El Transcantábrico's call at Bilbao centres on a private visit to the Guggenheim Museum, the titanium-clad masterpiece that, since 1997, has drawn the world to the banks of the Nervión. Jeff Koons' flower-covered Puppy stands guard at the entrance; Louise Bourgeois' giant spider, Maman, crouches by the river.
Beyond the museum, the Casco Viejo — Bilbao's medieval old town — rewards a slow wander: the Seven Streets, the Ribera market, and the ornate Teatro Arriaga. Above all, Bilbao is a city to eat in. The Basque art of the pintxo reaches its height here, each bar a counter of small, perfect bites paired with a glass of Txakoli.
On your journey
Bilbao is typically the second day of the eight-day route between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. Excursions are guided and included, with time to explore independently before returning to the train for dinner.
