The Stichting Studiereizen Technisch Erfgoed organises multi-day study tours for members of Histechnica and the KIVI Department of the History of Engineering. Each year, this alternates between a domestic (2-day) and a foreign (5-7-day) trip. On these trips, particular attention is paid to special monuments related to industrial archaeology. Furthermore, the trips are characterised by the good atmosphere.

Members of Histechnica and History of Technology can register for the trip to the Basque Country by submitting the completed registration form (see pages 5 and 6 of the enclosed convocate) and paying the deposit no later than 14 March 2024. In case of oversubscription, allocation will take place by drawing lots. You can read more about this under Allocation for participation and on page 7 under Conditions and allocation in the enclosed convocation. This can be found under 'Documents'.

CONTENTS of the STUDY TRIP

Programme:

The programme starts on Wednesday 25 September at about 14:00 and ends Tuesday 1 October at about 16:00. Return flights are not included in the trip price. Times mentioned are aligned with KLM flights Amsterdam-Bilbao-Amsterdam on that day (more info below).

Locations to be visited (subject to change or force majeur)

BASKENLAND

- Puente Colgante in Portugalete, UNESCO heritage site. Walking to the other side across the high span and returning by floating gondola. Only eight of this type of floating bridge remain worldwide, and not all eight are in operation.

- Boat trip on the River Nervión past remnants of old industry, redevelopment, new bridges and modern architecture

- Fundación Guggenheim, the iconic museum designed by Frank Gehry.

- Valle Salado de Añana. Salt mining, not by the sea but in a beautiful hilly landscape.

- Funicular (1912) to Monte Igueldo with famous views over San Sebastian and La Concha bay.

- Basque Railway Museum, large collection including one of the few locomotives still in working order from the former Allan factory in Rotterdam. However, exclusively for our company, a ride on a Spanish steam locomotive is provided.

- Wine tasting Bodega Marques de Riscal. Voted the best wine estate in the world in 2023. Located in the small part of the Rioja that belongs to the Basque Country. Here, too, we are introduced to Frank Gehry's architecture.

- Mountain railway Funicular Larreineta (1926) overlooking the mouth of the Nervión and the former iron ore fields.

- El Pobal, a "living" museum. This water-powered factory is still largely functioning and shows how all kinds of products were made from iron ore after modifications in the 19th century. The oldest parts of the complex date from the 16th century.

CANTABRIA

- Santoña, fishing town on the Gulf of Biskaye. Visit to a fish cannery. A lunch in Santoña with fresh fish.

- Refugio Antiaéreo. Air raid shelter during the Spanish Civil War (this visit is not yet final) or alternatively

- Our visit to a thriving active industry with a historical past this year involves a tour of the Astilleros Askander shipyard, the largest shipyard in this part of Spain.

Prices

The price for this study tour is 935 euros p.p. based on two people per room and excluding transport to Bilbao v.v. A supplement of 203 euros applies for room use by one person.

This price includes:

  • Six nights' accommodation with breakfast including four at ***Hotel Conde Duque, centrally located in Bilbao and two nights at ****Hotel Bahia in Santander, excellently located in the centre and on the bay
  • 5 Lunches including drinks during the excursions
  • Three dinners with drinks
  • All transport by coach, possibly one day public transport
  • All entrance tickets and guides

Not included is anything not mentioned above such as:

  • Transport to Bilbao v.v.
  • More drinks than indicated
  • Reunion costs unless these can be paid from the surplus of the trip.
  • Travel and cancellation insurance to be taken out by yourself
  • Personal expenses

Extra days' accommodation

Before and after the trip, rooms can be booked at the hotels individually and directly by you, subject to availability. Instructions and links will be emailed to you after you have been selected.

Allocation for participation

Participation is limited to 40 members. Over the past few years, the number of members signing up for participation kept increasing, leading to oversubscription and us having to disappoint some members. It was therefore decided to draw lots in case of oversubscription.

You can register for participation by transferring € 100 per person to bank account number NL05 INGB 0006 8413 40 of the Stichting Studiereizen Technisch Erfgoed, quoting "Aanbetaling Baskenland 2024" and the name(s) for whom the deposit is made. In addition, You must submit the fully completed registration form by E-mail. Only those, whose deposit and the form are received by March 14, 2024, 24:00 hrs, will participate in the said draw.

If you request us to book the KLM flights, you must transfer the deposit for the trip of €100, also €350 p.p. with your registration, together thus €450 p.p. If the price of the return flight is more or less than €350, the difference will be settled in the final invoice you will receive in due course. If no booking is made because the ticket price is more than € 425, the refund will also be settled in the final invoice.

You will find the registration form on page 5 of the enclosed convocation. You will also find more information about the trip here.

We look forward to your participation in this seven-day study trip!

Documents