‘The Pearl of the North’, as some would call it in Spain, Donostia/San Sebastián is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. 19th Century glamour in this belle-epoque paradise, it rose to fame as a spa and seaside resort for old nobility, however the city these days caters for those seeking culinary excitement, and as joint European City of Culture 2016, there are many events planned to give visitors more of our Basque flavour.

Your private tour in English will see you collected at your hotel and taken in private transport (from Bilbao) or on foot if in San Sebastián to the heart of the city, the old town. We take you around La Bretxa market and explain the produce and the provenance of the seasonal foods on offer. From here its a cross over the river Urumea to investigate Gros, a more ‘local’ neighbourhood with its less undiscovered streets and surf beach. Back over the art-deco bridge and we stroll around Mount Urgull to give some historic context to the city before heading back into the old town to sample the world-famous pintxos! There are as many favourites as establishments, and our tour will give you a contrast of modern and classic. Just keep in mind that the more paper tissues on the floor, the more the locals use it.

After lunch we stroll over to the old fishing harbour and along La Concha, one of the 3 fantastic beaches that helped put this city on the map. The walk will see us reach the far west-end of town (under the little tunnel) which will take you to the Peine del Viento – ‘Comb of the Wind’ sculptures and the old school amusement arcade above you atop the Monte Igueldo.

We can adapt the tour as the day goes along, depending on your preferences.This could include a visit to San Telmo Museum, or indeed the gardens of the English-style Palacio de Miramar, or even rowing on the river itself. Its just a case of asking us.