Local Experts Tours — Local services in San Sebastián

I undertook 3 Local Expert tours whilst in San Sebastián all booked and highly recommended by my travel consultant and now comment on the three guides. Fabian, Javier and Iker. (Each in my book warrants a 5 star rating)

Fabian was my San Sebastián Pinxtos tour guide. He was extremely engaging and knowledgeable about San Sebastián history/region (not just the food and drink aspect). He took our small group to 5 venues for the most amazing Pinxtos and wine/cider tasting all from the local region. He explained in detail everything about what we ate and drank. He was also super sensitive to any dietary requirements. I felt very much part of the culture and had a truly wonderful evening. Totally recommend Fabian for this delightful gastronomic tour.

Javier was my guide for the two wine cellars visit and tasting in La Rioja. Javier is extremely knowledgeable about this region and wine making. The two vineyards we visited were very different but each was fascinating. I learnt so much about wine making, the culture, traditions and Javier was well able to answer any additional queries we had after we had left the wineries. As a San Sebastián born and bred resident he could impart much knowledge of the region in addition to his amazing knowledge of the wines and wine making processes. The tastings in both wineries were both delicious and generous and were accompanied by local cold meats, cheese and bread. We were even treated to a most delicious lunch after our wine tours had finished. Absolutely recommend Javier as a tour guide.

Iker was my amazing guide for the Bilbao and San Juan de Gaztelugatze tour. He is born and bred in San Sebastián and is passionate about his role as a guide. He loves sharing his knowledge of the region and could answer any questions our small group had. He knows so much and readily shares knowledge with his clients. He was extremely considerate due to the very hot day, and we managed to see all that was promised and even more whilst wandering around Bilbao. Iker’s suggestions for lunch taking into account any special requests were delicious. Iker was great - he had a very pleasant and friendly personality always adding interesting anecdotes as we travelled. This was a really fun and interesting tour brought to life by Iker. We concluded with a tour of the Gugenheim museum. Highly recommend this day tour and absolutely recommend Iker as...

Our Rioja wine tasting tour with Alby and Diego was one of the highlights of our trip to Spain. From the start, both guides made us feel completely at ease—like we were spending the day with friends or family rather than on a tour. That warmth and hospitality set the tone for an experience that was not only educational but also deeply personal and fun.

Alby’s knowledge of Rioja is extraordinary. He shared the history of the region, explained the nuances of the grape varieties and terroir, and connected it all to the culture and people of Rioja in a way that was engaging and easy to understand. His passion is infectious, and it made every stop feel meaningful.

Diego, though new and in training, was equally impressive. His energy, fresh perspective, and thoughtful contributions made the experience richer. Watching the dynamic between the two of them was a joy—they clearly enjoy what they do, and it showed in every detail.

The wineries chosen were excellent and gave us a chance to see the diversity of Rioja—from traditional family-run producers to more modern approaches. Tasting outstanding wines against the backdrop of rolling vineyards was magical, but what made it truly special was the way Alby and Diego tied each glass to the broader story of the region. It never felt like “just another tasting”; instead, it felt like we were connecting with the essence of Rioja.

What stood out most, however, was how comfortable and cared for we felt. The personal attention, thoughtful pacing, and genuine interest in making the day enjoyable made this tour unforgettable. By the end, we felt like we had not only discovered Rioja’s wines but also gained two new friends.

If you are considering a wine tour from San Sebastián, this is the one. Exceptional knowledge, outstanding wines, and above all, a truly warm and welcoming experience. Highly...

We were anxious about the start time of our tour since we found out belatedly that our cruise ship was staying on ship's time (UK) which was an hour later than Spain time. We communicated this to the tour operator who agreed to wait another hour for us. We met our tour guide Javier at the agreed spot. He picked us up in a shiny black Mercedes. We were 7 - our family of 4 (two seniors, one adult, and an 8-year-old) and a young couple with a 20-month-old. Javier was unsure that all of us would make it on the strenuous hike up to the church in Gaztelugatxe. Well, we all did it! He made sure to keep tabs on the slowest of us (me) and that we were all doing all right. The hike is on uneven terrain and uphill. It is not for the faint of heart. We watched seemingly able-bodied people turn around and quit! Javier was proud that our entire group made it. He said 50% of visitors quit before finishing! (The 20-month-old rode on his mom's back in a baby carrier.) The visits to the other two areas were much less strenuous but also interesting. I especially liked seeing the bomb shelter simulation in Gernika and learning about its history during WW2. Javier was an amazing guide, and we had a great time....