Our coach will take us along the main avenues of Bilbao, where we can admire the beautiful ‘Ensanche’ area – including the Albia Gardens, San Nicolás Church and the surrounding Alamedas (boulevards). The sightseeing drive will open up our eyes to the contrasts of the city – the juxtaposition of new and old. We will see the 19th-century bridges over the Nervion River, and also the most modern constructions, designed by innovative new architects. The biggest surprise in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum – an incredible construction containing an amazing array of modern art, first opened to the public in 1997. Designed by architect Frank O’Gehry, it is 24,000 square metres (258,000 square feet) in size, covered by more than 35,000 unique titanium tiles, and has an impressive 50 metre (165 feet) high glass hall. The building has been considered as the greatest architectural expression of the end of the 20th century. We will have some free time to stroll around the impressive museum shop before heading back to our awaiting ship. This tour involves about 1½ hours of walking. Some steps may be encountered. Subject to traffic conditions, the itinerary may vary.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRENEAN CRUISES