flavors of spain - earthbound expeditions€¦ · flavors of spain with sunday baroque host,...
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Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Flavors of Spain with Sunday Baroque host, Suzanne Bona Madrid – Toledo – Segovia – Barcelona – Rioja and the Basque Region
September 26 – October 6, 2019
Hola! You are cordially invited to join me, Suzanne Bona,
for a delicious classical journey to Spain. It’s always so hard to choose between Rioja, Catalonia and the Basque region
so we decided to blend their delicious wines and rich
cultures into one mouthwatering adventure. Join friends
and fans of Sunday Baroque in the centuries-old debate
over which of these regions produces the most delectable
olive oil, the greatest art, and the most exquisite wine. On
this journey you’ll meander through colorful markets, charming villages, world-class
museums and lush vineyards as you experience, and taste, the delicious culinary and
cultural heritage of España! In addition, you’ll be treated to two classical music concerts and a lively evening of flamenco guitar! Space is limited for this harvest
time in Spain journey.
TRIP AT A GLANCE
3 Nights Madrid (with Toledo & Segovia)
3 Nights Burgos (with Rioja & the Guggenheim Museum)
4 Nights Barcelona (with Picasso, Gaudi, Miro & Great Wine Estates)
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
INSIDER EXPERINECES Two world class classical concerts plus a lively evening of flamenco Wine tastings
with the producers in Rioja Privately guided museum visits to the Prado and
Reina Sofia museums in Madrid An insider’s visit to the cutting edge
Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao Historic strolls through the medieval town
centers of Toledo, Burgos and Segovia The Picasso Museum of Barcelona The
mystical sacred site of Montserrat Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Gaudi district King Phillip’s palace of El Escorial Franco’s Valley of the Fallen Backstage
tours of the stunning concert halls of Madrid and Barcelona!
IT’S INCLUDED
Sunday Baroque host, Suzanne Bona
Cesar Esquin, an expert Catalan – Spanish guide
Ten nights in charming hotels and lodges (all four star hotels)
All breakfasts plus ten additional multi-course meals featuring regional
specialties (wine included)
Two classical music concerts plus an evening of flamenco!
*Concert details TBA in the spring of 2019 Domestic flight from Bilbao to Barcelona
All admissions as mentioned in your Flavors of Spain itinerary
Transportation by private air-conditioned mini bus
Gratuities for your driver and guide
City and regional maps
Numerous wine tastings in each region visited
Earthbound Expeditions makes a contribution to the respected Carbonfund
annually
NOT INCLUDED: Travel insurance and any items not listed in your itinerary
TRIP FACTS
11 Days /10 Nights (Land)
$4,995 Land Price per person, double occupancy room
$1,195 Single Supplement (waived if willing to share a room and a roommate is found)
Trip begins: Thursday, September 26, 2019
Trip ends: Sunday, October 6, after breakfast
WAYS TO SAVE $300
Earthbound travel alumni save $100
Pay your final balance by check and save $100
Reserve by April 15, 2019 to save $100
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Las Meninas, Velazquez, Prado Museum
Your Sunday Baroque Adventure Begins!
DAY 1: Depart the USA for Madrid, Spain!
Note: You'll need to depart your home city no later than September 25. For a full
range of ticket air options visit: https://www.kayak.com/ *Please let us know if you
have any questions or need assistance booking your flight.
DAY 2: Thursday, September 26 - Arrive in Spain’s Capital City, Madrid!
Arrive in Madrid and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Meet your Sunday
Baroque host, Suzanne Bona, and local guide for a walk through the historic center
of Madrid. After enjoying a welcome glass of wine at a local bodega, we’ll enjoy a
slow stroll down medieval lanes to the Plaza Mayor and our restaurant, which
specializes in regional dishes. Sleep in Madrid (D)
DAY 3: Friday, September 27 - The Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: From
Velazquez to Picasso!
