A word from your co-host, Suzanne Savaria, professor and co-director of The Artist as Citizen Initiative at Portland State University, Portland Oregon:

I first visited Spain in 1982 and fell in love with the country, the people and the culture.  Forty plus years later I’m still enchanted and continue to explore and learn more each time I visit. I will be your host and share my knowledge of this beautiful place.  We’ll have unique experiences together and time to explore on our own.  On this trip, we’ll take in the massive contrast of thriving Madrid in the center of Spain to one of the more remote regions in Galicia.  I believe that music defines and unites us as people, and this trip highlights the power of music and the arts to share histories and stories. 

Join me, Suzanne Savaria and Insider’s Travel owner, Joanna Wivell on this one-of-a-kind adventure.  Joanna and I met on one of my early Faculty-Led trips in Spain with Portland State University students.  On a warm Madrid evening, after a glass of wine and manchego cheese, we contemplated creating a trip together bringing our specialities to the experience.  Joanna brings a broad and deep knowledge of Spain after living in Madrid for 19 years and creating off-the-beaten track experiences for travelers.  I bring years of immersive and academic experience and study in music, culture and the arts from all corners of Spain. Together we have created this journey to leave you feeling a deep sense of place.