OCT 2023 - Viva España

Depart for Spain.

After arrival in Barcelona, transfer to your hotel. Join Kai Gleusteen and Catherine Ordronneau for a welcome dinner, during which your hosts will provide an introduction to the Viva España Concert Series. (D)

Start your exploration of Barcelona with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill, which offers glorious views of the city below.
Continue along the waterfront to Las Ramblas, the bustling tree-lined pedestrian boulevard, and explore the Gothic Quarter in the medieval centre of the city. Afternoon at leisure until this evening's opera. (B,D)

— OPERA —
Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky at Gran Teatre del Liceu
featuring Kai Gleusteen as Concertmaster

Today is dedicated to Barcelona's famous son, Antoni Gaudí. Discover some of his unique architectural works, including Parque Güell, Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló – all exemplars of the Modernism style which reached its heights in Barcelona. Later in the afternoon, visit the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana, a jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau. (B) 

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
Music event at the Palau de la Música Catalana,
Gran Teatre del Liceu or similar 

Drive to Figueres, home of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. Visit the extraordinary museum dedicated to and designed by the painter himself. After time for lunch on your own, drive out to the coastal town of Cadaqués, where Dalí used to live, find inspiration and host many artist friends. Return to Barcelona via the Costa Brava, with its scenic coves and picturesque villages. (B,D)

Enjoy a special behind-the-scene experience as you attend the rehearsal for a new opera production at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. 

— OPERA REHEARSAL —
Opera rehearsal at the Gran Teatre del Liceu 

Then, explore la Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's magnum opus, an extraordinary basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been under construction for over a century. You may want to explore the Boqueria off the Ramblas, a magnificent comestibles market that is a real feast for the senses. Nearby, sun-dappled Gothic cloisters offer little oases of green serenity just off the busy thoroughfares. Enjoy dinner on your own before an evening music event. (B) 

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
Music event at the Palau de la Música Catalana,
Gran Teatre del Liceu or similar

Morning excursion to Montserrat, an impressive mountain range with an important mountaintop monastery. Then return to the city for an afternoon at leisure. You might wish to visit one of Barcelona's museums such as the Picasso Museum, or stroll through one of the other great markets of the city. At the end of the day, enjoy a farewell music event and dinner. (B,D) 

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
Music event at the Palau de la Música Catalana,
Gran Teatre del Liceu or similar 

Depart Barcelona for the port city of Tarragona, on the Costa Daurada by the Mediterranean. Enjoy an introductory tour showcasing the remnants of the city's Roman history, including the Murallas de Tarragona. After some time for lunch and a stroll, continue on to the magnificent city of Valencia. (B,D) 

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Valencia including the Plaza de la Virgen, the Cathedral where, according to legend, the Holy Grail is being kept, and the Carmen neighbourhood in the historic centre. Enjoy a special paella lunch at El Redoli, just south of the city.
Afternoon at leisure to further explore Valencia on your own, until this evening's music event. (B,L) 

— OPERA —
Pique Dame by Tchaikovsky
at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía 

Bid farewell to the Mediterranean and drive inland to Alcalá de Henares. In the afternoon, tour the University, considered one of the oldest in Europe, and visit the birthplace of Cervantes, famed author of Don Quixote. Continue on to Madrid. (B,D) 

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
Concert or opera at the Auditorio Nacional
de Música, Teatro Real or similar 

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Madrid. As the largest city in Spain, the country's capital, seat of government and royal residence, Madrid is also the political, economic and cultural hub. The city is celebrated for its many historic districts and landmarks which include the Royal Palace (which you will tour), Buen Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and world-class art museums such as the Prado and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. Afternoon at leisure. (B,D)

Travel north to the historic city of Segovia, located high above the rivers Eresma and Clamores. Famous for its splendid aquaduct and its cathedral and Alcázar, Segovia has been a UNESCO protected site since 1985. Enjoy an introductory tour through the charming city followed by some time at leisure. Return to Madrid in the afternoon. 
Tonight, enjoy a special Flamenco evening – something so Spanish, it cannot be missed. (B) 

— PERFORMANCE —
Flamenco show at a local venue

The day is at leisure to enjoy the city at your own pace. You might wish to join a half day tour to Toledo, known as the "city of three cultures" for its medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments.
Toledo is the former home of Mannerist painter El Greco; visit the cathedral and other sites that feature the artist’s unique work, before returning to the capital. Celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a farewell dinner and concert. (B,D) 

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
Private concert featuring Kai Gleusteen (violin)
and Catherine Ordronneau (piano) at a local venue

Transfer to the airport for your flight(s) home. (B)