounts
“Loyalty” Discount: If this is your second trip or more with Absolutely, you are entitled to a loyalty discount .
Cancellation Policy
This is a non-refundable package group tour, no refunds even in the 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 and MasterCard.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out Insure My Trip, 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, May 25, airport transfers are included from Biarritz airport to the hotel. You will be welcomed at the meet and greet by Cheryl and Emma, Tour with Absolutely representative who will be your tour leader the entire stay. On the last day of the tour May 31,airport transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Biarritz airport. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Optional transfers can be organized to and from San Sebastian airport.
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
Phone chargers, power banks, medication, hat, jacket, comfortable walking shoes. If you develop a cough during the trip, you will be required to do a COVID test and out of respect for fellow guests to wear a mask in enclosed or confined spaces (masks and tests are not provided). Amenities, iron and hairdryer are available at the hotels.
Weather
Temperatures should be pleasant. We expect clear sunny skies with average daytime temperatures of between 20°C / 68°F and overnight lows of 12°C / 53°F.
Physical Requirements
This tour is “physically active.” Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their personal luggage. You may be on your feet, walking and standing, for over an hour, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. That means if you need help climbing in a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma has other tour options you may want to explore.
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 are staying the entire week in a carefully selected, stylish boutique hotel de Silhouette in the heart of Biarritz.
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 from the other guests’ rooms.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with roommate matching in twin occupancy as well as pre- and post-tour travel planning.
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
