FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the tour?
- Hands-on cooking classes followed by a multi-course lunch or dinner. If you prefer, you are welcome to pull up a chair, sip a glass of wine and watch while others cook.
- Guided Pintxos/Tapas tasting tours in San Sebastian and Hondarribia
- Traditional Basque cider house visit with a classic cider house dinner and all-you-can-drink cider
- Idiazabal cheese tasting
- All meals including one dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant
- Daily sightseeing excursions to local villages and points of interest
- All entrance fees and taxes
- Local winery tour and tasting
- 6 nights lodging at a first class/superior hotel
- Ground transportation in a luxury bus
- All gratuities
Where is the tour based?
Location – Hondarribia, Basque Country, Spain
Our tour is based in the city of Hondarribia in the beautiful Basque region of northern Spain. Hondarribia one of the Basque Country’s most charming towns but it is also packed with a huge number of amazing restaurants and bars – some of the very best in the region. The well-preserved Old Town, relaxing maritime atmosphere and fantastic food are only some of the reasons why we chose Hondarribia as the home base for Cook Drink Eat Spain. Hondarribia is a colorful fishing village that is both rich in architecture as well as in gastronomy. It’s a feast for the eyes and also for the stomach.
Our tour is based in the city of Hondarribia in the beautiful Basque region of northern Spain. Hondarribia one of the Basque Country’s most charming towns but it is also packed with a huge number of amazing restaurants and bars – some of the very best in the region. The well-preserved Old Town, relaxing maritime atmosphere and fantastic food are only some of the reasons why we chose Hondarribia as the home base for Cook Drink Eat Spain. Hondarribia is a colorful fishing village that is both rich in architecture as well as in gastronomy. It’s a feast for the eyes and also for the stomach.
how Do I Get to hondarribia, Basque Country, Spain?
By Air
• San Sebastian Airport (EAS) is located a few kilometers from the center of Hondarribia. It is a quick 5-minute taxi ride from the airport to your hotel. Currently there are only flights to/from Madrid and Barcelona from this airport via Iberia Airlines which partners with American Airlines and British Airways. This airport is actually in Hondarribia not San Sebastian. Connections are made from Madrid and Barcelona. Many people fly into Madrid on major carrier and then catch a connecting flight to EAS San Sebastian Airport.
• Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is the next closest airport. It is located 21 miles/35 km northeast of Hondarribia in Biarritz, France. Air France and several smaller European carriers fly from BIQ with connections to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) in Paris.
• Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the closest international airport. It is located 76 miles/120 km west of Hondarribia. BIO serves domestic and most major international airlines.
Please note: If you are flying from the US, most flights depart will arrive the next day. Transport from the airports or train stations to the hotel are not included.
By Train
The closest local train station is located in the city of Irun, Spain 10 minutes away from Hondarribia. There is also a major train station in Hendaye, France. It is connected to the Irun train station via a tram called the EuskoTren. Additionally, the city of San Sebastian has a train station. Please note that the city of San Sebastian is 30 minutes or 25 kilometers from Hondarribia.
By Automobile
Hondarribia is located next to the toll road AP-8. The AP-8 runs along the northern coast of Spain. It is a toll road within the Basque Country. This same road becomes the A-63 in France.
There is also another road that passes next to Hondarribia called N-121.
• San Sebastian Airport (EAS) is located a few kilometers from the center of Hondarribia. It is a quick 5-minute taxi ride from the airport to your hotel. Currently there are only flights to/from Madrid and Barcelona from this airport via Iberia Airlines which partners with American Airlines and British Airways. This airport is actually in Hondarribia not San Sebastian. Connections are made from Madrid and Barcelona. Many people fly into Madrid on major carrier and then catch a connecting flight to EAS San Sebastian Airport.
• Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is the next closest airport. It is located 21 miles/35 km northeast of Hondarribia in Biarritz, France. Air France and several smaller European carriers fly from BIQ with connections to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) in Paris.
• Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the closest international airport. It is located 76 miles/120 km west of Hondarribia. BIO serves domestic and most major international airlines.
Please note: If you are flying from the US, most flights depart will arrive the next day. Transport from the airports or train stations to the hotel are not included.
