MAIN CONFERENCE - MADRID & SAN SEBASTIAN
7 - 15 MAY 2024

Monday 6 May
Delegates depart Australia for Madrid.

Tuesday 7 May
On arrival at Madrid’s Barajas Airport you will be met and transferred by coach to the VP Plaza Espana Design Hotel.  The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and recover from your travels. The pre-conference group from Granada will arrive at the hotel mid-afternoon.

Wednesday 8 May
Conference sessions commence this morning in the Ballroom of the Westin Palace from 8.30am - 1.00pm.

Lunch at leisure.

Afternoon City Tour of Madrid
This highlights tour of Madrid provides an excellent overview of this majestic and fascinating city. We will take you on a guided visit through the main areas such as Plaza Espana and the magnificent Retiro Park. Experience the city with a combined panoramic coach tour and half of it on foot around the charming area and the streets of the Old Madrid, making strategic stops so we make sure you don’t miss the must sees of the beautiful capital city of Spain.

Evening at leisure (own expense).

Overnight VP Plaza Espana
Meals: Breakfast

Friday 10 May 
Today is at leisure to enjoy a range of optional tours. Why not learn how to cook traditional paella from scratch, complete with wine pairings.

We will also be offering a full day tour to Toledeo, known to some as the city of three cultures - because of its Muslim, Christian, and Jewish heritage - Toledo is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage medieval city that's an easy day trip from Madrid. Explore the city's iconic landmarks, including Toledo Cathedral and the El Greco paintings in the Church of Santo Tomé. Enjoy the quaint medieval charms you wander the narrow winding streets.

Dinner at the Negralejo Palace
The Palacio del Negralejo is an 18th century palace surrounded by beautiful gardens that was built for summer leisure of the nobility of Madrid. Enjoy a fun Spanish style evening with classic entertainment. 

Overnight VP Plaza Espana
Meals: Breakfast, dinner & drinks 

Saturday 11 May
Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian 
Today's transfer from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian will be by coach via the city of Burgos.

Burgos is the provincial capital in Spain’s autonomous community of Castile and León and renowned for its intact medieval architecture. Its most recognisable landmark is the French Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary which we will tour.

There will be free time for lunch and for you to explore this city on foot before proceeding to Donostia-San Sebastian.

Overnight Barcelo Costa Vasca
Meals: Breakfast 

Sunday 12 May
Day three conference sessions resume at the Barcelo Costa Vasca from 8.30am - 1.00pm.

A light lunch will be provided at the hotel.

This afternoon explore Donostia-San Sebastian.  This is a compact city with so much to discover on foot. Climb Mount Urgull in the very heart of the city to enjoy the only place in San Sebastian where you can see all three beaches, observing the remains of the city wall and cannons that bear witness to the city’s military past.

From here go to the Plaza de la Constitución, in the centre of the Old Town. Enjoy a bite to eat and any of a number of eateries lining the square, with its vibrant atmosphere. Then visit the San Telmo Museum which safely guards the secrets of the Basque culture.

The hotel is a 20 minute leisurely stroll from the old town along the iconic La Concha Beach promenade adorned with its picturesque railings. Ideal for self-discovery, we will also be offering a range of sightseeing options that take in these sights. 

Welcome Reception at the City Hall
The City Hall was originally a Casino, built between 1882 and 1887 and is one of the best-situated buildings in San Sebastián, between the Old Town, bordered by the Alderdi-Eder park and the famous La Concha promenade. A perfect venue to welcome you to this culinary capital of the world.

Pintxos Experience (optional)
You don’t have to dine at Michelin star restaurants to enjoy superb cuisine. One of the foodie treasures in Donostia-San Sebastián is its famous pintxos; culinary bites ranging from the original slice of bread piled with food, to tiny miniature haute cuisine creations. Going for pintxos in Donostia-San Sebastián is way to learn about the culture; you’ll enjoy laughs and conversation as you stay on the move, visit busy bars and generally have a great time.  The tour departs from the City Hall and will proceed on foot into the old town.

Overnight Barcelo Costa Vasca
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, reception drinks

Tuesday 14 May
The final day of conference sessions will be held today from 8.30am - 1.00pm.

A light lunch will be provided at the hotel.

Txakoli Wine visit (optional activity)
Travel by coach to Zarautz, where you will visit a winery that belongs to a well-known family of Txakoli artisans. Its vineyards are planted in a privileged area, as they are on one of the sunniest slopes in the area.  Today, it is the fifth generation of the family who proudly take care of their 12 hectares of land and give their Txakoli a unique personality, blending tradition and modernity with the highest quality.

Farewell Gala Dinner
Our gala dinner will be held at the Miramar Palace, the former summer residence of the royal family which is surrounded by gardens, where you can enjoy lovely views of the city and coastline before enjoying a culinary feast and local entertainment. 

Overnight Barcelo Costa Vasca
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Gala dinner 

Wed 15 May 
Depart Donostia-San Sebastian
A coach transfer will be provided to Bilbao airport for those departing by air.  

Those continuing on to the post-conference Seine River cruise, will transfer by coach to Hendaye Station in France to board a TGV high speed train to Paris.  Your luggage will be transported by luggage truck and will be waiting for you on board the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch