Hondarribi Town and Basque Sports Tour
San Sebastian, Spain
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
What makes a place unique? Is it their food? Maybe their language? What about their local sport? Well, on this Basque tour, you’ll learn that it’s all three! Visit the undiscovered, yet picturesque city Hondarribia (but shhhh, don’t let the secret out!), and immerse yourself in the local life and sports culture. Experience the atmosphere of the “fronton”, where you’ll bet with locals on the best team of the Jai-Alai match, and learn to play this local sport from lessons with professionals. Finish the day with a little Basque food tasting, and we bet you’ll never want to leave.
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Highlights
- Explore the picturesque city of Hondarribia and learn about its unique popular culture
- Learn to play one of the quickest sports in the world – the ball moves at 300 km/h!
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Savour the local flavours of paella and Basque txakoli wine
- Experience the atmosphere of a “fronton” and cheer with locals for the best team of the game
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Schedule details
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meeting point:
Gipuzkoa Plaza, in the centre of the square, next to the sundial.
- Starting time: 5.15 PM
- Ending point:
Gipuzkoa Plaza, in the centre of the square, next to the sundial.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, return transportation between San Sebastian and Hondarribi, Jai-Alai game lesson with professional players, entrance to the Jai-Alai match, all local food tastings.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature and tips and gratuities for the guide.
We’ll start the day in San Sebastian, where we’ll catch the local bus to Honadrribi, a fantastic Basque city. Once there, we will walk and discover the beautiful streets and walls of this border town, visiting the castle of the Emperor Charles V and listening about the tough history that the inhabitants of the town have weathered.
We’ll continue along our Basque tour and head to the fronton Jostaldi, where professional Jai-Alai players will teach us how to play this Basque sport, showing us how to use the baskets and the balls, in an attempt to play just like them. In professional games, the ball can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h…are you ready for a quick game?!
Once you’ve gained a new appreciation for this crazy fun local sport, we’ll swap places and watch our instructors compete in a Jai-Alai. The atmosphere inside the fronton is something to be experienced, where betting is part of the culture of the game. After the excitement of the game, you’ll enjoy a tasting of some incredible paella, and try the refreshing white wine of the region called txakoli.
After our exciting experience of Basque culture, sport, and food, we’ll catch the bus back to San Sebastian (unless somebody has been charmed so much with Hondarribi that wants to stay for longer…).
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, return transportation between San Sebastian and Hondarribi, Jai-Alai game lesson with professional players, entrance to the Jai-Alai match, all local food tastings.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature and tips and gratuities for the guide.
Dress standard: Comfortable shoes and clothes.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Please be on time since we depend on the public transportation to get to Hondarribi
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
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