By Train
The closest local train station is located in the city of Irun, Spain 10 minutes away from Hondarribia. There is also a major train station in Hendaye, France. It is connected to the Irun train station via a tram called the EuskoTren. Additionally, the city of San Sebastian has a train station. Please note that the city of San Sebastian is 30 minutes or 25 kilometers from Hondarribia.
By Automobile
Hondarribia is located next to the toll road AP-8. The AP-8 runs along the northern coast of Spain. It is a toll road within the Basque Country. This same road becomes the A-63 in France.
There is also another road that passes next to Hondarribia called N-121.
Do I need a Visa?
Passports/Visas
For US Passport holders - A passport valid for 6 months is recommended. A minimum of 3 months beyond your date of departure is required. A maximum stay of up to 90 days does not require a visa.
For US Passport holders - A passport valid for 6 months is recommended. A minimum of 3 months beyond your date of departure is required. A maximum stay of up to 90 days does not require a visa.
What is the weather like and What type of clothing should i pack?
Weather
The temperatures should range from highs of about 75-78 degrees to lows in the mid 50’s. It does rain in our little town of Hondarribia and the rest of Basque Country. This is also why the North is nicknamed “Green Spain”. We are right on the water so think beach weather in early June. Pack a portable umbrella. If you forget to pack one, they can also be purchased in town.
Clothing
Layering is key. The daily weather report at the front desk of the hotel will dictate whether or not you will need a jacket or sweater and maybe sometimes, Daytime dress is smart casual. Dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes. We cover many types of terrain from cobblestones to sidewalks to farmland. There are even hiking trails for the really ambitious. Nighttime dress is also casual. Our most dress-up event is our last dinner at Alameda but, even that does not require anything too fancy although you are welcome to dress up if you choose. We typically walk almost everywhere so high heels while pretty aren't always practical.
The temperatures should range from highs of about 75-78 degrees to lows in the mid 50’s. It does rain in our little town of Hondarribia and the rest of Basque Country. This is also why the North is nicknamed “Green Spain”. We are right on the water so think beach weather in early June. Pack a portable umbrella. If you forget to pack one, they can also be purchased in town.
Clothing
Layering is key. The daily weather report at the front desk of the hotel will dictate whether or not you will need a jacket or sweater and maybe sometimes, Daytime dress is smart casual. Dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes. We cover many types of terrain from cobblestones to sidewalks to farmland. There are even hiking trails for the really ambitious. Nighttime dress is also casual. Our most dress-up event is our last dinner at Alameda but, even that does not require anything too fancy although you are welcome to dress up if you choose. We typically walk almost everywhere so high heels while pretty aren't always practical.
What currency do they use in Spain? How do I exchange currency?
Money and ATM's
Spain is a member of the European Union (EU) and their currency is the Euro. The easiest way to change money is by using your ATM card. There is no need to arrive with a pocketful of euros or traveler's checks. You will find plenty of ATM’s around Spain. All will charge a small fee for exchanging money but it is much less than the fees charged to go into a bank and change US dollars or travelers checks. ATM's are easy to locate and ready to serve you. There are at least 8 in our town. All are within walking distance of the hotel. It is always a good idea to check with your bank and find out what they charge in fees for overseas withdrawals. Your bank may have a Spanish partner bank that waives fees so we always advise you to call them before you leave.
Spain is a member of the European Union (EU) and their currency is the Euro. The easiest way to change money is by using your ATM card. There is no need to arrive with a pocketful of euros or traveler's checks. You will find plenty of ATM’s around Spain. All will charge a small fee for exchanging money but it is much less than the fees charged to go into a bank and change US dollars or travelers checks. ATM's are easy to locate and ready to serve you. There are at least 8 in our town. All are within walking distance of the hotel. It is always a good idea to check with your bank and find out what they charge in fees for overseas withdrawals. Your bank may have a Spanish partner bank that waives fees so we always advise you to call them before you leave.
What about Credit Cards?
Credit cards are accepted in most locations. Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than American Express. Make sure to inform your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling in Europe. For many of these companies you may have the ability to set a travel notice online via their website.
Can I use my cell phone in Spain?
Contact your cellular provider to understand the costs of using your devices internationally. For example, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile Sprint all have international plans that charge a daily fee for using your phone. You are only charged when it is turned on and you use it. Just make sure to sign up before leaving the US with the plan of your choice.
