San Sebastian isn’t just about pintxos and stunning beaches; it’s also a fantastic base for full-day excursions that reveal the diverse flavors and landscapes of the Basque Country. Whether you’re a wine lover, a history enthusiast, or someone craving the seaside charm of France’s Basque coast, San Sebastian offers a wealth of options. One tour that truly stands out is the private Rioja wine adventure, where you can sample some of Spain’s finest wines and enjoy gourmet cuisine in a personalized setting. This tour’s attention to detail and intimate vineyard visits make it a favorite among travelers seeking a premium experience. Plus, it includes hotel pickup and a 5-course lunch—hard to beat for value.
Another compelling choice is the private Lourdes pilgrimage, perfect for those interested in spiritual sites and French culture. Then there’s the immersive Full Day Tasting The Unknown Rioja Wine Region, which gets into the nitty-gritty of winemaking with visits to smaller, family-run wineries. For those who prefer scenic coastal drives and charming French villages, the French Basque Coast private full-day tour offers a flexible itinerary along the Atlantic shoreline. Finally, wine aficionados will appreciate the comprehensive Full Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in La Rioja with lunch, which combines visits to three different wineries with local cuisine.
Below, we’ll walk you through each of these top-rated full-day tours in detail—helping you choose the perfect adventure for your trip.
1. Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja
This full-day private Rioja wine tour from San Sebastian is a standout for its personalized approach. It’s perfect if you want to skip the big group experience and instead enjoy guided tastings at two different wineries. The tour also includes a vineyard tour where you’ll learn about Rioja’s traditional and modern winemaking techniques. A highlight is the 5-course gourmet lunch, perfectly paired with regional wines—an indulgent way to deepen your appreciation for Basque cuisine and wine.
What makes this tour special is the combination of vineyard visits with a tasting of extra virgin olive oil in Haro, a town famous for its historic wineries. The guide provides insights into Rioja wines and local products, making it a well-rounded experience. Reviewers praise the guide’s passion and knowledge, often calling it “great value” because it includes hotel pickup, lunch, and tastings—all in one seamless package.
This tour is best suited for wine lovers who appreciate privacy and personalized service, as well as those interested in regional food and culture. The only potential downside is the cost, but considering the private winery visits and gourmet meal, many find it well worth the price.
Bottom Line: A top choice if you want an intimate, educational, and delicious day in Rioja with all logistics taken care of.
2. From San Sebastian: Lourdes Private Full-Day Tour
For those interested in spiritual sites and French culture, the Lourdes private tour is a compelling option. Starting from San Sebastian, you’ll have a dedicated guide and driver to explore the Lourdes sanctuary, including the famous cave and Bernadette’s House. The tour offers enough time for attending mass, praying at the spring, and soaking in the atmosphere of this renowned pilgrimage site.
This experience is especially meaningful for travelers seeking a more reflective, quieter day. The guide’s detailed commentary enhances the visit, making complex religious and cultural history accessible. Reviews highlight the professionalism of guides like Daniel, Gorka, and Marc, who make the day smooth and memorable. The tour’s flexibility allows you to spend as much time as you wish at key points, which is a major advantage.
While this tour is less about physical activity and more about cultural and spiritual reflection, it offers a serene escape from the Basque coast’s hustle. The main consideration is the price, which is higher than some options, but the personalized service and access to the sanctuary make it worthwhile for those with a spiritual bent.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in religious history or seeking a peaceful day exploring a famous French pilgrimage site with private guidance.
3. Full Day Tasting The Unknown Rioja Wine Region
If you’re eager to go beyond the well-trodden wineries and get an inside look at Rioja’s lesser-known producers, this private tour delivers. Your guide arranges visits to several small wineries, where you’ll meet owners and learn how wines are crafted from harvest to bottle. The tour emphasizes personal connections and authenticity, with tastings at each stop of multiple wines—ranging from the classic to innovative styles.
The itinerary includes a local lunch organized by your guide, offering regional specialties that complement the wines. Notably, the tour includes a tasting of delicious extra virgin olive oil in Haro, adding a culinary dimension to the experience. Reviewers describe their guides as passionate and knowledgeable, making the day feel like hanging out with a friend who happens to be a wine expert.
This tour is perfect if you want to explore Rioja’s hidden gems and get a more personal experience than larger group tours offer. It’s suited for wine enthusiasts who enjoy learning about production techniques and tasting a variety of wines in an intimate setting. The main downside could be the cost, but many find the personalized experiences and small-group vibe worth it.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for wine connoisseurs wanting a deeper dive into Rioja’s boutique wineries with excellent personal attention.
