Short Break to San Sebastián, Basque Country: Food & Cooking Class

San Sebastián´s Elegance and History

San Sebastián, or Donostia as it is called in Basque, has a circular bay with white sand beaches and clear waters that have long attracted wealthy beach-goers in search of sun and sophistication. This is what made the city famous during the Belle Époque era and it is also where Queen Maria Cristina established her royal summerhouse. The evidence of San Sebastián’s glamorous past can still be seen throughout the city.

La Concha is probably the most beautiful urban beach in Europe,  and it's adorned by luxurious beachside mansions as well as the famous spa called La Perla (The Pearl). Its boardwalk is lined by an ornate white railing that has become a symbol of the city.

Culinary Wonders in San Sebastián

In more recent years, San Sebastián has gained significant press for its cuisine. The city alone has 16 Michelin stars spread across 9 restaurants and famously boasts more stars per capita than anywhere else in the world other than Tokyo.

Do you want more plans for your short break to San Sebastián? This coastal city is also widely known for its pintxos. This charming old city center is famous for having the highest concentration of bars in the world.

Spectacular Views and Salty Breezes in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a visit not to be missed. It was joined to the land by a narrow stone bridge, and it leaves no visitor indifferent. Gaztelugatxe is an isle belonging to the village of Bermeo in Bizkaia. It is joined to the coast by a two-arch bridge and on the highest part of the isle stands the Hermitage of San Juan which dates from the 10th century. 

The views from the road are spectacular, but as you reach the isle you are surrounded by seagulls and enwrapped in the loud noise of the sea and a salty flavour as you breathe. The strength of the southern waters of the Bay of Biscay takes on another meaning. The views from there are spectacular. The views from there are spectacular. When you reach the top, the grandeur of the place makes you feel different, stronger; all you have to do is breathe deeply and let yourself be borne away…

DAY 1:
SAN SEBASTIÁN

• Private Transfer from San Sebastián Airport to your hotel  (NOTE: Please advise flight time and no.)
  
• Drop off at hotel in San Sebastián.
• Check in hotel.
• This evening you will have a Private Pintxos Tour + La Gilda Pintxo Challenge and Monumental Walking Tour of Old Town in San Sebastián.
• 06:30PM: Meet our private local foodie guide at your hotel.
• You will visit 2 or 3 pintxos stop (depending on time in each bar) and enjoy 2 pintxos and 1 drink at each bar. Plus at one of the bars you will have a Pintxo challenge make 1 pintxo La Gilda pintxo the most traditional pintxo of the Basque Country.
• After a short, monumental walking tour through the old quarter.  During the 2 hours approx. walking tour the most iconic places of the City centre are visited (Good Shepherd Cathedral, Concha Bay, shopping quarter) and the Old Town (Boulevard, City Hall, Constitution Square, going past St Vicent and Santa Maria churches). 
• 10:30PM: Tour will end in the old quarter.
• Overnight in San Sebastián.

DAY 2:
SAN SEBASTIÁN 

• Breakfast.
  
• 10:00AM:  Small Group Cooking Class.
• Learn about the famous cuisine of the Basque Country, considered one of the most renowned gastronomic regions in Europe. The lesson will take place in a fully equipped basque cooking school in the heart of San Sebastián.
  
• Your teacher will be a professional chef with all the secrets of Basque cuisine.  He will demonstrate how to prepare the most famous Basque dishes accompanied by selected wines to pair the food. Depending on the day you will have the chance of taking of the following cooking classes: 
• Tuesday: Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class.
  
• Wednesday: Pintxo Cooking Class: The Essential Pintxo.
  
• Thursday: Basque Cooking Class: Gipuzkoa & Bizkaia.
• Friday: Farmer's Market to Table Cooking Class.
• Saturday: Pintxo Cooking Class: Pintxos of the Old Town.
  
• Sunday: Basque Cooking Class: France, Navarra & La Rioja.
• A very special event where you will taste all the flavours of the Basque Country!
  
• 03:00PM: End of Services.
• Free afternoon to enjoy and explore San Sebastián on your own.
• 09:00PM Table Reservation for dinner in a Michelin Star Restaurant (meal not included must pay directly for what is ordered.) 
• Overnight in San Sebastián.

DAY 3:
SAN SEBASTIÁN - MUNDAKA - SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE - BILBAO

• Breakfast.
• 09.30AM: In the morning our private driver will pick you up from your hotel.
• Travel along the coastal highway to the winery Bodega Berroja (Driving time: 1h30min approx.) 
  
• 11:00PM: Arrival to winery where you will visit the winery and taste the txacoli Basque wine.
• 12:30PM: Continue to Mundaka (Driving time: 30min approx.) where we have booked you a table for lunch at a recommended restaurant  (meal not included must pay directly for what is ordered.) 
• 03:00PM After lunch on to  San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Driving time: 30mins. approx.)
• Enjoy the walk  and the views (Duration: 2h approx.) 
• 5:30PM approx.: After the walk travel by highway to Bilbao.
• Drop off at your hotel.
• Check in to the Hotel.
• Evening on your own.
• Overnight in Bilbao.

DAY 4:
BILBAO 

• Breakfast.
  
• Make your own departure arrangement or you can add a Transfer out to the airport (See Add-ons section.)
• You could even extend your trip joining our small group tours... Northern Green Spain Slow Food, Wine & Camino Walking Tour (See Add-ons section.)
  
  

END OF TOUR SERVICES FOR THE SHORT BREAK TO SAN SEBASTIÁN