Uplands High School Choir - Portugal/Spain

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday June 12: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Sunday June 13: Lisbon

Bem vindo a Portugal! Meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel in Lisbon. Begin to unlock the secrets of this fascinating city, once the capital of the world's greatest maritime empire, with your Tour Manager this afternoon. We will all meet in our hotel lobby in the evening for a brief welcome and introduction with our Tour Managers, and then have a short walk to a nearby restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Monday June 14: Lisbon

After breakfast, which is included each morning of the tour, enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local expert shows you the Monument of the Discoveries, Alfáma district, Rossio Square and St. George's Castle before you enjoy a visit inside Jerónimos Monastery and São Jorge Castle! This afternoon, learn the art of Portuguese cooking during a professional cooking class and then taste your results! After lunch, you will also visit the Museum Calouste Gulbenkian. Then rehearse and perform your debut concert of the tour in a local church such as Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Loreto! Tonight enjoy a dinner with traditional Portuguese Fado folksong show. (B, D)

Day 4, Tuesday June 15: Merida

After breakfast, depart across the plains of the Alentejo region towards the city of Evora. Stop to stretch your legs, visit the old quarter of this medieval city and have some leisure time for lunch. As one of one of the oldest monuments in the city, the cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Then continue to the Spanish city of Merida where upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday June 16: Merida

This morning, enjoy time to explore at your own pace and shop for souvenires. Have time for lunch and then visit the city's Roman Amphitheater. Today you will perform at a local church in the city! Enjoy dinner together this evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday June 17: Madrid

After checking out of your hotel journey across Spain to the capital Madrid, with an en route stop for lunch. On arrival dive straight into the city with a guided tour on foot and by bus with a licensed guide, exploring 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, before checking in to your hotel and taking dinner together (B,D)

Day 7, Friday June 18: Madrid

This morning after breakfast 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. After the tour, you will have some free time to relax, shop, or explore on your own! Tonight, perform your final concert of the tour for the people of Spain at a local venue such as San Manuel y San Benito Church in Madrid! Dinner tonight is after the concert (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday June 19: Madrid

Today enjoy a day trip to the nearby medieval gem that is Segovia, including a visit to the Alacazar palace, Upon your return to Madrid, enjoy a special private farewell gala dinner together at a local restauran, complete with Flamenco Showt to celebrate your successful performance tour! (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday June 20: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)