As a school that’s frequently toured but never travelled with Rayburn before, we were delighted to look after Blenheim High School’s 4 day, 3 night tour to Seville in 2019. With previous experience of travelling to one of the most fantastic and culturally buzzing cities in the world, Barcelona, we wanted to make their trip to Seville was just as educationally and culturally fulfilling.
With 24 students signed up to a destination the school hadn’t yet explored, we made sure every need was met for the group. Initially dates were debated, before finding the best times and dates for flights to fit both the group’s needs and the school’s regulations.
Lauren Evans, the group’s Tour Consultant, offered various flight options to find the best for the group, whilst making sure their flight times gave them as much time as possible in the country! Wheelchair access was also required, which was immediately confirmed with excursions and accommodation to allow access.
Staying at a typical Andalusian hostel, the group felt like they got a true taste of Spanish culture. Beginning their trip by getting stuck into a flamenco lesson and a guided tour of Barrio de Santa Cruz with the language school, the students were well set up to put their language skills into place for the rest of the trip.
Utilising these skills, the students visited various plazas and markets to practice their Spanish, whilst taking in the beauty of the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The Blenheim crew enjoyed some more serious walking yesterday, this time, with stairs! #lassetas #torredeloro @BlenheimEpsom @RayburnEdu pic.twitter.com/OO1kXuGgpa
— Señorita McConnell (@lilyjmcconnell1) June 2, 2019
Immersing themselves in the Spanish culture, they visited the Real Alcazar, which housed historically important kings and noblemen and the Bullring Museum – two of the oldest buildings in Spain! Their trip even fell on the day of the Armed Forces Festival where they got to see some of the celebrations!
Some more beautiful scenes this morning as we tour the Real Alcázar (Royal Palace) in the sunshine. #Seville2019 #BlenheimOnTour @lilyjmcconnell1 @RayburnEdu @BlenheimEpsom pic.twitter.com/CpIZM4ya6o
— Mr Shortt English (@shortt_mr) June 2, 2019
Lucky to see some of the Fiesta de las Fuerzas Armadas (Armed Forces Festival) in Seville today! @BlenheimEpsom @RayburnEdu pic.twitter.com/B6RcvAqzJE
— Señorita McConnell (@lilyjmcconnell1) June 1, 2019
On their last day, the group headed back to the language school to try out any newly learnt phrases during their time in Seville.
Our final morning in Seville spent at the Enforex Language School with some intensive Spanish lessons. Off to lunch now before beginning our homeward journey! #BlenheimOnTour #Seville2019 @BlenheimEpsom @RayburnEdu pic.twitter.com/ryaPDyJ1Oo
— Mr Shortt English (@shortt_mr) June 3, 2019
Party leader, Lily McConnell, described the tour as:
“The perfect blend of leisure, culture and language practice which is exactly what I was looking for with a group of GCSE Spanish students.”
It was a pleasure to find out how much the students enjoyed their Spanish experience, but also how supported Lily felt throughout her experience:
“All of the staff I had the pleasure of talking to about my trip were a credit to Rayburn Tours. They went above and beyond their duties, accommodating our needs and allowing us the time we needed to get the trip arranged as it was our first trip of this type.
“The activities were all perfect for Spanish students, with Spanish culture and Spanish language lessons. All of the staff and students really enjoyed the trip, and as a trip leader, they really lightened the load of what I needed to do for the trip.”
We’re glad you had such a wonderful time Blenheim and we hope 2020 brings more Spanish adventures!