Bilbao & The Guggenheim
4 Days
from
$624
to
$892
per person*
Highlights:
Basque region
(Bilbao)
Trip Start/End:
Bilbao
/
Bilbao
Bilbao was put on the map in recent years with the daring addition of the Guggenheim museum. Visit this fascinating museum - a show stopper of a structure (which can be internally re-modeled to best suit each exhibition) with a private guided tour. Explore the city which has undergone a major urban renewal facelift and features fascinating architecture by some of Spain's most celebrated Architects. Wander through the historical part of the city and along the riverside pathways taking in the cityscape along the way. Consider taking a day trip to any of the interesting sites in the environs such as the coastal city of San Sebastian (the founding city of tapas - which is still very much alive to this day), the wine region of the Rioja, or any of the quaint Basque villages scattered throughout the region.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Bilbao
| - Spain - Welcome Package
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*) (B) (Standard (Sun-Thu)) |
- Day 2
- Bilbao
| - Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (3hrs) - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Private - 1/2 Day Guggenheim Museum (1.5 hrs) - Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*) (B) (Standard (Sun-Thu)) |
- Day 3
- Bilbao
| - Optional Activities
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*) (B) (Standard (Sun-Thu)) |
- Day 4
- Bilbao
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Bilbao
Hotel Petit Palace Arano Bilbao
Day 1: Bilbao
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.
Accommodation: Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*) 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.
Siete Calles
Guggenheim Museum
Day 2: 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”.
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”.
Accommodation: Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*) 
Basque Village in Bilbao
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).
Accommodation: Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*) Day 4: Bilbao
Transfer to/from Bilbao Sondica Airport to/from your accommodation in Bilbao.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Petit Palace Arana Bilbao (3*)
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.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Spain
VISA/PASSPORT
Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Spain for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/spain.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Madrid.
Government: Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.
Language: The principal language is Spanish (Castilian or castillano). Catalan (in the northeast, with variations spoken in Valencia and The Balearics), Galician (in the northwest) and Basque (in the north, bordering France) are also spoken.
Religion: There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
Time: Mainland Spain/Balearics: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.
Telephone: Country code +34.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good throughout most of the country.
Internet: There is a variety of Internet cafes in most urban areas.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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