Programma
Day 1 - Tuesday 19.5.2026
- 12:00 - Meet & greet for all participants at Brussels airport
- 14:05 - Departure of direct SN flight to Bilbao.
BRUSSELS/BILBAO | 14:05-16:05 | SN3711 - 16:05 - Arrival at Bilbao airport.
- 16:30 - Transfer to the city center
- 17:00 - Arrival at the hotel.
BARCELO NERVION BILBAO 4* | Central, few minutes walking from old quarter and Guggenheim. - 19:00 - Departure by foot for a tasting 'Pintxos' walk in the charming, historic 'Casco Viejo'
"Start of our discovery visit of Bilbao -by foot to enjoy the city- with a local guide. We will discover the highlights of historical Bilbao with its narrow streets and charming bars. Stop at the historic Bilbao Mercado La Riberio.
Day 2 - Wednesday 20.5.2026
- 08:50 - Gathering in the lobby
- 09:00 - Transfer by comfortable coach to Sestao, approx +/- 15 km or 25' drive. "ArcelorMittal site in Sestao, on the riverbanks, situated Northwest of Bilbao city (approx. 15 km)
A new generation steel plant based on Electric Arc Furnace and Thin Slab Direct Rolling casting and Rolling facilities adequate to produce high quality low-carbon emissions steel. Focusing on ArcelorMittal’s XCarb® programme and pioneer in net zero journey of ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products, the plant of Sestao produces Hot Rolled Black and Pickled coil for direct deliveries and substrate for further processed value added rerolled and coated product through sister plants of ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products. All this with high recycled content and use of renewable electricity when desired by customer so that they can achieve lower carbon footprint in their end product. - 13:15 - Return transfer to Bilbao.
- 13:30 - Visit of ‘Agravitas’, the extension and renovation of the existing Bilbao Museoa by Foster & Partners.
The guiding idea of the proposal is to recover the prominence of the 1945 building, reestablishing its original entrance. A space of unique dimensions is projected over the existing facilities that, in a respectful way, sits on top of the buildings from 1945 and 1970, providing the museum with 2,000 m2 of new galleries on a single open and flexible floor. An optimal gallery for any art curator. - 15:30 - Free time. A citymap is given with useful suggestions.
Alternative: a joint walk through Bilbao. - 20:00 - Gathering and walk to the restaurant.
Restaurant AMAREN: the temple of authentic ox in the centre of Bilbao, a culinary expression of Basque identity, fire and thoughtful innovation.
Day 3 - Thursday 21.5.2026
- 09:00 Gathering in the lobby
- 09:20 Short walk with the guide (full day) heading towards the Guggenheim Museum, approx. 1,2 km by foot or 15' walking.
Along our walk we pass the Zubizuri Zubia bridge ('White Bridge') build between 1994-1997 based on a design of Santiago Calatrava, a pedestrian construction span the Nervion River.
In front of the main entrance of the museum the 12m high 'Puppy', most famous art of Jeff Koons, serving as icon landmark of the city. The sculpture was originally a temporary installation in 1992 but became a permanent fixture for the museum's inauguration in 1997. A West Highland white terrier covered in flowers.
Maman', a large sculpture of French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, is a giant spider (1999) protects her precious eggs in a steel cage-like body, provokes awe and fear, with her massive height, improbably balanced on slender legs. - 10:00 Guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum
Guggenheim Museum what is without any doubt the most spectacular sight of Bilbao and 'a must- for a guided visit of this masterpiece of art and architecture! Guggenheim Museum, designed by the world known American architect Frank Gehry, represents an architectural landmark of audacious configuration and innovating design, providing a seductive backdrop for the art collection exhibited in it.
Short walk to the hotel, load luggage - 12:00 Transfer by comfortable coach to 'Puente de Vizcaya' ; approx. 15-20' drive.
- 12:30 Visit of the Vizcaya bridge
The first transporter bridge built in the world with a steel structure, one of the most remarkable achievements of the Industrial Revolution in the field of steel architecture. Imagine 50 meters above the ground, on a walkway stretches across the Nervion estuary. We climb the catwalk in the panoramic elevator, enjoy the extraordinary views that encompass the entire mouth of the Nervion River, the port of Bilbao, the adjacent mountains, Portugalete and Getxo.
Restaurant Tremendo: a traditional Basque cuisine located near Vizcaya bridge. - 13:30 Lunch based on 3-courses including beverages
- 14:30 Departure towards the airport
- 14:55 Arrival at Bilbao airport
- 16:55 Return flight
take off with SN3712 including luggage checked in - 18:45 Arrival SN direct flight at Brussels Airport