After breakfast, we’ll walk to the Prado Museum for an in-depth look at the
masterpieces of Goya, Velazquez and El Greco. For those who love modern art
we’ve planned a visit to the impressive Reina Sofia Museum. Today the Reina Sofia
houses masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Miro. This afternoon you
may wish to visit the Royal Palace or stroll through the colorful bistro-lined streets
of the Santa Ana neighborhood. This is a free evening to enjoy dinner in one of
Madrid’s many excellent restaurants. Sleep in Madrid (B, D)
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Spend a full day exploring Toledo!
DAY 4: Saturday, September 28 - An Outing to Towering Medieval Toledo
Perched high above a winding river, Toledo looms from a distance. Toledo’s historic roots run deep. Once a Roman town, it was occupied by the Christian Visigoths in
the 6th century. Later, in the 8th century, Muslim armies swept across Spain, and
Toledo became a thriving commercial center where Jews, Christians and Muslims
peacefully co-existed. Finally, after several hundred years Catholic forces returned
again, turning this city into their Christian capital. Together, we’ll take an in-depth
look at Toledo’s historic cathedral, El Greco’s premier masterpiece The Count of
Orgaz, and visit one of Spain's oldest and stunning synagogues, Santa Maria Blanca.
The afternoon is yours to stroll Toledo’s many cobblestone streets or visit the Alcazar. Sleep in Madrid (B, L)
DAY 5: Sunday, September 29 - Depart Madrid for Burgos - the city of El Cid!
This morning we are off to explore the wine region surrounding the city of Burgos.
Along the way we’ll stop at a stark and haunting royal residence, El Escorial. This
palace was once home to Europe’s most powerful monarch, Philip II. After touring
this awe-inspiring place, we’ll break for coffee. Afterwards we’ll make a short drive to the emotionally moving monument created by Spain’s dictator of thirty years, General Franco. Once victorious, General Franco forced thousands to toil in this
valley in order to build Spain’s largest memorial, dedicated to the soldiers killed in Spain’s bloody civil war.
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Burgos (heart of Rioja)
Just one hour farther north is the celebrated town of Segovia. Well known for its
castle, cathedral and Roman aqueduct, Segovia is well worth exploring. In Segovia
you will feast on one of the region’s most celebrated dishes …roast suckling pig. (Vegetarian options available) We’ll have lunch here and time to discover Segovia’s many charms before heading two hours north to Burgos.
Sleep in charming Burgos (B, L)
DAY 6: Monday, September 30 - Discover Burgos
The cathedral of Burgos, a Unesco World Heritage site, is a masterpiece that’s worth the trip. It had humble origins as a modest Romanesque church, but work
began on a grander scale in 1221. Remarkably, within 40 years most of the French
Gothic structure that you see today had been completed. The twin towers, which
went up later in the 15th century, each represent 84m of richly decorated Gothic
fantasy and they’re surrounded by a sea of similarly intricate spires. Probably the
most impressive of the portals is the Puerta del Sarmental, the main entrance for
visitors, although the honor could also go to the Puerta de la Coronería, on the
northwestern side, which shows Christ surrounded by the Evangelists.
And tucked away in the cathedral lies the body of El Cid. Few names resonate
through Spanish history quite like El Cid, the 11th century soldier of fortune and
adventurer whose story tells in microcosm the tumultuous years when Spain was
divided into Muslim and Christian zones. El Cid has become a romantic, idealized
figure of history, known for his unswerving loyalty and superhuman strength; his
exploits captured the popular imagination as expressed in an anonymous 12th
century epic poem and the 1961 film starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren.
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
El Cid (from the Arabic sidi for 'chief' or 'lord') was born Rodrígo
Diaz in Vivar, a hamlet about 10km north of Burgos, in 1043. After
the death of Ferdinand I, he entered into the murky world of royal
succession which saw the king's five heirs squabbling over the throne
and, ultimately, El Cid's banishment from Castilla in 1076. With few
scruples as to whom he served, El Cid offered his services to a host of
rulers, both Christian and Muslim. With each battle, he became ever
more powerful and wealthy. Today you’ll walk past his coffin as we tour the cathedral.
