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About San Sebastian

Former summer residence of the Spanish royal family, San Sebastián has grown from a fishing village to a sophisticated small city with a taste for first-class food. San Sebastian cruises bring you into the birthplace of Basque cuisine. The city is boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants per metre than any other place in the world. Before dinner, why not visit the Alderdi Eder Gardens or wander along the La Concha beach promenade?

Alternatively, take a stroll through the old town to explore the art nouveau buildings, historical monuments, museums and galleries, superb shopping; and attractions, including the aquarium. Just leave enough time to sample the city's famous and delicious pintxos - a tapas-like snack.

 

Shore excursions in San Sebastian

Please note: The shore excursions listed are typical for this port. The full programme of shore excursions available for your cruise will be displayed on Cruise Personaliser at least 12 weeks prior to departure.

Coastal Villages

Activity mediumRefreshments includedShopping

Duration: 4½ hours

Combine the pretty fishing village of Getaria with the charming coastal town of Zarauz.

Sit back and relax on board your coach as a panoramic drive takes you through the city of San Sebastian, before heading towards Getaria, a pretty fishing village, located in the province of Gipuzkoa. It is also the birthplace of the Spanish navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano, who circumnavigated the world on the Magellan’s Expedition.

During a leisurely, guided walking tour of Getaria, you’ll pass the monument of Juan Sebastián Elcano which stands proudly at the entrance of the town. You’ll also see the 15th century Church of San Salvador, considered a jewel of Gothic art, before enjoying some free time.

Afterwards, head to the coastal village of Zarauz, famous for having the longest and one of the most impressive beachfronts in the Basque country. Here, you’ll enjoy delicious refreshments at a local restaurant, which also offers wonderful vistas over the coast and town.

Complete your tour with some free time in Zarauz. Perhaps soak up the ambiance during a stroll along the promenade to enjoy the views of the beach and the sculptures on display, or browse the shops along the waterfront.

Essential information

This tour will operate by coach and on foot and involves approximately 1¼ hours of walking, some of which is over cobblestones and uneven ground. Passengers can however, opt out of the guided walk at Getaria and have extra free time if they prefer. There are a few steps to negotiate at the refreshment venue.

Leisurely San Sebastian Views

Activity lowRefreshments included

Duration: 2¾ hours

Relax on this leisurely panoramic drive through the city of San Sebastian, enjoy views over the bay and sample Spanish tapas.

Winding your way through the city, your guide will point out the main highlights of San Sebastian. Sights include the Kursaal Congress Palace, Zurriola Bridge, City Hall and Gardens of Alderdi-Eder and the oyster-shaped bay of La Concha.

Continuing through the city you’ll arrive at the Miramar Palace where you’ll have some free time to explore the exterior of the Palace and its Gardens at your own pace.

This beautiful ‘English Cottage’ style building was inaugurated in 1983 and used as a summer residence by the Queen María Cristina. Nestled between La Concha and Ondarreta Beaches gives it a privileged vantage point with wonderful views of the city and the bay.

Before returning to the quayside, your coach will climb to Mount Igueldo, one of the highest points of the city. Sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or glass of orange juice accompanied with some typical Basque tapas, whilst enjoying magnificent views over the city and the bay.

During your drive back to ship, you’ll pass the Cathedral of “El Buen Pastor”, which presides over the city centre in its neo-Gothic style.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot and involves minimal walking, however please note that the ground at Miramar Palace is uneven with some slight inclines. There are a few steps at the rear of the gardens.

Old Quarter and Tapas

Activity highRefreshments includedShopping

Duration: 3 hours

Accompany your guide on a walking tour to explore many of the city’s most popular sights and sample some traditional tapas.

After a short coach ride, you’ll arrive at the Kursaal Congress Palace and Auditorium where you will join your guide on a walking tour to view some of the most popular places and monuments in San Sebastian.

Take a leisurely walk along the Urumea River to the Cathedral of ‘El Buen Pastor’. Continue to the La Concha seafront, City Hall, and the Gardens of Alderdi-Eder and absorb the local atmosphere.

On your stroll around the Old Quarter, you will see some other fascinating sights such as Santa María del Coro Church, Constitution Square, and San Vicente Church, considered to be the top 3 must-see sights of the city.

At the end of your walking tour, a well deserved stop will be made at one of the most popular restaurants in San Sebastian, where you can sample a selection of typical Basque “pintxos” or tapas.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot and involves approximately 1¾ hours of walking, which includes some uneven ground. There are around 10 steps to negotiate throughout the tour. Flat, non-slip walking shoes are essential.

San Sebastián and Hondarribia

Activity highRefreshments includedShopping

Duration: 5 hours

Discover the delightful town of Hondarribia, before embarking on a walking tour of the coastal city of San Sebastián.

The charming town of Hondarribia is divided into 2 parts. The upper town is the Medieval district and is scattered with small alleyways containing old houses with carved eaves and stunning balconies, whereas the lower section is the lively fishermen's quarter. Join your knowledgeable guide for a leisurely walk around the upper town, followed by a stop at the exclusive 10th century Parador of Hondarribia Hotel for refreshments of tea, coffee and pastries.

Upon your return to the lovely coastal city of San Sebastián, embark on a guided walking tour along the Urumea River to the modern part of the city. Here you’ll see several buildings of vast architectural and historical interest, including the Victoria Eugenie Theatre which was inaugurated in 1912, the Cathedral of El Buen Pastor and the majestic Town Hall with its classic design.

Astonishingly, the city has been burnt to the ground 12 times throughout its history. However, one street that survived the fire of 1813 still contains some of the oldest buildings in the city, including the Church of San Vicente. Enjoy some free time to explore the Old Quarter before taking the return journey to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot and involves approximately 2½ hours of walking, including some uneven ground. Flat, non-slip walking shoes are essential.

View all shore excursions

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