Traditional taverns and cosmopolitan cafes. International tourism and rich Basque culture. Pimento and pepper, chorizo and roasted meats. The Nervión River and the mountain range. Bilbao is the European base for the Guggenheim Art Collection.

Visit the Guggenheim Museum and take in one of the most ground-breaking pieces of 20th century architecture, then walk inside to experience mind-blowing contemporary art collections. Stroll through the cobbled Old Town or take a metro ride to the nearby sandy beaches. Enjoy a riverside stroll along the Ría Nervión or escape to the green Cantabrian foothills. Study the city’s industrial past, contemporary economy and urban renovation. Watch a performance at the Teatro Arriaga or enjoy pintxos and paella in one of the city’s alluring alfresco eateries.

Just a few miles inland from Spain’s northern coastline, Bilbao is a short drive from the Santander ferry port, and is easily accessible overland through France. An intriguing Spanish city with an ingrained regional identity, Bilbao offers a rich cultural experience and abundant Spanish language opportunities, in a compact and easily navigable urban setting - an ideal destination for school groups.