City Tour San Sebastian
San Sebastian is a small town located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, just 20 Km from the French-Spanish border. Its positioned between the sea and the Pyrenees. Historically it has been a place of passage for many European trends. It has a Bay, called “La Bahia de La Concha” which has always served as a natural port since the Kingdom of Navarra used it during the Middle Ages.
Afterwards the city and its port passed onto the Kingdom of Castilla after numerous wars with Navarra. As the centuries passed the town lost its importance as a commercial port in favour of the city of Bilbao, which was one of the most treasured ports in the Iberian Peninsula thanks to its commerce with The Americas and its growing metallurgical industry. At the end of the 19th century San Sebastian grows as a tourist town, Casinos are built (The building that currently houses Town Hall”) and Spas emerge.
The Queen Regent of Spain “Maria Cristina of Hasburg” becomes an ambassador for the town and helps extend its fame across the European aristocracy. During The First World War San Sebastian becomes one of the most cosmopolitan towns in Europe, many great historical figures came to the casinos like Maruce Ravel, Mata Hari and Leon Trotsky as well as famous bankers of the time. It is what was later called “La Belle Epoque” of the town. During the Franco Dictatorship, Francisco Franco establishes San Sebastian as his summer residence, promoting it as a tourist town for the aristocracy and the upper class of the time. Today San Sebastian is famously world renowned for its gastronomy.
San Sebastian City Tour (On foot and by car).
We´ll begin with a breathtaking view from Mount Igueldo, the best place to appreciate San Sebastian´snatural beauty. Appreciate the rugged coast as we descend to the Peine del Viento, a sculpture by local artist Eduardo Chillida, which has become a symbol for the city since its installation in 1976. It’s located at the very edge of the city, where the wind and waves display their raw power.
Parte Vieja (old town)
We continue through the Old City and Mount Urgull, where we finish our visit. Here you can appreciate San Sebastian’s historic buildings and the remaining fortifications from the Napoleonic Wars – San Sebastian was a critical battleground during the war for independence from the French occupiers, and our tour transports you through time to this turning point in European history.
We will commence our visit enjoying a view of San Sebastian from Mount Igeldo. From there we will go down and by car travel to “El Piene de Los Vientos”, an emblematic sculpture located on the rocks close to Ondarreta Beach. Next, our tour will take us to the other side of La Concha Bay, the Old Part of Town and Mount Urgul. There we will get to know some history of the city.
Made to order
Don´t hesitate to contact us with questions or suggestions. Remember that this is a private tour and we will customize it according to your needs.
Tour description
Details:
- Start time: 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM
- Duration: 4 hours
- The tour start and finish in your hotel.
Highlights:
- A stunning view from Mount Igeldo
- Chillida’s Sculpture “El Piene de Los Vientos” were the sea clashes with coast
- La Concha Bay
- Old Part of Town
- Mount Urgul
Tour inclusions:
- Local guide
- Transportation costs
Cancelation Policy: The client must cancel their reservation 15 days in advance for a full refund.
