San Sebastian - The Basque Country
Culinary Treasures
The Mediterranean countries arguably have some of the best food you will ever try; from the elaborate French cuisine to the world-famous Italian "cucina" and the fresh & exquisite Greek gastronomy. Spain is no exception, as a world reference for top chefs and culinary traditions. However, within this Iberian country, a nation distinguishes itself from all others: The Basque Country.
This historical nation not only offers an ancient and unique culture and history but may be one of Europe´s foodie-leading regions. Join us and discover the culinary secrets behind the Basque Country´s reputation. Do this from the majestic city of San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque), famous for being the second city in the world with more Michelin stars per capita after Tokyo. Picture the most elegant European city without the crowds and by the Cantabrian Sea and that is San Sebastian.
Let us take you to a cheese farm and learn about the production of one of our favourite cheeses, Idiazabal (you will also try it, do not worry). Taste the famous Cantabrian anchovies as you master their production in a quaint coastal town, followed by a visit to a small wine cellar where you will become acquainted with the "Txakoli" wine. Follow us on an epic evening "pintxo" experience through San Sebastian´s old quarter and let us introduce you to Basque desserts on a morning walk. Finally, let us treat you to 2 superb dinners and maybe go for a swim in one of Europe´s most beautiful and elegant beaches, "La Concha".
Ongi etorri Donostiara - Bienvenidos a San Sebastian - Welcome to San Sebastian!
Sample Itinerary
Meals
All breakfasts, 2 dinners and more
Activities
City walks, pintxo experience, cheese farm visit, anchovy activity, wine cellar and more
Transportation
Included public transportation card throughout the tour + private transportation (if needed)
Accommodation
4 nights accommodation in San Sebastian
Day 1
Welcome to San Sebastian & Sidreria Welcome Dinner
Today our adventure begins. We will meet you upon arrival at your accommodation in one of Donosti's (San Sebastian in Basque) central neighbourhoods to make sure the check-in process goes smoothly. Your quarter offers a vibrant & authentic atmosphere yet in a relaxed area so you can rest and enjoy the local life. After freshening up, we will meet again and start discovering why this place has such a reputation. Throughout the whole journey, you can expect to experience the most traditional recipes, as well as a more modern approach to Basque cuisine. Tonight´s dinner will go towards the traditional side, as we will enjoy dinner at a "Sidreria" or Cider House, where the local "chuletones" or Basque T-Bone steaks sprinkled with sea salt go together with local cider. The secret here is in the quality of the beef you will be eating - a simple and delicious way to begin our journey.
Day 2
Basque Breakfast, Desserts and Pintxos
Buenos días! Did you sleep well? Today we will have a beautiful morning discovering your new home through food. Start your day with speciality coffee and taste the most amazing desserts and patisseries this city has to offer. From flaky croissants to rustic French Basque treats to delicate local desserts. Both traditional and modern. This includes cheese and of course wine and a unique chocolate stop! Save some energy and space for tonight, as an epic pintxo crawl will occur. We will be joined by a local expert who will take us through the city´s old quarter and lead us to the best "pintxos" in town (pintxos are the local version of tapas). There are very few activities as fun and delicious, as going for these treats in the Basque Country; expect wine, diverse food, conversations with strangers, laughter and a fantastic atmosphere!
Day 3
Idiazabal Cheese Farm Visit, Making and Tasting
Cheese is without a doubt one of those products most foodies could not live without. Do not worry, there will be plenty of cheese on this tour. Today you will leave the city and head to the Basque countryside to the village of Segura, where you will learn about and taste the local Idiazabal cheese (protected by a denomination of origin). We will do this at a farm that has been in the same hands for 6 generations and has been making cheese for 200 years. During this visit, you will see the sheep farm, a museum, the cheese factory, the maturation house and the smokehouse. As a little highlight, we can tell you this farm has won 3 times the award of the best Idiazabal cheese and the last awarded cheese was sold for EUR 13,000 making it one of the most expensive cheeses in the world! If that is not enough, you will also learn how to make Idiazabal yourself and in the end, you will taste it. Additionally, you will try other cheeses, cream cheese, apple sweets, cider and homemade bread.
Day 4
Cantabrian Anchovies, Txakoli Wine and Farewell Michelin Dinner
You might think anchovies are just something you occasionally put on pizza. That is until you try anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, known in the Iberian Peninsula for their quality and distinct flavour (just like most of the fish and seafood you find in this cold northern sea), Spaniards dream about having anchovies from this area when having afternoon vermouth. Guess what? You will be lucky enough to try them (together with white tuna and txakoli wine) in the small coastal area of Guetaria and you will also learn how to prepare anchovies in oil in the most traditional way. Afterwards, you will move to a local winery where you will finally see what this whole "Txakoli wine" thing is about. You'll learn the secrets of this traditional, authentic and original wine, grown and produced by the sea making it a difficult process but worth the process. You will also get to better understand the winemaking and bottling processes and you will then proceed to a tasting of different txakoli wines with some local bites. Once back in Donosti, you will have time to freshen up so we can enjoy one last dinner together at a listed Michelin restaurant. Tonight we will see the most modern side of Basque cuisine. Depending on your taste we will go for contemporary Basque or for fusion; either way, you will not be disappointed
Day 5
Until we meet again
Today our short but sweet foodie adventure comes to an end. Please do not hesitate to ask your host for further suggestions and we hope to see you on another adventure!
Accommodation Options
Casual de las Olas
Are you looking for an authentic experience in a neighborhood out of the touristy hotspots? Don´t look further, Casual de las Olas is the right choice.
Sercotel Codina
Looking for comfy and relaxing accommodation in a quiet area near San Sebastian´s seafront? Then Sercotel Codina is your place.
More options available
Your Local Tour Leader
Ainhoa is originally from the Basque Country and is a professional tour leader. She is also a declared foodie and a great ambassador for Basque cuisine.
Get a Quote
Contact us and let us what your perfect tour would look like and we will get back to you with a personalized itinerary/quote.