Arrive at Madrid’s International Airport, where your full-time bilingual tour manager will greet you in the Arrivals Hall and welcome you to Spain! Begin explorations right away with an excursion to Segovia. Board your private coach and transfer to this beautiful heritage city, featuring Roman aqueducts, historic castle, and medieval walls. A local guide provides an introductory walking tour, and a lunch of local specialties is provided today instead of dinner (2-course with tea and coffee). Return to Madrid, check-in to your hotel and refresh from your journey. Settle in for the overnight, or explore your new neighborhood with your tour manager. 

Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel today, and each day for the remainder of your trip. See the major sites of the capital city of Madrid on a combined panoramic and walking tour with local guide, including Madrid’s Plaza Mayor and the bustling Mercada de San Miguel. Included is a visit the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia to view Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica as part of the collection’s modern and contemporary Spanish art, including Dali and Miro, before strolling through El Retiro Park to enjoy the natural beauty. The nearby Estacio de Atocha was the first train station in Madrid and has a spacious design adorned with beautiful wrought iron and a beautiful tropical garden; Gustav Eiffel, well known for his Parisian tower, collaborated on the project. There is time for an independent lunch today. 

JOINT CONCERT & EXCHANGE – 

Prepare for tonight’s performance with a local ensemble in Madrid! Included is use of a fully-weighted 88-key clavinova. A shared rehearsal is provided to workshop two songs together, before enjoying a light dinner with the local choir prior to your performance. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Madrid this morning, and transfer by coach to the beautiful port city of Valencia. Along the way visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuen ca, known for its amazing architectural 15th Hanging Houses, clinging to the side of the gorge overhanging the Huecar River. Enjoy a guided walking tour and visit the Spanish Museum of Abstract Art with time for lunch and further exploration as you cross the San Pablo Bridge suspension footbridge offering grand views of these ancient skyscrapers. The day ends in Valencia, with hotel check-in and time to refresh. This evening enjoy Valencia’s most famous dish, with a paella dinner served at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Join local guides for a panoramic tour of Valencia’s Arts and Science District, followed by a walk through the Old City Centre and the Central Market. Along the way, enjoy time for shopping, and a visit to the 13th century Valencia Cathedral. The “Ciutat Vella” or “Old Town” has many famous churches, representing almost every architectural style. This afternoon, visit the Museu Faller de Valencia, to learn of the Fallas Festival and see the papier-mache figures from previous local parades. This evening’s activities and dinner are independent, including dinner. 

INFORMAL SING - 

Your sightseeing provides the opportunity to sing informally in two churches today during your touring; perform a cappella for approximately 15 minutes per church to experience the history and acoustics of Valencia’s churches. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Valencia this morning and transfer by coach to the distinct region of Catalonia. Along the way visit one of the most beautiful beach towns on Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. Walk along the seafront promenade, and enjoy free time for the beaches, shopping, and independent lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants that dot this gem of a destination. The day ends in the provincial capital city of Barcelona. Check-in to your hotel and meet a local guide for an introductory stroll to experience the iconic boulevard of Las Ramblas and the Gothic District. This evening enjoy a Flamenco Show combing singing, dancing, and dinner. 

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning visit the Sagrada Familia for a guided tour of architect Antoni Gaudi’s most iconic work. Your panoramic drive includes additional works of his, including a drive by of Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. A light tapas dinner menu is served at a local restaurant. 

BARCELONA CONCERT - 

Prepare for tonight’s performance in Barcelona! Included is use of a fully-weighted 88-key clavinova. A warm-up rehearsal is provided prior to your performance. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Your exploration of France begins with this morning’s journey toward the border. Along the way there is a stop in the coastal town of Collioure. A hive of artistic activity in the 20th century, and a meeting place for artists such as Andre Derain, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and others who were inspired by the medieval streets, buildings, and Mediterranean bay. A local guide joins you for an introductory stroll. Your day ends in Montpelier; check-in to your hotel, refresh, and enjoy dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant within walking distance. 

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning is reserved for singing. This afternoon enjoy an area vineyard tour and tasting at Domaine de la Dourbie, or similar. Visit the grounds the cellars, while learning about the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region’s viniculture, with an introduction to several of their famous grapes. Return to Montpelier for an independent dinner and evening. 

MASS PARTICIPATION - 

Participate in the mass of a local church as guest choir, to sing the four parts of the Catholic mass with a cappella sacred music. There may be the opportunity to provide a short sacred recital afterwards for the congregation. 

Breakfast at the hotel, before checking out and continuing your journey and travel toward Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur. Along the way, visit Aix-en-Provence with a local guide for a walking tour to introduce you to this celebrated university town, birthplace of painter Paul Cezanne, and home to lovely squares and tree lined streets. Famous for its weekly schedule of markets, on Mondays you can visit Place Richelme’s fruit and vegetable market offering the best of Provencal terroir, and the beautiful Place de l’Hotel de Ville flower market’s symphony of colors and perfumes. There is time for personal exploration and an independent lunch, before visiting L’Occitane for a tour of their Factory and visits to their Museum Store and Mediterranean Garden. The day ends in the port city of Marseille with hotel check-in, and the evening at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Marseille, a city at the crossroads of immigration and trade since its founding in 600 B.C. Join a local guide who will share with you the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s iconic figure who watches over the sailors, fisherman, and residents of the Vieux-Port (Old Port). Explore the rest of the city and see Corniche (Coast Road), and other highlights such as the Castellane Square. The afternoon and lunch are at leisure. 

MARSEILLE JOINT CONCERT & EXCHANGE - 

Prepare for tonight’s performance with a local ensemble in Marseille! Included is use of a fully-weighted 88-key clavinova. A shared rehearsal is provided to workshop two songs together, before enjoying a light dinner with the local choir prior to your performance. 

Enjoy a last included breakfast at the hotel, before departing for Marseille’s airport for your return flights home. Your tour manager will assist with airline check-in, and there is time for one last good-bye!