Donostia / San Sebastián in 1 Day for Couples - Guided visit to a preserved 16th-century Basque farmhouse
In Collaboration with Sagardoa Route, Ruta de la Sidra Vasca. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A relaxed, romantic half-day discovering a 16th-century Basque farmhouse and a working cider cellar, ending with a traditional cider-house menu and natural cider tasting. Perfect for couples who enjoy culture, slow food and scenic rural moments.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Sagardoa Route, Ruta de la Sidra Vasca, inspired by the tour BASQUE FARM AND CIDER CELLAR. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to a preserved 16th-century Basque farmhouse
- Modern cider cellar tour and tasting
- Traditional cider house lunch (menu + cider pours)
Itinerary
Day 1
Half-day guided tour from central Donostia to a historic Basque farmhouse and an authentic cider house with tasting and lunch. Tour operates in winter when cider houses are in season — warm layers recommended.
Meet-up — Bengoetxea Kalea (Old Town meeting point)
Meet your guide at the designated meeting point in Donostia's Old Town. Short check-in and boarding; small-group transport is included.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to find the exact corner and avoid last-minute rushes in the Old Town’s narrow streets.
- Wear warm layers — February mornings are crisp by the sea; you'll be comfortable once the minivan heats up.
- If you want a romantic photo: cross the small plaza nearby for a quick shot of the old stone facades before departure.
Transfer to the Basque Farmhouse
Scenic countryside drive from Donostia to the historic farmhouse. You'll pass rolling green hills and small villages — a good chance to relax and chat with your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right side of the vehicle for the best countryside views on the outbound leg.
- Ask your guide for local folklore or love stories tied to the farmhouse — it makes the rural scenery feel intimate.
- Keep your camera ready for quick roadside stops if weather allows; low winter light is very photogenic for couples.
Guided visit — Igartubeiti Baserri Museoa (16th‑century farmhouse)
A guided tour of a well-preserved Basque farmhouse showing traditional wooden structure and the historical cider-pressing machine. Learn how families lived and made cider 500 years ago.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a slowed-down, intimate explanation from the guide about daily life in the 16th century — perfect for couples who enjoy storytelling.
- The farmhouse is timber-built and can be chilly inside in winter — keep your coat on if you tend to feel cold.
- Look for small architectural details (carvings, beams) where you can take close-up photos together — these make lovely keepsakes.
Transfer to the cider museum / cellar area (Astigarraga)
Short drive to the cider region near Astigarraga where modern cider-making and traditional sidrerías coexist. Prepare for the tasting and lunch ahead.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this transfer time to ask your guide about cider etiquette — how to pour and taste natural Basque cider for the most romantic shared experience.
- If you prefer a window seat again, choose the side with valley views for pleasant scenery en route.
- Carry a small snack if you get peckish between visits — the full cider-house menu follows but there's a short gap before lunch.
Visit — Sagardoetxea (Basque Cider Museum) / short cider-cellar tour
Guided tour of Sagardoetxea (Basque Cider Museum) or an equivalent cider cellar in the area to see how cider is made today and sample a small tasting of natural apple juice.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a demonstration of the traditional pouring technique — watching the long pour together is a charming, sensory moment.
- Winter light in the cellar is atmospheric — sit close together and request a quiet corner for a cozier tasting.
- If you prefer a more private experience, let the guide know and they can often arrange a quieter moment away from larger groups.
Traditional cider-house lunch & tasting — Petritegi Sagardotegia
Enjoy a classic sidrería menu (cod omelette, grilled steak, local cheeses) served family-style along with multiple natural cider pours — the heart of the Basque cider experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the host for a window or quieter table—Petritegi has rustic corners that are especially cozy in winter for couples.
- Cider is traditionally poured from a height; share pours so you can taste each other's glasses — it's a playful, romantic ritual.
- Pace yourself with the multi-course menu; ask for smaller portions if you prefer to linger and savor the moment together.
Return to Donostia (drop‑off in Old Town)
Relaxing drive back to the city; drop-off in Donostia's Old Town near the original meeting point so you can continue an evening stroll along La Concha if you wish.
Tips from local experts:
- Time your rest of the afternoon for a slow seaside walk — the late winter light over La Concha is especially romantic after a warm meal.
- If you'd like to extend the day, ask your guide for a recommended wine bar in the Old Town for a nightcap.
- Keep jackets handy for the cool sea breeze when you step out; evenings on the promenade can feel much colder than inland Astigarraga.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Culture, Attraction, Meal |