San Sebastian Like a Local: Evening Pintxos Tour

San Sebastian is a culinary gem on the northern coast of Spain, famed for its vibrant pintxos culture. This evening walking tour promises to immerse visitors in the local flavors and traditions of this Basque city. Guests will venture off the crowded streets of Old Town, discovering hidden gems and savoring over 10 food tastings and 5 drink samples across 5 different pintxos bars. From the iconic gilda to homemade vermouth, the tour offers an authentic taste of San Sebastian’s rich gastronomic heritage. With a small group size, the experience promises an intimate and personalized glimpse into the heart of the city’s lively food scene. What secrets await those who join this delectable exploration?

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour guided walking tour that explores authentic local favorites and lesser-known pintxos bars in San Sebastian, away from the crowds of Old Town.
• Sample over 10 food tastings and 5 drink samples, including the best Spanish omelette, the famous gilda pintxo, homemade vermouth, txakoli wine, and traditional Basque cider.
• Learn the traditional way to pour Basque cider and immerse in the authentic local culinary culture of San Sebastian.
• The tour is limited to a maximum group size of 8 individuals and is not suitable for children under 15, wheelchair users, vegans, or vegetarians.
• The tour starts at the San Martin market building, and guests are required to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time as the tour operates on a tight schedule.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The 2.5-hour guided walking tour takes participants on an exploration of authentic local favorites, escaping the crowds of Old Town and limiting the group size to a maximum of 8 individuals.

During the tour, visitors will have the chance to try 5 pinxtos bars, sampling 10 local tastings and 5 drinks.

The highlights include the best Spanish omelette in San Sebastian, the famous gilda pinxto, and the opportunity to learn how to pour Basque cider in the traditional way.

The tour also includes visits to a neighborhood frequented by locals, providing an immersive experience beyond the typical tourist trail.

Tour Highlights

Highlights of the evening pintxos tour include sampling the best Spanish omelette in San Sebastian, tasting the famous gilda pintxo – the first ever invented, and learning the traditional way to pour Basque cider.

Tour you will:

1. Savor the most delectable Spanish omelette in the city, made with fresh local ingredients.
2. Try the renowned gilda pintxo, the original and iconic Basque tapas featuring pickled guindilla peppers, anchovies, and olives.
3. Master the art of pouring Basque cider, a regional specialty, in the traditional manner, from a height to aerate the cider.

In addition, guests will sample homemade vermouth and txakoli wine, seeing the authentic local flavors of San Sebastian.

Inclusions

The evening pintxos tour includes over 10 food tastings and 5 drink samples, allowing participants to fully enjoy the local culinary culture of San Sebastian.

During the 2.5-hour guided walking tour, the small group of up to 8 people will visit 5 different pinxtos bars, sampling the best Spanish omelette and the famous gilda pinxto – the first ever invented.

Guests will also have the opportunity to try homemade vermouth, txakoli wine, and Basque cider, learning the traditional way of pouring the latter.

With a local, English-speaking guide leading the way, this tour offers an authentic experience away from the crowds of the Old Town.

Exclusions

While the evening pintxos tour includes a wealth of culinary experiences, it doesn’t provide hotel pickup or drop-off, and guests are responsible for gratuities. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 15, wheelchair users, vegans, or vegetarians.

The exclusions for this tour are:

1. No hotel pickup or drop-off services are provided.
2. Gratuities for the guide aren’t included in the tour price.
3. The tour isn’t accessible for children under 15, wheelchair users, vegans, or vegetarians.

Guests should keep these exclusions in mind when booking the evening pintxos tour to ensure the experience aligns with their needs and preferences.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the evening pintxos tour is in front of the San Martin market building, situated between the FNAC and Zara stores.

Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour’s start time. This ensures everyone is present and ready to embark on the exciting culinary journey.

The tour guide will be waiting at the designated spot to greet the small group and provide any necessary instructions before setting off to explore the authentic local favorites.

Arriving on time is essential, as the tour operates on a tight schedule to maximize the number of pintxos bars visited and tastings experienced during the 2.5-hour walking tour.

Guided Walking Tour

Upon arrival at the meeting point, the English-speaking guide welcomes the small group of up to 8 participants and provides an overview of the 2.5-hour evening pintxos tour.

Highlighting the day’s itinerary, the guide explains that the group will escape the crowds of the Old Town to explore authentic local favorites, visiting 5 different pintxos bars and sampling 10 tastings along with 5 drinks.

The tour includes:

1. Tasting the best Spanish omelette in San Sebastian.
2. Trying the famous gilda pintxo, the first ever invented.
3. Learning to pour Basque cider in the traditional way.

Throughout the evening, the group will sample homemade vermouth, txakoli wine, and Basque cider, all while visiting a neighborhood frequented by locals.

Pinxtos Bar Tastings

Over the course of the evening, the group visits five different pintxos bars, where they sample a total of 10 tastings and 5 drinks.

At the first stop, they begin with the best Spanish omelette in San Sebastian, savoring its fluffy texture and rich flavors.

Next, they try the famous gilda pintxo, the first ever invented, a perfect balance of briny olives, anchovies, and peppers.

Throughout the evening, they sample homemade vermouth, crisp txakoli wine, and traditional Basque cider, learning to pour it in the authentic way.

The tour culminates in a neighborhood frequented by locals, allowing participants to truly experience San Sebastian like a true resident.

Basque Cider Pouring

Participants on the tour learn to pour Basque cider in the traditional manner, tilting the bottle high above their glass to create a long, cascading stream that aerates the cider and releases its distinctive flavor. This time-honored technique serves to maximize the cider’s effervescence and enhance its tart, refreshing taste.

The guide provides step-by-step instructions:

1. Holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle, pouring the cider in a steady, controlled stream.
2. Maintaining the bottle’s height to produce a long, dramatic pour.
3. Allowing the cider to splash lightly into the glass, creating a foamy head.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 15?

No, the tour is not suitable for children under 15 years old. The tour details explicitly state that the tour is "Not suitable for children under 15".

Do the Tour Guides Speak Other Languages Besides English?

The tour guides for this pinxtos tour speak English, but it’s unclear if they offer tours in other languages. Visitors would need to inquire about language availability when booking the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions, but options may be limited. Vegetarians and vegans can be accommodated, though the full range of tastings may not be available. Guests should inquire about specific needs when booking.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour’s cancellation policy allows participants to cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before the tour start time without penalty. However, cancellations within 48 hours may incur a partial or full charge.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The tour price is fixed regardless of age or student status. Customers should review the tour inclusions and exclusions carefully before booking.

Recap

This evening pintxos tour offers an immersive culinary experience in San Sebastian.

Guests will discover authentic local flavors, savor over 10 food tastings and 5 drink samples, and learn about Basque culinary traditions.

With a small group size, the tour provides a personalized experience to truly experience San Sebastian like a local.

It’s an excellent way to indulge in the city’s vibrant food scene and uncover its hidden gems.

You can check if your dates are available here: