Five Pintxos Against Five Spanish Wines

Three hours with an English-speaking guide, five pintxos, and five Spanish wines chosen to sit against them rather than poured at random.

That pairing is the structure. A pintxo is a small, intense mouthful, often fried or salted or both, and the wine has to cut through it rather than compete: which is why the Basque default is txakoli, sharp and barely sparkling, and why a Rioja works with the meat courses and nothing else on the counter.

The walking takes in the Plaza de la Constitución, the main square of the Old Town, ringed with arcades and with numbers still painted on the balconies from when it was used as a bullring, and the Basílica de Santa María del Coro at the top of Calle 31 de Agosto, whose Baroque facade closes the street like a stage set.

Along the way the guide covers the city's history and the customs around eating, which in San Sebastián are specific enough to be worth learning before you try it alone.

Water and soft drinks are available alongside. Hotel meet-up is included from centrally located hotels.

Up to ten guests, guided in English or Spanish, children with an adult. Tell them about dietary requirements at booking. Note that the operator needs at least four bookings for a departure to run, and will offer an alternative date or a full refund if that is not met.