"New for 2009! A different approach to discovering Andalucia.
Enjoy a week’s exploration of our finest monumental cities themed around a cultural activity (choose from Ceramics, Flamenco and
Food & Wine) and
have a chance to discover new skills under the guidance of a local expert."
DESCRIPTION: Our Flamenco Cultural
Week will bring you up close to the passionate world of
flamenco, possibly modern Andalucia’s greatest cultural gift to the
wider world. Flamenco has strong roots in the gypsy communities of
Seville, Cadiz, Jerez and Granada, but its precise origins are far from
clear and at times legend and fact seem to exist as one. Granada has
contributed many past and present greats of flamenco, many from the
Sacromonte district. This semi-rural idyll of cave houses, winding
streets and fabulous views of the Alhambra is the best place to uncover
the soul of flamenco and we will visit both during the day – on a
Guided Walk featuring a museum dedicated to gypsy life – and at night,
to see a live performance at one of the many atmospheric venues in this
area. The main focus of the Activity is on flamenco dance, in which you
will receive four classes of tuition from an experienced, vivacious
Spanish teacher. She will take you through the principal rhythms and
forms of flamenco, introducing you to the techniques and manners of
expression. Should anyone prefer to try their hand at flamenco guitar
they can opt instead to follow guitar classes, given in the same studio
by a local teacher. We will call in on a workshop where flamenco guitars
are hand-crafted – something for which Granada stands in high repute.
Throughout the Week you will have further opportunities to see
performances of flamenco, in all its different forms, and we will
explain more of the cultural background to the art when we visit Triana,
in Seville, another traditional heartland.
On
the Andalucia Cultural Weeks
the accent is on creative fun, and a degree of self-indulgence. We stay
in hotels of character and comfort, and dine in restaurants that present
the best of this region’s abundant fresh produce. History and culture
are present on every corner of Granada (where we visit the unparalleled
attraction of the Alhambra palaces), Cordoba (with its unique
mosque-cum-cathedral) and Seville (a labyrinth of streets surrounding
its imposing cathedral and royal residences). Private transport and a
brief hop on the railways (Cordoba-Seville) ensure we travel easily, and
our English-speaking, resident Tour Leader will not only keep you well
informed but also smooth away any problems you might otherwise
encounter.
DURATION OF TOUR / STARTING DAY:
8 days, 7 nights - starting on Thursdays
DAY 1:
(Thursday)
Arrival in Granada, by independent travel, to commence tour with a
greeting from Tour Leader and introductory Walking Tour of the historic
centre of Granada, pointing out places of interest for the rest of your
4 night stay in this most magical city. Welcome Drinks in one of
Granada’s many atmospheric bars are followed by dinner at one of our
hand-picked restaurants.
DAY 2: (Friday) The
Activity begins with an introductory class in flamenco dance (or
guitar, depending on the option chosen) from our local expert in her
dance studio. After the first class has unwound you, we stretch your
legs with a Guided Walk around the fascinating Sacromonte district. A
short bus ride from the main city, this feels a world away, cave
houses and prickly pear cacti adding to the local exoticism. Here we
visit a museum dedicated to the gypsy way of life and lunch in a
restaurant with stunning views of the Alhambra and the city. After a siesta
it is time for the second dance (or guitar) class of the day, and then
further free time before dinner.
DAY 3: (Saturday) The second
Activity day consists also of morning and afternoon flamenco classes, practicing
the steps already learnt and going deeper into the skills and
techniques involved. In between you will have ample free time to go
shopping, visit some of the many museums and monuments of Granada, or
just relax in one of the Arabic tea shops. Our Tour Leader will offer
advice on these things as well as take you to see the workshop of a
local guitar maker. In the evening we will go for drinks and tapas
in the Albaicin (the old Moorish quarter) and Sacromonte before
attending a flamenco performance in a wonderful setting – an
experience to treasure.
DAY 4: (Sunday)
It’s Sunday – what better than to stroll around the city to the sound of
church bells, explore the streets and monuments, watch the world go by,
or venture into the surrounding countryside for a morning walk? In the
afternoon your Tour Leader will guide you to the world-renowned Alhambra
Palaces (admission included). You can take as long as you like to absorb
the legendary opulence and sophistication of this once mighty city
complex – it’s guaranteed that this will be one of the highlights of the
week. An audio-guide or the services of a specialist guide may be
obtained at your own cost, so that you can fully appreciate the
Alhambra’s wonderfully rich history. In the evening, there will be the
option to visit a jazz/flamenco bar or café-concert.
DAY 5: (Monday) We move on to another of Andalucia’s cultural treasure-houses, Cordoba.
Since the journey from Granada (2.5 hours by private coach) takes us
through rolling hills famed for producing some of the world’s best
olive oil, we stop for lunch and to visit a renowned local mill after
sampling the “liquid gold” that earns this region its wealth.
After check-in at our hotel, our Tour Leader will take us on a guided
Walking Tour of historic Cordoba before dinner. If you have not yet
done so, you may like to take in a Flamenco performance in the
evening, or perhaps soak in the opulent Arabic Baths.
DAY 6: (Tuesday) Nowhere else will you find a cathedral within a mosque, but that is
exactly what the fate of history has bequeathed to Cordoba. The mosque
is one of the treasures of Islamic civilization
in Spain, breathtaking in it simplicity and tranquility. Admission to
the Mosque-Cathedral is included. Afterwards, our guided Walking Tour
of the surrounding area (a UNESCO World Heritage zone) will take in
other monuments of interest, such as the Royal Palace and the
Archaeological Museum (both of which house superb Roman mosaics) and a
delicatessen specializing in regional products.
