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Barcelona to Bilbao
Itinerary Highlights
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Day 1
Sit back and enjoy your flight to Spain.
Days 2-5
Barcelona
Our hotel is set in the Gothic Quarter, the preserved remains of
a medieval city. It is close to some of our favorite places, including
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the lively La Rambla. The tree-shaded
pedestrian boulevard offers something for everyone, from flowers
to food to art. |
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the Picasso Museum, which contains a collection
of the painter’s early work and more. Included here is
his interpretation of Velázquez’s series of Las
Meninas. |
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the Miró Foundation, which houses an extensive selection from Joan Miró’s works and other
Spanish and international art. |
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the Palau de la Música, one of
the world’s leading concert halls. Built in 1905, its rococo
spaces play host to musicians from around the world. |
We see Antoni Gaudi’s architectural talents in many places
throughout Barcelona, including
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Park Güell, a fanciful housing community
that just didn’t catch on in its day. Its wavy, colorful
roofs and benches, designed in mosaic tiles, are highlights
of a popular park in a woodland setting, which also features
Gaudi’s own spartan residence. |
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the Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy
Family), a daring work that’s been in progress for more
than 110 years. The National Geographic says this magnificent
cathedral “represents the muscle and imagination that lifted
Barcelona to the economic and cultural leader it is today.” |
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Casa Milá (also known as La
Pedrera or “the quarry”), with its irregularly
curved limestone walls reminiscent of desert sand dunes. Originally
thought too futuristic, it is today considered a landmark of
modern architecture. |
From Barcelona, we take a pleasant drive to the seaside resort
village of Sitges. Then we do Dalí, visiting
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the medieval castle Dalí bought for
Gala — his
wife and muse. Gala’s castle was even off
limits to Dalí, except when he received a written invitation
to visit. The castle, in Pubol, houses their unusual furnishings
along with some of his paintings. |
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the Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueres. Designed
by the artist himself, the museum includes many of his famous
works as well as his last remains. |
We leave Catalunya and begin our journey into the Basque Country.
A short flight takes us over the Pyrenees to San Sebastián.
Days 6-8
San Sebastián—Bayonne—Biarritz
From our hotel balconies, we enjoy an expansive view of San Sebastián’s
perfect shell-shaped beach and harbor — as well as daily promenades
along the boardwalk and the entertainers who make the beautiful
beach sunsets even more memorable. Among highlights:
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San Sebastián’s La Parte Vieja,
the “old part” of what many call the “jewel of
Euskadi.” We follow our noses to the many pintxos
(tapas) bars, sampling a large variety of seafood, olives,
cheeses and regional wines. And we can shop for everything from
high fashion to fabulous chocolates. |
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an evening at a private Gastronomic Society,
a traditional event where men display both their well-developed
cooking skills and their vocal prowess for a small group of
visitors. A chorus of 8-12 men — plumbers, bank presidents,
set designers and many other professions in real life —
sing Basque folk songs between the many courses. |
One day will be yours. Explore on your own — or with the help
of your guides. Visit the city’s popular new aquarium, take
in the promenade and the view from the beachside benches, or reserve
for lunch or dinner at Arzak, which critics have crowned Spain’s
best restaurant.
Days 9-11
Guernica—Bilbao—La Rioja
We visit:
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the new Chillida Leku — a sprawling
farm/park that’s home to the works of internationally famous
sculptor Eduardo Chillida. |
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Guernica — famed for its “Tree of Guernica,”
the Basque symbol of heritage, law and freedom. This once war-torn
village also inspired Picasso’s controversial masterpiece
by the same name. |
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the architectural wonder of Frank Gehry’s
Guggenheim Bilbao, an amazing design achievement that houses
19 galleries of spectacular art in a surprisingly intimate interior.
Don’t miss the guard dog out front — Puppy,
by Jeff Koons, a 30-foot-tall chiapet executed in impatiens,
begonias and marigolds. The Guggenheim Bilbao attracts arts
pilgrims from all over the world and has energized the city
of Bilbao almost singlehandedly. . |
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La Rioja, the famous wine region. We discover
the walled city of Laguardia. And we lunch in an old bodega
(wine cellar), where we also sample the fine local vintages. |
Day 12
Board your transatlantic flight for home.
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