San Sebastian isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its beaches and pintxos; it’s also an excellent base for full-day adventures that showcase the best of the Basque Country and beyond. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast eager to explore Rioja’s legendary vineyards, a culture lover wanting to trace medieval towns, or seeking scenic coastal drives along the French Basque coast, San Sebastian offers a variety of memorable options. We especially like the private Rioja wine tours for their personalized touch and the French Basque Coast excursions for their scenic beauty and cultural richness. These experiences turn a day in San Sebastian into something truly special—full of flavor, history, and stunning landscapes.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top six full-day tours that cover wine tasting, cultural exploration, and coastal sightseeing. Highlights include private Rioja wine experiences that visit historic wineries and gourmet lunches (Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja), intimate Rioja wine tastings with local winemakers (Full Day Tasting The Unknown Rioja Wine Region), and scenic French Basque Coast trips visiting Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, and Guethary (French Basque Coast private full-day tour). Plus, there are options for discovering Basque countryside, tasting La Rioja wines, and exploring coastal towns with insider knowledge and personalized service.
Now, let’s dive into each tour and what makes them stand out.
1. Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja
At number 1, this private Rioja wine tour offers a tailored experience that combines history, wine, and cuisine—perfect for those who prefer a more intimate, guided approach. The tour spans roughly 9 hours and includes visits to two wineries, where you’ll tour vineyards and participate in guided tastings. The highlight is a 5-course gourmet lunch paired with regional wines, elevating the tasting experience beyond just sipping.
What sets this tour apart is the personal touch: your guide will customize the day, engage you with the winemaking process, and share fascinating insights into Rioja’s rich heritage. The stops include the historic Barrio de la Estación in Haro, with its century-old wineries, and the medieval streets of Laguardia, a town with a wealth of architecture and history. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with reviews mentioning Ania’s historical commentary and Mikel’s passion for wine.
This tour is ideal if you want a memorable, luxurious experience that includes hotel pickup, a gourmet lunch, and visits to two top wineries. It’s perfect for wine lovers who crave exclusivity and depth of knowledge. The $558.48 price reflects a high level of personalized service, making it a great-value choice for a full day of tasting, learning, and relaxing amidst beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a private, in-depth Rioja experience with gourmet food and personal attention.
2. Full Day Tasting The Unknown Rioja Wine Region
At number 2, this private tour offers a more relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at Rioja’s smaller, less commercial wineries. For around $487.22, you get a 9-hour trip with a dedicated driver, eliminating any worries about navigation or driving. The tour includes visits to several wineries, such as Bodegas Gomez Cruzado, where you taste five different wines plus local olive oil—an authentic taste of the region.
This experience shines because of its personalized approach and the chance to meet winery owners and learn about their craft directly. The guide’s emphasis on meeting local winemakers and organizing tastings gives it an intimate feel. Guests rave about their guides, like Jon, describing him as personable and knowledgeable, and the ability to try multiple wines at each stop makes this a particularly rich tasting experience.
The tour is well-suited for those wanting to explore Rioja’s hidden gems without the crowds of larger groups. It also includes a local lunch, making it a balanced day of tasting and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers wanting to explore smaller wineries with a personal guide and a focus on authentic, quality wines.
3. French Basque Coast Private Full-Day Tour from San Sebastián
Number 3 offers a customized day trip along the French Basque coast, about 7 to 8 hours of exploring Biarritz, Bayonne, Guethary, and Saint Jean de Luz. The tour starts from San Sebastian and includes private transport, making it flexible for your interests. You’ll visit landmarks like the Hotel de Palais in Biarritz, stroll through the medieval streets of Bayonne, and take in the seaside charm of Saint Jean de Luz.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach—you can tailor the itinerary to focus on beaches, gastronomy, or cultural sites. The stops include the Côte des Basques, the Villa Beltza, and the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Guests have enjoyed walking the lively streets, discovering hidden cafes, and hearing fascinating stories about aristocratic summer holidays.
This option is perfect if you want a private, flexible exploration of the French Basque coast without the hassle of planning. The $356.05 cost makes it a reasonable way to see multiple coastal towns in one day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a customized, private day exploring the French Basque coast’s highlights and secret spots.
