Private San Sebastian: Cider House Experience

Your guide picks you up from your hotel or another centrally located meeting point that you have agreed on ahead of your private San Sebastián tour.

A 15-minute taxi ride takes us to the spiritual home of Basque cider, a pretty hilltop town outside San Sebastián. Here, we visit one of the most traditional cider houses in the region.

Cider production has always been a very social affair; originally most farmhouses in the area would have made their own cider for personal consumption and to offer to friends and neighbours when they came over to visit. Over the years this tradition has become more and popular and as a result, increasingly commercialised.

Together we enjoy the authentic Basque experience of eating at long tables (the tradition of standing is entirely optional) alongside the locals. This a wonderful opportunity to get to know local people, sharing a cider with them, and finding out about each other’s lives. Your guide can help break down any language barriers (as will the cider…!).

The cider house menu changes with the seasons but typical dishes that are often served include chorizo cooked in cider, fried cod with onion and green peppers, chuleton (succulent T-bone steak), cod fish omelette, and idiazabal (a delicious local sheep’s cheese) served with quince jelly and walnuts. Is your tummy rumbling yet?!

But oh wait, there is more! To make a great lunch a truly memorable one that you’ll be talking about for years to come, cider is available directly from the barrel (known as a kupela) in true txotx style! It’s here that you learn how to pour cider straight from the barrel (a fabulous photo opportunity if ever there was one!) and you’re shown the correct way of drinking from your special cider glass.

As we savour our typically Basque lunch, your guide tells you more about the apple harvest, when it takes place, how the apples are gathered, and the traditional implements that are used to make cider.

After lunch, you’re able to see how cider making has evolved with a mini tour of the establishment. There is also an opportunity to visit the apple orchards, weather permitting, where you see the different apple varieties and learn a little about their horticulture.

If you are not ready for the fun to stop just yet, next door to the cider house you can find a disco, where you can have a cocktail, a coffee, or even a shot depending on what you fancy. If you like, your guide can introduce you to a delicious local liqueur which should help with the digestion of your meal as well as give you a warm buzz for the journey home!

After an unforgettable afternoon, your guide takes you back to your hotel (or another central location). But before you go, don’t forget to ask for tips on what else to see, do, and most importantly for our city, eat, in seductive San Sebastián! 

This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private San Sebastián experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers. 

Additional information

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, return taxi from your accommodation to the cider house, traditional Basque three-course meal, unlimited cider served straight from the barrel (wine is also available), and a shot of sloe-flavoured liqueur.

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs, and tips/gratuities for your guide.

Dress standard: Please wear anything you feel comfortable in. We recommend that you bring a jumper and/or a jacket because even in the summer months, the temperature in the cellar where the barrels are, is very cool.

Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We’ll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.

Additional Information: This private San Sebastián cider tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.

Closure of sites: In the unlikely event that our favourite cider house is closed, we take you to a similar one nearby.

Child Policy: Travellers under 18 years of age are not permitted to join this private tour of San Sebastián.

Dietary Notes

We are unable to cater for most special dietary requirements, due to the rustic nature of the food on offer. Please email us at [email protected] for more information.

Local contact

Office phone number: +34 639 267 948
Email address: [email protected]