Enjoy lunch in Burgos and then take some time to explore this gem at your own
relaxing pace. Sleep in Burgos (B, L)
DAY 7: Tuesday, October 1 - Wine Tasting and Sightseeing in Rioja
Set in the foothills of the Pyrenees close to the French border, La Rioja produces
what most people have in mind when they think of Spanish wines. The region was
making millions of gallons even during the regime of the ancient Romans, and it
boasts quality-control laws promulgated by a local bishop in the 9th century.
This morning we’ll head out to the countryside to discover some of the finer wines of Rioja - including tastings with the producers. Upon our return to Burgos you’ll have time to stroll through the charming medieval streets. Why not stop in a
charming café for a glass of vino and some tapas? Sleep in Burgos (B, L)
THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO
The Way of St. James (commonly known by its name in Spanish: El Camino de
Santiago) is the name of any of the pilgrimage routes (most commonly the
Camino Francés or French route) to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great
in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain,
where tradition says the remains of the saint are buried. The area around Burgos
is one of the main stops en-route from the Pyrenees to Santiago so chances are
you’ll meet quite a few tired and happy pilgrims in this region.
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Guggenheim museum, Bilbao
DAY 8: Wednesday, October 2 - Guggenheim Museum and flight to Barcelona
In Bilbao there is a different way of seeing the city's main museums and
monuments: by boat. You will be able to see the following while you sail down the
Nervión estuary for an hour: the impressive Guggenheim Bilbao Museum,
Euskalduna Palace, Zubizuri Bridge, the Town Hall, Izozaki towers, Deusto
University... all these are icons in a city that many describe as a laboratory of open-
air architecture. Enjoy a private tour of the Guggenheim museum and lunch.
In the afternoon we’ll make our way to the Bilbao airport to board our 45 minute
flight to the capital of Catalonia.
Today, Barcelona is exciting, modern and one of the world’s premier cultural centers. Cutting-edge artists, intellectuals and architects such as Dalí, Picasso and
Gaudí have long been attracted to the city’s Mediterranean climate, charm and cuisine.
Make yourself comfortable, for this fascinating city will be your home for the next
four nights. Enjoy Barcelona’s vibrant Gothic Quarter and the famous pedestrian
shopping street La Rambla, of which Spanish poet Federico García Lorca once said,
“It’s the only street in the world which I wish would never end.” While in Barcelona you’ll enjoy colorful markets and Gaudi’s dreamlike architecture. You’ll dine in Picasso’s old haunts and enjoy a private tour of the world-renowned Picasso
Museum. Sleep in Barcelona (B, L)
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Palau de la Musica, Barcelona
BARCELONA: In the Footsteps of Pablo Ruiz Picasso
Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga in the south of Spain on October 25, 1881. In
1885 the Ruiz Picasso family moved to Barcelona, where arguably the world’s greatest painter spent his formative years and began his professional career as an
artist. Picasso’s time in Barcelona is well documented. For the next three days you’ll be discovering the many places where Picasso lived, studied, dined and socialized
with friends from 1895 to 1904. Picasso died in 1973.
DAY 9: Thursday, October 3 - The Gothic Quarter, School of Fine Arts and Miro
This morning we set out to discover Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. In doing so, we’ll also explore the world of Picasso’s youth. He dined here with friends and took
evening strolls with family. We’ll see the Cathedral of Barcelona, known as La Seu and go underground to view a well-preserved Roman temple.
After lunch, Miró enthusiasts will set out to explore the Joan Miró Foundation
which was designed by Josep Lluís Sert. The great architect created a space which
offers visitors a moment of calm where light and beauty interact in perfect harmony.
Upon entering the museum you’ll discover the work of another Picasso contemporary, Joan Miró, who throughout his life took a particular interest in the
diversity of materials, forms and colors. It led him to explore and experiment with
different art forms such as painting, sculpture, printing techniques, ceramics,
theater and tapestry.
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
For those with a bit of energy, we suggest a visit to the Ceramics Museum of
Barcelona where you’ll find 16 ceramic works by Picasso. Or you may wish to visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia or the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona.
