BASQUE COUNTRY
San Sebastián The capital offers incentive activities connected to its great annual cultural events, such as the famous cinema festival. But gastronomy rules here: in the Aula de Cocina (kitchen classroom), three Michelin star chefs reveal their secrets in interactive sessions; in the 'Pintxos' workshop, the group can create and try their own creations. Beyond the beauty and mythical image of Concha beach, beloved of bygone royalty, the city has carved its niche by attracting cultural festivals and consolidating its position as a venue for events. Cocktail parties, gala dinners and receptions become unique events when held on the famous Concha Bay, such as the Miramar Palace, in whose foyer two translucent cubes light up at night to offer views of the sea from a completely different angle; or the María Cristina Hotel, first choice for the stars of the San Sebastián International Film Festival. But even more than culture, the city is a paradise for foodies: it is the place with the most Michelin stars per square mile in the world and home to hundreds of 'pintxo' bars.
What can you do?
Basque Pelota and fishing. Basquetour brings us the activity “Sea & Cider” in San Sebastián, where participants get to relive the adventure of whale hunting, discover what it has to do with cider and try the gastronomical delights linked to it. Participants visit the Aquarium, sail on a boat around the bay and have a meal at a cider bar in Astigarraga. Another choice is the “Cheese & Cider” tour, which includes visiting the Sagardoetxe Cider Museum in Astigarraga with some cider sampling, and visiting a cheese house followed by cheese and cider sampling. Another option outside Bilbao is the new incentive trip around Bermeo and Elantxobe. In addition to visiting these two towns, the trip includes an exhibition of the Basque pelota sport on the court itself, a boat ride from Bermeo to Elantxobe, and a visit to a preserve company to taste their preserves and some txakoli wine.
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Driving new or pre-owned 4x4 vehicles, attendees stopped at different spots to experience the culture and tradition of the area. Cazaventuras offered the group a variety of txakolí wines at different stops. Logically, drivers could not drink and in most cases professional drivers were hiredso that everyone could enjoy the incentive.
While Tabakalera is an original cultural space that does not usually host MICE events, the venue recently hosted working meetings for a group from Russia, which arrived in San Sebastian via Vitoria on chartered flights. ITB Events organised the event, which included two dinner evenings. The first was in a traditional farmhouse in Orio called Bodega Katxiña, where they tasted grilled fish and steak; while the closing evening was held at the Balenciaga Foundation, which can be booked for exclusive dinners. At the end of the evening helium balloons were released to give the finishing touch to the event.