Programme for partners

The organisers of the 10th International Congress of Protocol have arranged the following programme for partners:

Thursday 19 November.

Depart 9.30 a.m. and return at around 5 p.m.

Visit to Hondarribia (Fuenterrabia) and San Sebastian

We will travel from Bilbao to Hondarribia, where we will tour the city and its Old Quarter.

Hondarribia, also known by its Spanish name of Fuenterrabia, is a fishing port that dates back to medieval times. It is also a charming, quiet tourist resort located at the far eastern end of the Basque Coast. This seaside town, declared of national historic and artistic interest, is considered to be one of the most picturesque and tranquil corners of the Basque Country. A highlight is its perfectly preserved medieval quarter that has been declared a protected artistic heritage site. It was completely enclosed by fortified walls until the end of the 18th century.

Our next stop is San Sebastian, a city that was once the playground of royalty and continues to enchant all those who visit it.

Its natural beauty is suitably reflected in its most famous feature, "the Bay of La Concha", with the beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta, flanked by Mounts Urgull and Ulía and sheltered by the island of Santa Clara, together forming a wonderfully attractive setting.

After lunch in San Sebastian, we will head back to Bilbao.

Friday 20 November.

Depart 10 a.m. and return after lunch

The tour will be made by coach and on foot, providing us with an opportunity to get to know Bilbao from its origins through to the 21st century.

We will start off in the Old Quarter, the Casco Viejo, where we will explore the city’s earliest days, visiting landmarks such as the Arriaga Theatre, the church of San Nicolás and strolling through its medieval streets and alleyways.

Once on the coach we will drive through the main streets in the city’s expansion area, the Ensanche, to seeing how it has developed and admiring such buildings as the Provincial Council of Bizkaia.

We will then head for the town of Getxo (located only 12 Km away from Bilbao) to visit its mansions and the hanging bridge, the Puente Colgante. After lunch we will return to Bilbao.