Free time in the afternoon, prior to departure from Cordoba by late
afternoon train bound for Seville - Andalucia’s most dynamic city.
Dinner in one of our hand-picked restaurants in the historic part of
the city.
DAY 7: (Wednesday)
Our Tour Leader will take you to Seville Cathedral and bell-tower (“Giralda”)
(admission included) and afterwards guide you on a Walking Tour of the
labyrinthine streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz, ending in the beautifully
landscaped gardens of Parque María Luisa. Free time thereafter to
explore, relax or shop, until an evening guided Walking Tour across the
river to the Triana district. Triana is famous for its ceramics
workshops and a love of all things flamenco. It also has many fine
restaurants, one of which will be the venue for our farewell dinner.
DAY 8: (Thursday)
Departure from Seville hotel for further independent travel in Spain
or the return journey home.
Throughout the Week you will stay in hotels which combine real character with convenience and comfort. We select these carefully, opting for quieter locations in or near to the historical city centres. Often the hotels are restorations of old buildings from previous centuries, in which no two rooms are the same, something that we feel adds to the place’s charm. Although we travel in small groups, we want everyone to feel as an individual traveler would, hence we avoid the large, often faceless chain hotels which so many travel companies use.
Examples of the hotels we use
(to be confirmed):
Hotel Zaguan del Darro, Granada
On the banks of the River Darro and looking up to the Alhambra walls is this recently restored 15th century nobleman´s house. The rooms are all unique and the hotel mixes style with a casual, homely air.
Hotel Amadeus, Seville
Its location is impeccable: overlooking the Mosque-Cathedral in one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. A graceful and comfortable hotel, with an interior patio in the Cordobese style.
Hotel Mezquita, Cordoba
A true house of music: there are few hotels in the world which include sound-proofed rooms, regular recitals and a musical instrument in almost every room. On oasis of calm from the bustle of Seville´s lively Santa Cruz district.
Details - Andalucia Cultural Week - Flamenco (Guided)
Type: Culture
Start Day: Thursday
No. of nights: 7 nights
Type: Accommodation only (See Note)
Pick Up / Drop Off Points: Granada or Malaga Airport (fee
Sorry!
There are no available dates and prices for this holiday at the moment.
Please contact an Adventure Bug Consultant direct for the latest dates and prices for this holiday
Notes
2010 Dates and Prices now available - please contact us directly!
Our policy is always to encourage single bookings for our tours, in particular the Andalucia Cultural Weeks, which are in many ways ideal for the independent traveller. Prices are quoted based upon two people sharing a twin room, therefore if you require a room to yourself, please let us know. A supplement of [€105] per week will be levied, to cover the extra costs incurred.
If a pickup is required from Malaga Airport there is a small surcharge, depending on number of people. Please enquire for exact cost.
Important Note: Please also see our advice about Insurance cover if you are thinking about booking a holiday or adventure with us
What's included in the Holiday Price:
- Full 2-day Activity introducing you to the Flamenco scene in Andalucia, with 8 hours of dance tuition from a local teacher
(flamenco guitar an option), a flamenco show in an unforgettable venue, and visits to a guitar-making workshop and a museum dedicated to folk and gypsy life.
- 7 nights accommodation in small, comfortable hotels with character & style, breakfast included
- Welcome Drinks and 7 main meals, either lunch or dinner, in good quality restaurants, wine included
- Entrance tickets to the Alhambra (Granada), Mosque-Cathedral (Cordoba) and Cathedral (Seville)
- Private transport by coach and taxi. Cordoba-Seville train by “Andalucia Express”
- Two guided Walking Tours in each city and services of Tour Leader throughout
- All taxes and tips – we have no hidden fees or local payments
Note: There is a single occupancy supplement applicable - see pricing information for
details
What's not included in the Holiday Price:
- Air fares to/from Spain
- Airport transfers (available as extra – contact us for details).
- Air fares to/from Spain
- Travel insurance
- Any extra drinks you may wish to have with meals, over & above our generous provision of wine/soft drinks
- Entertainment which is listed in the Itinerary as “optional” etc.
Notes:
Itinerary Confirmation:
Dates are limited and group sizes small (up to 12 people), we
encourage you to book well in advance to reserve a place.
Extended Stay Holidays:
Optional self-excursions (organized by us or independently), may be arranged before and
after your holiday with us. Consult with us for trip ideas on either
side of your Adventurebug Holiday.
Name: Andalusian Culture: Ceramics Week Duration: 8 days, 7 nights Start Day / End Day: Thursday to Thursday Pick up / Drop Off Point(s): Granada
hotel (or possibility of Malaga
Airport for fee) Difficulty: GRADE 1 (Easy) Accommodation Type: All nights in Spanish-run village and town hotels, all with ensuite facilities.
In-depth and personal instruction into the art of Flamenco Dance including study and forum into the many forms of this art
Andalucia’s most historic and culturally vibrant cities: Granada, Cordoba and Seville, including visits to three of Spain’s most celebrated monuments, the Alhambra, the Mosque-Cathedral and Seville´s vast and imposing Cathedral and Giralda tower
Informed & knowledgeable locally-resident, English-native guide on hand throughout tour
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DESCRIPTION:
DAY 1:
(Thursday)
DAY 5: (Monday)
