SPANISH LANGUAGE WALKING HOLIDAYS

Spanish conversation with Spanish people

From a beautiful old farmhouse in the Spanish Pyrenees we run Spanish language walking holidays for Spanish language students of all levels and ages. These are not simple Spanish language courses. They combine gentle walking in wonderful countryside with professional Spanish language tuition and local cultural activities to give you a personal and colourful experience of life in the Spanish Pyrenees.

Our aim is to breathe the life back into the Spanish language which quite simply means lots of Spanish conversation with Spanish people in natural surroundings.

We exchange the classroom for a Pyrenean farmhouse, the activity books for outdoor activities and the 'coffee break' is more likely to be a glass of 'rosado' on the balcony. More importantly we have brought back the Spanish people into the learning of the Spanish language. Teachers, villagers, neighbours and friends join in to give you lots of opportunities to practise your spoken language skills.

The Spanish language holidays run at 4 different levels:
   * Beginners
   * Elementary
   * Intermediate - (part immersion)
   * Intermediate - Advanced (total immersion)

These holidays follow a general pattern and the mornings start with a programme of relaxed 2 - 3 hour walks; teacher in tow, Spanish dictionary in the rucksack. Lunch may be at a local restaurant or a picnic in the hills, after which we return to the farmhouse.

In the afternoon the group is split into two levels, and while one has a couple of hours' formal classes with Delfina, the other has ample time for a siesta or to unwind on the terrace with a book and stunning views of the Baztan below.

Pįsame el tinto por favor!

spanish language

All our Spanish language walking holidays are relaxed and fun and the evening buffet is a language free-for-all where people can wind down in whatever language they choose, free from the shackles of “para“ and “por“ and the subjunctive!

AVAILABLE DATES 20082008BS1

Beginners and Elementary Spanish courses reinforce new Spanish words and structures informally throughout the day, giving you ample opportunity to practise the language skills you will learn during the afternoon classes.

Beginners Courses

31st May – 7th June 2008
30th August – 6th September 2008

Elementary Courses

7th – 14th June 2008
7th – 14th September 2008

Price £6752008IS1

Intermediate Spanish immersion courses introduce an element of total immersion, and all lunches (which may last a couple of hours) are held exclusively in Spanish.

15th – 22nd June 2008
14th – 21st September 2008

Price £6852008AS1

Intermediate-Advanced Spanish immersion courses have periods of total immersion in Spanish which stretch to include the morning walks and activities as well as lunch. Here, you may find yourselves speaking Spanish, exclusively, for 6 -7 hours a day.

22nd – 29th June 2008
23rd – 30th August 2008

Price £695

Edorta singing Spanish
ballads with the guitar.

The prices include absolutely everything while you are here! Teaching, walking and cultural programme. Full board; restaurant meals, unlimited food and wine. Single rooms WITHOUT supplement. Also a free shuttle to and from Biarritz airport. Flights not included.

Other dates may be available - please enquire.

August courses for teachers of Spanish - please enquire.

For telephone enquiries call +44 (0)121 711 3428.

Typical Activity Programme

Day 1 Arrivals, aperitifs and welcoming dinner at Casa Latxaberria.

Day 2 Today we visit Elizondo, the capital of the Baztan valley, with its stately homes and traditional Baztan architecture. We then walk through the surrounding villages and hamlets and visit Irurita with its 15th century Dorrea tower. Lunch in Elizondo. After lunch Georgina gives a short introduction to the Spanish language, followed by formal levels for Beginner and Intermediate groups.

Day 3 Today we visit the slopes of Zubieta and explore its working watermill where we also discover the village's history and folklore. At lunch, after a local walk, (possibly accompanied by donkeys) Lino takes us to the main square to sample the local talos (Basque corn tortillas) and drink the local cider. Afternoon lessons back at the house.

Day 4 We walk from the house and explore the beautiful village of Ziga with its Herrerian-styled church, passing the palace of Egozkue en route. Lunch at the house followed by language lessons in the afternoon. In the evening, Goio gives an Informal talk on the Baztan valley and its people.

Day 5 Today people are left to explore the area at their own whim. In the morning and afternoon buses leave Elizondo for San Sebastian and Pamplona if people wish to explore further afield. If you want to stay at the house and take off into the hills on your own, there are maps to borrow and ample stocks of food.

Day 6 Language lessons and lunch at the house. In the afternoon we drive to the mountain pass of Izpegi and walk along the border between France and Spain with stunning views of each country. On the way home we stop in Arizkun to sample the local liqueurs. Language lessons in the afternoon.

Day 7 Language lessons in the morning. Lunch at the house and then, in the afternoon, we drive to the mountain pass of Otsondo, 603 metres, and walk along the slopes of the mountain, Alkurunz. From here we have glimpses of the Atlantic and the French costal town of St Juan de Luz. On our final evening Edorta, a local singer, brings his guitar and sings us a repertoire of Spanish and Basque songs.

Day 8 Language round-up. Departures. Drop off at Biarritz airport for the Ryanair flight to Stansted.

This programme is always flexible to accommodate weather conditions, local fiestas and cultural events, our guests' individual interests and moments of spontaneity!