Welcome to Camino Horizons 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 Tours guides meet and greet the group and go over the plans for the next 13 days. Afterwards, our local art historian takes us on a guided visit 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 masterpiece of contemporary architecture, characterized by its striking and unconventional design. It features curved and undulating titanium panels, glass, and limestone, creating a visually captivating structure.
Inside the museum, we explore a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including temporary exhibitions as well as permanent installations. The permanent collection includes works by renowned artists including Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Eduardo Chillida.
The Henry Moore installation inside the Guggenheim Museum.
Aside from the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has many other attractions to offer. The old town, or Casco Viejo, is a charming neighborhood filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively pintxo bars. This area is known as the Seven Streets (Las Siete Calles). It is a charming and lively neighborhood that preserves the city’s traditional Basque character and architectural heritage.
Travel back in time and visit landmarks like the Cathedral of Santiago, the Plaza Nueva or the Ribera Market. We end our evening with a lovely dinner and then head to bed for a good night’s rest and prepare for tomorrow.
