Opera en España. barcelona, Valencia & Madrid with President & ceo Marc a. scorca. OPERA America Ambassador Travel. October 26 - november 5, 2017

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1 October 26 - november 5, 2017 Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (courtesy of Javier Yaya, CAC) OPERA America Ambassador Travel barcelona, Valencia & Madrid with President & ceo Marc a. scorca In recent years the Opera Triangle of Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona has undergone a major resurgence, spurred by artistic developments at Madrid s Teatro Real, consistently intelligent programming at Valencia s magnificent Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía and the top-quality performance standard espoused by Barcelona s Gran Teatre del Liceu. It is a pleasure to offer this opportunity for OPERA America Ambassadors to travel to Spain in fall 2017 where we will enjoy the country s finest opera and experience the bountiful cultural, historic and culinary diversions that are of interest to frequent and infrequent visitors alike. Starting in the Catalan capital of Barcelona we will immerse ourselves in its myriad attractions, ranging from Gaudí s La Pedrera and his ongoing masterpiece, the amazing Temple of La Sagrada Familia, the Museo Picasso and the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana. Valencia is the next stop, with its attractive Old City, an impressive Museum of Fine Arts and the spectacular City of Arts and Sciences, anchored by the Palau de les Arts, the breathtaking performance hall designed by renowned Valenciaborn architect Santiago Calatrava. Arriving in Madrid, we will explore the city s trio of art museums (Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía) and go out of town to visit the resting place of the royal dynasties, the famed San Lorenzo de El Escorial. At performances throughout the trip, OPERA America President & CEO Marc A. Scorca will provide rich artistic and historical insights into each opera we see. Confirmed performances include Verdi s Un ballo in maschera at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona and a concert performance of Donizetti s La Favorite and new production of Bizet s Carmen by French director Mariame Clément at Madrid s Teatro Real. Additional opera, zarzuela or flamenco performances will be added as European schedules are announced.

2 Hotels In all three cities we have selected mid-size top quality hotels, well located and each created from classic 19th century buildings, carefully restored and converted to incorporate all the necessary contemporary elements, ensuring that our party has every possible comfort and convenience. Barcelona: Occupying the former headquarters of the Phillipines Tobacco Company and designed by architect Josep Oriol Mestres, the Hotel 1898 occupies an enviable location right on La Rambla, close to the Gran Teatre del Liceu and in the heart of the city s most desirable walking neighborhood. ( Valencia: The Hospes Palau de la Mar, a catalogued aristocratic mansion, is located on the stylish Avinguda de Navarro Reverter and is the only 5-star property enabling easy independent access by foot to the nearby Jardí del Túria Park and also the city s historic center. ( Madrid: Hotel Villa Real, on the Plaza de las Cortes, has 115 elegantly decorated rooms and features a unique art collection, displayed in the rooms and throughout the common areas. ( Hotel Villa Real, Madrid Hotel Hospes Palau de la Mar, Valencia genius of Catalonia s best known architect, Antoni Gaudí, whose architectural works are probably the most unique feature of the Catalan capital. A break for lunch will be included and today s touring will be completed with a visit to one of the city s celebrated art museums. Later, we will meet for a reception and introductory talk by Marc before walking the short distance to the Teatre del Liceu for Verdi s Un ballo in maschera. Sunday, October 29 Today we delve further into the world of Gaudí with visits to Güell Park, the Sagrada Familia and the Palau Güell or the Casa Milá. We continue with a visit to the Picasso Museum and conclude with a luncheon at Petit Comité, featuring one of Catalonia s most cutting-edge kitchens. In the afternoon we may attend an opera or concert at one of the city s other performance venues, as available, and enjoy a relaxed evening. Hotel 1898, Barcelona (courtesy Tony Hisgett) Itinerary The following outline presents a preliminary itinerary for the performances, meals and activities planned in each city. As additional details become available from performance venues in Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid, the itinerary may change to take advantage of the most enticing cultural opportunities. Thursday, October 26 Independent air departures from North America to Barcelona (BCN). Friday, October 27 Independent arrivals and transfer to the Hotel The balance of the day is for relaxation after the journey. We gather in the evening for a welcome reception before leaving for dinner at the nearby Restaurante Fonda España, where Martin Berasategui presides over the production of excellent traditional Catalan cuisine with modern touches. Saturday, October 28 A breakfast is included each day. In the morning we plan to pay a short private visit to the Teatre del Liceu and then meet our local guide to leave for an introductory coach tour of the important areas of the city. During the tour we will be introduced to the creative Casa Milá, Barcelona (courtesy Ian Sale) Monday, October 30 - Tuesday, October 31 Check out and transfer to Valencia and the Hotel Hospes Palau de la Mar where we stay for two nights. During these days we will have the opportunity to get to know Spain s third largest city and, in particular, its notable City of Arts & Sciences, a 90-acre cultural and architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. Here we will tour the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía with stacked theaters for both the opera and symphony. In the evening, we will attend a performance in the opera house or a recital by young opera artists from the Centre de Perfeccionament Plácido Domingo.

