4 DAYS

San Sebastian
City Break

Day 1. Old Town & La Concha

On arrival at San Sebastian Airport, you will be welcomed by our chauffer and then transfer to the hotel, followed by a day of discovery in this stunning coastal city in the Basque Country of northern Spain, seen as a premier European seaside destination. Located just 20 km from the French border, San Sebastian is famed for its iconic shell-shaped urban beach, world-class gastronomy and Belle Époque architecture. After check-in, it's time for your walking shoes as you take a relaxing stroll along the famous La Concha (or 'Seashell') Beach promenade and on into the Parte Vieja or Old Town, regarded as the historic and social heart of the city with its dense concentration of vibrant pintxo bars, narrow cobblestone streets and lively plazas. The evening can be spent on an enjoyable pintxos (small select bites of local delicacies) crawl through the cafes and taverns of the old town – an 'informal food tour'.

Day 2. Monte Urgull, San Telmo & Kontxa

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, there is more action for your walking shoes as you head up Monte Urgull, a historic 123-metre hill that overlooks La Concha Bay and the Old Town and features 12th-century military fortifications, La Mota Castle and a giant Sacred Heart statue at the summit. After coming down Monte Urgull, you can stop off and visit San Telmo Museoa, a museum of the Basque society which addresses old and contemporary Basque culture, arts and history in a European and global context. After a traditional lunch, its time to recharge the batteries with some beach-time either at La Concha Beach or Ondarreta Beach, which features the famous outdoor sculpture El Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind) at its western end. In the evening, dinner will be a food-tasting at The Basque Culinary Center with the dishes prepared by the Center's students being trained in local cuisine by a group of prominent Basque chefs.

Day 3. Monte Igueldo, Zurriola Beach & Departure

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, it's back up the hills, but this time taking the easier route with the historic wooden funicular up Monte Igueldo, a 181-metre hill, famous for its vintage Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo built in 1912 and its panoramic views of La Concha Bay. After a leisurely lunch, it's back to the beach for a short while, this time the destination is Zurriola Beach, San Sebastián's surf beach and, if you are game, a lesson in riding the surf. The evening will be spent sampling more of the local tapas delicacies.

Day 4. Gataria & Departure

After a buffet breakfast in the hotel, it is off on a trip outside of the city to Gataria, a charming medieval fishing village in the Gipuzkoa province of the Basque Country. Located 25 km west of San Sebastián, the village is famous for its grilled seafood and dramatic coastal geography shaped by the mouse-like Mount San Antón. Sights to see in and around Gataria include the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum - a modern museum honoring the world-renowned fashion designer who was born here in 1895 and the Juan Sebastián Elcano Monument - a tribute to the local sailor who was the first person to sail completely around the world. Lunch will be at one of the harbour-side restaurants which serve freshly caught fish grilled over open coals. On returning to San Sebastian, you will get a private transfer back to San Sebastian Airport for your onward travel.

Must see

ATTRACTIONS

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ACCOMMODATIONS

San Sebastian

★★★★★

Hotel Maria Cristina San Sebastian
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Villa Soro

★★★★

Barceló Costa Vasca
Hotel Niza San Sebastian
Silken Amara Plaza

★★★

Hotel Parma San Sebastian
Pensión Altair
Hotel Codina

Must try

FOOD

Gambas a la Plancha

Whole shrimps are seasoned with salt, then quickly grilled on an iron skillet over high heat; recommended to enjoy them simply with a few squeezes of lemon or lime juice on top, while black pepper is optional, according to personal preferences. Pair the shrimps with a cold drink.

Patatas bravas

A traditional tapas dish consisting of potato cubes drenched in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, garlic, chili powder and pimentón; this flavorful combination of ingredients is a staple at tapas bars, especially popular as a late-night snack; traditionally served with aioli sauce on top, but there is also a variety of other toppings that can be ordered with the snack, such as fried fish.

Gazta Tarta (Basque Cheesecake)

A simple yet incredibly creamy cheesecake; a simple combination of classic cheesecake ingredients such as sugar, heavy cream, eggs and cream cheese, but without a crust; instead, it is baked on a high temperature which leaves the outside firm and darker, while the centre remains gooey.

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