Andalucía. Cultural Crossroads of Southern Spain

Transcription

1 Andalucía Cultural Crossroads of Southern Spain MARCH 12 21, 2017

2 ANDALUCÍA CULTURAL CROSSROADS OF SOUTHERN SPAIN MARCH 12 21, 2017 Dear Member, You re invited to join us on an extraordinary journey exploring the unique art and architecture of Andalucía, where many different cultures and religions have coexisted and converged for centuries. This custom-designed program will introduce you to the region s rich heritage and historic locations, including Seville s cathedral, Granada s Alhambra, and Cordoba s Jewish quarter. In Granada, stroll through the 35-acre former private estate of the Nasrid sultans at Alhambra, and see their lush water gardens at the Generalife. In Cordoba, the capital of Islamic Spain for nearly 500 years, catch a glimpse of the mysterious Mezquita and tour the city s open patios. In Seville, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, second only to the Prado in terms of Spanish art, and gather at a traditional tablao to watch a special Flamenco performance. Enhanced by the knowledge and insights of Art Institute study leader Alexis Culotta, this program promises to be a truly special experience. Space is limited, so I encourage early reservations. Sincerely, Aleksandra Matic Associate Director of Member Travel Art Institute Study Leader Alexis Culotta holds a PhD in art history from the University of Washington, and her area of expertise is Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture. She is currently a professor of art history at the American Academy of Art as well as a lecturer at the Art Institute of Chicago. When not teaching or lecturing, Culotta serves as a staff writer for the Italian Art Society blog and continues independent research extending from her dissertation. Portions of that research were recently published in the journal Paragone: Emerging Scholars, and another article is included in an edition of Rutgers Art (late 2015). Culotta recently led an Art Institute trip down the Danube River through the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. This travel program is specially designed for Art Institute members. For more information or to become a member, please call the Department of Member Travel at (312)

3 ITINERARY Sunday, March 12 Departures for Granada Take independent overnight flights to Granada, Spain. Monday, March 13 Arrivals in Granada Upon arrival at the Granada airport, meet an ISDI tour director and transfer by motor coach to the four-star Hotel Vincci Albayzín, located in the historic center of Granada. Enjoy a welcome reception with beverages and light hors d oeuvres. Get to know your fellow travelers until rooms become available for check-in. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. Hotel Vincci Albayzín, Granada (R, D) Tuesday, March 14 Granada s Historic Center Follow an expert local guide on a walking tour of Granada s Renaissance core. Witness the interior of its cathedral, the Royal Chapel or Capilla Real and admire the exterior of the Madraza, the first Arab university in Granada. Drive to Andalucía s Museum of Memory for a gourmet lunch at the museum restaurant, featuring panoramic views of the city. Return to the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Hotel Vincci Albayzín, Granada (B, L) After lunch, drive to the Albayzín district for a private visit to a historic garden; then walk to the Mirador San Nicolas and admire the magnificent views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada.

4 Wednesday, March 15 Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Embark on an in-depth guided tour of the Alhambra, examining the elements that make it the zenith of Spain s Moorish architecture including its many patios, beautiful fountains, and elegant sculptures. Begin with an exploration of the Nasrid Palaces, with their mysterious courtyards and delightful gardens, and learn about the colorful history of the Alhambra. Continue to the Alcazaba, the military zone of the enclosure, and explore its terraces, plazas, and towers, as well as the Garden of the Adarves. Tour the terraced gardens of the Generalife, the Nasrid summer palace of the caliphs of Granada. Then enjoy a relaxing lunch within the Alhambra grounds at the enchanting Parador. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure; explore the Alhambra and its gift stores, return to the hotel to rest, or visit the city. Hotel Vincci Albayzín, Granada (B, L) Thursday, March 16 Úbeda, Jaen, and Córdoba Check out of the hotel and take a scenic drive to the lovely small city of Úbeda, where you ll meet a local Spaniard whose family has dedicated itself to the production of olive oil since the 18th century. Transfer to the nearby countryside and begin a special tour focused on olive cultivation and olive oil production followed by an olive oil tasting. Continue to the city of Jaen and be welcomed into a private 16th-century Renaissance palace, home to the family that owns the grove and mill visited previously. Enjoy a private lunch with the hosts followed by a brief tour of the home s interiors. After a guided tour of Jaen s immense cathedral, travel to Córdoba, an extraordinary Moorish city that flourished as a center of scholarship under the caliphs. Check into the Hotel NH Amistad Cordoba and spend the evening at leisure. Hotel NH Amistad Cordoba (B, L) Friday, March 17 Córdoba City of Mosques and Patios Begin the day with a guided tour of Córdoba s Mezquita, the famous mosque-turned-cathedral. Admire this awe-inspiring example of Islamic architecture, built between the 8th and 10th centuries. Continue with a guided walk through some of the city s prettiest flower-draped patios, Córdoba s trademark architectural element. Then lunch at the city s finest restaurant, the historic El Churrasco, famous for its traditional Spanish cuisine, including grilled meats.

