Welcome to Basque in the Glory with Fresco Tours! In the afternoon, we meet our group in Bilbao, an industrial powerhouse that is currently undergoing its own Renaissance. At our Orientation Meeting the Fresco Tour guides will meet and greet the group and we go over the plans for the next 10 days. Afterwards, our local art historian will take us on a guided tour of the internationally acclaimed Guggenheim Museum, designed in 1997 by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. Situated on the banks of the Nervión River near the city center, the building itself is a striking masterpiece of contemporary architecture. It features curved and undulating titanium panels, glass, and limestone, creating a visually captivating structure.
Inside the museum, we have the chance to explore a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including temporary exhibitions and permanent installations. The permanent collection includes works by renowned artists such as Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Eduardo Chillida, among others.
Aside from the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has many other attractions to offer. The Casco Viejo, or Old Town, known as the Seven Streets (Las Siete Calles), is a charming neighborhood filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively pintxo bars. It is a charming lively neighborhood that preserves the city’s traditional Basque character and architectural heritage.
While exploring, we can also travel back in time to the 6th century to visit ancient landmarks like the Cathedral of Santiago, and newer ones like the Plaza Nueva.
