Social Program
Local excursions
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in various local excursions to experience the rich culture and stunning landscapes of the Basque Country. We plan to offer two to three exciting options:
Visit to a Txakoli Winery and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: This excursion will combine the natural beauty of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe with a taste of local winemaking tradition.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: A breathtaking islet on the Basque coast (Figure 1), famous for its hermitage dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge, visitors can ascend 241 steps to reach the hermitage, ringing its bell three times for good luck and to make a wish. The site offers spectacular views of the Bay of Biscay.
Figure 1: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe - Txakoli Tasting: Following the visit to Gaztelugatxe, attendees will enjoy a tour and tasting at a local txakoli winery. Txakoli (pronounced “cha-ko-LEE”) is a unique, lightly carbonated white wine typical of the Basque Country. Its history dates back to Roman times, with its current form developing in the 16th and 17th centuries. Traditionally, a homemade wine consumed in rural farmhouses, it gained popularity in bars by the late 19th century. The quality and authenticity of Txakoli have been protected by Denominations of Origin (DOs) since the late 1980s, such as Getariako Txakolina, Bizkaiko Txakolina, and Arabako Txakolina. Made primarily from indigenous grape varieties like Hondarrabi Zuri, it is characterized by its freshness, acidity, and light fruity notes, making it an ideal pairing for local seafood and pintxos. It is traditionally served chilled and poured from a height to enhance its effervescence.
Boat Trip along the Ría de Bilbao: Attendees can experience Bilbao from a unique perspective with a relaxing boat trip along the Ría del Nervión (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Boat Trip along the Ría del Nervión with Bilboats (photo: Bilboats). Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Attendees can immerse themselves in the artistic heart of Bilbao with a guided tour of the iconic Guggenheim Museum (Figure 3). Designed by Frank Gehry, this architectural masterpiece houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. A guided tour typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours and provides in-depth information about the building’s design, the artworks on display, and the museum’s significance to Bilbao’s urban regeneration.
Figure 3: Guggenheim Bilbao Museum
Further details regarding booking, specific timings, and pricing for these excursions will be provided soon.
Social events
Informal gathering (Sunday Evening): To be confirmed.
Welcome reception: To be confirmed.
Conference meals: Meals will be served on the first floor of the Iberdrola Tower, which is less than 100 meters walking distance from the conference venue. Private dining rooms are also available for Executive Committee or Journal meetings throughout the week.
Conference Dinner: Various options for the conference dinner are being considered in the center of Bilbao, with dining halls capable of seating 200 people. For a previous event of similar size, the dinner was held at Abba Euskalduna Hotel. In the case of more than 200 participants, other options would be considered, such as the Euskalduna Conference Centre.