Visit San Sebastian and a Family Cheese Farm With Tasting (From Bilbao)

Discover the charm of San Sebastian and indulge in a delightful family cheese farm experience on this small-group tour from Bilbao. Explore the picturesque Old Town, relax at the stunning La Concha Beach, and admire the iconic Comb of the Wind sculpture. Then, dive into the world of artisanal cheese-making as you learn about the renowned Idiazabal cheese and enjoy a hands-on tasting, perfectly paired with local cider. This unique adventure offers a chance to connect with the local culture and traditions, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the region’s culinary heritage.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Shopping Tours In Bilbao.

Key Points

• Explore the charming Old Town of San Sebastian, including its picturesque plazas, lively tapas bars, and the iconic La Concha Beach.
• Experience a hands-on cheese tasting at a family-run Idiazabal cheese factory, learning about the local Basque culinary traditions.
• Savor the rich, nutty flavors of Idiazabal cheese paired with refreshing local cider in a pastoral setting.
• Enjoy a small-group tour (maximum 12 participants) designed for all ages, with opportunities to interact with farm animals.
• The tour starts in Bilbao and includes all fees, taxes, and a lowest price guarantee, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

This small-group tour allows visitors to explore the vibrant city of San Sebastian and visit a family cheese factory.

With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour provides an intimate experience, highlighting San Sebastian’s picturesque Old Town, the iconic La Concha Beach, and the Comb of the Wind sculpture.

Families will particularly enjoy the opportunity to interact with farm animals during the cheese factory visit.

The tour is designed to be suitable for all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.

Explore San Sebastian

San Sebastian’s charming Old Town beckons visitors with its winding cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

The tour highlights include:

1. Strolling through the picturesque Old Town, where you’ll find quaint plazas, lively tapas bars, and charming boutiques.

2. Admiring the stunning La Concha Beach, a crescent-shaped bay with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

3. Marveling at the Comb of the Wind sculpture, a unique and modern art installation that offers panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Biscay.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience as you explore the highlights of this vibrant Basque city.

Cheese Experience

After exploring the charming streets of San Sebastian’s Old Town and taking in the stunning views of La Concha Beach, the tour moves on to the cheese experience. Guests will have the opportunity to taste the local Idiazabal cheese, similar to Spanish parmesan, made from Oveja Latxa sheep. During the tasting, they can enjoy local cheese and cider. The tour also provides an chance to purchase cheese directly from the farm shop.

Cheese Tasting
Idiazabal Cheese	Oveja Latxa Sheep	Spanish Parmesan
Local Cheese	Cider	Farm Shop Purchase

Taste Idiazabal Cheese

Frequently, visitors eagerly anticipate tasting the local Idiazabal cheese, a delectable specialty crafted from the milk of the Oveja Latxa sheep. This traditional cheese shares similarities with Spanish parmesan, boasting a distinctive smoky flavor and firm, creamy texture.

During the cheese tasting experience, guests can:

1. Savor the rich, nutty notes of the Idiazabal cheese.
2. Pair the cheese with refreshing local cider for a perfect flavor combination.
3. Purchase additional wheels of Idiazabal from the on-site farm shop to enjoy at home.

The opportunity to directly engage with the cheese-making process and sample the final product elevates the overall experience, providing a true taste of Basque country.

Local Cheese and Cider

During the cheese tasting, visitors can pair the rich, smoky Idiazabal cheese with refreshing local cider, creating a perfectly balanced flavor combination.

The cider, produced from the region’s apples, offers a crisp, slightly tart counterpoint to the savory cheese. Together, they highlight the local culinary traditions and the artisanal nature of the family cheese factory.

Guests can savor these flavors while taking in the pastoral setting of the farm, surrounded by the lush green hills of the Basque countryside.

This unique pairing exemplifies the authentic experience that the tour provides, blending the best of San Sebastian’s cuisine with the rustic charms of the countryside.

Logistics and Meeting Point

The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends at the meeting point in front of the Puppy (Guggenheim museum) by the tourist red bus stop.

Pickup and drop-off are provided in Bilbao at Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 69, Abando. The tour is suitable for families, and children can interact with farm animals.

The key logistics are:

1. Pickup and drop-off in Bilbao at Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 69, Abando.
2. Meeting point in front of the Puppy (Guggenheim museum) by the tourist red bus stop.
3. Tour starts at 9:00 am and ends at the meeting point.

All fees and taxes are included, and bottled water and snacks are provided during the tour.

Inclusions and Amenities

Along With the comprehensive logistics, the tour also includes several amenities.

All fees and taxes are covered, so there are no hidden costs. Bottled water and snacks are provided throughout the experience.

Visitors will even have the opportunity to purchase a selection of cheeses from the family cheese farm’s shop.

The tour is designed to be family-friendly, with children able to interact with the farm animals.

With a small group size of 12 or fewer participants, the experience offers a personalized and immersive cheese tasting and cultural exploration of San Sebastian.

Booking Information

The tour is priced from $270.52 with a lowest price guarantee.

Booking this experience comes with the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours before it starts. Visitors can expect to receive confirmation at the time of booking, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

This San Sebastian and cheese farm tour is operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy, which is rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 3 glowing reviews with no lower ratings.

Key booking details:

1. Price: From $270.52 with lowest price guarantee
2. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
3. Confirmation received at time of booking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, bottled water and snacks are provided. However, guests are not explicitly prohibited from bringing their own food or drinks. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. The group size is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, allowing for a small and intimate experience.

Do I Need to Purchase Cheese at the Farm?

The tour does not require visitors to purchase cheese at the farm. However, the cheese tasting provides an opportunity to buy Idiazabal cheese from the farm’s shop if desired. The experience focuses on the cheese-making process and sampling.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour’s itinerary is pre-set and cannot be customized. However, the small group size allows for some flexibility within the outlined activities. Visitors can discuss any specific interests with the tour guide during the experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available for the cheese tasting experience. Travelers should notify the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking.

Recap

Experience the charm of San Sebastian and indulge in a delightful family cheese farm visit. Explore the picturesque Old Town, relax at La Concha Beach, and enjoy a hands-on tasting of renowned Idiazabal cheese paired with local cider. This small-group tour offers a memorable and family-friendly adventure, starting from Bilbao.