San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour

Discover the flavors of San Sebastian through its renowned pintxos and local wines on this small-group tour offered at $149.46 per person. Limited to just eight participants, the 3-hour experience is led by expert guides who bring the city’s culinary traditions to life. Starting at Ijentea Kalea, 6, the tour takes you through six carefully selected venues, including pintxo bars, a gourmet food store, and a restaurant, offering enough tastings to serve as a full dinner.

This tour is perfect for food lovers eager to understand Basque cuisine and culture in an intimate setting. Highly praised for knowledgeable guides like Gorka, Amaya, and Hector, the experience combines delightful food, local wine, and engaging stories. While the tour involves walking and standing in busy bars, it’s accessible for most travelers, excluding very young children or those with serious allergies.

Key Points

• Limited to 8 participants for an intimate experience
• Includes food and drink for a full dinner with five glasses of local wine
• Led by expert guides passionate about Basque culture and cuisine
• Visits six diverse venues, from traditional pintxo bars to a gourmet store
• Walking tour through San Sebastian’s Old Town with storytelling about local history
• Great value for the amount of food, drinks, and cultural insights provided

The Tour Starts in San Sebastian’s Old Town

The San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour begins at Ijentea Kalea, 6, a central location in the city’s lively historic district. The tour’s small-group format ensures a relaxed, personalized atmosphere, with no more than eight people. Its 3-hour duration makes it an ideal choice for a comprehensive yet manageable exploration of local flavors.

Participants are welcomed with a warm introduction to pintxos culture, setting the tone for an authentic experience. The tour operates in English, making it accessible to international visitors. Its popularity, with bookings made on average 35 days in advance, highlights its appeal among foodies.

Exploring Cervecerías La Mejillonera and Basque Cider

The first stop is Cervecerías La Mejillonera, a beloved local bar since the 1970s. Here, you’ll sample the best mussels in town, paired with dry Basque cider. Guides demonstrate the traditional TXOTX pouring method—cider from a height directly into your glass—a cultural ritual that deepens your understanding of Basque drinking customs.

This initial stop is about 20 minutes long, offering a lively introduction to San Sebastian’s bar scene. The focus on local seafood and cider culture makes it a memorable start, especially for those curious about Basque drinking traditions.

Tasting Iberian Ham at Zapore Jai

Next, the tour moves to Zapore Jai, a family-run gourmet shop specializing in Basque and Spanish products. You’ll try two renowned cured hams, carefully selected by the guide, Sylvain. This allows visitors to compare flavors and qualities of Iberian ham, some of the most expensive and celebrated cured meats in Spain.

In just 10 minutes, the guide explains the differences between the types of ham, helping you appreciate the craftsmanship behind each. This stop offers a deeper appreciation of Spain’s cured meat mastery in a cozy, gourmet setting.

Visiting Konstituzio Plaza in the Old Town

A short walk takes you to Konstituzio Plaza, the Old Town’s picturesque main square. Historically, this square hosted bullfights in the 19th century. Today, it provides a scenic backdrop for your culinary journey, with vibrant street life and historic charm.

Spending about 5 minutes here, the stop offers a break from tastings and an opportunity to soak in local architecture and atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for photos and an understanding of San Sebastian’s historical heart.

Sampling Marinated Anchovies at Bar Txepetxa

The next stop is Bar Txepetxa, renowned for home-marinated anchovies. Guides introduce you to regional sparkling wine and the story of the first pintxo ever invented. Many visitors find their preconceptions about anchovies changed after trying these beautifully prepared bites, which balance flavor and texture perfectly.

In about 20 minutes, guides share stories about regional cuisine, making this a highlight for seafood lovers. The bar’s reputation for changing minds about anchovies makes it a must-visit for culinary curiosity.

Modern Pintxos at 148 Gastroleku

148 Gastroleku represents the modern edge of pintxo artistry, combining local ingredients with innovative techniques. This venue showcases how traditional Basque flavors meet contemporary cooking. Over 30 minutes, you’ll sample pintxos that are both colorful and inventive, highlighting the city’s culinary creativity.

