Gourmet San Sebastian - An Insiders Food Tour with Ben Groundwater

One of Spain’s most attractive and sophisticated cities, San Sebastian is a foodie’s paradise, the home of more Michelin stars per capita than any other area in Europe, and the heartland of both traditional and modern Basque cuisine. Situated on the seafood-rich Bay of Biscay, the beaches of La Concha and Zurriola are key attractions here, while the city’s Belle Epoque architecture makes for many a pleasurable stroll. San Sebastian’s Parte Vieja – the old town – and the neighbourhood of Gros are filled with pintxos bars, casual eateries where bite-sized food is elevated to an incredible level. We will meet at the hotel at 4pm for the tour briefing with Ben. After we'll walk into the Old Town for a private tasting of Basque Country craft beers. Following that we take a deep-dive into Basque gastronomy sampling some of the finest bites the city has to offer during a pintxos tour of the Parte Vieja, calling past traditional stalwarts, as well as bars pushing the boundaries with modern cuisine. And, of course, we’ll enjoy a few glasses of Rioja or local txakoli wine to wash it down.

Meals:  D

How can one small town have so much to offer? You will be pondering this after today’s visit to Getaria, a lovely coastal village west of San Sebastian. This is the birthplace of two very famous people: Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the globe, and Cristobal Balenciaga, founder of the eponymous fashion label. Getaria is also the home of an iconic Basque dish – whole fresh turbot roasted over hot coals – and today, after a visit to the Balenciaga Museum, we will experience this simple and yet incredible dish at a high-end seafood restaurant. There’s also the chance to sample locally caught anchovies and crabs, as well as another product Getaria is famous for, txakoli wine. Back in San Sebastian tonight, there’s free time to explore on your own.

Meals:  B,L

We kick off today with a unique experience, joining a local San Sebastian chef for her morning trip to the local markets, to see where all of the Basque Country’s best produce is sourced (and enjoying a few snacks along the way). San Sebastian’s markets have been around for hundreds of years, and they’re both social gathering places and purveyors of the absolute finest meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables and cheeses. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a private tasting of Basque wines at a local bar, with a few pintxos to match. And then, an experience like no other: dinner at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, one that is the birthplace of modern Basque cuisine, and still its pinnacle. This restaurant is an icon in the city and around the world, and we will be enjoying a full degustation menu, with wines selected by the in-house sommelier.

Meals:  B,D

Today we are privileged to be taken behind the famously closed doors of a Basque gastronomic society. These members-only clubs are the key to San Sebastian's culinary superiority, and they're usually closed to visitors. However, not today, as our Basque guide takes us inside one of San Sebastian's best clubs to teach us the art of pintxos with a cooking class. Afterwards, we'll have some free time, before dinner at a traditional Basque cider house. We'll enjoy a classic set-menu dinner of local favourites, along with all the cider you can drink, poured directly from the barrels – a unique Basque experience that can’t be missed.

Meals:  B,L,D

Lace up your hiking boots this morning, because we’re heading out to walk a section of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrims’ trail. This section, known as the Camino del Norte, follows Spain’s northern coast, and we’ll be walking a few hours to the sleepy fishing village of Pasaia. Here, we will board a small local ferry, before a special lunch at a seafood restaurant that has been plying its trade on the riverbank here for more than 135 years. The fish and other seafood here is prepared traditionally and yet with incredible skill, and it goes perfectly with a few glasses of local white wine. We return to San Sebastian by bus for a traditional siesta and a free evening. Our walk today is approx 8km, it can be a little steep and uneven but alternatives on offer for those who choose not to walk. Sneakers/runners are suitable, you do not need walking boots.

Meals:  B,L

This morning we're travelling along the coast to one of the most picturesque towns in the Basque Country, Hondarribia. This historic port still has a walled old town, a 16th-century church, and some truly locals-only bars in which to grab a snack before we move on to our lunch destination. The meal today is a special one, at a true countryside "asador", or grill restaurant, which specialises in Basque txuletas. These large steaks are served with all the trimmings, including gorgeous rural views. Back in San Sebastian this evening for some free time

Meals:  B,L

San Sebastian might be famous for its food, but this is also a well-known artistic hub, with numerous public artworks scattered throughout the city. This morning, local artist Dan Feit will take us on a walking tour of the city, explaining his favourite works, and the stories behind them. Tonight, we’re having our farewell dinner at a classic Basque restaurant where everything we’ve come to know and love about the Basque Country comes together, from the warm hospitality to the menu mixing beloved classics with modern gastronomy, paired with beautiful wine. This is the perfect place to enjoy one more incredible meal before bidding goodbye to new friends.

Meals:  B,D

Own departure from San Sebastian.

Meals:  B