
A vibrant, energetic metropolis with a relaxed atmosphereThe Spanish city of Bilbao is the capital of Spain’s Basque region, located on the country’s north coast.
The stunning Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry with its sinewy, steel-clad exterior draws fans of contemporary architecture from around the world. With a very agreeable, temperate oceanic climate, Bilbao is conducive to walking tours and general sightseeing. Culture vultures will fall in love with this city which has a packed arts calendar year-round and two of the best art galleries in Spain.
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Port average temperature
Bilbao has an oceanic climate, generally mild, with not too extreme temperatures. January average temperature is 9°C and July average 21°C. Precipitation is around 1,200 mm per year, almost entirely rain, although in winter it snows three days on average.
Extreme heat is also common a few days each summer, mainly when strong winds from the south blow through the mountains and temperatures rise because of the foehn wind. The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.
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BIO01 - BILBAO WALKING TOUR (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Our tour kicks off with a drive to the architecturally stunning Guggenheim Museum where we’ll have time for a photo stop before boarding the bus to Bilbao’s Old Quarter. We will access the city via the Calatrava bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans the Nervión River and which is part of an enterprising plan to reinvigorate the city and the riverside district around the Guggenheim Museum. If you wish to take photos, note that there is a great view of the museum from this bridge. Once in the city, we will enjoy a walking tour through El Arenal, the old town. We will pass the famous Cathedral of Santiago, reputedly the oldest building in Bilbao. In former times, the Cathedral was the centre of Bilbao, and all the city's main streets converged here. Today the cathedral is dedicated to the city's patron saint, St James, and boasts a beautiful Neo-Gothic tower. We will then take the bus to Moyúa Square populated with exclusive boutiques and from there, return to the pier. Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties as it involves almost 3 hours' walking; comfortable shoes are recommended. Limited number of guides in languages other than Spanish. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in Spanish only.
Price per person $51.00 Adults $36.00 Children
BIO02 - GUGGENHEIM & OLD QUARTER (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Great art and architecture converge on this tour that takes in the Guggenheim Museum and the historic sights of Bilbao. The fabulous Guggenheim collection is distributed across three museums managed by the Foundation: the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Guggenheim Museum SoHo, both in New York, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, in Venice. The permanent collection of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao includes works by the most prominent artists of the last forty years, and is supplemented by works from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Exhibited are significant examples of Pop Art, Minimalism, Arte Povera, Conceptual Art and Abstract Expressionism among others, together with special exhibitions sponsored by the Foundation. After the Museum visit we will head to El Arenal, Bilbao's old town for a walking tour; you will see the famous Cathedral of Santiago, reputedly the oldest building in Bilbao. The cathedral was formerly the center of Bilbao, and all the city's main streets converged here. Today, the cathedral is dedicated to the city's patron saint and features a beautiful Neo-Gothic tower. Please note: each guide can give explanations inside the Guggenheim Museum to a maximum of 20 guests. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties as it involves almost 3 hours' walking; comfortable shoes are recommended. Limited number of guides in languages other than Spanish. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in Spanish only.
Price per person $86.00 Adults $60.00 Children
BIO03 - SAN SEBASTIÁN (full day, lunch not included) - 2013
After boarding a coach at the port, your scenic all-day tour begins with a 1-hour drive through the beautiful Basque countryside to San Sebastián, a relatively small town situated on the coast of the Bay of Biscay that is the capital of the Gipuzkoa province. Your tour of this lovely city will take you to see all the main sights, such as the late-19th-century Miramar Palace, which was built as a summer residence for Queen Maria Cristina, as well as the Gothic Revival Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, whose construction was completed in 1897. Also on the drive-by itinerary are the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the elegant Hotel Maria Cristina, both of which were inaugurated in 1912. San Sebastián’s glorious old quarter, the so-called Parte Vieja, and port will then be explored on foot – the best way to soak up the special atmosphere of these history-laden streets. Time permitting, you can also do some shopping or have a bite to eat (not included in the price of the tour). Your return journey to Bilbao will also take you to visit Mount Igueldo for superb views of the city and a chance to take some memorable photos to show your friends and family at home. Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than Spanish. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in Spanish only. Shopping is not foreseen on calls falling on Sundays.
Price per person $100.00 Adults $70.00 Children
BIO04 - OLD BILBAO & GEXTO (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Bilbao is over 700 years old and was founded by the nobleman D. Diego López de Haro. We will begin our tour with a panoramic view of the city from the top of Mount Artxanda. You will enjoy a scenic drive through the city, passing the famous Guggenheim museum before reaching the Old Quarter, the most important area of the city. Enjoy free time walking through the pedestrian area of the city: shop for bargains or relax with a meal, sampling local wine and tapas (not included). We will leave Bilbao for a short drive to Getxo (pronounced Get-cho) an elegant residential marina set on the bank of the Nervion River with large palaces and mansions. You can enjoy a panoramic driving tour of the city before proceeding to Hanging Bridge, or “Bizkaia Bridge” for a photo stop. The Bridge joins the riverbanks at Portugalete and Las Arenas, allowing for free-flowing maritime traffic. Similar in style to the Eiffel Tower, due to its black iron structure, this amazing feat of engineering is now over 100 years old and is the oldest transporter bridge in the world. Return to pier. Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than Spanish. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in Spanish only. Shopping is not foreseen on calls falling on Sundays.
Price per person $50.00 Adults $35.00 Children
The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.