El Transcantábrico's guided visit of Bilbao centres on the riverside reborn around 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 where the train itself begins and ends. Travelling west, guests meet in San Sebastián and transfer by coach to Bilbao to board on the first afternoon; the second morning is spent exploring the city before the train continues to Santander. Travelling east, Bilbao is visited on day seven, and on the final morning guests leave the train here before the coach transfer to San Sebastián. The visit is guided and included, with time to explore independently.
