Philharmonic Chorus of Madison Spain 2025

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, Monday September 8: Overnight Flight

Depart from Chicago O'Hare Airport on your overnight flight to Spain!

Day 2, Tuesday September 9: Madrid

Welcome to Spain! Meet your Encore Tours Tour Manager and transfer into the city center for hotel check in (pending arrival time and hotel availability). Enjoy an introductory walking tour of the area to become better acquainted with your surroundings. Enjoy a special Welcome Dinner together at a local restaurant in Madrid. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday September 10: Madrid

This morning, a local guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of Madrid, the capital city of Spain. Highlights of today's guided glimpse of Madrid past and present include the Plaza d'Espagna, the Don Quixote statue, The Royal Palace and the amazing Prado Museum featuring works by Goya, Valesquez and more, Today's highlight is your exchange concert with a local choir. Your dinner a a local restaurant will be arranged before your evening concert. Enjoy a festive reception after your concert to interact further with your audience and fellow performers. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday September 11: Barcelona

This morning after breakfast at your hotel and hotel check out, enjoy an excursion to the incredible city of Toledo for a guided walking tour. The highlight of your visit is the Philharmonic Chorus providing music for liturgy at the famous Cathedral of St. Tome. After the completion of the service, transfer back to Madrid and the Madrid train station to board the AVE high speed train to the amazing seaside city of Barcelona! Upon arrival in Barcelona, transfer by private motorcoach to your centrally located hotel in the Gothic Quarter. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant on your first night in Barcelona. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday September 12: Barcelona

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the site of your first rehearsal of Eric Whitacre festival/concert. This afternoon, a local guide willl lead you on a half-day city sightseeing in Barcelona, including entrance to teh astounding Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Enjoy a delicious dinner together at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday September 13: Barcelona

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the site of your second rehearsal at Eric Whitacre festival/concert. After free time for lunch on your own, participate in the third rehearsal at Eric Whitacre festival/concert. This evening site and enjoy another delicious Spanish meal at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday September 14: Barcelona

After breakfast at your hotel, participate in the last rehearsal at Eric Whitacre festival/concert Enjoy free time to relax and have lunch on your own, before the Eric Whitacre Concert! Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant following the festival concert. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday September 15: Barcelona

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy an excursion to the important pilgrimage site of Montserrat. The Philharmonic Chorus will have the opportunity to sing up to sacred, acappella pieces at the Montserrat shrine. Return to Barcelona this afternoon for free time to shop for souvenirs before gathering for rehearsal and your fatewell concert in Barcelona! Celebrate your concert tour with a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday September 16: Departure

After breafast at your hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)