Bilbao station
Barcelona
Hotel Carlton, or the Hotel Miro, for two nights, both of which are stylish hotels in privileged locations just a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum.
DAY EIGHT In Bilbao Take time to explore the Basque city’ s sights, perhaps starting with a visit to the Guggenheim itself, which will offer a valuable introduction to the city’ s opulent heritage. Designed by Frank Gehry, this futuristic building is home to a permanent collection of contemporary art and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Only a few minutes’ walk away from the hotel is the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which houses an extensive collection ranging from 12th Century sculptures to 20th Century paintings and is a picturesque building in its own right. Along the riverbank is Bilbao’ s old town. Comprised of tightly-packed colourful houses, and long, steep stairways, this part of the city takes you back to a more traditional Spain. Also worth a visit is the Gothic Santiago Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century. Head down towards the seafront to see the eclectic Mercado de la Ribera, the largest covered market in Europe. It was built in 1929 and still sources some of the best seafood in Bilbao. The city has a vibrant evening scene with bars and restaurants, offering a more cosmopolitan vibe after your peaceful stay in La Rioja. After taking in the views across the river and in the squares, return to the grand and welcoming Hotel Carlton, which seamlessly blends the traditional and the contemporary aspects of Bilbao, or the ultra-modern and chic Hotel Miro.
DAY NINE Bilbao to London by air Perhaps enjoy breakfast in one of the city centre cafes to make the most of your final morning in Bilbao. Then, take a taxi to Bilbao airport for your flight back to London.
Granados 83
Hotel Viura
What’ s included
• Second class or standard class on Eurostar rail travel( first and standard premier on Eurostar at a supplement)
• Scheduled flight with British Airways from
Bilbao to London, economy
• Hire of a Group B car for three days in La Rioja
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at the Hotel Granados 83 in Barcelona
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at the Hotel Viura in La Rioja
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at the Hotel Miro in Bilbao
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
What’ s not included
• Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
• Local tourist tax, usually between Euros 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
• Transfers in Paris and each city
PRICES
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and including standard class rail travel From £ 1,860
Holiday code SNBR01
Hotel Miro
To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk 67