History & Culture Walk, San Sebastián

Explore the French side of the Basque Country on this guided day trip to three of its historic towns. Start by discovering nautical history, sandy beaches, and ancient churches in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and then continue up the coast to glitzy Biarritz. Here, you'll explore royal history and Belle Époque architecture, pausing for lunch in a traditional restaurant. End in the Basque capital, Bayonne, where you'll wander medieval cobbled streets and covered markets before returning to San Sebastián.

Embark on a private city walk through San Sebastián, known for its beautiful European architecture and contemporary art. The excursion begins with a hill climb on Mount Igueldo for picturesque views and historical insights, followed by a descent via a century-old wooden funicular. Next, explore the city's surf scene at the beaches of Sagüés and La Zurriola, admire the architectural richness from Belle Epoch to contemporary structures, and wander through charming streets and parks. The walk culminates in the Old Town, the city's gastronomic hub, where you'll navigate its unique "miniature cuisine" with a rewarding pintxo and glass of wine.

One of the best ways to enjoy San Sebastián and the scenic Basque coastline is with a sailing excursion. You'll get a totally different perspective of the city, its famous bay, beach, and port, all important to the region's history and culture. This cruise includes wildlife sightings, a delicious local lunch, and regional wine, plus a swim in the bay if you wish.

Embark on a 2-hour Kantauri Route "2 Bays" sailing experience to unwind and take in stunning landscapes at sunset. Sail through the picturesque Bay of Pasaia, featuring a spectacular fjord, and admire the majestic cliffs of Jaizkibel. Enhance your journey with an audio guide sharing the history and anecdotes of the route, culminating in the world-famous Bay of La Concha, glowing in the golden hues of the setting sun.

Dive into the culinary heart of the Basque Country on this one-of-a-kind culinary tour led by a professional chef. Everything's included on this four-hour walking tour of San Sebastián's Old Town—the birthplace of pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. Taste your way through the city, stopping at five taverns to sample this famous snack and sip traditional drinks like sidra (cider) and Txakoli wine.

Discover the rich flavors of Basque cuisine on this culinary journey through one of Spain's most picturesque coastal regions. Start by visiting the vibrant local markets to learn about the fresh ingredients that make up the area's signature dishes. Continue with visiting a traditional canning factory and learning about fishing methods spanning centuries. Wrap up this gastronomic adventure by tasting local seafood dishes paired with exquisite regional wines in a warm and welcoming traditional Basque tavern.

Explore the beauty of San Sebastián's scenic coast and countryside with a hike along the sea cliffs and a cruise around the bay. The city is right on the beach, so you can easily escape the crowds for a bit and enjoy the surrounding nature. Your guide will take you along the Way of Saint James route to discover the beauty of the Bay of Pasaia, ending at a coastal village for a traditional lunch and a boat trip around the area.

Get a taste of the Basque Country with this hands-on cooking class in San Sebastián. Head to a family-run restaurant in the city's historic center, where you'll be guided by a professional chef who'll teach you about the region's rich food culture. You'll learn to create four signature Basque dishes, including steak with red piquillo peppers and the signature cheesecake. Afterward, enjoy your handmade meal with regional drinks like Basque cider and chilled wine.

Hike along one of the most scenic stretches of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route with a private walking tour. The St. James Way offers an easy section outside San Sebastián, meaning you can partake in a tradition that attracts travelers worldwide. This stretch features impressive views of the rugged Basque coast and charming fishing villages, where you'll stop for a delicious lunch.

The Camino de Santiago (St. James Way) is a world-renowned pilgrimage trail with several routes. The most famous one stretches across Northern Spain's coast and culminates at the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. During the Middle Ages, this pilgrimage matched in importance with pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem. Today, hundreds of thousands of travelers make their way to the shrine each year. Some still complete the journey for religious purposes, but the trails in Spain have become popular with hikers, too. 

With the help of a private guide, you'll make your way to the coast and walk a section of the trail. This stretch is known for its incredible sea views, so enjoy the amazing Basque Coast! You'll make a few stops to learn about the area's history, culture, and religious importance and take photos of the scenery. At the end of the walk, you'll reach the quaint fishing village of Pasajes San Juan, where Victor Hugo, the French author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, lived and drew inspiration for his writings.

After strolling through the village, you'll finish the tour at a local eatery known for its regional fare. Try a few traditional Basque dishes, primarily sourced from the sea or countryside, while enjoying the views. After lunch, you'll head back to San Sebastián by bus.

Visit the idyllic Basque countryside on this local food-themed day trip. Your private driver will take you from San Sebastián south to the Goierri Region, where you'll learn about the area's farmland, slow food movement, and traditional dishes. Visit a farmers' market and then enjoy lunch at a family-owned ranch raising indigenous pigs. On your way back, stop in the town of Tolosa to try the wild game and visit the Chocolate Museum.