Arrive in Seville, a former Roman city which was later part of the Caliphate of Cordoba, now the capital city of Andalusia, and the fourth largest city of Spain. Seville is said to be the birth city of Flamenco and it is also well known for its rich culture, traditions and artistic heritage. Tonight we welcome you to this amazing city for a very unique photography expedition to the heart of one of the most deep-rooted traditions of Spain: Semana Santa. (D)

This morning, in anticipation to the processions of Thursday and Friday, the group will meet with a local expert who, together with your National Geographic Instructor, will provide a special introduction to the Holy Week traditions in the city, their meaning and the logistics so you can become more agile when capturing them as they march through the narrow, winding streets of the city. Lunch today will be on your own as you continue your exploration of the city. In the late afternoon join your fellow travelers for the first lecture of the trip, later head for tapas at some of the more acclaimed tapas restaurants of the city. (B,D)

Today head out to the outskirts of Seville, to a real Spanish Cattle Ranch for fighting bulls, where you will have the rare opportunity to visit and photograph their habitat and the process by which these animals are raised, prepared and selected for bull fights. After a traditional country lunch, enjoy the opportunity to watch and photograph an actual bull fighter as he demonstrates his skills for our group (Only training, no killing).

Fighting bulls are raised in one of Spain’s most impressive settings, the Iberian Dehesa, a place they share with other animals, including boars, rabbits, deer, and partridges. Accompanied by the ranch owner, learn first-hand about these amazing animals and the art of bullfighting. Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy some time at leisure before re-gathering for an evening lecture. Dinner tonight is on your own. (B,L)

The day is finally here, Maundy Thursday, when processions start becoming more intense and passionate. During the processions, the city of Seville is filled with devotes and other curious visitors to see the of members of the brotherhoods accompanying the floats and images, carried by costaleros or porters (men who carry the floats), proceed through streets with decorated balconies, from which people sing sacred songs, with Flamenco flavor.

Later, by midnight, one of the most special moments of Seville, and the biggest celebration of Semana Santa, La Madrugá starts. The Silencio brotherhood -the eldest of them all (dating from 1356) exits the Royal Chapel of San Antonio Abad after midnight, filling the streets with the scent of the orange blossom that ornate the images throughout all night. Some of the images with more popular devotion follow, including the Jesus del Gran Poder, Our Lady of Macarena and Our Lady of Esperanza de Triana, all, different representations of the virgin Mary. The processions continue through the early hour of the morning with Los Gitanos, the gypsy brotherhood which is the last one going out on the streets on this day, while the rest slowly, head back to their churches.

After a well-deserved rest attend a late morning edit and critique session before continuing your photographic exploration of the Holy Week celebrations as we head to the stunning fortified town of Carmona where you will enjoy lunch at a 14^–century former Arab fortress, now converted into a Parador Hotel. Later, explore the narrow cobblestone streets and follow the processions of La Humildad and El Silencio, in a more intimate, less crowded environment that will give you ample opportunities to experience and shoot the passion that goes into these celebrations. Later, return to Seville.

Today head to an ancient Monastery that has been the cornerstone of the Jerezano thoroughbred horses, where monks established a breeding stock which, through time, would be converted into one of the most celebrated and appreciated stocks in the world. Enjoy the unique opportunity of photographing these stunning animals in a private setting, as you learn about the efforts that go into preserving their genetic heritage.

Later, enjoy lunch in a Sherry winery to immerse yourself in the history of the aging of Jerez’s wines and brandy. An experience designed to feel the essence of one of the oldest wines in the world, followed by a private Flamenco function and shooting session. In the evening return to Seville where you will spend the night.

After breakfast in the hotel, join the group for the edit and critique session of your journey. Lunch will be on your own. The afternoon will be devoted to a final slideshow, after which we will have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.