San Sebastian Private Tour, Pintxos & Winery Visit From Bilbao

The San Sebastian Private Tour promises an immersive dive into the captivating Basque culture and cuisine. Departing from Bilbao, this full-day excursion combines a guided stroll through the charming Old Town, known as ‘Petite France,’ with a delectable pintxos crawl featuring traditional Basque dishes. Complementing the culinary delights, a scenic winery visit in the picturesque town of Getaria offers the chance to savor local wines. Luxury transportation in a Range Rover or Mercedes Viano ensures a personalized and exceptional exploration. With customizable options, this tour entices travelers seeking an authentic taste of the Basque region’s vibrant culture and flavors.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Bilbao.

Key Points

• This private tour offers a comprehensive experience of San Sebastian and Basque wine country, including a food and drink crawl, winery visit, and guided walking tour.
• Travelers can enjoy 3 traditional Basque pintxos, a wine tasting in Getaria, and round-trip transportation from Bilbao as part of the tour package.
• The tour is customizable to individual preferences, with a maximum group size of 7 people for a personalized experience, and multilingual guides available.
• The guided walking tour of San Sebastian’s charming Old Town, known as ‘Petite France’, provides an immersive experience in Basque cultural and architectural traditions.
• The tour concludes with a visit to Fuenterrabia on the French border, offering stunning views of the port and an opportunity to stand in two countries simultaneously.

Tour Overview

The full-day private tour of San Sebastian and Basque wine country offers visitors a scenic walk through the city’s historic Old Town, known as ‘Petite France’, as well as a food and drink crawl or ‘Pintxopote‘ at local favorite establishments.

The tour also includes a stop at the charming town of Fuenterrabia on the French border, where participants can enjoy drinks overlooking the picturesque port.

This comprehensive experience allows guests to enjoy the rich culinary and cultural traditions of the Basque region, providing a well-rounded exploration of its unique sights, flavors, and traditions.

Inclusions

This tour includes a variety of offerings to enhance the overall experience.

Participants can enjoy 3 traditional Basque pintxos or small plates in San Sebastian, complemented by luxury transportation in a Range Rover Sport 4×4 or Mercedes Viano.

Round-trip pickup from Bilbao, bottled water, and a wine tasting in Getaria are also part of the inclusive package.

On top of that, a guided walking tour through San Sebastian’s historic Old Town is provided, with gratuities included.

The tour is designed to immerse visitors in the Basque culture, from the local cuisine to the renowned wine region.

With these inclusions, guests can indulge in the best of what San Sebastian and the surrounding area have to offer.

Tour Customization

For this private tour of San Sebastian, organizers tailor the itinerary to suit the unique tastes and preferences of each group.

Maximum group size is capped at 7 people, allowing for a more personalized experience. Multilingual guides are available to provide commentary in both Spanish and English, catering to diverse language needs.

The tour is designed with flexibility in mind, offering guests the opportunity to customize their itinerary based on their interests. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic Old Town, indulging in the local cuisine, or discovering the picturesque Basque wine country, the tour can be adapted to your preferences.

However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for this private tour of San Sebastian starts from €325.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the size of the group. Travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins, and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option is available. Confirmation of the booking is typically received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This tour offers exceptional value, with a range of inclusions such as a tasting at a local winery, a walking tour of the charming Old Town, and a delightful pintxos crawl to sample the region’s renowned cuisine.

Guests can customize the itinerary to match their interests, ensuring a truly personalized experience.

The tour’s flexibility and small group size (maximum 7 people) create an intimate and authentic journey through the Basque Country.

Reviews and Feedback

Guests who’ve experienced this private tour of San Sebastian consistently rave about the knowledgeable and adaptable nature of the multilingual guides, who tailor the experience to visitors’ interests.

The tour boasts an impressive 5.0 rating based on 13 reviews, with travelers highlighting the personalization of the itinerary to cater to their specific tastes and preferences.

Reviewers particularly enjoyed the local cuisine, including anchovies, tuna, and sardines, as well as the engaging wine tasting experience in the picturesque town of Getaria.

Old Town and ‘Petite France’

As part of the private tour, visitors embark on a scenic walk through San Sebastian’s charming Old Town, affectionately known as the ‘Petite France’ for its Basque-French architectural influences. The winding cobblestone streets and vibrant plazas transport guests back in time, evoking a sense of whimsy and wonder.

Stroll past colorful buildings adorned with ornate balconies and wooden shutters, a true feast for the eyes.

Discover hidden alleyways and quaint cafes that offer a glimpse into the daily life of the local Donostiarras.

Marvel at the impressive Baroque-style Basilica of St. Mary of the Chorus, a stunning religious landmark that dominates the Old Town skyline.

Food and Drink Crawl

After exploring the charming Old Town, the tour embarks on a mouthwatering food and drink crawl, known locally as a ‘Pintxopote’, to sample some of San Sebastian’s finest culinary delights. The guide leads the group to local favorites, where they indulge in a trio of traditional Basque ‘pintxos’ (small plates). These bite-sized masterpieces showcase the region’s renowned seafood, such as anchovies, tuna, and sardines, as well as other signature ingredients. In between each pintxo stop, the group enjoys refreshing local wines and ciders, seeing the vibrant, social atmosphere of San Sebastian’s thriving food culture.

Pintxo 1	Pintxo 2	Pintxo 3
Anchovy Pintxo	Tuna Pintxo	Sardine Pintxo
Crisp bread, marinated anchovy	Flaky tuna, tangy sauce	Fresh sardine, local olive oil
Pair with Txakoli white wine	Pair with Rioja red wine	Pair with Basque cider

Fuenterrabia and Border Visit

Capping off the day’s exploration, the tour winds its way to Fuenterrabia, a charming town on the French-Spanish border where the group takes in sweeping vistas of the port and coastline.

Perched atop a hill, the picturesque town offers a unique opportunity to stand in two countries at once, with jaw-dropping views of the Pyrenees mountains in the distance.

The group enjoys a round of drinks while overlooking the bustling harbor, savoring the peaceful atmosphere and tranquil setting.

As the sun sets, the tour prepares to head back, having experienced the best of Basque Country’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

• Breathtaking views of the French-Spanish border

• Chance to stand in two countries simultaneously

• Peaceful atmosphere and tranquil setting overlooking the harbor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions. The guide is flexible and will work with participants to customize the experience based on their needs and preferences, including modifying food selections or arranging alternative activities.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can typically be extended to accommodate longer durations. Clients should discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who can adjust the itinerary and pricing accordingly to provide a more customized experience.

What Are the Parking Arrangements During the Tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Bilbao, so parking arrangements are handled by the tour provider. Participants won’t need to worry about finding or paying for parking during the tour activities.

Can the Tour Include a Visit to a Local Market?

The tour can certainly include a visit to a local market. The experienced guide can customize the itinerary to incorporate a stop at a vibrant local market, allowing guests to explore the region’s fresh produce, specialties, and cultural atmosphere.

Is There an Option to Add a Boat Tour in the Harbor?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include a boat tour in the harbor. The company offers flexible itineraries that can be tailored to the traveler’s preferences, so a harbor boat tour could be added upon request.

Recap

The San Sebastian Private Tour offers an immersive experience, blending the vibrant culinary scene with a scenic guided walk and wine tasting.

Guests will indulge in traditional Basque pintxos, explore the charming Old Town, and visit a picturesque winery, all while enjoying luxury transportation.

This excursion provides a comprehensive and personalized exploration of Basque culture and flavors, making it a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the region.