a nonprofit presenter of jazz artistic and education programs

TOUR DATES – July 12-20, 2008

Cost per person: $3,900

We are delighted to present the first SFJAZZ Vitoria Jazz Festival Tour from Saturday, July 12th through Sunday, July 20th, 2008.  Hosted by Executive Director Randall Kline and his wife Teresa, we invite you to experience one of the world’s other great jazz festivals as well as explore all the beautiful Basque region of Spain has to offer.

The Setting:
Our backdrop for this year’s trip is the Basque region of Spain, including Bilbao, Vitoria, and Pamplona. This area is a glorious mix of picturesque parks, medieval and renaissance architecture and art, with modern amenities blended in. It boasts museums, shopping, culture, fine dining, history, and natural beauty that will take your breath away.

The Music:

Jazz Vitoria, entering its 32nd year, is considered to be one of the best jazz festivals in the world.  Boasting artists from all over the world in beautiful venues such as the Mendizorrotza Sports Arena and Principal Theatre, the festival never disappoints. And for those night owls among our travelers, there are late shows hosted in the very hotel where we’ll be staying which add another layer of excitement. Recent festival artists have included headliners such as Ornette Coleman, McCoy Tyner, Dave Holland, and Norah Jones. Saxophone legend Sonny Rollins is confirmed for 2008, and the remainder of the lineup will be announced in the spring.

The Sightseeing:

When not enjoying great jazz, we’ll have plenty of time to explore the cities of Bilbao and Vitoria with expert local guides. Planned excursions will take us to Pamplona to experience the Festival of San Fermín as well as the Rioja wine region. The trip is designed to include plenty of free time for self-guided explorations of the region, such as the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian.

Your Hosts:
Randall Kline and his wife Teresa will act as your hosts for the trip. Randall is the founder and Executive Director of SFJAZZ, which has grown over its 25 year history into one of the largest and most respected jazz presenting organizations in the United States. Randall’s extensive knowledge of jazz, combined with Teresa’s European sensibilities, guarantee a highly personal travel experience for all.

One of our past trip attendees who has already signed up for this year, Debbie Thomas, says: "After having such a fantastic time on the Italy/Umbria Jazz Festival trip in 2002 and 2007, I am excited to explore Spain and their passion for jazz.  This trip looks like it will also be another spectacular adventure of interesting people, good food and wine, and more jazz!"

Thomas Loynd, another past and current traveler wrote: "The July 2002 SFJAZZ trip to Umbria was exceptional and I'm sure the 2008 Victoria trip will be just as good. We had very goods seats at all of the concerts in Perugia. The hotel accommodations in Perugia were the best.  Our day trips to nearby towns were especially enjoyable because of the excellent guides and the interesting people in our traveling group."

  • Click here for a day by day tentative itinerary of our eight days in Spain

General Info

The trip price is $3,900 per person, double occupancy and based on a twin/double room. The single room supplement is $500.

Families are welcome. Additional cost associated with family accommodations will be quoted based on availability at the time of request.

Travelers must be active members of the SFJAZZ Leaders Circle at the time of reservation. Annual Leaders Circle membership may be paid separately.

The tour is moderately active. The maximum number of travelers is 30. Itinerary is subject to change. 

This trip is open to Leaders Circle Members donating at the $1,200 Presenters Circle level and above.  Non-members are eligible to join the Leaders Circle, which includes many year-round benefits such as premium seating at SFJAZZ concerts and insider events with SFJAZZ artists.  For more information on Leaders Circle Membership click here or call Grace Prasad, Individual Giving Manager at (415) 398-5655 x124.

Deposit and Payments: A minimum deposit of $1,000 per traveler is required at the time of booking. Any outstanding balance is due by June 2, 2008.

Not Included in Tour Price: Airfare, passport fees, medical and cancellation insurance, meals and beverages not specifically stated, all items of a personal nature, and items not listed under the “Includes” section.

Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is available and highly recommended for your protection. There are many programs available. Please consult your travel agent for one that meets your needs.

Cancellations and Refunds: There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features for participants. If a traveler has to cancel after partial or full payment has been made, the following cancellation schedule will apply. Full refunds will be made if written cancellation is received at least 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations received between 60-89 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation fee of $500. Cancellations received between 30-59 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation fee of $1,500. No refund will be granted after June 12, 2008. 

Liability: SFJAZZ is acting as the coordinator for this tour and shall not be liable or responsible in any way for loss, personal injury, or damage to or in respect of any person or property of any tour participants.

Tour Dates: July 12-20, 2008
Includes:

  • One night at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, touring both the city of Bilbao;
  • Seven nights in Vitoria at the NH Hotel Canciller Ayala;
  • Breakfast daily;
  • A season pass with access to all Vitoria Jazz Festival concerts held at the main venues – Mendizorrotza Sports Arena and Principal Theatre;
  • Guided tours of Bilbao, including the Museo Guggenheim, and Vitoria;
  • Day-long trip to Pamplona to experience the Festival of San Fermín, with the option of watching a traditional bull fight;
  • Guided tour of the Rioja region, Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, including lunch;
  • A fabulous farewell lunch in one of the best restaurants in the Basque region;
  • All transfers to and from Bilbao Airport. A private car can be arranged for an additional fee.

We hope you will join us for what has become one of the highlights of the annual SFJAZZ calendar.  If you’d like more information, or to make a reservation and payment deposit, please contact our Events Coordinator, Nicole Frydman, at (415) 283-0326 or nfrydman@sfjazz.org.

We look forward to sharing Vitoria Jazz 2008 with you!

2007 Tour slideshow

 

For more information about upcoming jazz tours, please contact:

Nicole Frydman
Events Coordinator
(415) 283-0236 or
nfrydman@sfjazz.org