Friday, June 10th 2011. Day trip

Guggenheim Museum and Bilbao

• 8.30 a.m. Bus pick-up the group at the hotels in Santander heading to Bilbao.
• Guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by North American architect Frank O. Gehry, is a magnificent example of the most groundbreaking architecture to have come out of the 20th century. The building itself is an innovatively designed architectural landmark that creates a seductive backdrop for the exhibition of contemporary art. It has become the cultural and tourist driving force of the Basque Country. This spectacular building is completely covered with titanium sheets. It houses its own private collection, in addition to sharing with New York and Venice the world's largest and most impressive private collection of modern and contemporary art.

• Lunch in a typical restaurant.
• Guided walking tour around the old town of Bilbao.

Bilbao is a particularly historic city, with a legacy of old buildings and a rich culture, based around the Old Town, in the Casco Viejo area. It is linked with the new town (The Ensanche) by five bridges. The core of the old town lies around the "Siete Calles" ("seven streets")-Somera, Artecalle, Tendería, Belosticalle, Carnicería Vieja, Barrencalle and Barrencalle Barena. Often known locally simply as 'Botxo', Bilbao also boasts an impressive selection of restaurants and shops, together with a vibrant nightlife to rival any city. With a scenic backdrop of green hills from the Vizcaya area, Bilbao has long been a major tourist destination and is dissected by the Nervión River, much of which is lined by a host of sightseeing opportunities.

• Return to Santander.

PRICE OF THE DAY TRIP: 120€
It includes: bus, entrance fees, English/Spanish speaking guide and lunch. Taxes included.