Murcia, Spain – 7 nights Available April, May, June, September and October Come to Murcia, the best kept secret destination in Spain, for authentic cooking classes and Spanish lessons. You will be taught by a local chef and by local women who have had recipes passed down through the generations. For your Spanish classes you will be taught by a native Spanish teacher who is also fluent in English. The classes will be supplemented by various excursions to enhance your experience in this beautiful region.
You will stay in a beautiful old “cortijo” near Caravaca de la Cruz in Murcia. Located in the market garden of Spain, this region is still relatively unexplored. This unique 300 year old ‘cortijo’ (farmhouse) was once owned by the famous bullfighter Pedro Barrera Elbal. Lovingly renovated, the property offers five luxury suites all with en-suite bathroom and seating areas, lounge, dining room and library. All rooms have a basket of fruit and water waiting for you upon arrival. Set in comfortable grounds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the hotel has a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen. A restful place offering seclusion and tranquillity for all and surrounded by almond trees, fruit trees (peaches, plums, apricots, and apples), olive trees and vines. For non-participating guests there are the beautiful historic towns of North West Murcia to explore, nearby the Sierra Espuna National Park or just relax in the grounds and enjoy the pool. Your hosts will ensure that you make the most of the course and of the region.
Caravaca de la Cruz known as the City of Legend is recognised as the fifth Holiest City in the World. The Sanctuary of Santa Cruz is home to a magnificent, miraculous cross which is celebrated for its healing powers. The city is a destination for pilgrims from all around the globe. In 2010 Caravaca held its seven year jubilee, an honour presented to it by Pope Jean Paul II.
DAY ONE (THURSDAY)
Enjoy your welcome sangria and some free time to settle in. We will run through the course, assess your Spanish level and see what particular requirements/interests you have and adapt the program accordingly.
Early evening you will have an opportunity to take a stroll around the beautiful almond groves and pine woods. Later in the evening, after pre-dinner drinks, dinner will be served by your hosts at the Cortijo. WELCOME DRINKS, DINNER AND WINE
DAY TWO (FRIDAY) After continental breakfast, you will have your introductory Spanish lesson for 2 hours. Lunch will then be served. After siesta there will be the first cookery class demonstrating Spanish cuisine. Three course dinner with wine to follow. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER WITH WINE DAY THREE (SATURDAY) After continental breakfast, you will visit the local bodega to see the wine making process and sample the wines and have an opportunity to buy some souvenirs too. There will be a tapas lunch at the Bodega and after siesta there will be another language class.
In the evening, a three course dinner with wine will be served. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER WITH WINE DAY FOUR (SUNDAY) After continental breakfast, there will be a cookery class demonstrating traditional Sunday cuisine including paella. This will then be followed by a paella lunch by the pool. You will have a free afternoon to relax by the pool or explore Caravaca de la Cruz or the local countryside. There will be a tapas evening to round off the day.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, PAELLA LUNCH, TAPAS WITH WINE DAY FIVE (MONDAY) After continental breakfast, you will visit the local town to buy food in the market specializing in local produce. We will then return to the Cortijo for lunch. After siesta there will be a language class.
In the evening, enjoy a three course dinner with wine. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER WITH WINE DAY SIX (TUESDAY) After continental breakfast, you will have a cookery class with a local chef who will demonstrate regional restaurant style food. Lunch will then be served. After siesta you will have a language class. Dinner will be at a local restaurant in Caravaca de la Cruz. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER DAY SEVEN (WEDNESDAY) After continental breakfast, you will visit Caravaca de la Cruz to practice the Spanish you have learned. There will be ample time to explore the City, visit the Sanctuary and museums or shops and relax with a coffee at a café. We will then return to the Cortijo for lunch. After siesta there will be a cookery class demonstrating local Spanish dishes prepared by our local “mama” with recipes passed down through the generations.
After cooking class, enjoy a three course dinner with wine. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER WITH WINE DAY EIGHT (THURSDAY) After continental breakfast your hosts will transfer you to your departure airport with wonderful memories of Murcia. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST GROUP SIZE A minimum of 4 participants is required to run this tour and the tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. (The number of participants refers to how many persons are required to run the tour, not to how many persons you must have in your party. Please inquire.) HOW TO ARRIVE The airports of Alicante and Murcia San Javier are both an hour and a half away from the accommodation. There is also a railway station in Murcia. The cortijo is a 15 minute drive from the city of Caravaca de la Cruz. *These details are provided as additional information. Please check below to see if transfers are included in this tour. BOOKING INFORMATION
Standard Double Room/US$1950 Suite Double Room/US$2150 Single Supplement/US$450 Non-Participant/Standard Double Room/US$1775 Non-Participant/Suite Double Room/US$1950 Extra Night/Half Board/US$125 Extra Night/Full Board/US$150 *Pricing may vary depending on market fluctuation After availability is confirmed, a non-refundable 20% deposit and the completed and submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due in full 75 days before your arrival date. Available April, May, June, September and October
*7 night program generally runs Thursday to Thursday * Please inquire about other itineraries or lengths of stay *Welcome drinks upon arrival *Seven (7) nights' accommodation *All breakfasts *Seven (7) lunches *Seven (7) dinners *Four (4) cooking sessions *Four (4) language sessions *Escorted excursions including bodega visit, market trip and visit to Caravaca de la Cruz *English speaking guide *All transfers including to/from airport or train station *Dinner includes a bottle of wine per 2 people plus water taken in house *Recipe booklet
Airfares and personal expenses, or any other services that are not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Click here to return to top of page. CANCELLATION POLICY Please contact us for cancellation policy information. Travel insurance is highly recommended. CLIENT REMARKS Furnished upon request. Click here to return to top of page. MAP* This exciting region is depicted below. You can also access Google MapsTM by clicking HERE. 
*In some cases mapping may give clients a general sense of location due to changes in venue. Please inquire about specific location. Click here to return to top of page. |