Journeys: Highlights of the Pyrenees to Toulouse

Journeys: Highlights of the Pyrenees to Toulouse

• Trip code: 421X023
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Step into Southwestern France, where the Pyrenees meet timeless markets and storied vineyards. Wander through vibrant Basque fields, sample regional delicacies in Pau, and uncover secret Jurançon cellars alongside local winemakers. From mountain trails to Toulouse's bustling market halls, share hearty meals and warm encounters across a landscape rich in culture and colour.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels – 7 nts

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Highlights

Basque foothills and fields, Storied strolls through Pau, Secrets of Jurançon wine, Les Halles Market in Biarritz, Visit to the Château de Pau, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Underground Basilica of Saint Pius X, built to hold thousands of pilgrims, Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City"

Introduction

Step into Southwestern France, where the Pyrenees meet timeless markets and storied vineyards. Wander through vibrant Basque fields, sample regional delicacies in Pau, and uncover secret Jurançon cellars alongside local winemakers. From mountain trails to Toulouse's bustling market halls, share hearty meals and warm encounters across a landscape rich in culture and colour

Meal Budget

Plane USD315-410 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Biarritz nach Toulouse

Transport

Private vehicle, walking

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Secrets of Jurançon wine, Gan
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Dein Foodie-Moment: Lunch at Les Bistrot des Halles, Pau
Dein Foodie-Moment: Toulouse Walking Tour and Lunch at Victor Hugo Market, Toulouse. Les Halles Market in Biarritz. Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a sacred pilgrimage site set against the mountains. Delve deeper into the secret Jurançon wine district during a winery visit and tasting. Visit Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City". All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 3 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Biarritz

Arrive at any time

Day 2 Biarritz and the French Basque Countryside.

Begin the morning alongside your National Geographic Expedition Leader on a walk through the bustling Les Halles Market in Biarritz. Then, venture inland into the green fields and rolling hills of the Basque Pyrenees. Visit a local farm in Espelette to learn about the town's famous fiery red peppers and taste traditional specialties. Break for lunch on your own in Espelette before visiting St. Jean Pied de Port, a fortified medieval town set against the mountain foothills

Day 3 Biarritz/Pau

Travel from Biarritz to Pau, a city sitting high above the Gave de Pau river, framed by distant Pyrenean peaks. Join your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre, pausing along the Boulevard des Pyrénées for sweeping mountain views before heading into the bustle of Les Halles market. Settle in for an included lunch of fresh regional specialties. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or consider an optional visit to the Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV

Day 4 Day Trip to Lourdes.

Set out after breakfast and head through the lush Pyrenean foothills from Pau to Lourdes. Upon arrival, join your guide to explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a sacred pilgrimage site set against the mountains. Walk past the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception perched dramatically above the grotto, view the intricate mosaics of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and descend into the vast Underground Basilica of Saint Pius X, built to hold thousands of pilgrims. Afterward, head into Lourdes town to enjoy lunch on your own before returning to Pau

Day 5 Full Day Exploring Lescar and Jurançon.

Spend another morning taking in the mountain vistas surrounding Lescar on a relaxing walk. Transfer to Gan to delve deeper into the secret Jurançon wine district, known for its rich history and small-scale producers. Meet with local winemakers to walk through their vine rows, step into quiet cellars, and sample regional vintages alongside a light lunch of local produce. Return to Pau, where the evening is yours to spend as you like

Day 6 Pau/Toulouse

This morning, head east toward Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City" known for its rosy terra-cotta brick architecture. Upon arrival, step out with your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through grand plazas, past historic churches, and along the banks of the Garonne River. The rest of the afternoon and evening are completely yours to discover cozy neighbourhood cafés, visit local museums, or explore the sunny riverside promenade. In the evening enjoy an included dinner

Day 7 Toulouse

Walk with your Expedition Leader from the hotel to the bustling Victor Hugo Market, where the air carries the scent of ripening cheese and fresh bread. Follow a guided food tour through the stalls, meeting vendors who know every wheel and cure by name, tasting local cheeses, meats, and regional treats along the way. Afterwards enjoy a free afternoon to explore Toulouse at your own pace. In the evening perhaps gather with your group for an optional dinner

Day 8 Toulouse

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Biarritz

Please make your own way to the joining hotel.

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm

Day 2 Biarritz and the French Basque Countryside.

Day 3 Biarritz/Pau

Day 4 Day Trip to Lourdes.

Day 5 Full Day Exploring Lescar and Jurançon.

Day 6 Pau/Toulouse

Day 7 Toulouse

Day 8 Toulouse

We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.