Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao is located in the Spanish region of Biscay in the Basque country. It is Spain's biggest port and sixth largest city.
This coastal city has a shipbuilding history and used to be known primarily as an industrial and economic power within Spain, yet it is busily shedding that industrial skin and becoming an internationally renowned city, with such famous attractions as the Guggenheim Art Museum which opened in 1997, signalling the dawn of a new cultural era.
Spain is a land of contrasts and in the Basque country, there is much to admire, making it a popular holiday destination with the rich and famous and the Spanish royal family.
Bilbao’s beautiful historic quarter and excellent beaches make it a prized holiday destination while the aristocratic beach resort of San Sebastian preserves a somewhat exclusive and cosmopolitan ambience.
Below are examples of excursions that have previously been offered from this port of call. A fully detailed programme of the included and optional tours available during your cruise will be sent shortly before your departure.
Bilbao & the Guggenheim
The Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art is architect Frank Gehry’s masterpiece in flowing titanium and limestone, giving a nod to Bilbao’s heritage with its suggestion of maritime shapes and sails.
Your visit includes some free time to explore the museum’s changing exhibits of modern art after your guided tour. The old quarter of Bilbao is located on the bank of the river Nervion, and has undergone huge reconstruction following a devastating flood in 1983.
You may see the 14th-century Gothic cathedral, the Arriaga Theatre, the Plaza Nueva and the Bilbao Ria which separates the old and new city. There will be a little free time to browse and shop in the old quarter at your leisure among chic boutiques and perfume stores, cafes and restaurants.
Included excursion
Duration: 5 hours
Panoramic Bilbao
This relaxing tour shows you the highlights of the city of Bilbao. The face of Bilbao is changing. The 700-year-old city has undergone a transformation in recent years revealing a bright, modern city with a fascinating history.
From the Casco Viejo, or old town, you cross the Arenal bridge over the Nervion river which flows through the city, to see the sights. In the centre of Plaza España stands the statue of Don Diego López de Haro, founder of the city.
Gran Via, the main shopping street, is lined with an eclectic range of buildings, on to Jardines de Albia, a quiet park and an oasis in the heart of the city to the Gothic San Vicente church with its Renaissance façade and in the Eliptical square the Renaissance-style Chavarri Palace, seat of the civil government.
Included excursion
Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Pintxos of Bilbao
Leaving Spirit of Adventure, you will be driven along the estuary, passing through Bilbao’s industrial outskirts and down the Gran Via, the city’s main thoroughfare, which reflects Bilbao’s 19th-century mining and industrial prosperity, to the heart of the city.
There will be a photo stop at the Guggenheim Museum. Next, you will be taken to the Casco Viejo, or Old Quarter, of Bilbao located on the right bank of the river Nervion.
This area underwent huge reconstruction following a devastating flood in 1983 and many of the streets here are now pedestrian. After a guided visit you will visit a couple of bars to enjoy the pintxos.
This is the traditional way of having something to eat at any moment of the day or night, while chatting with friends. The Pintxos are delicious open sandwiches, with various different types of food and combinations on a bread base.
Optional excursion
Duration: 4 hours
The Biscay Coast
The rural beauty of the Basque country unfolds before you en route to Bermeo, the provincial capital until 1602 and a charming fishing port.
In the old quarter is the Gothic Church of San Francisco, the 18th-century town hall and the neoclassical Church of Sante Maria and Getxo, a charming residential town and once a popular resort for wealthy merchant families.
A highlight of this tour is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the most stunning sights on the Basque coast, with panoramic views over the Biscayan coastline, steep cliffs and white beaches.
Traditionally the first place spotted by fishermen returning from sea; a hermitage bell warned of approaching storms, while the interior, filled with votive offerings in gratitude for having eluded a shipwreck, made it a place of pilgrimage and miracles.
At Guernica you will see a historic villa, the Casa de Juntas, House of Parliament for Vizvcaya, a symbolic oak tree and the Park of Peace.
Optional excursion
Duration: 5 hours