San Sebastian Culinary Experience

The Basque Country is one of Spain’s most distinctive regions with a culture, language and cuisine that separates its proud population from the rest of the country. This tour is based in the foodie capital, San Sebastian which boasts no fewer than three Michelin 3-star restaurants, as many as London! It is a city that is extraordinarily proud of its cuisine, explored in its many guises on this superb tour, managed in conjunction with Gabriella Ranelli who has been creating unique Basque experiences for more than 20 years. Led by an expert guide, the tour includes visits to markets, pinxtos bars, a vineyard, a cookery demonstrations and lots of restaurants.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Bilbao
On arrival in Bilbao, transfer by coach to San Sebastian for check in to the Hotel Zinema 7 for five night stay. On arrival at the hotel we will have a welcome drink together then a guided pintxos & wine tour in the Old Town with a local expert, with 5 stops showcasing seasonal and classic bites with curated local wine pairings.

Day 2: Basque Culinary Day
This morning we visit Mercado de La Bretxa with fish stalls, and gourmet shops of the region to select ingredients and learn about Basque produce and culinary culture. Afterwards, we’ll have prepare and enjoy lunch with a local chef in a private members-only txoko (gastronomic society). These clubs are a staple of Basque culture and give great insight into this distinctive region’s tradition and history, as well as its culinary heritage. There will be some opportunities for participation and learning about the dishes the chef prepares, before enjoying the group's creations. The rest of the day is free for personal exploration around San Sebastian.

Day 3: Getaria
We venture out of the city this morning, along the coast to the charming port of Getaria. Here we will visit a family-run txakoli winery for a tour and tasting, learn about the history of the town during a stroll through the charming fishing village, and enjoy a traditional grilled fish lunch in a seaside restaurant with views over the Bay of Biscay. Return to San Sebastian in the afternoon.

Day 4: San Sebastian
A free day to explore the Basque region’s capital city independently. A picturesque resort city, San Sebastián sits on the calm La Concha bay backed by low, rolling hills. The city is best known for its beaches but it is so much more, with a lively, buzzing atmosphere that fills the streets all day and well into the night. The charming Parte Vieja (old town) nestles at the foot of the green Monte Urgull, with the handsome, arcaded Plaza de la Constitucion at its heart.  The numbers on its balconies date from when the square was used as a bullring – organisers sold tickets for each numbered place. The area is also home to a host of lovely churches, including the 16th century Iglesia de San Vicente and several museums including the Museu de San Telmo. The more modern Centro district, the shopping and commerical  area, has some lovely 19th century architecture, whilst Zurriola beach is home to the Kursaal, giant cubes, which are illuminated at night.

Day 5: San Sebastian Countryside
A second day out of the city as we head into the countryside to visit a family-owned sheep farm where they make the traditional Idiazabal cheese and other dairy products. Take part in an optional hands-on workshop. Follow up with lunch at a traditional sagardotegi (cider house) with grilled steaks, cod omelette, walnuts and cheese – and local cider from the barrel!

Day 6: Departure
Visit Bilbao for a guided walking tour. Free time at leisure then transfer to airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 15 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return scheduled flights from London Gatwick to Bilbao
• Five nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Zinema 7, San Sebastián based on shared occupancy of a twin room 
• Return transfers from Bilbao airport to San Sebastian
• Pinxtos tour including food and wine
• Three lunches and one dinner
• Full touring itinerary with tastings including coach transfers outside the city as detailed
• Local culinary guide to accompany all tours
• Travel Editions’ tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for Sole Use supplement - £375
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Hotel Zinema 7, San Sebastian
Housed in the historic Astoria Cinema by the River Urumea the Hotel Zinema 7 is a design hotel that plays on its cinematic roots with a décor that pays tribute to movie stars. Just a 15 minute walk from San Sebástian’s main sights, rooms are individually decorated and offer private bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV, minibar, hairdryer and wi-fi. The hotel's facilities include a fitness room, snack bar and restaurant. 

Hotel Website