3 Saturday, November 4 The final day together takes us out of the city to the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the historic residence of the Kings of Spain. We will complete a tour of the extensive complex that includes the Pantheon of the Kings, the impressive final resting place of many Bourbon and Habsburg monarchs. Lunch follows at Restaurante La Rueda, one of the fine dining choices in the town of El Escorial. We return to Madrid and meet as a group later for a reception in the hotel to celebrate our time together in Spain, before leaving for our final performance, Bizet s Carmen at the Teatro Real. sunday, November 5 Independent assisted departures to Madrid s Barajas airport or extension. El Escorial (courtesy Salomon Segundo) Wednesday, November 1 We continue our journey today with a transfer to Madrid and the Hotel Villa Real where we check in for the balance of our stay in Spain. The afternoon is for relaxation and personal familiarization with the surroundings. We gather later for an aperitivo in the hotel s East 47 bar and then dinner at Restaurante Paradis Madrid on nearby Calle Marques de Cuba, boasting fine Mediterranean cuisine. Thursday, November 2 This morning starts with a guided coach tour of the city that will include a private visit to the Teatro Real, a unique building with a stunning interior. Lunch and the afternoon is at leisure and we gather later to return to the Teatro Real for the evening s concert performance of La Favorite, Donizetti s grand opera that premiered in After, we dine in the theater s elegant restaurant before returning to our hotel. friday, November 3 Our morning starts when we meet our guide again for a walking tour Madrid of the Enlightenment that will take us through the Prado Museum and its neighboring area. The afternoon is left open for individual exploration, an opportunity to continue visits to the other major art museums in the vicinity, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía, or other activity. In the evening, we will gather for a group flamenco lesson and performance. Gran Teatre del Liceu Inclusions Nine nights with 4 and 5-star hotel accommodation Breakfast included daily 5-6 performances with first category or best available seating Performance introductions by OPERA America s President/ CEO Marc A. Scorca Seven lunch/dinners and two receptions Two full day and four half day guided touring Site and museum entrances Private coach transfers throughout Gratuities for restaurants, guides and drivers OPERA America staff leadership throughout Act 1 Tours principal throughout Not Included: Airfares Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Private car service transfers may be booked through Act 1 Tours or the hotel concierges. Meals and personal expenses outside the group itinerary Rate OPERA America Ambassador members at $1,000 or higher: $7,950 per person, shared occupancy; $9,200 single room occupancy. Non-members: Please add $1,000 per household (tax-deductible) to the above rates. Teatro Real Javier del Real See attached registration form for deposit, payment, cancellation and insurance details.

