Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What makes this San Sebastián pintxos tour different?

Accepted Answer

The Old Town has no shortage of pintxos tours. The difference here is the depth of the relationships. We've been working with the same vendors for nearly a decade, and it shows in how the evening runs. Your guide knows where to stand, what to order, and which table is yours.

Question 2

What exactly is a pintxo?

Accepted Answer

A pintxo (pronounced "peen-cho") is the Basque version of a tapa: small food served on bread, often held together with a skewer. Unlike tapas elsewhere in Spain, pintxos are typically ordered and paid for individually at the bar. We'll walk you through exactly how it works at the first stop.

Question 3

How much food and drink is included?

Accepted Answer

Eight or more tastings and four drinks across five stops, enough for a full dinner. The tour is designed to be a light meal for the evening.

Question 4

What will I eat and drink?

Accepted Answer

A typical evening includes mussels or chistorra with cider, Ibérico ham or local cheese at the delicatessen, the Gilda with anchovies and txakoli, duck or a seasonal pintxo with Rioja Alavesa, and burnt Basque cheesecake with Pedro Ximénez sherry. Some dishes change with the season.

Question 5

What drinks are included?

Accepted Answer

Cider, txakoli, Rioja Alavesa, and Pedro Ximénez sherry. Non-alcoholic alternatives are available. Let us know when you book.

Question 6

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Accepted Answer

We can adapt the tour for vegetarians, pescatarians, pregnant guests, gluten-free diets, allergies, and non-alcoholic drink preferences. Just let us know when you book.

We're not able to fully accommodate vegans, kosher diet, a combination of multiple alergies or guests with celiac disease due to the risk of cross-contamination at these bars. If you have questions about fit, get in touch and we'll help find the right option.

Question 7

Is this tour suitable for someone who already knows San Sebastian well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's designed with that guest in mind. Guests who already have Michelin reservations booked consistently say this tour gives them a different kind of understanding, one that a restaurant alone can't provide.

Question 8

How much walking is involved?

Accepted Answer

The tour covers the Old Town on foot over three hours. The distances are short and most of the time is spent standing inside bars. Wear shoes you feel comfortable in.

Question 9

Is this tour suitable for guests with mobility requirements?

Accepted Answer

We'd love to welcome as many guests as possible. The tour involves standing inside busy bars and walking on cobblestoned streets, which can be challenging for guests with mobility limitations. Get in touch before booking and we'll advise.

Question 10

Is this tour suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

This tour is designed for adults. The bars are busy and narrow, and a significant amount of alcohol is served throughout the evening. For families with younger children, get in touch and we can point you toward a better fit.

Question 11

Why is the group size capped at 9?

Accepted Answer

Most operators run this tour with groups of 10 to 12. We cap at 9 per guide. Small enough that the evening stays intimate, your guide can be heard clearly inside a packed bar, and the vendors can look after you properly.

Question 12

Does the itinerary ever change?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally. The Old Town's bars are living, working places and sometimes a stop needs to shift. We always guarantee the same number of tastings and drinks and the same quality of experience.

San Sebastian ultimate pintxos tour

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What to expect

The first bar: no frills, all flavor

The charcuterie shop: cured ham and the Basque pantry

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