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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