A Trip to San Sebastian, Spain: A Crowd Source Project

We’re embarrassed to admit that after 6 years of living in Spain, we have yet to visit one of the most important culinary treasures in the Spanish Crown, San Sebastian. Exalted around the world, and spoken fondly of by every traveler we know, we are proud to say that we will finally be there for a short visit at the end of September. However, we need to know what to do, what to see, where to visit, and what to taste? So we are asking all of you, our loyal readers and fellow “virtual travelers”, to share your suggestions with us. If we have one long day/night, or if we get lucky, 2 days to explore, we’re looking for the following:

Best Walking tours/routes
Places to Stay (affordable): Any secret hotels/b&b’s that are off the beaten track or worth seeking out?
Tapas: What have you enjoyed? What can we not miss?
Culture: Museums? Barrios? Food Markets?
Nature: Gardens? Secret Terraces? Hideaway Beaches?

We’re fully aware that we’re trying to cram a lot into a very short time slot, but such is life. Please, leave your ideas in the comments below, and we’ll collate the best ones to create our ideal mini trip. We’ll also make sure to give you credit in the articles that we write after our weekend in San Sebastian! And if you happen to be in San Sebastian the 29th and 30th of September, let us know, we can go crawling together!

Thanks for the help!!!

Ryan and Gabriella Opaz

Photo Credit: Joanjoc

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Google Rating

5.0

Catavino Tours

5.0

Anna Gunn

11:46 19 Sep 17

This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class. Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine. The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino! We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired. Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all! Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.

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Alyssa Danielle

2019-07-16T20:41:46+0000

The cooking class was incredible! We took the class in Lisbon, Portugal. Our chefs were friendly, warm, and made the experience unforgettable. Aside from cooking amazing food, we were part of the entire process, from picking out the fresh ingredients in the market to cooking the meal, and then getting to enjoy the cooked meal with the chefs out on the balcony. It was an overall wonderful experience. Thank you for giving us this experience. I highly recommend this to anyone who visits Lisbon.

Paula Calheiros

2019-06-20T13:12:31+0000

As a local, exploring my own city - Porto - through the eyes and tastes of others is always a challenging experience, and I had a great experience with Catavino - learning a lot of hidden facts and stories about our portuguese daily pleasures (tea, coffee, beer, wine...). 3 pleasant hours that pass without noticing, ending at the beautiful Wine Shop - The Lab, where Ryan, the owner, welcomes you with a smile and an assumed love for Portugal. I could only raise my glass and say Cheers to all these beautiful moments. Thank you Catavino.

Caterina TheFox Segantini

2019-06-17T12:23:41+0000

Ryan and Will are amazing! You can learn a lot about Porto and in a different way with The History of Portugal in 5 Glasses tour. Fantastic, approved by an italian! ;)

Paulo Prata

2019-06-17T12:14:28+0000

Had a great experience in the walking tour, and as a Portuguese I learned a lot of things about the history and the origin of some of the things we normally take for granted in this beautiful country of ours. Thank you Catavino.

Lisa Marie Schulte

2019-02-27T00:21:26+0000

You have to check this out!!

Patti Berg Judalena

2018-10-20T17:37:01+0000

Recently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. Ryan and his team of angels of Catavino created an absolute exceptional itinerary for our group of 10 from Minnesota. From our first winery visit to grape stomping to our splendid view from our hotel in the Douro Valley, the Catavino team left no details behind. We were treated like esteemed guests everywhere we went and even treated like family is more like it! I'm going through withdrawal and plan to go back with the whole family in the near future. One of our guests summed it up like this during one of our lunches, "Patti, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. Just when I think I had the best day ever, the next day is even better!" I highly recommend anyone, whether it's the two of you or a group, to look no further than Ryan and Catavino who will customize and personalize an itinerary that will surprise and delight you beyond your wildest dreams. Amen

Jim O'Malley

2018-09-30T23:05:14+0000

This was our second trip to Portugal. Catavino tweaked the itinerary to complement what we had done before. We would go back again! The personal treatment we received from winery owners, restaurant owners, shop keepers was like no other trip we have ever taken. 5 stars- Catavino knows Portugal's wine country like no other!

Kim O'Malley

2018-09-30T19:39:16+0000

A week like no other. Catavino designed an amazing tour for our private group. Ryan Opaz's personal relationship with so many in the wine/food industry allows for intimate experiences everywhere we went, unlike anything we have experienced before. Lisbon, the Duoro, Porto...all were fascinating. Catavino can design trips of any length and scope to suit your criteria. Obrigada!

George L. Leonard

2018-06-09T18:06:54+0000

Catavino is Ryan Opaz. But Ryan Opaz is not all of Catavino. There is a team behind the scenes. He is a Renaissance man with a great knowledge of food, wine and culture. We enjoyed three days with Ryan as he guided us through the Douro Valley and the ancient town of Porto. Although Ryan has a huge database of facts in his brain, he is also a treasure house of stories. You will discover the “real” Douro and Porto, not the tourist version. Ryan is always greeted like an old friend everywhere you go because he has a vast network of relationships. You will not get a stock tour: you will get an experience tailored to your interests and tastes. Ryan will take you to places you cannot enter as a tourist on your own. The guides in the Quintas and Port Houses learn from Ryan, not the other way around. American? Yes. Portuguese? Yes. Ryan lives in both cultures but is completely a “native” son of Portugal. Recommended for the wine enthusiast and professional, and for small groups. You must get to know Catavino.

Ольга Шелег

2017-12-20T14:00:18+0000

David Mulally

2016-08-22T06:42:40+0000

I can only second the comments written here. Catavino is highly professional and will stop at nothing to give you an incredible, unforgettable time. All the biggest highlights from my recent trip to Portugal and Spain were made possible by Catavino. I know how much work goes into it- thank you so much Ryan and team. I'd trust you with my holidays any time.

Marcie Schultz Eilers

2016-08-10T00:08:20+0000

We were part of the 2016 Harvest Tour and had the experience of a lifetime! The Douro Valley is breathtakingly beautiful and our guides were wonderful. Ryan and Gabriella must have called in all of their personal favors because we met and drank wine with many winemakers, a wine shop owner and tasted '72 port which Oscar Quevedo's grandfather had made. Doesn't get any more special than that! Of course, gourmet food at every meal as well. We'll be back!!

Miriam van Nie

2016-08-07T14:19:35+0000

When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & offered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.

Heiðrún Schnoes

2016-07-28T13:49:47+0000

Thank you for an amazing and unforgettable week!! Great itinerary, great tour guides - fun, original and unique experiences every day!

Louis Marmon

2016-07-11T20:26:42+0000

No enough words, even for a wordsmith like me, to say how wonderful it was spending time with Gabriella and Ryan. Our tour with Ryan as our guide to the Douro Valley was spectacular. Excellent wines, wonderful views, terrific people and a delightful lunch topped off with a lovely boat ride. Highly recommended!!