Spain and France

¡Bienvenidos a España! Arrive in Madrid and meet your Encore Tour Manager before beginning to explore the wide avenues and open plazas of Spain’s capital city.

Madrid’s rich heritage comes alive this morning during your guided sightseeing tour of the classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas, and diverse architecture that characterizes 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 breeze past the crowds with your timed entrance to visit the magnificent Prado, one of the world’s premier art museums. Here, an expert provides illuminating commentary on the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. This afternoon, rehearse and perform your debut concert performance for the people of Spain!

This morning depart Madrid aboard the high-speed AVE train to Catalonia’s capital city, Barcelona. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it’s known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture, from Gothic to Modernist. Let the city introduce itself during a guided panoramic sightseeing tour. Our local expert will point out all the major sights of Barcelona, including the unique Gaudí-designed houses. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia’s most notable sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. After, you’ll be able to study the intricate designs inside and out of his still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and stroll whimsical Parc Güell.

The narrow cobbled streets, peaceful squares and towering old buildings of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter are perfect for exploring this morning. Then switch your mode of transport for a Barcelona by bike tour through lovely Ciutadella Park, and the nearby Olympic Port. Spend the rest of the day in rehearsal for your next concert performance, which will be this evening in one of Spain’s beautiful venues!

Depart Spain and cross the Pyrénées, to France and continue through the vineyards to Provence. Visit the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct preserved in almost perfect condition. A true marvel of Roman engineering, the 161-foot tall bridge aqueduct is still standing nearly 2,000 years after its construction. Our tour offers an exclusive guided visit to the third floor for a closer look at the structure’s architecture and exceptional views.

Today visit Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found artistic inspiration during his stay here from 1888 to 1889. This small town was also once a major Roman city, and this legacy is evident in impressively preserved Roman ruins that are still used for entertainment today. Step into the shoes of these famed legionnaires as you visit the Roman Arena for a fun gladiator games workshop that teaches you how to compete like the gladiators did, followed by a show that reenacts a gladitorial contest. This evening, perform your next concert performance in Arles!

Board the high-speed TGV train for Paris this morning. Upon arrival you’ll want to dive right in to explore one of the world’s great cultural centers, brimming with museums, art galleries and historic sights alongside an endless array of charming curbside cafés and boulangeries. During the afternoon, a sightseeing tour with a local expert guide shows you the monumental Arc de Triomphe, points out the massive Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried) and helps decode the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. The evening is free for discovering Montmartre’s artist-filled squares and sweeping views over Paris.

Start your day breezing by the crowds with your timed entrance to the Louvre and discover the many famous masterpieces that call it home. Insightful commentary from your local guide highlights the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and more as you wander through the galleries. From its beginnings as a royal fortress to its current status as the world’s most visited art museum, the Louvre has long been at the center of Parisian culture and home to a collection of 35,000 works of art from around the world. Conclude your tour with a final concert performance for the people of France!

Depart for the USA.