Day 1
Sit back and enjoy your flight to Spain.
Days 2-5
Barcelona
Our hotel is set in the Gothic Quarter, the preserved
remains of a medieval city. It is close to some of our
favorite places, including
• the lively La
Rambla. The tree-shaded pedestrian boulevard offers something
for everyone, from flowers to food to art.
• the Picasso Museum, which contains
a collection of the painter’s early work and more.
Included here is his interpretation of Velázquez’s
series of Las Meninas.
• the Miró Foundation, which
houses an extensive selection from Joan Miró’s
works and other Spanish and international art.
• the Palau de la Música, one
of the world’s leading concert halls. Built in 1905,
its rococo spaces play host to musicians from around the
world.
We see Antoni Gaudi’s architectural talents in many
places throughout Barcelona, including
• Park Güell,
a fanciful housing community that just didn’t catch
on in its day. Its wavy, colorful roofs and benches, designed
in mosaic tiles, are highlights of a popular park in a
woodland setting, which also features Gaudi’s own
spartan residence.
• the Sagrada Familia (Church of the
Holy Family), a daring work that’s been in progress
for more than 110 years. The National Geographic says
this magnificent cathedral “represents the muscle
and imagination that lifted Barcelona to the economic
and cultural leader it is today.”
• Casa Milá (also known as
La Pedrera or “the quarry”), with its irregularly
curved limestone walls reminiscent of desert sand dunes.
Originally thought too futuristic, it is today considered
a landmark of modern architecture.
From Barcelona, we take a pleasant drive to the seaside
resort village of Sitges. Then we do Dalí, visiting
• the medieval
castle Dalí bought for Gala — his wife and
muse. Gala’s castle was even off limits to Dalí,
except when he received a written invitation to visit.
The castle, in Pubol, houses their unusual furnishings
along with some of his paintings.
• the Dalí Theater-Museum in
Figueres. Designed by the artist himself, the museum includes
many of his famous works as well as his last remains.
We leave Catalunya and begin our journey into the Basque
Country. A short flight takes us over the Pyrenees to
San Sebastián.
Days 6-8
San Sebastián—Bayonne—Biarritz
From our hotel balconies, we enjoy an expansive view of
San Sebastián’s perfect shell-shaped beach
and harbor — as well as daily promenades along the
boardwalk and the entertainers who make the beautiful
beach sunsets even more memorable. Among highlights:
• San Sebastián’s
La Parte Vieja, the “old part” of what many
call the “jewel of Euskadi.” We follow our
noses to the many pintxos (tapas) bars, sampling a large
variety of seafood, olives, cheeses and regional wines.
And we can shop for everything from high fashion to
fabulous chocolates.
• an evening at a private Gastronomic
Society, a traditional event where men display both
their well-developed cooking skills and their vocal
prowess for a small group of visitors. A chorus of 8-12
men — plumbers, bank presidents, set designers
and many other professions in real life — sing
Basque folk songs between the many courses.
One day will be yours. Explore on your own — or
with the help of your guides. Visit the city’s
popular new aquarium, take in the promenade and the
view from the beachside benches, or reserve for lunch
or dinner at Arzak, which critics have crowned Spain’s
best restaurant.
Days 9-11
Guernica—Bilbao—La Rioja
We visit:
• the new Chillida
Leku — a sprawling farm/park that’s home
to the works of internationally famous sculptor Eduardo
Chillida.
• Guernica — famed for its
“Tree of Guernica,” the Basque symbol of
heritage, law and freedom. This once war-torn village
also inspired Picasso’s controversial masterpiece
by the same name.
• the architectural wonder of Frank
Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao, an amazing design achievement
that houses 19 galleries of spectacular art in a surprisingly
intimate interior. Don’t miss the guard dog out
front — Puppy, by Jeff Koons, a 30-foot-tall chiapet
executed in impatiens, begonias and marigolds. The Guggenheim
Bilbao attracts arts pilgrims from all over the world
and has energized the city of Bilbao almost singlehandedly.
• La Rioja, the famous wine region.
We discover the walled city of Laguardia. And we lunch
in an old bodega (wine cellar), where we also sample
the fine local vintages.
Day 12
Board your transatlantic flight for home.
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