Does the hotel have wifi?
Our hotels have complimentary Wifi. In general, Wifi is plentiful but not quite what equal to what you will find in the US. It may be slower than what you are accustomed to. Many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are Wifi connected but not all.
What language do they speak in basque Country?
There are three languages spoken in the area: Spanish, French and Basque. That is why you may hear many names for the same things. Basque Country is also known as País Vasco in Spanish, and Euskal Herria in the Basque language of Euskara and Pays Basque in French. It sounds much more confusing than it is. English is spoken in some of the more touristy areas but if always helps if you can speak a few words in Spanish - please/por favor and thank you/gracias. Bonus points if you can say them in Basque/Euskara! - mesedez, eskerrik asko
Can I insure my trip?
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you buy comprehensive travel insurance (covering trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage and accident/life) before traveling with Cook Drink Eat LLC. We also recommend that you review your existing personal insurance policies to ensure you have appropriate coverage to meet your needs. There are many A+ rated companies that offer coverage. Here are a few:
We strongly recommend that you buy comprehensive travel insurance (covering trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage and accident/life) before traveling with Cook Drink Eat LLC. We also recommend that you review your existing personal insurance policies to ensure you have appropriate coverage to meet your needs. There are many A+ rated companies that offer coverage. Here are a few:
- Travelex http://www.travelexinsurance.com/.
- Allianz https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
- Amex Insurance https://aeti.americanexpress.com/travel-insurance/home.do
What is the Cancellation policy?
RESERVATIONS
A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation. Published tour prices are per person based upon double occupancy. For reservations on tours departing within 90 days or less, full payment is required at the time of reservation. Final payment for all tours is due in full 90 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received 90 days prior to departure the reservation will be cancelled and cancellation penalties will apply. Every effort has been made to produce accurate pricing and product information. Cook Drink Eat, LLC reserves the right to correct any pricing or product related errors.
Prices are based on double occupancy rooms. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional cost (single supplement) on each tour.
CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS
There are no penalties for transferring your reservation to another tour date within 365 days of your original tour date, provided you do so at least 90 days prior to tour start. All changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
CANCELLATION BY CLIENT
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Refunds will be processed 30 days following written receipt by Cook Drink Eat, LLC of notice of cancellation. Cancellation penalties will be calculated based upon the date of receipt of cancellation notification.
CANCELLATION BY COOK DRINK EAT, LLC
Cook Drink Eat, LLC reserves the right to cancel a tour at any time for any reason. While it is rare, in the event of cancellation, a credit for a future trip or full refund will be sent to the client and constitutes full settlement. Cook Drink Eat, LLC will not reimburse for any personal expenses such as airline tickets, other travel or hotel expenses due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations.
Custom tours have a separate cancellation policy
A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation. Published tour prices are per person based upon double occupancy. For reservations on tours departing within 90 days or less, full payment is required at the time of reservation. Final payment for all tours is due in full 90 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received 90 days prior to departure the reservation will be cancelled and cancellation penalties will apply. Every effort has been made to produce accurate pricing and product information. Cook Drink Eat, LLC reserves the right to correct any pricing or product related errors.
Prices are based on double occupancy rooms. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional cost (single supplement) on each tour.
CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS
There are no penalties for transferring your reservation to another tour date within 365 days of your original tour date, provided you do so at least 90 days prior to tour start. All changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
CANCELLATION BY CLIENT
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Refunds will be processed 30 days following written receipt by Cook Drink Eat, LLC of notice of cancellation. Cancellation penalties will be calculated based upon the date of receipt of cancellation notification.
- Cancellations 120-91 days prior to tour departure will receive a full refund of the purchase price.
- Cancellations 90-46 days prior to tour departure will be charged 50% of the purchase price.
- Cancellations 45-0 days prior to tour departure will be charged 100% of the purchase price.
CANCELLATION BY COOK DRINK EAT, LLC
Cook Drink Eat, LLC reserves the right to cancel a tour at any time for any reason. While it is rare, in the event of cancellation, a credit for a future trip or full refund will be sent to the client and constitutes full settlement. Cook Drink Eat, LLC will not reimburse for any personal expenses such as airline tickets, other travel or hotel expenses due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations.
Custom tours have a separate cancellation policy