Classic Basque Country Trip

About Barcelona

This lively, exciting metropolis, set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its exceptional architecture, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and fascinating history. It is said that a secret of Barcelona's charm lies in the fact that its tourist sites are an integral part of its residents’ daily life.

This lively, exciting metropolis, set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its exceptional architecture, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and fascinating history. It is said that a secret of Barcelona's charm lies in the fact that its tourist sites are an integral part of its residents’ daily life.

Barcelona is not only the capital city of the autonomous community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, but a leading international city, having major influence on global commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts. It is an important cultural center, blending modernity and tradition. The city’s most famous landmarks include the architectural works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The center of the city and its heart is Placa de Catalunya, a charming square with statues and fountains, shops and boutiques, cafes and restaurants. La Rambla, a bustling boulevard that connects Placa de Catalunya to the ocean, extends from the square. Also extending from the square is one of the city’s most prestigious boulevards, the Passeig de Gracie, where two of Gaudi’s iconic houses are located, the Casa Batllo and the Casa Mila- also known as La Padrera. One of Barcelona’s main highlights is the Church of the Holy Family - La Sagrada Familia – which was designed by Antonio Gaudi and to which he devoted much of his life. The church, which began construction in 1882 and is still not finished, is one of the city's most exciting and awe-inspiring sites. Not far from the church, at the end of Gaudi Avenue, is the Sant Pau Hospital, one of Lluis Domenech I Montaner’s most important architectural works. It is a large complex in which the buildings fit together harmoniously and are surrounded by magnificent gardens. The city’s Gothic Quarter, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is considered the historic heart of the city, and there are numerous city landmarks located within its narrow streets. The Sinagoga Major de Barcelona, which was the main synagogue in the Jewish neighborhood until the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, still remains, as does the 14th-15th century Barcelona Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Catalonia. The historic palace, Palau de la Generalitat, is also found here and continues to function as the seat of the Government of Catalonia and the Presidency of the Generalitat. The 14th century Ajuntament City Hall building is another landmark in the Quarter. The Picasso Museum is housed in one of the Gothic Quarter’s elegant mansions, and the Palau de la Musica Catalana is a magnificent concert hall designed in Catalan modernista style by Lluis Domenech I Montaner in the early 20th century. There is a mountain overlooking the city known as Montjuic, the Jewish Mountain, a name derived from the medieval Jewish cemetery that is found there. Situated on the mountain is the National Palace, an enormous Italian-style building built in 1929, which today houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia as well as the Olympic Stadium and the Pueblo Espanyol tourist complex. Also located here is the Joan Miro Museum, a museum of modern art dedicated to the famous Catalan artist who initiated its establishment of the museum and donated many of her works. Just beneath Monjuic, you’ll find Placa de Espana, Barcelona’s largest square. The square had once been used as an entrance gate to the museum and today is a center for fairs and exhibits. The Font Magica provides fun entertainment in the evening as the illuminated fountain shoots jets of water, which change shape and color, 164 feet high – all accompanied by great music. Barcelona is also home to some outstanding parks. In the center of the city is the Parc De La Ciutadella, a green oasis with a large central fountain, statues, and an artificial lake with row boats. On the park’s grounds you’ll also find the zoo, the Catalan Parliament building which today houses the Modern Art Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Cascada, a large triumphal arch. Park Guell, located in the García district atop a hill, is one of the city's most intriguing sites and a unique example of creative environmental design. Originally intended as a private residential area with 60 single-family homes, the project was unsuccessful, and it became municipal property in 1923. Though not complete, it is one of Antonio Gaudi's best-known and most imaginative works. The buildings are coated with colorful ceramic fragments whose combination throughout the garden creates a mosaic of shapes. Along the beautiful stairway at the entrance gate, you’ll see one of the park’s most famous features: the huge, mythological dragon– or salamander. At the top of the stairs is La Placa, a square with a colorful, rolling bench covered with ceramic fragments and spectacular views of the city. Tibidabo is the highest hill in the Serra de Collserola, and, at its peak, is the Sagrat Cor Church. Adjacent to it is the Tibidabo Amusement Park, a historic theme park with modern attractions, events, shows, and panoramic views. Camp Nou is the largest soccer stadium in Europe and the home field of FC Barcelona. It includes a museum and a visitor’s center. Markets are another important feature of life in Barcelona and a great place to feel the city’s vibe. The 13th century Boqueria Market, located off the famous Rambla and a popular tourist destination, is filled with the sites, smells, and sounds of a bustling city market. In addition to fresh, delicious produce, you’ll find fresh fish, cheeses, juices, Catalan sausages, and other local delicacies – as well as numerous bars and restaurants. The San Antonio Market located in the Eixampla area is one of the largest in Barcelona, combining stalls, restaurants, and bars alongside clothes, books, and stamps for collectors. The Encants flea market is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 13th century, and a place to find diverse and unique art, crafts, gifts, fashion, and more. Not far from Catalonia Square is El Nacional, a charming restaurant complex where you’ll find many traditional dishes from the Iberian Peninsula. Established in 1870 as a theater, the building served other purposes before undergoing a massive renovation and opening in 2013 as a luxurious and well-designed entertainment complex in the heart of the city. And there’s more – Barcelona is also home to shopping centers, an extensive and delectable restaurant scene, and a vibrant night life. To sum up, Barcelona – an innovative, cosmopolitan city with a Mediterranean flair- shouldn’t be missed!

