Catedral de la Almudena

The Almudena Cathedral, situated next to the Royal Palace, took well over a 100 years to complete. It was finally consecrated by Pope John Paul on the 15th June, 1993. Carlos V was the first king to express an interest to construct a cathedral in Madrid, but it wasn't until 4th of April 1883, when Alfonso XII laid the first stone, that work actually begun. Of the original plans drawn up by Francisco de Cubas, only the crypt was actually completed (1911). In 1920 the architect Juan Moya was put in charge of the project and he worked on the cathedral until the start of the civil war. In 1944 a competition was held and Fernando Chueca Goitia and Carlos Sidro won it - they chose a classical style which was more in keeping with the Royal Palace. The Cathedral is very light in comparison to many Spanish cathedrals and much of the interior is very modern, including the modernist leaded light windows. You will find a nice mixture of old-style chapels which contain, among other things, bronze statues, bronze reliefs, the coffin of San Isidro and various statues.

Gems of Spain - Incantato Tour Brochure

Tasty Spain

Gems of Spain - Tour Information

Dear travelers, please look over your tour information for the upcoming CSUSB and MMC journey to Spain in the footsteps of composer Manuel Garcia. The basic outline below will be continously updated over the weeks and months to come leading up to the performance tour and we encourage you to check back frequently.

Itinerary

DAY 1 Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Overnight flight to Spain

DAY 2 Wednesday, June 23
Bienvenidos to Madrid
Meet your Incantato Tour Manager and driver at the airport. Enjoy an orientation tour of Madrid’s highlights, free time and a welcome dinner with local specialties.

DAY 3 Thursday, June 24
City Tour & Performance
Guided visits to the Prado Museum and Royal Palace are an option for today, but you may also decide to take it easy with the tour manager and coach is at groups’ disposal. First performance opportunity.

DAY 4 Friday, June 25
Scenic Roads to Andalucia
Travel to beautiful Sevilla - the capital city of charming Andalucia. En-route, stop in Cordoba for lunch and sightseeing. Evening of leisure or prepare for following day’s concert.

DAY 5 Saturday, June 26
Seville in-depth - Concert
There is a lot to see and do today in Seville under the guidance of your tour manager. Visit the Alcazar with your local guide, and then get ready for your special Garcia performance.

DAY 6 Sunday, June 27
Seville at Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure for exchanges with fellow musicians or an excursion to Cadiz. Cadiz has a special significance for composer Garcia and we are sure you will be enchanted with it too. There is an optional performance opportunity as the featured guest choir during Sunday Mass.

DAY 7 Monday, June 28
Malaga - Beach Time
You deserve to get a little break from singing and the Malaga Coast is just the place to be for a fun day at the beach. Optional City Tour.

DAY 8 Tuesday, June 29
Toledo - Concert
You are in for another treat today. 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. Enjoy a guided tour and plenty of free time for exploring. Next concert opportunity.

DAY 9 Wednesday, June 30
Toledo at Leisure - Farewell
Enjoy a guided tour of Toledo’s many highlights followed by some free time. Your tour concludes with a sumptuous farewell dinner party featuring local specialties and music.

DAY 10 Thursday, July 1
Return Flight to USA
Return home with memories to last a lifetime.


Highlights
• See and experience both major cities and off-the-beaten path gems of Spain
• A series of professionally organized and promoted formal concerts, mass participation and recitals in magnificent venues just for your choir
• Plenty of opportunities for immersion into the local culture
• Educational and entertaining sightseeing
• Quality hotels in good locations, great food, free time for individual exploration. Various Performance Venues
• Catedral de la Almudena —Madrid
• Catedral, San Salvador, Conservatory —Seville
• Catedral, Santo Tomé —Toled

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.

Your Accommodation and Meals
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 uniquely qualified to propose upgraded or centrally located hotels. The included four dinners feature typical dishes served in charming places.

Incantato Destination Spain: Madrid