17 – 21 May 2021
Bilbao and Gernika
Description
Bilbao, the financial capital of the Basque region, and a major port situated on the river Nervion is Spain’s seventh largest city. Granted its charter in 1300 it was famous in the medieval period for its swords. Though having a politically troubled 19th century and mid 20th century, Bilbao remained a major industrial centre. The Casco Viejo (old town) is a reminder of the old Spain with buildings from the 14th century, and also has many churches, the Catedral de Santiago, the Museo Vasco (Basque Museum), the Museum of Sacred Arts and the largest covered market in Europe (Mercardo de la Ribera). The ‘new city’, known as the Ensanche, whilst housing impressive late 19th century and early 20th century buildings, also has the ultra modern Guggenheim Museum and the Museo de Bellas Artes, is second in importance to Madrid’s Prado. For a bird’s eye view of the city there is a funicular, whilst a lift to a footbridge high across the river gives a panoramic view. The small town of Gernika, now remembered via Picasso’s painting, houses some of the original sketches and has a full scale public tiled reproduction.
Other Details
Accommodation
Centrally located Hotel Petit Palace Arana***
Course Cost
£944 single room accommodation, inclusive of tuition, airport transfers (airport transfers are only available for the Siragusa Tours Ltd nominated flight), travel to Gernika and breakfast.
Note that the cost is subject to availability at time of booking
Travel Insurance
Once tour is viable and flights are booked please make sure you book your travel insurance. If we have booked flights on your behalf through Travelpack then you can call Lina on 0208 5854010 ext 1008, Mon – Fri 9 – 4 , for an immediate quote (up to the age of 84).
Once tour is viable and if we have booked a flight for you through Travelpack, you can call Lina on 08444 930465 for an immediate quote (unless you already have insurance)
Flight Deatils
Scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Bilbao with British Airways, ca. £195
1 . BA 2686 18MAY LGWBIO 1405 1720 O
2 . BA 2685 22MAY BIOLGW 1520 1640 O
Local Transport
Airport transfers by taxi or minibus, travel to Gernika by bus or train.
Group Size
Ca. 10
Tutor
Jackie Parry MA, is an experienced lecturer and art historian who has led many gallery visits and study tours. She teaches art history at the University of Sussex and the Open University. She has also lectured for NADFAS, the U3A and the National Trust. Her interests are mostly based around 18th century art and culture and the development of modernism from 19th century to the present. Her MA research included issues of gender and critical theory.
Related OU Courses
General Interest/A226/AA315/AA318
Itinerary / Study Programme
Day 1, Monday 17 May 2021
Arrival and orientation and the Casco Viejo (old town)
Day 2, Tuesday 18 May 2021
am and pm :The Guggenheim Museum
Day 3, Wednesday 19 May 2021
am and pm: Museo de Bellas Artes :there are 3 main collections ( Classical European art up to the (17th); Contemporary art including Gaugin and Cassatt; and Basque art.
Day 4, Thursday 20 May 2021
Gernika (21 miles east of Bilbao)
Day 5, Friday 21 May 2021
am: The Museum of Sacred Arts
pm: Free time until departure
This itinerary and study programme is provisional and may be subject to change in response to local conditions