4. French Basque Coast private full-day tour from San Sebastián
This private tour along the French Basque Coast is ideal if you want to explore Biarritz, Bayonne, Guethary, and Saint Jean de Luz in one day. The tour offers the flexibility to customize your route, making it perfect for travelers who want to focus on specific sights or hidden gems. You’ll begin in San Sebastian, then cross into France for a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast.
Highlights include a visit to Biarritz’s renowned beaches, the Villa Beltza, and the Chanel’s first workshop. In Bayonne, you can explore a historic cathedral and stroll through colorful streets. Saint Jean de Luz’s charming harbor completes the day, with options to visit local shops or enjoy fresh seafood. The private transportation ensures comfort and convenience, plus your guide can tailor the stops to your interests.
Reviews laud the local knowledge and flexibility of guides like John and Danny, who make the day personally meaningful. It’s especially well-suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, customized experience without the hassles of independent planning. The main consideration is the cost, but for a private day with an expert guide, it’s a good value.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a tailored, scenic day along the French coast with the convenience of private transport.
5. Full Day Private Basque French Countryside from San Sebastian
Discover the French Basque countryside on this private day trip, perfect for travelers wanting to see authentic villages and taste regional products. Starting from San Sebastian, your guide—who is also a talented photographer—takes you inland to Louhossoa and Espelette.
Espelette is famous for its pepper-hanging houses and lively local markets, where you can sample artisan cheese and charcuterie. The tour emphasizes local food and traditional architecture, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and soak in the scenery. The guide’s photography skills mean you’ll come away with memorable pictures of these picturesque towns.
Reviews mention guides like Jon and Danny as friendly and knowledgeable, making the day feel like exploring with a friend. It’s ideal for travelers interested in food, culture, and authentic village life. The tour runs approximately 7 hours, which is enough to see a handful of charming spots without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Great for food lovers and those wanting a personalized, relaxed exploration of the French Basque countryside.
6. Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in La Rioja with lunch
This comprehensive Rioja wine tour is perfect for those who want to experience the region’s top wineries and enjoy a full day of tasting and cultural exploration. Starting from San Sebastian, your guide takes you to three different wineries, including the iconic Bodegas Marques de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry, which is a sight in itself.
You’ll visit Bodegas y Vinedos Gomez Cruzado, where you taste five wines and local olive oil, and Bodegas Hermanos Pec—the latter offering a diverse look at Rioja’s styles. The tour culminates with a lunch at a local restaurant, featuring Rioja-style dishes like potatoes and lamb chops, paired with more regional wine. The day ends with a visit to Laguardia, a medieval town full of charm.
Reviewers appreciate the guides’ passion and the quality of the wineries visited, often remarking on the exceptional wines and the personal attention. This tour is excellent for travelers wanting to enjoy Rioja’s wine culture with a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and local food.
Bottom Line: A top-tier option for serious wine lovers seeking a full, immersive experience in Rioja’s most renowned wineries.
How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour in San Sebastian
When selecting the right full-day tour, consider your interests and travel style. For an intimate, gourmet experience, the private Rioja wine and food tour (see here) is hard to beat. If your focus is on spiritual sites and French culture, the Lourdes tour (more info) offers a meaningful day. For wine enthusiasts wanting an authentic tasting, the Unknown Rioja (here) and Rioja wine-tasting (click here) tours provide in-depth visits and tastings.
If scenic coastlines and charming villages appeal, the French Basque Coast (see details) offers a flexible, personalized day. Meanwhile, the French Basque countryside (more info) is ideal for food lovers eager to explore rural villages.
Think about your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer private guides or small-group experiences. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular wine tours or private excursions during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
San Sebastian’s full-day tours cover a wide range of interests—from wine and culinary adventures to cultural and scenic explorations of the French Basque coast. If you’re after a luxurious, personalized wine experience, the private Rioja tours are unbeatable. For a spiritual or cultural day, Lourdes offers a serene retreat. Travelers interested in hidden wineries or off-the-beaten-path villages will find the smaller, private Rioja or French countryside tours particularly rewarding.
No matter your choice, these tours promise memorable experiences that go far beyond the city’s pintxos bars. To ensure the best experience, consider your interests, budget, and travel pace, and remember to book early—these full-day adventures fill up quickly.