4. Full Day Private Basque French Countryside from San Sebastian
Number 4 takes you across the border into France for about 7 hours of exploring the Basque countryside with a talented photographer as your guide. The trip includes visits to Louhossoa and Espelette, known for its peppers hanging from colorful houses, and stops at artisan cookie shops, charming villages, and local farms.
What makes this tour unique is the emphasis on photography and authentic village life. Your guide will help you capture memories of the stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and local markets. Highlights include walking through Espelette, with its vibrant peppers, and experiencing local gastronomy with tastings of charcuterie, cheese, and cherry products.
This tour is perfect if you’re interested in culture combined with photography or want to see lesser-known villages. The price of $345.72 offers a good balance between personalized service and a full day of discovery.
Guests say their guides are caring, knowledgeable, and passionate, making the experience feel like a visit with friends. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic, and authentic taste of the French Basque countryside.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic village experience in the French Basque region.
5. Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in La Rioja with Lunch
Number 5 focuses heavily on wine, making it perfect for enthusiasts eager to enjoy La Rioja’s famous vineyards. The 9-hour tour includes visits to three wineries, where you’ll learn about each stage of winemaking—from harvest to aging—and taste wines that showcase the region’s versatility. The trip features a visit to the spectacular Marques de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry, which is as much a piece of art as a winery.
The tour also includes a traditional Rioja-style lunch at a local restaurant and a walk through the medieval town of Laguardia. Guests love Diego, their guide, for mixing expert knowledge with friendly conversation, describing the wineries as “passionate” and the experience as “insightful.” The price of $449.43 offers a comprehensive blend of tastings, cultural sights, and culinary delights.
This tour suits wine aficionados who want a deep dive into Rioja’s best producers and appreciate architecturally significant wineries. It is a great value considering the inclusion of multiple tastings and a gourmet lunch.
Bottom Line: Ideal for dedicated wine lovers wanting a well-rounded day of tastings, cultural exploration, and memorable architecture.
6. Full-day French Basque Coast Private Tour
Number 6 provides an 8-hour private exploration of the Atlantic Iparralde coast, including Biarritz, Guethary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Bayonne. This tour emphasizes scenic coastal views, with options for walking, sightseeing, and sampling local gastronomy. The tour starts from San Sebastian and offers the flexibility to customize stops based on your interests.
Highlights include walking along the Côte des Basques, visiting the Old Port of Biarritz, and exploring the historic streets of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where the marriage of Louis XIV took place. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you’ll discover hidden cafes and viewpoints not found in guidebooks.
The $393.32 price makes it accessible for travelers seeking a private, scenic day along the French coast. Reviewers note the guide’s punctuality, knowledge, and friendly demeanor, making the experience both educational and leisurely.
This tour is perfect for those who want to combine coastal vistas, cultural sights, and a touch of gastronomy with a flexible, private guide.
Bottom Line: Well suited for travelers interested in a scenic, personalized journey along the French Basque coast with a local touch.
How to Choose the Perfect Full-Day Tour in San Sebastian
Choosing the right day trip depends on your interests and travel style. If you’re a wine enthusiast craving a luxurious, private experience, the Rioja private tour (full-day private Rioja wine tour) offers personalized tastings and gourmet lunch. For those who want a deeper dive into La Rioja’s lesser-known wineries, the Tasting the Unknown Rioja is ideal, especially with its intimate winery visits.
If your focus is scenic coastal views and cultural highlights, the French Basque Coast tours (full-day coastal experience, French Coast private tour) offer flexible, private exploration with stops at charming towns, beaches, and historic sites.
For those interested in photography and authentic village life, the Basque French countryside tour (full-day countryside) provides a relaxed, picturesque day. Meanwhile, wine lovers seeking a full immersion in Rioja’s finest should consider the La Rioja wine tasting, which combines vineyard visits, tastings, and a memorable architect-designed winery.
When booking, consider your budget, preferred pace, and whether you want a private or small-group experience. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and tour.
San Sebastian’s full-day tours open up a world of flavor, history, and scenery just outside the city. Whether you’re a wine lover, coastal explorer, or cultural enthusiast, there’s a perfect day trip waiting. With options spanning private vineyard tastings, scenic coastal drives, and charming villages, you’ll find a tour that turns your visit into a truly memorable adventure.