touring
SPANISH ART AND ARCHITECTURE TOUR
This tour by air and rail is a delightful introduction to the artistic and architectural heritage of Spain , visiting three cities which are home to iconic Spanish buildings and a number of outstanding art collections . Witness the contemporary art and architecture of the Basque city of Bilbao , discover the Catalan Art Nouveau style of Barcelona , then visit world-class art museums in the country ’ s capital city . Travel between the cities by rail , allowing you to relax in comfort and watch the Spanish scenery pass by .
SUGGESTED TOURING ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Start your touring holiday by flying into Madrid before catching an afternoon train northwards to Bilbao , arriving late evening . Travel to your hotel , the five-star Hotel Carlton , which enjoys a privileged position a few steps from the Plaza de Don Federico Moyúa and a short distance from the iconic Guggenheim Museum . Stay for two nights .
DAY TWO
You have the whole day here in Bilbao to feast on the artistic and architectural wonders of this vibrant city , perhaps starting off with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum . Designed by Frank Gehry , the futuristic building , with its shimmering curves of titanium and glass , is home to a permanent collection of contemporary art . The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum houses an extensive collection ranging from 12th Century sculptures to 20th Century paintings with a number of works by Basque artists as well as El Greco , Goya and Gaugin . About 20 miles east of Bilbao is the town of Guernica , the namesake of Picasso ’ s famous painting which was inspired by the town ’ s bombing during the Spanish Civil War .
DAY THREE
More exploring this morning before you take a mid-afternoon train to Barcelona , arriving just after 10pm . Here you will stay for three nights at Hotel Claris , a stylish hotel located in central Barcelona close to many of the main sights .
DAYS FOUR AND FIVE
Spend two days in Barcelona . Hotel Claris is located just a short walk from Passeig de Gracia and two of Antoni Gaudi ’ s more famous buildings La Pedrera and Casa Battlo . Perhaps the most famous landmark in the city is the unconventional cathedral of Sagrada Familia , whilst another famous work featuring Gaudí ’ s trademark curved lines , elaborate wrought iron and mosaic decorations is Parc Guell . There are a number of outstanding art museums , including the Picasso Museum , tracing his life and works and the Joan Miró Foundation which is dedicated to works by the Catalan painter . The National Art Museum of Catalonia holds a vast collection of Catalan art throughout the ages . Close by is the Gothic quarter which is also home to outstanding architecture dating from mediaeval times , including the cathredral . An easy day trip from Barcelona is to Figueres , a small city around 90 miles to the north , which is known for being the birthplace of Salvador Dalí . Figueres is home to the renowned Dalí Theatre-Museum , with its extensive collection of Dalí ’ s work , as well as pieces by other artists including El Greco .
DAY SIX
From Barcelona , catch one of the hourly high speed trains to Madrid , arriving around three hours later . Stay at Hotel Urban , a five-star hotel in the cultural centre of the city .
DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT
Your two days in Madrid will be actionpacked with art and architecture throughout the centuries . The hotel is within walking distance of all three of the world-class art museums belonging to Madrid ’ s Golden
Inside the Prado
Dali theatre museum
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