The late afternoon and evening is free for you to discover the many charms of
Barcelona at your own pace. Your guide can provide suggestions for activities this
evening. Sleep in Barcelona (B, L)
DAY 10: Friday, October 4 - Great Catalan Wine Estates and Tour Montserrat
The two most popular sites near Barcelona are combined in this exciting day
excursion.
Beyond Barcelona are spectacular and diverse landscapes. The most stunning of all
is Montserrat, with its serrated profile, views, ancient monastery and holy shrine.
South of Montserrat is el Penedes, a rough and dry region with an ideal climate for
vineyards. Our day tour combines a visit to the Codorniu Cellars at the Penedes
with the mystical experience of Montserrat.
The mountain of Montserrat is a massive rock over 4000 feet high, visible for miles,
with weird shapes and rounded peaks that jut into the sky. Its name means serrated
as a reference to the jutting peaks. The unique Natural Park has paths, stairs, caves,
chapels and hermitages scattered over the mountain, extraordinary landscapes and
wonderful views. Enjoy the picturesque drive along the Llobregat River and up the
spectacular mountain.
The Benedictine monastery is nearly 1000 years old, perched half way up the
mountain and sheltered by its peaks. There is a basilica with the Chapel of Our
Lady of Montserrat known as La Moreneta (Black Madonna), the patron saint of
Catalonia, and a presence strongly felt and revered. The community of monks also
runs a boys’ school devoted to the study of music.
Montserrat is thriving with culture: a library of nearly 300,000 volumes; the oldest
boys’ choir in Europe; a basilica full of paintings, gold lamps and decorated chapels, a museum with paintings by El Greco, Picasso and Dalí among many others and
treasures from ancient Egypt.
The visit will coincide with a mini-concert of choir children of the Escolanía
whenever possible. (It only lasts 10 minutes and it is at 1:00 pm and if they are on
vacation they do not act). Sleep in Barcelona (B, L)
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
La Sagrada Familia
DAY 11: Saturday, October 5 - A Day with Picasso and Gaudi
Your day begins at La Boqueria, the most famous market in the city, located on the
lively Rambla Avenue. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll explore this bustling
market, with the fresh fruits and vegetables and a unique display of fish and seafood
stalls. Next, your walk continues to a neighborhood bursting with early 20th century
architecture designed by the world famous architect and Picasso contemporary,
Antoni Gaudí. Situated on an asymmetrical corner lot, is a large apartment building
that was dubbed "La Pedrera," or "the quarry," because of its cliff-like walls. This
imaginative building was designed by Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1910 for
the Milà family.
Then we are off to La Sagrada Familia, considered Antoni Gaudí's most impressive
work. This enormous church, as yet unfinished, is a summary of everything that
Gaudí designed before. The structural difficulties he faced and errors he committed
in other projects are revisited and resolved in Sagrada Familia. The architectural
style of La Sagrada Familia has been called "warped Gothic" and it's easy to see why.
The rippling contours of the stone façade make it look as though La Sagrada
Familia is melting in the sun, while the towers are topped with brightly-colored
mosaics. Gaudí believed that color is life, and, knowing that he would not live to see
completion of his masterpiece, left colored drawings of his vision for future
architects to follow.
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Enjoy a delicious farewell lunch at Els Quatre Gats café. Opened in 1897, this café
and restaurant became a popular hang-out for Picasso and his friends. In fact, one
of his first exhibitions was in Els Quatre Gats and Picasso's design for the menu is
still in use to this day.
Then we are off to the world-renowned Picasso Museum, which is a perfect
expression of his time in Barcelona. Today the museum houses the world’s most important collection of Picasso’s early work.
You'll have the late afternoon free to further explore this dynamic city, take a siesta
like the locals, or pull up a chair in a cozy café and watch the world go by.
Sleep in Barcelona (B, L)
DAY 12: Sunday, October 6 - Your Sunday Baroque journey concludes after
breakfast: Return home with a lifetime of delicious memories!
K n o w B e f o r e Y o u G o :
Concerts, Festivals and Events: If (for any reason) the organizers of a scheduled
concert, festival or event cancel or postpone a planned activity with little or no
notice, Earthbound Expeditions will do its utmost to secure a similar event or
secure another concert(s). Strikes, unscheduled delays, lack of funds and acts of God
are beyond the control of Earthbound Expeditions. Cancellation of an event,
festival or concert is not cause for refund.
