Monday, October 11, 2010

Updated Itinerary for UGA Chamber Choir 2011 Performance Tour to Spain and Portugal



Welcome to the Incantato blog for the 2011 UGA Performance Tour to Spain and Portugal. This itinerary is still a work in progress. Details are subject to change as this journey becomes more and more your tour and to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!


DAY 1    Thursday, May 19, 2011
Overnight flight to Lisbon

Those of you choosing the air-land package will be traveling with British Airways via London to Lisbon.

DAY 2    Friday, May 20
Welcome to Portugal

Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will meet your Incantato Tour Manager and driver at the airport. Enjoy an orientation tour of Lisbon’s highlights followed by free time, a traditional welcome dinner with local specialties, and first overnight on Portuguese soil.

DAY 3    Saturday, May 21
Lisbon
in-depth
Explore the capital city’s many highlights with a local guide, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure to visit museums and ride the famous street cars. First performance opportunity in the evening.

DAY 4    Sunday, May 22
Azambuja Reception & Concert
 
Let the wonderful people of small town Azambuja be your hosts as they show you their town and let you taste their artisan products. Then fill the ancient monastery church for a highlight concert followed by a special reception.

DAY 5    Monday, May 23
Evora & Musical Alentejo

You‘ll experience a rapid change in scenery as you travel through Alentejo. First stop is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Evora for a guided tour, then continue to Serpa for a choral exchange.

DAY 6    Tuesday, May 24

To Spain & Sevilla

You are in for a treat today after crossing into Spain as your next stop is beautiful Sevilla

DAY 7    Wednesday, May 25
More time & Concert in Sevilla

Enjoy time at leisure in beautiful Sevilla, then prepare for a performance followed by a traditional dinner.

DAY 8    Thursday, May 26 
To Toledo - City Tour
 
Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage as one of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire and place of coexistence of Christian, Jewish and Moorish cultures.

DAY 9    Friday, May 27
Toledo Mass & Concert
 
There is lots more to see and do as you explore Toledo with a guide and on your own. Then prepare for High Mass at the Cathedral followed by a formal concert.

DAY 10    Saturday, May 28
Leisure Day - Farewell Dinner
Today features a relaxed day in either Toledo or Madrid. A tapas farewell dinner party concludes the tour.


DAY 11    Sunday, May 29
Return Flight to Atlanta
 
Return home with memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights
• See and experience both major cities and
off-the-beaten path gems of Portugal & Spain
• Up to four professionally organized and promoted formal concerts, plus mass participation and recitals in magnificent venues for the UGA Chamber Choir
• Plenty of opportunities for immersion into
the local culture, exchanges with local singers
• Educational and entertaining sightseeing
• Quality hotels in convenient locations, great food,
free time for individual explorations ...
Performance Venues
• University, Palace Foz, Basilica da Estrela—LISBON
• various venues TBD —AZAMBUJA/SERPA
• Conservatory —SEVILLA
• Catedral, Santo Tomé —TOLEDO
The above listed venues have been carefully selected by Incantato‘s Concert Managers and will be requested for your choir and travel dates. Final confirmation is based on submission of repertoire and recording as well as final approval by the local music director.
Accommodation, Tour Meals & Transportation
Incantato‘s Hospitality Managers take pride in working only with pre-inspected hotels that fit your budget and selected restaurants frequented by locals. To keep overall cost low, we selected quality 3 & 4 star hotels in the vicinity of the cities, but are also qualified to propose upgraded or centrally located hotels. We included daily buffet breakfasts at the hotel plus one lunch and four dinners featuring typical dishes served in charming places. Your Incantato Tour Manager is with the group 24/7 to coordinate scheduled activities and offer advice during free-time. Transportation is via modern, air-conditioned motor coach from start to finish.