San Sebastián has a reputation as a gastronomic heavyweight and consistently ranks among the top cities in the world for dining. It’s home to more Michelin stars per capita than almost any other city, and even a humble family meal can be a source of great gastronomic pleasure. This shared half-day activity introduces you to the region’s cuisine with all its traditions and influences, teaches you the basics of making a traditional Basque meal, and helps you choose wines to accompany your dishes. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that brings you closer to the culinary heritage of the region.
You’ll meet your chef and the rest of your group at a small purpose-designed cooking school in the heart of the city. Over a welcome drink, you’ll learn a little about San Sebastián’s cuisine and how it draws inspiration from all over the Basque Country — fish and seafood from the small fishing villages along the coast to fresh and cured meats from the mountain provinces and pastries and confectionery from the French border areas.
Then, guided by the professional chef, you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn traditional cooking techniques as you prepare a multi-course meal of typical Basque food.
Depending on the day, you might make a hearty entrée of lamb or chicken, or perhaps a lighter meal of fish or soup. Meanwhile, you’ll snack on appetisers ranging from fresh vegetables to local seafood, and finish up by preparing a typical Basque dessert.
Once the meal is ready, you sit down with the rest of your group to enjoy what you’ve cooked. Each course is paired with a carefully curated selection of Spanish wine, the last followed by a local digestif.
At the end, you’ll take away copies of the recipes and a souvenir, as well as a new-found appreciation for the history and traditions of Basque Country life.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Spain specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
Industrial hub turned cultural hothouse, Bilbao is home to Frank Gehry’s groundbreaking Guggenheim as well as a lively cultural and culinary scene. On this tour, you explore the city with a private guide for an insight into its changing fortunes and engineering marvels.
Pintxos tasting tour
You’ve an opportunity to sample some of the best pintxos in the Basque Country on this half-day tour of San Sebastián. You’ll try a wide range of typical local dishes with the help of an expert guide, as you wander from bar to bar.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