Hosted Journeys: If a host or special guest is unable to attend as planned,
Earthbound Expeditions will do its utmost to find another host who has similar
interests, talents expertise. The inability of a host to participate in a tour is not
grounds for a full or partial refund.
Full terms and conditions at: https://earthboundexpeditions.com/the-boring-stuff/
- Itinerary Subject to Change –
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
YOUR HOST - SUZANNE BONA
Suzanne Bona is the host and executive producer of
Sunday Baroque, a syndicated weekly radio show of
Baroque and early music. She originated the program
in 1987 on WSHU Public Radio in her hometown of
Fairfield, CT. Sunday Baroque has been distributed
nationally since 1998, and is currently heard by more
than a quarter million listeners every week on more
than 200 public radio stations and networks across
the United States.
Suzanne is also a classically trained flutist who earned
a Bachelor of Music degree from The University of
Connecticut. She continues to perform frequently as
a soloist and chamber musician, and has especially
enjoyed collaborating with some of her musically talented public radio colleagues in
performances for listeners across the country, including in West Lafayette, IN,
Phoenix, AZ, Cincinnati, Ohio, across Connecticut and on Long Island, NY, and in
March 2012 as guest soloist with the Guam Symphony Orchestra in Tumon, and
again in October 2016 with some chamber musicians in Guam.
When she is not making radio or playing her flute, Suzanne’s hobbies include
reading, running, cooking, baking and travel! She is also passionate about the cause
of literacy; she was a longtime volunteer tutor and board member for her local
Literacy Council, and she is currently a community advisory board member for a
children’s literacy initiative. Suzanne and her husband, Ron, met when he
volunteered to answer phones during a public radio pledge drive. They continue to
be passionate public radio aficionados who have not had a television in their home
for decades.
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
About Rioja & Catalonia Wine Regions & Dining Out
Meals and Dining Out: In Spain lunch is king. Spaniards enjoy large multi-course
lunches and typically enjoy a lighter dinner at 10:00pm. Through the years we have
noticed that American travelers, having just dined for 2 hours on a delicious hearty
lunch, are in no mood to have a large dinner the same day. Therefore the lion’s share of meals will be beautiful traditional multi-course lunches. And we are
guessing that by dinner time a tapa and a glass of wine is all you’ll be looking for.
Rioja: Rioja wines are normally a blend of various grape varieties, and can be either
red (tinto), white (blanco) or rosé (rosado). La Rioja has a total of 57,000 hectares
cultivated, yielding 250 million litres of wine annually, of which 85% is red. A
distinct characteristic of Rioja wine is the effect of oak aging. First introduced in the
early 18th century by Bordeaux influenced winemakers, the use of oak and the
pronounced vanilla flavors in the wines has been a virtual trademark of the region
though some modern winemakers are experimenting with making wines less
influenced by oak.
Codorniu Cellars, Catalonia: The influence of the sun and the Mediterranean Sea
makes the Penedés a privileged territory in which the Codorníu winery, declared
national historical and artistic patrimony, stands out in 1976. This winery is owned
by the oldest family business in Spain. This currently has more than 450 years of
history. Discover the Cathedral of Cava and the other 2 modernist buildings
designed by Puig i Cadafalch, enjoy the train ride through the underground cellars
and taste their cava in an exciting journey to the origins of viticulture in our
country.
SPACE IS LIMITED-
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Ear thboundExped i t ions . com
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
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Earthbound Expeditions offers customized overseas adventures for universities,
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is committed to supporting environmental education, local small businesses and
providing guests with a one-of-a-kind, authentic travel experience. Whenever possible,
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Town and is assisting families and projects in Cambodia and the USA .
Environmental Commitment
Through Earthbound’s proud partnership with the Carbonfund.org, Earthbound Expeditions makes annual donations so as to help offset a guest’s carbon footprint. For every guest who signs up on an Earthbound Expedition, $50 will be donated back to
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