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Pintxos tasting one small bite at a time in Spain

Spain, Europe

San Sebastián has a reputation that’s hard to beat. The city is packed with pintxos bars, each turning out bite-sized plates that range from simple classics to inventive takes worthy of Michelin-star status.

A pintxos tour is the easiest way to tap into the local rhythm: you move from bar to bar, try one or two dishes at each spot and pair them with a small glass of cider or txakoli, the region’s crisp white wine.

The Old Town is the heart of it, with places known for standout dishes like slow-cooked beef cheeks, fresh anchovies or grilled prawns done right in front of you.

It is casual, social and full of flavour, and it shows why San Sebastián keeps topping lists for Europe’s best food experiences.

Of course, knowing the local rhythms of San Sebastian, like when to eat and how to tip, is key to a smooth trip, so keeping these essential Spain travel tips in mind will ensure you navigate the bustling tavernas with the confidence of a seasoned traveller.

Turn your travel dreams into a reality, and start planning a trip to Spain. Explore our latest holiday deals here, or speak to your local House of Travel friendly travel expert today and get ready to experience pintxos crawl through San Sebastián.

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Connect with a Spain specialist

Tori Melody

House of Travel Devonport

Lovely to meet you — and welcome, fellow adventure seekers!

I’m Tori, your dedicated travel consultant and in-house explorer. With four years in the industry, countless miles travelled, and a genuine passion for crafting meaningful journeys, I’m here to help turn your travel dreams into experiences that stay with you for life.

As a USA travel expert and global theme park enthusiast (yes — Disney and Universal are my happy places!), I specialise in the kinds of holidays that bring people together and spark unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a multi-generational family escape, a self-drive road trip, a backpacking adventure, or a tailor-made private itinerary, I love creating travel plans that feel personal, seamless, and exciting.

Adventure comes in many forms — hiking hidden trails, tasting a city’s flavours on a food tour, discovering rich history, sailing on a cruise, or joining an 18–35s group tour to meet new friends. Whatever your style, I’m here to match you with experiences that broaden your horizons and deepen your love for the world around you.

Alongside planning travel, I also run our store’s social media pages, keeping our community inspired with fresh ideas and insider knowledge.

If you’re looking for a consultant who brings passion, expertise, creativity, and genuine care to every itinerary, I’d love to be part of your next adventure

Tori

Wendy Harrison

House of Travel Rotorua

I am an adventure seeker with a passion for exploring the world and experiencing everything it has to offer. I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences and have a particular love for small group tours and adventures. Whether it's cruising in the Galapagos Islands or exploring new cities, I love the intimacy and camaraderie that comes with traveling in small groups.

When I'm not adventuring, you can often find me at live sports and events, cheering on my favourite teams and soaking up the excitement of the crowd. Or I'm equally at home soaking up the sun during a beautiful island beach holiday.

I also have a love for cruising and have had the opportunity to explore new destinations such as the Mediterranean, the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, the Rhône and Saône Rivers in Southern France, canal boating in England, and cruising across the Tasman. All while enjoying the comforts and amenities of life on the water.

One of my favourite pastimes is people watching whether it's from a cafe in Paris or on the streets of New York. For me, there is nothing more fascinating than observing the unique and diverse cultures of the world and the interactions of the people within them. I'm always seeking out new experiences and adventures, driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and understanding.

Wendy

Kate Jardine

House of Travel Johnsonville

My travel adventures started back in 2004 when I departed on my OE to Scotland with a stop in Dubai.

I have travelled in all styles, backpacking around Europe, small group adventure travel following the volcano trail in Central America, luxury coach touring in Canada and many family resort holidays through the South Pacific.

I love booking travel just as much as experiencing new and exciting destinations myself.

Kate

Sharon Rapsey

House of Travel Christchurch City

Sharon has been with the House of Travel team for 15 years and is known throughout the New Zealand wide team as Shaz. Shaz's 10 years' experience in the groups and events division is invaluable.

Her knowledge of the best seats at the Australian Open, to her contacts for all things Motor Sport makes her an integral part of our team.

A tennis player herself, Shaz has a passion for the sport and having attended many times has valuable information, she can help tick the Grand Slams off your bucket list.

"I love helping all our clients with their dream holiday based around a special event, anywhere in the world I will endeavor to access the best possible tickets for your experience. My motto is to create memories, not things".

Away from the events world, Shaz works in her beauty business.... that is when she isn't on the court.

Favourite place to visit: Thailand
Next place on the list to visit: Africa

Sharon