Celebrating la musica de España

Arrive in Madrid this morning and meet your Encore Tour Manager at the airport! Check into your hotel and have some time to settle in. Then you will enjoy an arrival briefing with your Tour Manager followed by dinner at a local restaurant! (D)

Madrid’s rich heritage comes alive on your guided sightseeing tour of classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas, and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Plaza de España with its statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate, and the famous bullring Las Ventas. Then visit the magnificent Prado, one of the world’s premier art museums which features artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. Tonight, dine like the madrileños do during an authentic tapas evening. Classic tapas dishes include items such as tortilla española, patatas bravas, bacalao, cheeses, olives or jamón. Finish off the meal at one of Madrid’s most famous chocolaterías with a sweet Spanish treat—churros y chocolate! (B,D)

This morning you will have an exclusive tour of the Teatro Real in Madrid, the historic 19th-century opera house located in Madrid’s center. Many important musicians have performed here over its storied past, including Placido Domingo. Then you will have a bit of free time to enjoy Madrid on your own. Perhaps take a stroll in Retiro Park or visit one of Madrid’s many wonderful museums. This evening you will attend a performance in one of Madrid’s many wonderful concert and opera halls, such as the Teatro Real, the Auditorio Nacional de la Musica, or the Teatro Maria Guerrero. Enjoy dinner after the performance! (B,D)

Today, you will check out of your hotel in Madrid and board your bus to head to Seville. You will pass through the legendary plains of La Mancha, land of Don Quixote, to the vibrant Andalucian capital of Seville! Upon arrival, check into your hotel, followed by a flamenco lesson. Flamenco is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain in the region of Andalucia and is very present in today’s culture and heritage of the region. Enjoy dinner together after the flamenco lesson. (B,D)

Today’s guided sightseeing tour in Seville includes highlights such as the immense Cathedral, the third-largest church in the world and the burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the grand Giralda Tower. In the afternoon, learn more about the important art of flamenco as you visit the Museo del Baile Flamenco. Then attend a performance this evening in Seville! (B,D)

This morning, visit Córdoba, where you will enjoy entrance to the city’s famous Moorish Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. It became a Catholic church in 1236 and a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century. Then depart for the enchanted Moorish city of Granada. As the English Poet Laurie Lee described, Granada is the most beautiful and haunting of all Spanish cities; an African paradise set under the Sierras like a rose preserved in snow. (B,D)

After breakfast, you will visit the Cathedral and Royal Chapel. Afterwards, learn why Granada is heralded as the birthplace of flamenco, during an authentic flamenco performance in the Sacromonte Caves, including lunch! This afternoon has a special visit to the Alhambra Complex. A local guide will take you through the complex, showing you sights such as the Carlos V “Pilar,” Carlos V Palace, and the Generalife Gardens. Dinner will be on your own this evening! (B,L)

Enjoy a free day in Granada to relax and take in the glory of this magical city. Enjoy a farewell dinner together this evening! (B,D)

Return to the USA.