San Sebastian Full-Day Tour With Cider House Lunch (From Bilbao)

San Sebastian, a picturesque Basque city, beckons visitors to explore its rich cultural tapestry. This full-day tour from Bilbao promises an immersive experience, blending the region’s breathtaking landscapes with its legendary culinary traditions. Guests embark on a guided journey through San Sebastian‘s iconic landmarks, before indulging in a traditional Basque lunch at a local cider house. With included transportation and a personalized walking tour, this excursion offers travelers a chance to truly savor the essence of the Basque Country. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a history buff, this tour presents an opportunity to uncover the captivating allure of San Sebastian.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Lunch Experiences In Bilbao.

Key Points

1. The tour departs from Guggenheim Museum Bilbao at 9:00 am and includes private transportation to San Sebastian, a guided walking tour, and lunch at a traditional Basque cider house.
2. The tour caters to a maximum group size of 7 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, but is not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with heart problems.
3. The lunch at the cider house features a spread of traditional Basque dishes, including T-bone steak, chorizo in cider, cod omelette, and Idiazabal cheese with walnuts, along with unlimited cider.
4. The tour highlights key landmarks in San Sebastian, including the Old Town, La Concha Beach, San Sebastian Cathedral, and the Monte Igueldo viewpoint, providing panoramic vistas of the city.
5. The tour has a cancellation policy that allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time, with no refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.

Tour Overview

The San Sebastian Full-Day Tour from Bilbao promises an immersive experience in the charming coastal city. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews, this tour is operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy.

The tour starts at 9:00 am and departs from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, returning to the same location. For $20,128.81, guests can enjoy private transportation, a guided walking tour of San Sebastian, and a hearty lunch at a local cider house featuring traditional Basque dishes.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems due to accessibility constraints, with a maximum of 7 travelers per group.

Itinerary and Inclusions

Kicking off the San Sebastian Full-Day Tour from Bilbao is a 9:00 am start at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

Guests will meet at the red tourist bus stop in front of the puppy sculpture. The tour includes private transportation to San Sebastian, where travelers will embark on a walking tour of the city.

The highlight of the day is a lunch at a traditional cider house, featuring a feast of T-bone steak, chorizo in cider, cod omelette, and Idiazabal cheese with walnuts, all accompanied by unlimited cider.

At the end of the day, the tour returns to the original meeting point.

Start Time and Meeting Point

Punctuality is crucial for this San Sebastian Full-Day Tour, which commences promptly at 9:00 am.

Guests will meet the tour guide at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, in front of the iconic puppy sculpture near the red tourist bus stop. This centralized meeting point ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

The tour concludes back at the same meeting location, allowing participants to easily return to their accommodations or continue exploring Bilbao after the tour.

With a maximum of 7 travelers per group, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience, ensuring ample opportunities for questions and interaction with the knowledgeable guide.

Lunch at Cider House

One of the highlights of the San Sebastian Full-Day Tour is the lunch at a traditional Basque cider house. Guests are treated to a hearty spread of local specialties, including a T-bone steak, chorizo in cider, cod omelette, and Idiazabal cheese with walnuts. Free-flowing cider accompanies the meal, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the authentic Basque culinary experience. The cider house setting, with its rustic ambiance and convivial atmosphere, complements the delicious food and creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Dish	Description
T-bone Steak	Grilled to perfection
Chorizo in Cider	Spicy sausage simmered in cider
Cod Omelette	Fluffy egg dish with fresh cod
Idiazabal Cheese with Walnuts	Creamy local cheese paired with crunchy nuts

Transportation and Walking Tour

The tour begins with private transportation from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, where participants gather at the designated meeting point in front of the iconic red tourist bus stop.

The journey to San Sebastian offers scenic views of the Basque countryside.

Upon arrival, the group embarks on an informative walking tour, led by a knowledgeable guide, that highlights the city’s key landmarks:

• The charming Old Town with its medieval streets and vibrant pintxos bars
• The crescent-shaped La Concha Beach, renowned for its stunning waterfront promenade
• The iconic San Sebastian Cathedral, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture
• The Monte Igueldo viewpoint, providing panoramic vistas of the cityscape and coastline
• The lively Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of San Sebastian’s social life

Accessibility and Recommendations

According to the tour information, the San Sebastian Full-Day Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The tour is also not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

However, most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 7 travelers per tour. This is likely to ensure a more personalized and intimate experience.

The tour operator likely takes these accessibility and health considerations into account to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

Travelers should keep these recommendations in mind when deciding whether this tour is suitable for their needs and abilities.

Cancellation Policy

Typically, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time). This flexible policy allows guests to adjust their plans without incurring any penalties.

The cancellation policy includes the following details:

• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour start time.
• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start won’t be eligible for a refund.
• Rescheduling the tour may be possible, subject to availability and any price difference.
• The tour operator recommends reviewing the cancellation policy carefully prior to booking.
• Guests are encouraged to contact the operator directly with any questions or concerns about the cancellation policy.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have left a total of 5 reviews for the San Sebastian Full-Day Tour with Cider House Lunch, rating it an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. The feedback highlights the beauty of San Sebastian, with one reviewer describing it as "beautiful and worth the trip." The guide, Marina, also received praise for being "helpful and friendly." The tour operator, Northern Spain Gastronomy, has responded positively to the reviews, expressing appreciation for the feedback and the positive experience at the cider house.

Total Review Count	Rating Breakdown	Example Review	Host Response
5	4.6 stars	"Beautiful San Sebastián. Guide (Marina) was helpful, friendly. San Sebastián was beautiful and worth the trip." – Lynn_Y, Jun 2024	Appreciation for feedback and positive experience with the guide and cider house.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Glasses of Cider Are Included in the Lunch?

The tour includes unlimited cider during the cider house lunch. Guests can enjoy as much of the traditional local cider as they’d like to accompany the T-bone steak, chorizo, cod omelette, and Idiazabal cheese with walnuts.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages, though the specific languages offered are not detailed in the provided information. Customers should inquire with the tour operator about language options when booking their tour.

Can the Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated?

The tour provider can likely accommodate dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, with advance notice. Travelers should inquire about specific dietary needs when booking to ensure the appropriate arrangements can be made.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a dress code, but comfortable, casual attire is recommended. Participants should dress appropriately for the activities and weather conditions, as the tour involves walking and visiting a cider house.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no information provided about extending the tour duration. The tour itinerary and inclusions outline a full-day experience, but options to customize the length or add additional activities are not mentioned in the overview.

The Sum Up

The San Sebastian Full-Day Tour with Cider House Lunch from Bilbao offers an immersive experience blending scenic travel and Basque culinary delights. Guests can explore the city’s key landmarks, indulge in a traditional Basque lunch with unlimited cider, and enjoy personalized transportation and a guided walking tour. This tour provides a memorable and enriching adventure in the Basque region.