This brand new edition Insight Pocket Guide is the ideal companion for your trip to Bilbao and northwest Spain. Expertly written by a local author, it features 12 tailor-made itineraries designed to link the essential sights and attractions of Bilbao and northwest Spain, including its architecture, museums and fashionable resorts, to areas encompassing outstanding natural beauty, ancient pilgrimage sites and stretches of rugged coastline. You can pick the tour to suit the time and budget you have available; journeys range from a relaxing stroll around the old town and a leisurely drive along the coast west of San Sebastian to more adventurous hikes and journeys requiring overnight stops. So no matter how long your stay you can be sure you will see the very best of this fascinating and diverse destination. The routes are clearly marked on a detailed and fully-indexed, pull-out map that can be used in conjunction with the guide or independently. There are plenty of ideas for how to spend your leisure time along the way, including information on shopping, eating out and the local nightlife. A handy calendar details northwest Spain's rich tradition of spectacular fiestas not to be missed throughout the year. The 'History and Culture' section provides fascinating background reading for your trip and traces key events that have shaped the region, from prehistory as recorded in the cave paintings at Altamira to the present day. You will also find a section dedicated to the most indispensable and practical travel advice, including a selection of hand-picked hotels, transport tips, money matters, health, visas and passports and much more - all the information you will need for your trip, at your fingertips.