Party: SPAIN TRIP: FLAMENCO 2018

Party: SPAIN TRIP: FLAMENCO 2018

Spain Cultural/Flamenco Trip 2018: Estepona (Málaga), the white-village-on-sea

Spain is scattered with quaint little white-wash villages and sunny warm beaches. Estepona is one of many villages found on the Mediterranean sea. Located at the 'quiet' end of the Costa Del Sol, Estepona has plenty to see and do. The marina is a great place to stroll around, admire the boats or sit in one of the many bars and watch the world go by. There is a craft market every Sunday morning with all the usual and some unusual and interesting items. It seems the marina has become the weekend meeting place for just about everyone. In the 'old town' of Estepona you will find many street cafes and tapas bars down some charming narrow cobbled streets that are more used to horses than cars!

The town's La Rada beach is wide and 1.5kms long, with soft though dull coloured sand, backed by a fine promenade and all the usual facilities. The beach is much bigger than neighbouring Marbella's several offerings but the town is smaller and quieter and offers a more 'real' Spanish beach vacation with a charming old town and little late night action. Here is a brief overview of our trip activities (maximum12 people allowed):

Day 1: Bienvenidos Welcome Day in Sevilla
After arriving in Sevilla you’ll drop your bags off at your selected accommodation (info available upon request) and meet your guides (Kari & Alejandro) along with the rest of the tour group for café or tapas (traditional Spanish small meals) at a special location TBA. We will review the activities and events planned for the 1 week stay and answer any questions or concerns. At sun set we will gather at a professional flamenco performance for a meet and greet welcome 'Juerga' Flamenco party with our Spanish guides.

Days 2/3: Day of town tour & shops

Bright and early the next day, you’ll have a full day to ease into Spanish culture... unpack, explore Sevilla with your guides...flamenco shops, tapas and aquitecture viewing galore and just let yourself explore on your own time as well if you so desire. We will be driving to Estepona the next day on day 3, but depending on the bus schedule there maybe time to see one last monument like Plaza Espana or Alcazar castle before heading out.

Days 4–9: Flamenco Dance Classes (mon-sat) and Activity Tours

Studio Flamenco Estepona headed up with professional dancer/owner/artistic director Gema Sanchez 'La Milana' (see her bio below) is your next stop. Each morning class will run for 1-1.5 hours; cover technique for arms, body, hands and footwork; a short choreography will be taught like Bulerías or Tango (longer palos available for higher levels depending on requests & skill level). Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) we will do the following activities (1 activity/2 hours/day): town trek through Estepona's narrow cobbled streets (there are many tiny winding roads leading to adorable doll house haciendas that cannot be missed!) and quaint little shops; sample mouth-watering authentic tapas, fine Rioja wine & good Spanish discussions (lunch or supper) at Alejandro's secret favourite tapas bars (children welcome!) ...let Alejandro order for you for a real culinary adventure!; visit the fresh food market & artisan market; visit museums & historic points of interest (Moorish & other ancient Castle ruins from 9th Century - 18ths Century); TBA authentic Flamenco shows (we saw and met The Gypsy Kings in 2016!!!) at one of the many Flamenco spots (we will wait for advice from our teacher Gema as to where and when to go).

Day 10: Day trip to Rock of Gibraltar or surprise location

On Day 10, don't forget your passport because we are heading over to Gibraltar (1 hour from Estepona), still a British colony, this place has cultural influences from Spain, Holland and Britain. English is the official language here, but multiculturalism is at its best in this unique tiny village on a rock. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes because we will climb the rock, see prehistoric caves (one is an opera house), hang out with the wild apes and maybe toss back a Guinness or two...and/or just a spot of tea too!

Day 11: relax, breath and have our last Spanish supper on the beach!

Sundays are good days to 'descansar' or literally 'un-tired' your body. You deserve to do what you need to do to recover and celebrate the amazing time you had with art, food, friends and culture!! This is our 'despedida' or 'see ya next time' party....We will miss you so mucho!!! xo

Date: July 20th - July 29th, 2018
Deposit deadline: April 3rd, 2018
Full payment: May 10th, 2018

For full details contact:
Alejandro [email protected] or 306.715.8223

Note: Included in price...1. Spanish Language classes taught by certified teacher/translator/guide Alejandro are available upon request --must confirm interest by date: April 3rd; & 2. Also available, flamenco theory and history discussions by Kari --must confirm interest by date: April 3rd; food, drink, transportation, accommodation etc. are not included in price; all deposits are non-refundable, full refunds will be applied if organizer cancels; if student cancels, deposits are non-refundable, only remainder is refundable on or before May 14th only.

Online payment available via e-transfer; cash and cheques are acceptable