5 Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. NH Amistad Cordoba Hotel (B, L) Saturday, March 18 Palacio Viana, the Ruins of Madinat-al-Zahra, and Seville Check out of the hotel and drive to the Palacio de Viana for a guided tour of its sumptuous patios, beautiful tile decorations, and finearts collection. Following lunch at a nearby restaurant, leave the city for a different kind of Moorish discovery the ruins of the former palace complex of Madinat-al-Zahra, which offer a fascinating look at medieval Muslim life in Andalucía from an archaeological perspective. Continue on a drive to the elegant city of Seville, and check in at the four-star Hotel Bécquer, centrally located near the Guadalquivir River and less than a ten-minute walk from the cathedral, fine arts museum, and dozens of restaurants. Discover the city s beautiful monuments on a horse-and-carriage ride a magical introduction to Seville s historical center, one of the largest in Europe. The evening and dinner are independent. Hotel Bécquer, Seville (B, L) Sunday, March 19 Seville s Historic Center and Cathedral Start your morning with a guided visit to the Hospital de la Caridad s chapel, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece housing a collection of important paintings by Murillo and Valdés Leal. Listen to a private Gregorian chant concert while admiring the surrounding artwork. Next, walk to the nearby El Real Alcázar for a guided tour of Seville s royal palace and explore its luxurious rooms, including special access to the Cuarto Real Alto (the Upper Royal Quarters). Then savor an assortment of tapas at a local restaurant. Continue on a guided tour of the world s largest Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 15th century. Admire its main altarpiece, featuring a dazzling sheet of gold-leafed wood carved in great detail, as well as works of art by Murillo, Francisco de Zurbarán, and other artists of the succeeding centuries. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop and explore the city on your own. Hotel Bécquer, Seville (B, L)

6 Monday, March 20 Seville Fine Arts Museum and Flamenco Depart on foot for Seville s Museum of Fine Arts. The entire morning is dedicated to a guided tour of the museum, situated in a historic convent. The museum s renowned Spanish art collection is second only to the Prado s, and the visit focuses on works from the 15th through 19th century. Enjoy time for an independent lunch in Seville. Later in the afternoon, gather with fellow travelers at a traditional tablao for a special Flamenco performance; then walk to a nearby restaurant for a celebratory farewell dinner. Tuesday, March 21 Departure for United States After breakfast, take a group transfer to the Seville airport for independent return flights to the United States. Hotel Bécquer, Seville (B)

