|
Day 1
Bilbao Bilbao is a city of contrasts and rapid regeneration. Little more than an industrial wasteland not so long ago, the city has emerged from the ashes with the construction of the Guggenheim and hasn't looked back since. Although 'the gleaming silver waves of Frank Gehry's creation' is the star attraction of Bilbao, it's in no way the only one. The old city shipyards have been developed as a centre for art and culture. In the historical centre, medieval streets wind their way around the pretty Plaza Nueva, the city's main square, where people congregate day and night to sample pintxos (Basque tapas) and watch the world go by. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Transfer to/from Bilbao Sondica Airport to/from your accommodation in Bilbao. Enjoy a private, 3hr guided tour of Bilbao. The tour will take you through the "Siete Calles" (seven roads), the name given to the historical centre of Bilbao. In this area the "Catedral de Santiago" (Santiago Cathedral) was built, replacing the old chapel dedicated to apostle Saint James. This Gothic temple is amongst the city's most emblematic buildings. Stroll around its cobbled streets and get to the New Square, San Antón Church and the busy Ribera Market. Discover Bilbao's architectonic and urban development from the 19th century to the present. The new landmarks include the new metro system by Sir Norman Foster, Santiago Calatrava- designed Zubizuri Bridge, the Euskalduna Palace, a conference and music center and, most of all, the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum by Frank Gehry”. The Petit Palace Arana Hotel (3*) is located where the old quarter of the city starts which was declared a Site of Historical-Artistic Heritage in 1972, and is opposite the Arriaga Theatre, the river of Bilbao and very close to the Guggenheim Museum. The emblematic building of the hotel, which has a typical Basque architectural style, has 64 rooms with balconies and contrasting stone walls and wooden beams with a homely and modernist décor. Its success since the renovations is due to its prime location, unbeatable price/quality ratio and its services that are designed for all types of guest. It serves buffet breakfasts and offers function rooms, family rooms, rooms for guests with reduced mobility, free admission of pets, free bicycle hire, executive rooms, free WI-FI and hydro-massage showers in all the rooms. Overnight at Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*). |
Bilbao |
Siete Calles |
Hotel Petit Palace Arano Bilbao |
|
|
|
Day 2
Bilbao Enjoy a 1.5 hour private visit of the Guggenheim museum with a guide. “The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao offers a comprehensive overview of the visual arts of the 20th century. Its collecting approach includes acquiring singular examples and signature works by leading postwar and contemporary artists; commissioning new, site-specific artworks that respond to the particular space in and around the Frank Gehry building; and representing work by modern and contemporary Basque and Spanish artists in order to preserve and bring global attention to their vital cultural heritage.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Collection has its own unique identity, while also complementing the collections at the other Guggenheim institutions. The Museum’s collection currently features works by some of the most significant artists of the second half of the 20th century, such as Eduardo Chillida, Yves Klein, Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, Clyfford Still, Antoni Tàpies, and Andy Warhol, among others”. Overnight at Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*). |
Guggenheim Museum |
|
|
|
Day 3
Bilbao Bilbao offers plenty of attractions for the visitor - both within the city itself as well as the surrounding cities and area. The obvious "must see" is the Guggenheim museum", but outside of this, the historical part of the city as well as the pathways alongside the river are worth checking out. If you feel like exploring outside of the city, consider a day trip to the beautiful city of San Sebastian. Located on the coast, this city boasts two beaches as well as a great historical area - alot of which is pedestrianised (and has a plethora of great tapas bars). Alternatively, consider a day trip taking in a number of basque villages and learning about this unique culture. The Rioja wine growing region is within a stone's throw of Bilbao. Consider a day trip visiting some great wineries of the area. Please speak to your Kensingotn Tours Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these options (or doing anything else). Overnight at Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*). |
Basque Village in Bilbao |
|
|
'98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'