This stop appeals to those interested in culinary innovation and how San Sebastian balances tradition with modern gastronomy.

Grilled Steak at Gandarias

Gandarias is a favorite for grilled steak, offering a pintxo of tender sirloin paired with barrel-aged Navarra wine. Guides explain the importance of local wine pairing and the significance of grilling techniques that bring out the meat’s flavor.

Spending about 20 minutes here, this stop emphasizes San Sebastian’s reputation for high-quality grilled meats and wine, making it a hearty highlight of the tour.

Desserts at Donostia since the 1950s

Your last tasting venue is a restaurant open since the 1950s, where you’ll try a local dessert unique to San Sebastian. Paired with sweet wine, this final stop rounds out the culinary experience with a sweet note. The venue’s long history adds a sense of tradition and authenticity.

Spending 15 minutes, this tasting offers insight into local dessert customs and finishes the tour on a delightful, satisfying note.

Exploring San Sebastian’s Bustling Parte Vieja Streets

Between tastings, the walk takes you through Parte Vieja, the lively streets of the Old Town. Here, you’ll see many of the city’s iconic bars and historic sites, adding context to your food journey. The vibrant atmosphere reflects San Sebastian’s reputation as a culinary hub.

This brief exploration complements the tastings, giving you a sense of the city’s lively spirit and historic charm.

Logistics and Accessibility

The tour starts and ends in central San Sebastian, with meeting and ending points easy to reach by public transportation. The walking pace is moderate, and participants should be comfortable standing and walking in busy bars.

While it suits most travelers, it’s not recommended for children under 15 or those with serious food allergies, as some stops involve standing and limited alternative options. The tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pregnant women, though vegan options are not available at every venue.

The Value of the Pintxos & Wine Experience

This tour offers excellent value, with enough food to serve as a full dinner and five glasses of local wine and drinks included. The guide’s storytelling enhances the experience, blending culinary tastings with cultural insights. The small group size creates an intimate atmosphere where questions and interactions flourish.

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included, simplifying the booking process. The 3-hour duration balances thoroughness with comfort, making it ideal for a half-day culinary adventure.

Final Thoughts on the San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour

This small-group tour is an excellent way to dive into San Sebastian’s culinary scene, especially for those interested in traditional pintxos and local wines. The expert guides, like Gorka, Amaya, and Hector, are praised for their knowledge, passion, and engaging storytelling. The variety of stops showcases both classic and modern aspects of Basque cuisine, making the experience dynamic and educational.

While it involves walking and standing in busy venues, the limited group size ensures a personal touch and relaxed pace. It’s especially suitable for foodies, culture lovers, and first-time visitors eager to understand what makes San Sebastian famous for gastronomy.

This tour provides remarkable value for its price, offering a genuine taste of San Sebastian’s best pintxos, wines, and stories—all in just three hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with food allergies?
Yes, the tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pregnant women. However, not all stops may offer substitution options, and guests with serious food allergies must sign an allergy waiver.

How many stops are included, and what do they entail?
The tour visits six venues, including pintxo bars, a gourmet store, and a restaurant. Each stop features specific tastings—such as mussels, cured ham, anchovies, pintxos, and desserts—along with wine or regional drinks.

What is the tour’s meeting point and duration?
The tour begins at Ijentea Kalea, 6 and lasts approximately 3 hours. The pace involves walking and standing but is manageable for most travelers.

Can the tour accommodate non-drinkers or pregnant women?
Yes, the tour includes non-alcoholic options and can be adapted for pregnant participants. The focus remains on tasting and cultural storytelling.

Is this tour good for a first visit to San Sebastian?
Absolutely. It offers a comprehensive introduction to pintxos culture, local wines, and historic sites in a small, friendly group, ideal for first-timers eager to get oriented.