Bilbao Highlights & the Guggenheim Museum
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port
Bilbao, Spain
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activityLevel
Strenuous Activity
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excursionType
Information Not Currently Available
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$120
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Noble Bilbão, standing on the corner of ancient and modern, was 'discovered' by the Romans, set on plundering the local iron ore mines. This thoroughly modern city, founded in 1300, is in the throes of a spectacular transformation, as urban projects and avant-garde architecture (such as the ultra-modern Guggenheim Museum) contrast sharply with Bilbão's Old Quarter and the city's medieval heart.
In the modern part of Bilbão, a panoramic drive takes you past the Gardens of Albia, the Church of San Vicente and the Palace of Chavarri.
But the nucleus of this industrial port city is the Old Town, where the narrow streets are lined with Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist buildings. Stroll through this area as your guide points out the Cathedral of Santiago, the Gothic Church of San Anton and the Plaza Nueva (New Square).
Then, in the area of Abandoibarra, you will find the famous Guggenheim Museum. Step inside to explore the impressive permanent and temporary exhibits, all housed within a love-it-or-hate-it architectural environment that symbolizes the urban and economic revitalization of Bilbão.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.