From Bilbao: San Sebastian and Basque Cheese Farm Tour

The vibrant Basque Country offers a rich cultural tapestry and captivating culinary journey. Discover the heart of this region on the "From Bilbao: San Sebastian and Basque Cheese Farm Tour." Enjoy the traditional cheese-making process, savor local flavors, and explore the picturesque city of San Sebastian. This 7-hour experience promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Basque’s renowned gastronomic heritage and the breathtaking landscapes that shape it.

Key Points

• 7-hour tour from Bilbao to San Sebastian and a local Basque cheese farm, priced at $200.97 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Interactive experience at the Idiazabal cheese farm, including a guided visit, cheese tasting, and learning about the Basque cheese-making process.
• Exploration of the picturesque city of San Sebastian with a knowledgeable guide, providing opportunities to discover the city’s rich history and notable landmarks.
• Immersive cultural experience highlighting the significance of sheep grazing and traditional methods in the production of the renowned Idiazabal cheese.
• Tour limited to 7 participants and available in both English and Spanish, providing a personalized and enriching experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour departs from Bilbao and takes visitors on a journey to explore the enchanting San Sebastian and discover the secrets of Basque cheese-making.

Priced at $200.97 per person, the 7-hour tour is limited to 7 participants and available in English and Spanish.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes a guided visit to a family-owned Idiazabal cheese farm, a tasting of the local cheese paired with wine or cider, and a walking tour of San Sebastian’s hidden gems.

Cheese Farm Experience

On the tour, visitors embark on an interactive experience led by a local shepherd at a family-owned Idiazabal cheese farm.

They learn about the Basque cheese-making process and the significance of sheep grazing in the region’s valleys for cheese production.

Visitors have the opportunity to taste the Idiazabal cheese, a firm, slightly smoky variety, paired with local wine or cider in a traditional Basque txoko lounge.

Visitors can taste the firm, slightly smoky Idiazabal cheese paired with local wine or cider in a traditional Basque txoko lounge.

This intimate setting allows guests to fully enjoy the rich culture and traditions surrounding the production of this artisanal cheese.

Basque Cheese-Making Process

A centuries-old tradition, the Basque cheese-making process begins with the carefully selected grazing of sheep in the region’s lush valleys.

The milk from these well-fed sheep is expertly crafted into the renowned Idiazabal cheese. Using traditional methods, the cheese is meticulously smoked, aged, and prepared for tasting.

Visitors learn about the unique production techniques that give Idiazabal its distinctive flavor and texture. The interactive tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to witness the dedication and passion of local shepherds who carry on this time-honored artisanal tradition.

Idiazabal Cheese Farm Visit

After touring the city of San Sebastian, visitors head to a family-owned Idiazabal cheese farm tucked away in the Basque countryside.

During the interactive farm tour, guests:

• Learn about the traditional Basque cheese-making process from a local shepherd

• Visit the aging cellars and observe the artisanal production of Idiazabal cheese

• Taste the firm, smoky Idiazabal cheese paired with local wine or cider in a cozy, traditional Basque txoko lounge

• Gain an appreciation for the significance of sheep grazing in the Basque valleys for the region’s cheese production.

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Basque Txoko Lounge Tasting

Visitors then move to the cozy, traditional Basque txoko lounge on the cheese farm. Here, they’ll taste the handcrafted Idiazabal cheese, a PDO-protected sheep’s milk variety, paired with local wine or cider.

The local shepherd guides them through the flavors, textures, and significance of Idiazabal in Basque culture. Guests learn how the cheese’s distinctive taste is influenced by the sheep’s grazing in the lush Basque valleys.

They savor the rich, nutty notes while immersed in the convivial atmosphere of the txoko, a private gastronomic society integral to Basque identity.

Importance of Sheep Grazing

As the tour progresses, visitors learn how the sheep’s grazing in the lush Basque valleys is integral to the production of Idiazabal cheese.

The tour guides explain:

• Sheep’s grazing on native grasses and herbs lends a distinct flavor to the milk, which is then used to make the Idiazabal cheese.

• The sheep’s movement across the hillsides helps maintain the biodiversity of the landscape, ensuring the continued availability of high-quality forage.

• Herding practices passed down for generations are crucial for managing the sheep and optimizing the cheese production process.

• The symbiotic relationship between the sheep, the land, and the cheesemakers is the foundation of this artisanal industry.

San Sebastian Exploration

After the immersive cheese farm experience, the tour transitions to exploring the picturesque city of San Sebastian.

Participants embark on a walking tour, discovering the city’s rich history and notable figures. The guide leads them through hidden spots known only to locals, offering insider knowledge and opportunities for photography at iconic locations like Monte Igueldo and the Comb Of The Wind sculpture by Eduardo Chillida.

This city exploration complements the earlier Basque cheese experience, providing a well-rounded understanding of the region’s culture, traditions, and natural wonders.

Tour Inclusions and Meeting Point

Included in the tour price are a knowledgeable guide, entrance to the cheese farm, a tasting of the renowned Idiazabal cheese paired with local wine or cider, and a pintxo (Basque-style appetizer) and drink in San Sebastian.

The tour begins with pickup in a modern van in front of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, with check-in times available to suit your schedule. The tour is limited to 7 participants and offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.

• Gratuities are included

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

• Reserve now and pay later option available

• Group size limited to 7 participants

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, the tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes a cheese tasting, a pintxo, and drinks, so all refreshments are provided as part of the package.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour does not offer customization options. It follows a set itinerary that includes a cheese farm visit, Basque cheese tasting, and a walking tour of San Sebastian. Customers can’t bring their own food or drinks on the tour.

How Accessible Is the Cheese Farm for Individuals With Disabilities?

The cheese farm tour offers limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While the guide provides assistance, the farm’s uneven terrain and tight spaces may pose challenges. Those with mobility issues should consult the tour operator for accommodation options.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions or requirements. It’s suitable for all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour operator welcomes families and can accommodate different needs with prior notice.

Can I Extend My Stay in San Sebastian After the Tour Ends?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in San Sebastian after the tour ends. The tour includes transportation back to Bilbao, but participants are free to remain in San Sebastian and explore the city further on their own.

The Sum Up

This Basque Country tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors will gain an insider’s perspective on traditional cheese-making, followed by a guided exploration of the picturesque city of San Sebastian. With a focus on authentic cultural experiences, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Basque Country.

You can check availability for your dates here: