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What You’ll Love About Your Week in San Sebastián
“You could make the argument that there is no better place to eat in Europe than the city of San Sebastián. There are more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita here than anywhere on Earth, but even the everyday joints are superb. The love of food, the insistence on the very best ingredients, is fundamental to the culture and to life here.”
—Anthony Bourdain
We couldn’t say it any better than Anthony Bourdain, only to add that the city itself, and the surrounding seaside and countryside are beautiful, and full of interesting cultural and culinary experiences that you can’t help love. We’ll be staying in one truly gorgeous, elegant and comfortable hotel, and you’ll be able to venture out, experiencing the charms of San Sebastian. Lastly, the people in the group are an added benefit – new friends, new people to learn from, and to just enjoy!
Registered Dietitians may be eligible to earn continuing education credits pending review and approval from CDR.
Questions? Please read our Travel FAQ here. Call us at (617) 896-4875, or email us at Travel@OldwaysPT.org
Day-by-Day
Sunday, March 23Check in to the beautiful Maria Cristiana Hotel and get settled, then join us for a welcome session and cooking exhibition and dinner at Mimo, in the Maria Cristina Hotel.  |
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Monday, March 24Get oriented on our walking food and culture tour of San Sebastian. Take the afternoon at your leisure before dinner at one of San Sebastian’s wonderful restaurants. 
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Tuesday, March 25Today is Rioja Day! We’ll travel south to visit an esteemed producer. We’ll have a traditional lunch in the town of Haro, the center of Rioja. After a long day on the road, you’ll be free tonight to explore San Sebastian’s dining scene on your own.  |
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Wednesday, March 26Today we travel to Navarra to visit a small, traditional cheese producer. Following our tour and tasting, the family will host us at their home for a lunch of the region’s specialties including an extra special dessert using sheep’s milk. Upon returning to San Sebastian, you’ll have some free time to explore the city before we meet for a spectacular guided pintxos tour. 
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Thursday, March 27We’ll learn about Txakolina, the delightfully drinkable wine of Basque Country. After our tasting, we will hop down to the coastal town of Getaria where we will enjoy a lunch of grilled fish. In the evening, we’ll meet for a late night cocktail excursion.  |
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Friday, March 28We couldn’t go to Basque Country with a visit to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry. You’ll have plenty of time at the Museum, including a lunch at the delightful café at the Museum. 
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Saturday, March 29You’ll have options for this day! Starting in Pasaia to learn about Basque shipping, or travel to a local sidra producer to learn about and taste artisanal Basque cider or visit the Chillida Leku museum. We’ll conclude the day and our week together with a fabulous final dinner in San Sebastian.  |
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Sunday, March 30Adiós, hasta pronto! 
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See The Luxury Accommodation
Luxury is the word. The Maria Cristina in San Sebastian is called by the grand dame of the Basque Country, and according to Fodors, the Maria Cristina still reigns supreme as the favorite accommodation of celebrities, royalty, and the see-and-be-seen since its inception in 1912, when the Queen Regent herself became the first person to walk through its doors. This spectacular Bella Époque palace is ultra-luxury incarnate, with all the services and expectations that come with it.
Flights
There are three airport options for flying to the San Sebastian Culinaria, depending upon the airline you choose. The San Sebastian (EAS) is small and just 20 km away, is the closest to the city of San Sebastian, and is a good option if you are flying on Iberia, American or British Airways. The airport in Biarritz (BIQ) is also small, about 50 km away, and offers connections to other European countries such as England, France or Germany. Bilbao (BIO) is a larger airport, 100 km away from the city, and 23 airlines fly in and out Bilbao.
Pricing and Tour Registration
Please download and complete the registration form below, which includes instructions for how to submit the form and deposit to Oldways
Price per person from $5,150 per person
If this trip must be cancelled due to Covid-19, refunds will be issued.
Prices are based on rates of exchange, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and changes, and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.
Insurance
Medical Insurance
Oldways has procured medical and evacuation insurance for all Culinaria participants while traveling on one of our Culinarias with an Accident & Health policy from The Hartford. Additionally, Hartford partners with International Medical Group (IMG), a leading global assistance provider, to give us 24/7 access to medical and travel assistance services anywhere in the world. The policy also gives you as a Culinaria participant insurance for medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation. Since 1990, IMG has offered travel assistance services and a global network of medical providers to millions of people in nearly every country around the world. Working across time zones and in different languages, IMG’s commitment to “Being There” provides end-to-end coordinated care – so you can feel secure while traveling. Please let us know if you need more information about the medical insurance.
Travel Insurance
While we cannot offer travel insurance for the cost of the trip or your air travel, here are three widely used travel insurance companies: