Day 1: Madrid
Arrive at the airport in Madrid, & enjoy an introductory sightseeing tour of the city on the way to the hotel. Highlights include The Royal Palace & Plaza de Colon, where you’ll see the famous monument of Christopher Columbus. Afterward, check in to the hotel, & relax before tonight’s dinner.
Day 2: Madrid
Take a tour of the world-famous Prado Museum. This extensive art collection features works by celebrated Spanish artists Velázquez & Goya. Next, take a stroll through the historic Plaza Mayor. See the monument of King Philip II, enjoy a cup of tea or an espresso at one of the local cafes, or visit the nearby shops. Enjoy time to warm up your voices before tonight’s choral performance. The performance will be held at one of the city’s local churches.
Day 3: Madrid – Toledo – Madrid
Head for the ancient city of Toledo this morning. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the 13th-century, Gothic-style Toledo Cathedral. Interior highlights of the cathedral include “El Transparente,” a famous work of art made visible by the sun, through one of the cathedral’s skylights. Next, discover Mudejar architecture as you explore Santo Tome. This 14th-century church also exhibits the marvelous talent of the Greek painter El Greco, with his original painting “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” on display. Afterward, head back to Madrid to prepare for tonight’s concert. The performance will be followed by dinner.
Day 4: Madrid – Cordoba
Discover Spain’s beautiful scenery today as you leave the capital city & head for the city of Cordoba, part of Spain’s Andalusia region. The Andalusia region is known for its charming towns with white-washed houses, Moorish influence, & diverse terrain. Along the way you will pass open fields lined with traditional windmills & the lush, grape-filled valleys of Valdepenas. Enjoy dinner upon arrival.
Day 5: Cordoba – Granada
Explore Cordoba’s Jewish quarter this morning, home to one of the city’s most beloved monuments, the Great Mosque of Cordoba. One of the most famous interior features is the prayer hall, with its arched columns that bear a resemblance to candy canes. Later today, travel to Granada for dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 6: Granada
Learn about the medieval Muslim rulers of Spain today as you visit the famous Alhambra. This complex, which was first built in the 9th century, served as a Muslim palace in the 14th century & is currently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring the palace, follow the mosaic pathways through the beautiful gardens of the nearby Generalife, the Muslim ruler’s royal summer estate. Later today you will have time to practice for tonight’s concert, which will be held at a monumental church in the city.
Day 7: Granada – Seville
Enjoy a scenic drive to historic Seville today. Aside from being known for its success after Christopher Columbus claimed territory in the New World for Spain, the city is known for its music/dance scene. Tonight, feel the rhythm of Seville as you watch a spectacular flamenco performance.
Day 8: Seville
See the sights of Seville today. Begin with a visit to Giralda Tower. Dating back to the 12th century, this tower originally served as a minaret. Next, see the Alcazar of Seville, a fine example of intricate, Moorish design. The morning tour concludes with a walk along the orange trees of the Patio de los Naranjos. Later today, visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. The Seville Cathedral, which was built in the 16th century, has fifteen named entrances & is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. After the tour, rehearse briefly for today’s choral performance. Tonight, enjoy attending a musical performance.
Day 9: Seville
Stroll through Seville’s charming Santa Cruz quarter, where you’ll find white-washed buildings, narrow streets, & numerous plazas. Enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes. An afternoon rehearsal is scheduled prior to tonight’s choral performance.
Day 10: Seville – Lisbon
Cross the border today, & discover the beauty of Portugal. Enjoy time of leisure upon arrival in the capital city of Lisbon. Experience the essence of Portuguese culture tonight during a traditional music performance.
Day 11: Lisbon
Explore Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon’s Manueline style monument that took an entire century to complete. The complex features the National Archeology Museum, the Maritime Museum & the Church of Santa Maria, home to the tomb of famous explorer Vasco da Gama. Other highlights of the city sightseeing tour include the Monument to the Discoveries & Belem Tower. Tonight, your choir performs live in Lisbon.
Day 12: Lisbon
Begin the day with a rehearsal for your choir’s last performance, sung in the morning at a local church. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in lovely Lisbon. Tonight, come together for a farewell dinner.
Day 13: Lisbon – USA
Transfer to the airport in Lisbon, & board return flight home.