Harvard Westlake tour of Spain and Portugal

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 March 22: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Sunday March 23: Granada

Welcome to Spain! Meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel in Granada. Begin to unlock the secrets of this fascinating city, once the capital of the world's greatest maritime empire. As the English Poet Laurie Lee described, Granada is the most beautiful and haunting of all Spanish cities; an African paradise set under the Sierras like a rose preserved in snow. Have dinner together this evening at the hotel. (D)

Day 3, Monday March 24: Granada

After breakfast, you will have a special visit to the Alhambra Complex. A local guide will take you through the complex, showing you sights such as the Carlos V “Pilar”, Carlos V Palace, and the Generalife Gardens. This afternoon have time to explore on your own. Then tonight have your debut concert at a venue such as Iglesia De La Virgen De Las Angustias, a beautiful baroque church, home to the patron saint of Granada or something similar.

Day 4, Tuesday March 25: Seville

This morning, you will depart for the beautiful city of Seville. On route, you will stop in the mountainous town of Ronda and stretch your legs with a city walking tour. See the large gorge that separates this town between the new and old Moorish influence area. After having lunch on your own, continue onto Seville. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together in the hotel. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday March 26: Seville

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before discovering Andalucía's loveliest city on a sightseeing tour, including Christopher Columbus' tomb in the Cathedral. Enjoy views from the grand Giralda Tower and learn about Seville's important past. Afterwards, have time for lunch and then come together this evening for your second rehearsal and concert at Omnium Sanctorum Church or a similar venue! Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday March 27: Merida

After breakfast, visit Córdoba, where you will enjoy entrance to the city's famous Moorish Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. It became a Catholic church in 1236 and a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century. Tonight rehearse and have your third performance of your tour in Cordoba. Following your performance in Cordoba, board the bus and travel to Mérida. Upon arrival, check in and have dinner together at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday March 28: Merida

This morning you'll have a visit of the Roman Theatre in Mérida. The theatre's construction was promoted by the consul Vipsanius Agrippa and was built in 16–15 BCE. Enjoy some free time for lunch in the afternoon before preparing for fourth concert performance in Mérida! Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B)

Day 8, Saturday March 29: Lisbon

After breakfast at your hotel, depart to Lisbon. Stop for lunch along the way and upon arrival, check into the hotel. This afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure before coming together for your fifth and final performance in Lisbon. Have dinner on your own tonight.

Day 9, Sunday March 30: Lisbon

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon including a visit to the beautiful Jerónimos Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to have lunch and do some last-minute shopping! This evening, you'll have a dinner together with your group featuring fados - the folk music of Lisbon's rustic neighborhoods. (B,D)

Day 10, Monday March 31: Departure

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