Lonely Planet Experiences Private Highlights of San Sebastian with a Twist Tour
San Sebastian, Spain
From USD 104.64
Office phone number: +34 639 267 948
Lonely Planet Experiences Private Highlights of San Sebastian with a Twist Tour
San Sebastian, Spain
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
For years, San Sebastián was the ultimate place to see and be seen. Aristocrats in search of seaside vacations flocked to this city known for its parties, games, and perfect surf, but things weren’t always easy in San Sebastián, Take a private walk with a local guide and learn about the city’s trials, its Belle Époque, and why it’s still awesome today.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Highlights
- Listen to tales about the events that have shaped San Sebastián over the past 200 years, from fortified village to modern-day resort town
- Find out why aristocrats used to flock to this corner of Spain, and why surfers today still love it
- See San Sebastián’s most iconic sites, including the stunning Old Town and beautiful La Concha Bay
- Get an overview of the best things to see and do in the city during your stay
- Taste some of the most traditional Basque food (talo) after admiring the best views of San Sebastián from one of the local’s favourite viewing points
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Meeting point:
Mollaerdia 6 Street, next to the stairs of Portaviones building (white and red building next to marina).
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 4.00 PM
- Ending point:
In the Gros neighbourhood, close to Zurriola beach
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, ¨talo¨ (traditional Basque flatbread served with sweet or sour toppings).
Exclusions: Exclusions: Drinks, items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Get a taste of San Sebastián’s past, present, and future on a walking tour that celebrates the city’s many faces.
Your walking tour will begin at Portaletas, one of the most characteristic (and okay, we’ll admit it, one of our favourite) places in San Sebastián, located at the crossroads of the old town and the fishing district. A visit here is your first lesson in understanding San Sebastián’s past and present and its transformation from fishing port to buzzing summer resort.
We’ll head along the port and below the battlefield of Monte Urgull where we’ll enjoy the most amazing views of La Concha Bay, a favourite spot for the nobility of Europe’s past to visit during their summer vacation, a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
After that, we will explore the Old Town, where you’ll feel a connection to the past as well as the future of San Sebastián. You’ll see Constitution Square, where San Sebastián day is celebrated each year; your guide will fill you in on its fascinating history.
We’ll walk down one of the Old Town’s main streets, admiring all the pintxo bars, soaking up the Basque Country atmosphere and scouting potential lunch and dinner spots for the rest of your trip.
We will also visit the Bretxa market, the perfect place to get a flavour for the local produce. There wil be an opportunity to try talos, the local snack that consists of flat bread filled with different toppings (chorizo, cheese, chocolate, the list goes on). Talos are steeped in Basque culture; they are usually only enjoyed during local festivals and holidays, so this is a very special chance to try one, out of season!
Our tour will finish in the modern part of the city, where glamour and new world architecture meet. We’ll stroll along the Urumea River and check out the Gros district, crossing a bridge that’s got some stories to tell, from the European aristocracy who crossed it to visit the casino, to the Hollywood stars that have crossed it on their way to movie festivals, some famous feet have walked this path before you!
We hope you enjoyed your introduction to San Sebastián’s history, culture and culinary secrets. Before you go, don’t forget to ask your guide for more tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay.
(If you’d prefer to travel as part of a regular group experience, please book our Highlights of San Sebastian with a Twist Group tour.)
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, ¨talo¨ (traditional Basque flatbread served with sweet or sour toppings).
Exclusions: Exclusions: Drinks, items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Comfortable shoes and clothes.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly and stroller-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +34 639 267 948
Email address: info@sansebastianurbanadventures.com
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