Navarrete - Derio - Bilbao
June 16, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
We woke to a beautiful morning of sunshine and blue skies, despite the weather app predicting a 30% chance of rain.
After enjoying a generous breakfast buffet at the hotel, we loaded our luggage into the van and set off for our final day of exploring Spain. Our route took us once again through the vineyards of Rioja, this time toward the famous Marqués de Riscal winery in Elciego.
The winery’s hotel, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, immediately caught our attention. Its bold, modern design reminded us of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. A guided tour of the winery and hotel was available only in the afternoon for €20 per person, which did not fit our schedule. Fortunately, the wine shop and visitor center were open, allowing us to explore the property and learn more about its history.
Not content with the standard viewpoint, Kurt drove the van up a nearby hillside overlooking the vineyards. From there, we enjoyed an excellent view of Gehry’s remarkable creation. The building’s colorful, curved metal panels seemed to flow across the roof and walls like ribbons in the wind. The photos below capture the scene far better than words can.
Our next stop was the Ysios Winery, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The building’s graceful, wave-like roofline blends beautifully into the surrounding Rioja landscape and mirrors the profile of the nearby Sierra de Cantabria mountains. It was another striking example of how architecture and nature can complement one another.
Satisfied that we had experienced two of Rioja’s most distinctive architectural landmarks, we began our journey toward Bilbao via the A-2124. Along the way, we stopped in Vitoria-Gasteiz for a drink and a light lunch before continuing west.
Tonight, we are staying at the Holiday Inn Express near Bilbao Airport. Our flight to Madrid departs tomorrow at 9:10 AM. Our friends Kurt and Renata will remain in Spain for one more day before flying home to Zurich on June 18.
As this journey comes to an end, we find ourselves reflecting on what has been a truly memorable adventure through northern Spain. Every day brought something new, whether it was a spectacular landscape, a historic town, a fascinating cultural site, or an unforgettable meal. Over the course of approximately 1,675 miles, we experienced the diversity, beauty, and hospitality of a remarkable region.
A special thank you to Kurt and Renata for inviting us to join them on this wonderful journey. The memories we created together will stay with us for many years to come.
Until the next adventure .... hasta luego, España!Read more