7 TOUR PRICE Land Package $4,495 double occupancy Single Supplement: $795 ANDALUCÍA CULTURAL CROSSROADS OF SOUTHERN SPAIN MARCH 12 21, 2017 Tour price is per person at double occupancy, based on a minimum of 15 paying participants. Tour price is for arrival in Granada on March 13, 2017 and departure from Seville on March 21, 2017, and is based on quotations, price estimates, and currency exchange rates of June Tour price is subject to change based on currency exchange rate, inflation, prices in 2016/2017, hotel rates, or any other element out of the direct control of International Seminar Design, Inc. RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT A completed and signed reservation form must be returned to International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) with a deposit of $1,000 made payable by check or credit card (Visa/MasterCard) to International Seminar Design, Inc., to guarantee a space on the tour. Final balance is due on or before December 2, 2016, and must be paid by check to International Seminar Design, Inc. Participants may enroll in the tour with payment in full by check after this date on a space-available basis. ISDI will not provide tickets, coupons, vouchers, final documents, or deviation assistance until full payment has been received by ISDI. ISDI will not accept responsibility for wire transfer and/or overnight mail charges in the collection of overdue fees. TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Eight (8) nights based on double occupancy in luxury accommodations: Three (3) nights in Standard rooms at Hotel Vincci Albayzin in Granada; Two (2) nights in Standard rooms at NH Amistad Córdoba Hotel; three (3) nights in Superior rooms at Hotel Bécquer in Seville; breakfast daily; six lunches; two dinners; one reception; water, coffee, and tea with all meals; two glasses of wine with dinners; entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary; all land transportation by deluxe private motorcoach; one group airport transfer upon arrival in Granada on March 13, 2017 and upon departure in Seville on March 21, 2017; English-speaking guides to accompany the group throughout planned sightseeing tours; services of a Spanish-speaking ISDI tour manager throughout the trip; personal listening devices to enhance guided tours; handling of two pieces of luggage per person at the hotel/s; bottled water on daily private motor coach excursions; gratuities for guides, hotel porters, and motor coach drivers; complete pre-departure documentation and materials, including recommended reading list, destination information, and luggage tags; services of Alexis Culotta as Art Institute study leader. TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Passport and visa fees; domestic and international airline tickets and airport and airline taxes, nor any airline fuel surcharges; transfers to and from the airport in Granada and Seville for individuals not taking advantage of the group transfers; airport porterage; any personal items not listed as included, such as telephone calls, personal services, and travel extensions; room service and valet service; items such as wines, liquors, mineral water, à la carte orders, and laundry charges; other items not specifically mentioned as included; and excursions or meals marked optional on the itinerary. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is not included but strongly encouraged. Forms for this insurance will be provided upon receipt of tour registration. WAIVER AND RELEASE In order to participate in this travel program, you will be required to complete an Art Institute of Chicago Waiver and Release form that will be provided to you prior to departure. TRAVEL INSURANCE All tour participants are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance, regardless of present good health. Should one need to cancel participation in this travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. ISDI must strictly abide by the cancellation terms outlined above. Purchasing travel insurance is the best way to protect your financial investment in the trip against unexpected complications. A travel-insurance brochure will be sent upon receipt of registration and deposit. FLIGHTS Airfare is not included in the tour price. Participants are responsible for all aspects of their air arrangements round-trip to Granada and departing from Seville. TERMS AND CONDITIONS International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services relating to this tour. ISDI, the Art Institute of Chicago, and/ or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be caused by any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of the tour. CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS ISDI and the Art Institute of Chicago reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason, including insufficient numbers of participants, as well as the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time. If bookings fall below the minimum required, participants will be advised of additional costs or itinerary alterations before departure date. If ISDI or the Art Institute of Chicago cancels the tour, active registrants will receive a full refund of all tour payments. Any cancellation of a booking must be received in writing and shall only be effective upon its acknowledged receipt by ISDI. Cancellation charges shall apply as follows: Cancellation charges are calculated as of the day notification is received in writing by ISDI. If a tour member cancels, the following scale of charges is incurred: All cancellations must be received in writing by ISDI and are subject to a nonrefundable administrative fee of $500 per person. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or before December 2, 2016: full refund minus $500 per person administrative fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI between December 3, 2016 and January 26, 2017: 50 percent of tour cost per person. Cancellations received on or after January 27,

8 2017: no refund. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible to issue any refunds. No refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the tour, including, but not limited to, occasional missed meals or any missed sightseeing tours. Costs for promotion, staff, and other group expenses are not refundable. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are not accepted. The tour cost is nontransferable. If ISDI or the Art Institute of Chicago cancels the tour, active registrants will receive a full refund of all tour payments. A package of cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance is strongly recommended. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are not accepted. The tour cost is nontransferable. No refunds are given: (1) for lost travel time or substitution of facilities, (2) for itineraries amended after departure, (3) for circumstances beyond ISDI s control, necessitating alternate arrangements being made to ensure the safety and/or further participation and enjoyment of your program, or (4) if you leave the program after it has begun, or miss any scheduled sightseeing, activities, meals, or accommodations. ACTIVITY LEVEL This tour involves moderate-to-active walking tours through cities and rural settings, including uneven paths as well as stairs. Portions of this program are not handicap accessible. Please call the Department of Member Travel at (312) for more information. Mail application to: International Seminar Design, Inc Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 101 Washington, D.C

9 Andalucía: Cultural Crossroads of Southern Spain MARCH 12 21, 2017 Complete and return to: International Seminar Design, Inc Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 101 Washington, D.C Fax: (202) / Name (as listed on passport) Birth date Name (as listed on passport) Birth date Address City State Zip code Daytime phone/cell phone address $ Number of persons Amount enclosed Deposit by: VISA or MASTERCARD Check (payable to ISDI) Card number Expiration date (mm/yy) Billing zip code (if different from above) ROOMING OPTIONS (please select) Double occupancy (We prefer separate beds.) Single supplement ($795) I would like a roommate but will pay the price of the single supplement if one cannot be found. I will share a room with The undersigned has read the tour itinerary and recognizes and accepts any risks therein. The undersigned also understands and hereby agrees for and on behalf of his/her dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth in the terms and conditions listed in this brochure and to release and hold harmless the Art Institute of Chicago and International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) and any of their officers, trustees, agents, licenses, or representatives from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death, or for the loss of and/or damage to his/her property, however occurring, during any portion of, or in relation to, this tour. EACH PARTICIPANT MUST SIGN Registration invalid without signature Signature Date Signature Date