About Zaragoza

Zaragoza is the capital city of the Zaragoza province and of the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. It is situated on the Ebro river, near the center of the region, in a valley with a variety of landscapes, ranging from desert to thick forest, meadows and mountains. The city is famous for its folklore, local gastronomy, and landmarks such as the Basilica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral and the Aljaferia Palace. Together with La Seo and the Aljaferia, several other buildings form part of the Mudejar Architecture of Aragon which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fiestas del Pilar are among the most celebrated festivals in Spain.

Zaragoza is the capital city of the Zaragoza province and of the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. It is situated on the Ebro river, near the center of the region, in a valley with a variety of landscapes, ranging from desert to thick forest, meadows and mountains. The city is famous for its folklore, local gastronomy, and landmarks such as the Basilica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral and the Aljaferia Palace. Together with La Seo and the Aljaferia, several other buildings form part of the Mudejar Architecture of Aragon which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fiestas del Pilar are among the most celebrated festivals in Spain.

About Bilbao

The city of Bilbao is the capital of the Biscay province, and, located at the mouth of the Nervion River, is one of the five largest ports in Spain. Though it is the economic center of the heavily industrial Basque Country, Bilbao has abundant natural beauty with parks, lush landscapes, and proximity to stunning coastlines. It is also known for its outstanding architecture and dining scene and, in recent years, has become a vibrant, revitalized city.

The city of Bilbao is the capital of the Biscay province, and, located at the mouth of the Nervion River, is one of the five largest ports in Spain. Though it is the economic center of the heavily industrial Basque Country, Bilbao has abundant natural beauty with parks, lush landscapes, and proximity to stunning coastlines. It is also known for its outstanding architecture and dining scene and, in recent years, has become a vibrant, revitalized city.

Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which was designed by the famed Frank Gehry and has become the architectural symbol of the city due to its unique architecture, including over 33,000 titanium plates on its exterior. Inaugurated in 1997, the museum, with its unique avant-garde and futuristic look, put Bilbao on the world tourism map, attracting about 1 million tourists a year to see its modern and contemporary works. Thanks to the museum, the shipyards were taken out, the river was cleaned, and international architects built additional spectacular projects, including the airport that looks like a bird and the white Zubizuri Bridge (“White Bridge”), designed by Santiago Calatrava, that crosses the river. Other architectural highlights in Bilbao include the subway, designed by Norman Foster, and  Alhondiga, a fascinating building that had served as a warehouse and has been transformed into an art and entertainment center with a library, cinema, auditorium, bars and restaurants- all designed by French architect Philippe Starck. The Puente de San Anton, the famous 14th century bridge, is another of the city’s icons, and Mercado de La Ribera is one of the most beautiful historic markets in Spain. The Palacio de la Diputacion (Delegation Palace), the seat of the executive branch of the government, is designed in royal baroque style and is famous for its stunning stained glass windows. Bilbao is also home to a wide variety of museums, such as the Euskal Museoa and the Arkeologi Museo which present collections from centuries past, and performing arts halls such as the Euskalduna Palace. Bilbao’s historic old city, dating back to the early 14th century, is full of narrow and interesting cobblestone alleyways with small shops and a collection of bars, restaurants, and wine bars. And be sure to partake of the dining scene in Bilbao- diverse and outstanding, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants alongside family-run restaurants, all offering a range of mouthwatering Basque cuisine.

