San Sebastián Pintxos Tour: Old Town & Gros Tasting
Master the Basque art of bar hopping & taste Michelin-recognized bites
San Sebastián, the food city so good, it has more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else. Over three glorious hours, your expert guide will teach you the art of txikiteo (that's Basque for "drinking and eating tiny things at several bars") across the Old Town and trendy Gros. Master the "cider pour" at a genuine sidrería and finally, settle the debate: are the Michelin-recognized foie gras mushrooms better than the croquetas? End at the oldest bakery in town, with a pantxineta pastry.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert guide
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Old Town and Gros
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Txikiteo bar hopping experience
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Michelin recognized spots
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Final sweet course
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Max 10 people
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Hotel pick up/drop off
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Personal Expenses
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Gratuities
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meeting Point - De Biteri Plaza
Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain - Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the church. -
2
The Modern Vanguard (Gros)
Launch your culinary expedition in the trendy Gros neighborhood, beginning with a glass of crisp Txakoli (dry Basque white wine) paired with an elegant fish cake pintxo and the famous Grilled mushrooms with foie gras, aioli & crusty bread. -
3
The Art of Txikiteo (Old Town)
Learn the local ritual of bar hopping while navigating the legendary Fermin Calbeton street, sampling classics like the rich Croqueta de Jamón (ham croquette) alongside a refreshing Zurito (local draft beer) or a traditional Spanish red drink (Red wine, Tinto de Verano or Kalimotxo). -
4
Savory Classics and Plaza Views
Take a moment to savor your chosen pintxo at a spot like Michelin-recommended El Tamboril overlooking the Plaza de la Constitución, pairing your selection with a taste of Queso del País (creamy local cheese and quince paste). -
5
The Cider House Ritual
Enter an authentic sagardotegi (cider house) for the Txotx experience, where Cider flows straight from the barrel; here, you'll savor hearty portions of Txuleta (grilled steak) and savory Padrón peppers. -
6
The Sweet Finale
Conclude your feast at San Sebastián’s oldest bakery with the traditional dessert, Pantxineta (puff pastry with cream & toasted almonds).
Additional Information
San Sebastián Pintxos Tour Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking local food and wine guide
Guided exploration of two iconic neighborhoods (Old Town & Gros)
Authentic Txikiteo bar hopping experience
Tastings at Michelin and Guía Repsol-recognized spots
Final sweet course at the city's oldest bakery
All food and drink pairings (including Txakoli wine and Basque cider)
Max group size of 10
Mastering the Art of Txikiteo
Your food adventure begins in the historic Old Town, the birthplace of pintxos culture, and the trendy Gros neighborhood. Your local guide will teach you the art of Txikiteo, the Basque tradition of hopping from bar to bar to savor small bites. You'll navigate the famously delicious Fermin Calbeton street and visit exclusive, family-owned spots that locals frequent, proving that bigger really isn't always better.
Michelin-Recognized Bites and Basque Classics
Prepare to taste why San Sebastián has a reputation as the best food city in the world. You'll stop at places like the Michelin-recommended El Tamboril overlooking the iconic Plaza de la Constitución to enjoy perfectly paired bites. From rich, savory flavors like foie gras mushrooms and creamy croquettes to perfectly crisped fish cakes, every dish you try is a genuine reflection of Basque culinary heritage.
The Sagardotegi Cider House Experience
Experience an authentic sagardotegi (cider house) moment at Sidrería Beharri. Here, you’ll witness and participate in the unique ritual of txotx, where crisp local cider pours straight from the huge barrel. Learn about the dry Txakoli white wine and local drinks like a zurito (small draft beer) as you discover how locals perfected these unique flavors long before the world took notice.
The Sweet Finale at the Oldest Bakery
Your culinary journey concludes on a sweet high note. You'll end at Pastelería Otaegui, San Sebastián's oldest bakery, to taste the traditional pantxineta, a delicate puff pastry filled with custard and topped with almonds. This is the original recipe that locals have guarded jealously for over a century, providing the perfect traditional ending to your Basque feast.
After your 3-hour immersion, you’ll have the knowledge and recommendations to explore the rest of San Sebastián's world-class food scene like a true local.
Please Note: Your comfort is our top priority; most of our stops are indoors. The exact itinerary and tastings may change due to seasonality, day of the week, or local holidays, but your experience will always be unforgettable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Bring an appetite and a government issued ID if you plan to partake in alcohol.
What to bring?
Bring an appetite and a government issued ID if you plan to partake in alcohol.
Can I bring my children on this tour?
This tour is eligible for those ages 4 and up.
Can you accommodate food allergies?
Unfortunately, guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
Is the menu for this tour always the same?
No, your comfort is our top priority; most of our stops are indoors. The exact itinerary and tastings may change due to seasonality, day of the week, or local holidays, but your experience will always be unforgettable.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is run by our trusted and vetted local partner. We know you will have an amazing time!
