To Be Basque
To Be Basque
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About
To Be Basque offers private tours in the Basque country operating out of San Sebastian, the tour company understands the essence of travel, that feeling of immersing yourself in a new culture and to live the experience. They have tours that are designed to expand the senses through local food, wine, history and architecture. The philosophy of Nathan and Amaia is that their visitors are on an adventure not only with a tour guide but a friend who wants to share the Basque country’s rich and diverse culture and of its towns and cities. Their strong held belief is that all who come are not only guests but are fellow Basques if only for a short time.
Donostia - San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
22 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Domennic L
Denmark, Australia4 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
It was by chance that we ran into Nathan & Amaia when my wife & I were recently in Donostia-San Sebastian. I wanted to explore the Rioja Wine region, but didn't really know where to start from. After a discussion with both Nathan & Amaia they arranged a full day in the area. They picked us up at our hotel about 10am and off we went . They took us to couple of Wineries ,one of which really stood out in the ancient town of Lagaurdia . A town perched onto of the hill within a medieval walls. This town they say has about 30KM of Underground tunnels and Cellars which we were fortunate to visit one once run by the church. without hem I would not have discovered this beautiful part of Spain. We also visited Marques De Riscal Winery that has the hotel attached designed by Frank Gehry . Also included was a wonderful Lunch . All in all they spent about 10 hours with us and gave us so much knowledge . I cut recommended more Highly...
Written June 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vanessa gonzalez-Papazian
Los Angeles, CA17 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
Amai and Nathan were awesome, very easy going and fun. We got to experience one of the gastronomic societies in Donostia. And the tour of the city was fun and very interesting. planning our next trip for 2018!
Written January 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThehappyTwosome
Noosaville, Australia48 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We had a most enjoyable day on this personalised tour.
We were picked up at our apartment and visited many villages in the region.
Snacks and a glass of wine from a fridge in the back of the vehicle and a super lunch in a local restaurant.
A great day and good value
We were picked up at our apartment and visited many villages in the region.
Snacks and a glass of wine from a fridge in the back of the vehicle and a super lunch in a local restaurant.
A great day and good value
Written July 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ernie K
1 contribution
Jul 2017 • Couples
My girlfriend and I signed up for To Be Basque's "La Rioja Wine Lover's Tour", a whole day experience in the Basque country’s part of the Rioja wine valley. Among the 14 fantastic days we spent travelling across Spain this day stands apart.
On the day of our tour Nathan, To Be Basque’s owner, operator and tour guide, picked us up from our apartment in San Sebastian. During the drive Nathan told us about Basque culture, history and the language. He shared his experiences of moving from Australia to San Sebastian and immersing into Basque country. Between the conversation and the beautiful passing scenery the trip seemed much shorter than the hour and a half it took.
Prior to our trip, Nathan had asked if we had certain wineries in mind but, since we were not familiar with Spanish wines, we left it up to him. He took us to two wineries, Ostatu and Casa Primicia. Ostatu sat out in the country while Casa Primicia was fortified in the walled town of Guardia. Both wineries offered fantastic tours, and of course great wines!
Apart from the wineries, Nathan arranged a fantastic lunch for us at Real Fortuna which include salad, entree, dessert and, of course, wine! Nathan gave us a tour of the Basque part of the Rioja Valley. We saw ancient stone formations and modern architectural marvels all while being surrounded by the stunning landscapes. He also took us to a scenic overlook where he told us we’d enjoy the views while sitting and sipping a glass of wine he had brought along. While there, standing over this amazing valley, I asked Nathan to take a few pictures. Then, I got down on one knee and proposed to my girlfriend. Nathan, without being told this would be happening, kept taking photos and captured this unforgettable moment for us which we’ve been able to share with our family and friends ever since.
My fiancé and I couldn’t be happier with the day we spent in Rioja, and, for many reasons, it’s a day we’ll never forget! If you are planning a trip to Rioja, take this tour.
On the day of our tour Nathan, To Be Basque’s owner, operator and tour guide, picked us up from our apartment in San Sebastian. During the drive Nathan told us about Basque culture, history and the language. He shared his experiences of moving from Australia to San Sebastian and immersing into Basque country. Between the conversation and the beautiful passing scenery the trip seemed much shorter than the hour and a half it took.
Prior to our trip, Nathan had asked if we had certain wineries in mind but, since we were not familiar with Spanish wines, we left it up to him. He took us to two wineries, Ostatu and Casa Primicia. Ostatu sat out in the country while Casa Primicia was fortified in the walled town of Guardia. Both wineries offered fantastic tours, and of course great wines!
Apart from the wineries, Nathan arranged a fantastic lunch for us at Real Fortuna which include salad, entree, dessert and, of course, wine! Nathan gave us a tour of the Basque part of the Rioja Valley. We saw ancient stone formations and modern architectural marvels all while being surrounded by the stunning landscapes. He also took us to a scenic overlook where he told us we’d enjoy the views while sitting and sipping a glass of wine he had brought along. While there, standing over this amazing valley, I asked Nathan to take a few pictures. Then, I got down on one knee and proposed to my girlfriend. Nathan, without being told this would be happening, kept taking photos and captured this unforgettable moment for us which we’ve been able to share with our family and friends ever since.
My fiancé and I couldn’t be happier with the day we spent in Rioja, and, for many reasons, it’s a day we’ll never forget! If you are planning a trip to Rioja, take this tour.
Written June 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOCDublin
Dublin21 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Had an amazing tour with To be basque tours and Nathan as our guide. Highly recommended. Nathan is very knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend a full day with. A couple of lovely surprises on this tour also. He even got the weather right :)) He tailors it to your requirements and just gets it right !
This trip was the highlight of our week trip.
This trip was the highlight of our week trip.
Written November 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy Z
4 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We had an amazing time on our tour! Nathan was more like a friend than a tour guide and he knowledge and sense of humour really made the trip. We have had guided tours before, but Nathan went above and beyond to make this a truly unique and memorable experience. Worth every cent!
Written October 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly E
Jacksonville Beach, FL16 contributions
Sep 2017
My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful day exploring Rioja with Nathan. The tour well exceeded our expectations. Nathan goes above and beyond to make the experience truly unforgettable. It is evident he is passionate about his work. This tour was the highlight of our two week trip. We highly recommend booking a tour with To-Be-Basque!!
Written September 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashridge282
Auckland Central, New Zealand13 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Nathan just couldn't have been more helpful. He tailored a 3 day itinerary for us to fit totally around our travel plans. He is very knowledgeable and good company. His enthusiasm for the region is infectious.
Thanks Nathan. we would thoroughly recommend your service to anyone.
Thanks Nathan. we would thoroughly recommend your service to anyone.
Written August 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia T
Fishers, IN6 contributions
May 2017 • Family
On the To Be Basque Tour, my husband, son and I learned about the Basque culture and community in San Sebastian. We were treated to a wonderful lunch by Nathan with contributions by his wife, Amaia, who owns a restaurant in San Sebastian. We were served a typical basque cuisine in a special "society" location in San Sebastian. We also learned about what societies are in the basque region. We enjoyed our tour so much, we then had a fabulous Basque dinner at Amaia's restaurant, Marinela, in San Sebastian. We were personally attended to by Amaia! Enjoyed our evening immensely!
Written June 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katia L
Port Noarlunga, Australia13 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
Words could not express the amazing time I had in San Sebastian, not only was the views astoundingly beautiful but the history was fascinating and moving. I highly recommend a tour through To Be Basque, very knowledgeable and friendly. I can't wait to go back and do it all over again. Was truly one of the best holidays I've been on I was left in amazement of wows.
Written September 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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