4 OPERA America Ambassadors Barcelona, Valencia & Madrid October 26-November 5, 2017 Registration Form (due before November 4, 2016) Name(s): (s): Address: Daytime phone: Cell phone: Room with one bed Room with two beds Ambassador rate $7,950 per person, shared occupancy $9,200 single room occupancy Non-members: Please add $1,000 per household tax-deductible donation to OPERA America to the above rates Contact Jacqueline Sale or Annie Sale at Act 1 Tours for extra hotel nights and upgrades $3,250 p/p deposit due with reservation before November 4, 2016 Balance by August 25, 2017 Payment: Deposit only (non-refundable) Pay in full Check enclosed Credit Card: MC Vis Amex Exp Date Code CC#: Name on card: Cancellation Insurance: Act 1 Tours recommends trip cancellation insurance coverage I am/we are interested in obtaining insurance, contact me/us with rates and details Dates of birth: Traveler 1 Traveler 2 I/we decline cancellation insurance I have read and accept the attached Trip Registration, Liability Release and Cancellation Terms. Signature Signature Traveler 1 Traveler 2 Date Date Please return your completed form by mail to: Act 1 Tours, P.O. Box 1137, New York, NY Fax: finetravel@act1tours.com

5 OPERA America Ambassadors Barcelona, Valencia & Madrid October 26-November 5, 2017 Trip Registration, Liability Release & Cancellation Terms Please read the following carefully as these are the terms and conditions associated with your travel program. Registration Process Complete the enclosed registration form, with signatures from each of the travelers, and mail with a check payable to Act 1 Tours or credit card authorization to the address on the Registration Form. On receipt of the completed form and deposit you will receive a confirmation letter from Act 1 Tours and request for further information. The latter should be completed and returned by mail or fax within 14 days of receipt. The balance is due by August 25, 2017 and you will be notified in good time by a Statement of Account. Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance is strongly recommended and coverage by Travel Guard is available at competitive rates through Act 1 Tours. A pre-existing medical condition waiver is included with some policies if purchased within 15 days of paying the initial deposit. Acknowledgement of Risk and Release from Liability As part of the reservation form each traveler is required to acknowledge, by signature, the following statement: During the trip in which I will participate, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, acts of God, the hazards of traveling under unsafe conditions by boat, automobile, train, ship, aircraft or other means, the forces of nature and accident or illness in locations without ready access to medical treatment, transportation or means of rapid evacuation. Act 1 Tours shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages or losses caused to me in connection with any of the above, nor as a result of terrorist action, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures, fires, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions or any actions, omissions or conditions outside the control of Act 1 Tours. In consideration of the right to participate in the travel program and as part of the payment for the services arranged for me by Act 1 Tours, I do expressly agree to forever release, discharge, and hold harmless Act 1 Tours and its agents, employees, officers, directors, associates, affiliates and subcontractors against any and all liability, actions, debts, suits, claims, and demands of any kind which may hereafter arise out of, or in connection with the travel program arranged for me by Act 1 Tours. This shall serve as a complete release and express assumption of risk for myself, my heirs, assignees, administrators, executors, and all members of my family. I have read and fully understand the provisions and the legal consequences of this release and assumption of risk, and I hereby agree to all its conditions. I further agree that any legal dispute involving these travel services shall be heard only in the courts of the State of Delaware. Act 1 Tours Responsibilities Act 1 Tours is responsible for providing the services offered in the descriptive material for each travel program. While information is, to the best of Act 1 Tours knowledge, accurate at the time of publication, it is recognized that changes beyond Act 1 Tours control do occur and the right is reserved to implement those changes that will preserve the overall quality of the travel program. The portion of the travel program that a client elects not to participate in is non-refundable. Act 1 Tours does not manage or control the various suppliers (e.g. hotels, restaurants, ground transportation, theaters, museums, etc.) that form part of the travel program but, should any part of the program not be provided to a reasonable standard, Act 1 Tours will compensate the traveler accordingly on receipt of a written notification within 25 days, but the compensation may not exceed 50% of the value of the program. Traveler s Responsibilities The traveler is responsible for following the registration process outlined. At the time of submitting a registration form you are confirming your acceptance of all the terms and conditions included in this statement. Cancellation Should it be necessary to cancel after the initial deposit has been processed, the deposit of $ 3,250 per person is nonrefundable. After full payment is received by August 25, 2017 the total cost is non-refundable, unless the place(s) is (are) taken over by other members of the OPERA America group. Any cancellation notice should be in writing, by mail, fax or .