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Day
1
Sit
back, relax and enjoy your flight to
Spain.
Days
2-5
Barcelona
Our hotel is set in the Eixample,close to
Paseo de Gracia, Plaza Catalunya and the
Diagonal Avenue and near the Gothic
Quarter and the preserved remains of a
medieval city. It is close to some of our
favorite places, including
The lively La Rambla. The tree-shaded
pedestrian boulevard offers something for
everyone, from flowers to food to art.
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.
The Miró Foundation, which houses
an extensive selection from Joan
Miró's works and other Spanish and
international art.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
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:
The new Chillida Leku, a sprawling
farm/park that's home to the works of
internationally famous sculptor Eduardo
Chillida.
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.
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.
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 flight for home.
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Barcelona
to Bilbao - 10 nights