Granada
Granada was named by the Arabs who settled here in the early 8th Century and is thought to mean “Great Castle”. Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it is one of the few places where visitors can enjoy some time at the beach and then ski in the mountains in the same day. The city itself is lined with narrow, cobbled streets, winding their way around the numerous shops, restaurants and friendly cafés. The magnificent Alhambra, complete with palaces, gardens and its imposing fortifications, sits on top of a hill overlooking Granada and provides breathtaking views of the city.
Language Tuition
I.D.E.A Granada Language School
Language tuition is provided at the I.D.E.A Granada Language School, located in the centre of the city. Courses at the school are tailored to meet your group’s specific requirements, with a whole range of lessons being offered from learning the basics of the Spanish language to more in-depth lessons concentrating on Spanish Culture and Literature. Lessons can be targeted at beginners, through to GCSE, A Level and above. Teachers at the I.D.E.A Granada Language School are highly qualified graduates with many years experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Students are taught in small groups of up to 8 people. Language tuition included in your tour price comprises of three hours each morning for a total of three days.
Cultural Visits
The Alhambra
The main attraction of this area of Spain is the Alhambra. Literally meaning ‘The Red One’, this has become Spain’s most visited monument. The Alhambra is made up of palaces, gardens, walls and fortifications and has been constructed in stages over many centuries. The large Castle of the Alhambra sits on a hill overlooking Granada and offers stunning views from its gardens. The castle was home to numerous Moorish Sultans when the Arabs settled in the region in the 8th Century and the palaces are a great example of exquisite, colourful architecture.
Catedral de Granada
Granada’s cathedral is an impressive building. Dating back to somewhere in between the Gothic and Renaissance era, it was completed around the beginning of the 18th century. The cathedral has architectural features from both of these periods of history which can be seen on both the exterior and the inside of the building. The cathedral took an astonishing 180 years to complete due to halted progress as a result of the plague and various financial hardships. Like many Christian monuments of this time the cathedral is built on the site of a former mosque.
El Albaicín, Granada
This area of the city is distinguished by its distinctly Arab and Moorish roots. The Arabic quarter is a labyrinth of tiny cobbled stone streets, alleyways and whitewashed buildings. With an array of small shops selling brightly coloured textiles and gifts, mixed with the sounds and smells coming from the tea rooms, you are transported far away, back in time almost, from the typically Spanish modern city below to a buzzing Arabic market town.
Catedral de Málaga
Málaga’s cathedral is a focal point of this charming city and has a wealth of interesting features, ornate stonework and varying architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance. Inside, there are beautiful works of art and finely carved stone statues. Built between 1528 and 1719, the cathedral is housed on the former site of a mosque. The cathedral is referred to by the locals as ‘La Manquita’ which means the one-armed lady, due to the fact that it was never actually completed and only has one tower to this day.
Cuevas de Nerja
The caves of Nerja are situated by the slopes of the Sierra Almijara Mountains, just a few kilometres from the seaside town of Nerja. The caves are a formation of artistic cavities and are a result of a chain of geological processes which have occurred over the last 225 million years. Here, you can visit the exposition centre and learn all about the caves and how they were formed.
Leisure Activities
Aqua Tropic Waterpark at Almuñécar
The seaside town of Almuñécar is situated on the Costa Tropical, approximately 76km from Granada. The Aqua Tropic water park offers many water rides and chutes, such as the Kamikaze, wave-breaker, ring rapids and Hydrotube. As well as water rides, the park has many green areas where you can relax in the shade, plus a tapas bar, shop, restaurant and barbeque area. The park has qualified life guards on duty at all times.
Flamenco Lessons, Granada
Flamenco is the traditional dance of the region, deriving from Andalucían, Moorish and Gypsy cultures with more recent Latin American and Cuban influences. Women dancers typically wear bright, colourful dresses teamed with hand-painted fans and the dance itself is extremely passionate and emotional. It is possible for your group to have an hour long lesson with a local teacher – great fun for all involved!
La Malagueta Bullring Museum
Bullfighting is a great Spanish tradition and bullfighters in Spain share the same celebrity status as top International footballers. La Malagueta bullring has a capacity of around 15,000 and bullfights regularly take place here. It is also possible to visit the Antonia Ordoñez Bullfighting Museum where your group can learn all about the history of this controversial sport which still plays an integral part in Spanish culture today.
Tapas Tour, Granada
Tapas bars are an abundant feature amongst the streets of Granada. Your group may wish to enjoy a ‘Tapas Tour’, sampling local cuisine in the form of small plates of food, or tasting dishes. The word tapas literally translates as ‘lid’ or ‘cover’ as, traditionally, pieces of ham or bread were used to cover your drink to protect it from flies in the hot weather. As the years have passed, tapas are now served on small plates and are served either hot or cold.
Picasso Museum and Birthplace, Málaga
The Picasso Birthplace Museum is one of Málaga’s most popular museums and is located inside the house where this world famous artist spent much of his childhood. The museum contains many pieces of the artist’s work, including paintings, ceramics and drawings, as well as photographs and videos which chart his life and career. Your group can also visit the Picasso Museum which is located in the magnificent 17th century Palacio Buenovista.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
- Depart the UK for Granada Jaén airport
- Meet your coach for transfer to the Monasterio de los Basilios Hotel in Granada
- Free time to settle in and explore your surroundings before taking an evening meal at the hotel
Day 2
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
- Walk to the I.D.E.A Granada language school for your morning tuition
- After lunch, meet your coach for an afternoon excursion to the Alhambra
- Return to your hotel for an evening meal or enjoy a ‘Tapas Tour’ of the city
Day 3
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
- Walk to the I.D.E.A Granada language school for your morning tuition
- After lunch, meet your coach for an afternoon excursion to Cueva de Nerja
- Return to your hotel for an evening meal and group participation in a traditional Flamenco lesson
Day 4
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
- Walk to the I.D.E.A Granada language school for your morning tuition
- SUMMER OPTION: Meet your coach for transfer to Aqua Tropic Waterpark at Almuñécar
- WINTER OPTION: Meet your coach for transfer to Málaga to see the cathedral, Bullring and Picasso Museum
- Return to your hotel for an evening meal and farewell party
Day 5
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
- In the morning take some free time to explore Granada or partake in some last minute shopping, before meeting the coach for transfer to Granada Jaén airport for your return flight to the UK
Prices from £539*
Accommodation
Hotel Monasterio de los Basilios
The Hotel Monasterio de los Basilios is an excellent 3-star Hotel, which is located in the centre of Granada, approximately 400 meters from the I.D.E.A Granada language school. Part of the hotel was originally a 16th Century monastery and the hotel is bright and airy. Students will be accommodated in 2-3 bedded rooms, staff in twins and all with en suite facilities. There is also a delightful courtyard area in the centre of the hotel, with orange and lemon trees, which is an ideal place for students and staff to relax, particularly during the summer months.
*Price based on 40 paying passengers and 4 free places, travelling by air in low season for 5 days. Half board accommodation is provided for 4 nights at Hotel Monasterio de los Basilios. Includes 9 hours language tuition: 3 hours per day for 3 days. Priced at 10.05.10.
