Basque to basics: school trips to Bilbao

Being somewhat obsessed with Bilbao and the Basque Country after living there for a year, one of the things I was most excited about when I started at Diverse School Travel was the chance to design Basque-themed itinerary.  I couldn't wait to share my enthusiasm for this under-appreciated area of Spain, because I knew that it would be a fantastic destination for school trips.  Here are my top 10 reasons why I love Bilbao, and why I am sure that teachers and students alike will love it too.  

1) The atmosphere

Bilbao is already almost unrecognisable from what it was 30 years ago, and its transformation from a powerhouse of heavy industry into a thriving centre of art and design is still going strong. This gives Bilbao a tangibly exciting, dynamic atmosphere which can be felt in the enthusiasm expressed by its people when discussing their city. Find out more about Bilbao's transformation with a walking tour of the Abandoibarra district, described as an unofficial "outdoor museum" of Bilbao's architectural development. Read more about the Bilbao effect here. 

2) The food 

Oh, the food. The Basque Country is widely celebrated for its rich gastronomic tradition; with more than 40 Michelin stars, it is fast becoming one of Europe’s most important fine dining destinations. Central to this heritage are the Basque pintxos, miniature gourmet bites unique to the region. While living in Bilbao, I spent many a happy evening enjoying the local tradition of poteo: touring the bars and cafes of the Old Quarter, sampling a pintxo in each one. Add a pintxos tour to your school trip to Bilbao for just €15 per person: it’s a lovely treat for both students and teachers!

3) The Guggenheim

"El Guggen", as it is called by locals, is Bilbao’s most famous landmark, and rightly so: since its inauguration in 1997, it has been the motor behind much of the city’s development as a cultural powerhouse. With over a hundred exhibitions to its name, the Guggenheim has acquired key works by some of the most important artists of the twentieth century. Its permanent and temporary collections provide fascinating insights into the diversity of contemporary European art. All of our museum school visits include a private tour with an expert museum guide; if you would rather explore the museums on your own, just let us know. 

4) Basque history and culture

Spain has long been a favourite destination for UK tourists, but how much do we actually know about it? Many tourists might be surprised to find out that Spain is a multilingual, multicultural and (some argue) multinational country. While living in Bilbao as a Spanish student, I found it fascinating to learn about the Basque language and culture, and gain a whole new perspective on the country that I had studied. A school trip to Bilbao will undoubtedly leave students amazed by the richness and diversity of Spanish heritage, and will enable them to talk about cultural topics in much more depth. For those who are especially interested in Basque culture, the Museum of the Basque People provides detailed information on the Basque language and culture, and even contains a relief map of the area big enough to fill a whole room. 

5)    The shopping! 

Perhaps this interest of mine might be a little less intellectual than the previous one, but it is an interest all the same. The labyrinthine streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) are packed with tiny boutiques to discover, while the city’s main street (Gran Vía) boasts some of the biggest labels, both Spanish and international. The city’s shopping mall is also a great place to bargain hunt. 

6) Guernica 

The modern day Guernica is a small, charming coastal town: a casual visitor would struggle to find the marks of the horrific aerial attack which destroyed the town almost completely in 1937, and which inspired Picasso’s iconic mural, “Guernica”. However, the town does commemorate its dark past, and in a remarkable way: the Guernica Peace Museum is not a strictly historical museum, but an exploration of the concept of peace and the possibility of reconciliation in global conflicts. The Peace Museum is my very favourite cultural landmark in the Basque Country, and I have enjoyed a number of their temporary exhibitions over the course of many visits. Don’t miss the upcoming special exhibition about the flight of Basque refugee children to the UK during the Civil War.

7) The scenery 

Bilbao is affectionately nicknamed “el botxo”, meaning “the hole”, in reference to its position in a valley between several mountains. This means that not only is the city itself stunningly beautiful, it is also surrounded by stunningly beautiful scenery. Bilbaínos traditionally walk up Mt Pagasarri on a Sunday morning, although the less adventurous can take a cable car up Mt Artxanda and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city from its summit, perfect opportunities for sketching for our school groups.   

8) The Alhóndiga 

This striking building was once a wine warehouse, but now fulfils all manner of functions under its loose definition as a cultural centre. Alhóndiga's glass-bottomed swimming pool is a favourite hangout of local teenagers, while its tiny underground cinema is a great place to see the latest releases.

9) The Fine Arts Museum

An interesting contrast to the Guggenheim, the Fine Arts Museum is a celebration of art which stretches from the 13th century to the present.  With over eight thousand works in its permanent collection, complemented by diverse temporary exhibitions, the Fine Arts Museum always has something different to offer to our school groups. 

10) The beaches 

The rugged Basque coastline may be famous for its status as a surfing hotspot, but there are plenty of quieter beaches for sunbathing, paddling and relaxing. The coastal town of Lekeitio, famous for its Day of the Goose festival, is a great place to spend a half or even a full day, with its beautiful Old Quarter and sandy beach. 

Our school trips to Bilbao start from just £299 per person. Book now on 0121  271 0121.

www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk