Private City Walk, San Sebastián

Your adventure begins with a walk up to the top of Mount Igueldo, one of the three hills in San Sebastián. Gaze upon the city and listen as your guide explains how the city's significant role in Spanish, Basque, and maritime history led to the Bay of Biscay's prominence. Hear about how the wool trading industry turned locals into affluent citizens and why the 16th-century ships were considered the Ferraris of their time. You'll descend Igueldo on a wooden funicular that's over 100 years old, an experience in itself.

Upon reaching the bottom, visit one of San Sebastián's most photographed sculptures, the "Peine del Viento" ("Wind Comb") by Eduardo Chillida. Crafted from corten steel, it's taken on a beautiful rust color due to the elements and is meant to interact with the winds and the crashing waves of the coast. Then, journey across the city to the other side, where you'll find Sagüés and La Zurriola beaches, the heart of the city's surfing scene. Along the way, marvel at iconic sites such as the Miramar Palace, a testament to the city's 19th-century Belle Époque.

As you traverse the city on foot and by car, your guide will highlight diverse architectural styles, from buildings that echo Parisian grandeur to those awarded the Mies van der Rohe Prize for Contemporary Architecture. Witness the Basque rationalism inspired by the Bauhaus and European modernism overlooking the river. Visit the works of Kursaal, whose two buildings mimic rocks by the sea.

Continue through the city's hidden squares, charming streets, and beloved parks, passing must-see sites like Plaza Easo, Mercado San Martín, the 16th-century San Bizente Eliza Church, and the 12th-century Motako Gaztelua Castle. Finally, immerse yourself in the cultural heart of San Sebastián's Old Town. This gastronomic epicenter is home to pintxo bars, private eating clubs, and locals enjoying the timeless txikiteo (bar-hopping). Learn how to order a pintxo, when to pay, and master the art of navigating this local cuisine. The excursion concludes in true Basque style: with a pintxo, a glass of wine, and a toast.