About Leon

Founded in the 1st century BC by the Romans, its rich historical and architectural heritage, as well as its numerous annual festivals, make it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourism. 

Founded in the 1st century BC by the Romans, its rich historical and architectural heritage, as well as its numerous annual festivals, make it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourism. 

In the Middle Ages, Leon became the capital of the Kingdom of Leon and an important stop on the pilgrims’ route to the Santiago Cathedral where the remains of St. James reputedly lie. The modern city of Leon is bustling and cosmopolitan, interwoven with spectacular promenades and squares, as well as historic landmarks.  The 13th century Cathedral of Leon, one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Spain, houses an array of stunning stained glass windows as well as elaborate sculptures and carvings. Don’t miss the panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from the tower of the cathedral. The Basilica of San Isidro de Leon, built on top of an ancient Roman temple in the 11th and 12th centuries, is a magnificent Romanesque style-structure. The Royal Pantheon, known as “the Sistine Chapel of Romanesque Art” is located here with the remains of 33 members of the royal Leonese Court. The Roman Wall, which had encircled the city, is another popular attraction. Dating back to the 1st century, this is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Spain. By walking the trail and seeing some of the remaining Roman ruins, the city’s rich history will come alive. Santo Domingo Square stands out due to its many fountains as well as the trapezoidal building next to it- the creation of the famous Barcelona artist, Antonio Gaudi. The 12th century Antiquo Monasterio de San Marcos, originally a convent, is one of the most important Renaissance moments in Spain. Today it is home to a church, the Museo de Leon which houses important works of art, and a state-run luxury hotel. Art lovers can get an in-depth look at the art and artifacts from different time periods and cultures at the city’s museums - the Museum of Art and History of Leon and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Castilla y Leon. The MUSAC, the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art, is an example of the city’s modern architecture. Last but not least, don’t miss out on Leon’s outstanding cuisine, including its range of traditional dishes and local wines – especially the renowned wines from the nearby Bierzo region.

About Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region, is home to the iconic Catedral de Santiago de Compostela which is, according to tradition, the burial place of the biblical James the Apostle who brought the gospel of Christianity to the Iberian Peninsula. For centuries, each pilgrim’s journey culminated with reaching the city and entering the cathedral. In fact, Santiago de Compostela is considered the 3rd most important site of medieval Christianity – taking a back seat only to Jerusalem and Rome. The city’s Old Town, where the cathedral is located, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region, is home to the iconic Catedral de Santiago de Compostela which is, according to tradition, the burial place of the biblical James the Apostle who brought the gospel of Christianity to the Iberian Peninsula. For centuries, each pilgrim’s journey culminated with reaching the city and entering the cathedral. In fact, Santiago de Compostela is considered the 3rd most important site of medieval Christianity – taking a back seat only to Jerusalem and Rome. The city’s Old Town, where the cathedral is located, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

The cathedral originally dated back to the 9th century, but was destroyed by the Muslims at the end of the 10th century. It was rebuilt in the 11th century and then expanded and renovated over the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. It has magnificent carved facades which open to the medieval walls of the Old Town, and is a combination of late Baroque styles including numerous towers and statues. Its high ceiling is considered an architectural wonder. Around the cathedral is Palacio Gelmirez, the bishop's palace, and Hotel de los Reyes Catolicos is an inn established by Spain’s Catholic monarchs, specifically by King Fernando and Queen Isabella, to shelter pilgrims and the sick. Today, it is part of Spain’s National Tourism Paradores which serves visitors to the area. The Raxoi Manor (Pazo de Raxoi) is an 18th century neoclassical palace near the cathedral which today houses the seat of the city council and the regional government. Santiago de Compostela is both elegant and sophisticated. Though studded with monasteries, churches, and palaces as well as other well-preserved Gothic architecture, the city is vibrantly alive with many modern attractions, as well. The small streets are full of restaurants, boutiques, and bars that are fun to get lost in, and the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporanea is a center for bold contemporary art located in a spectacular modern building.