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 3 different levels:
   * Beginners - Elementary
   * Intermediate
   * Intermediate - Advanced

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 20092008BS1

Beginners - 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.

6th - 13th June 2009
29th August – 5th September 2009

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

13th – 20th June 2009
6th – 13th September 2009

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.

21st – 28th June 2009
22nd – 29th August 2009

Price

Our all-inclusive Spanish Language and Walking Holidays are:

€980 euros.

Edorta singing Spanish
ballads with the guitar.

Prices include absolutely everything while you are here: walking, cultural and formal teaching programme, full board accommodation, unlimited food and wine, restaurant meals and single rooms WITHOUT supplement. Also a free shuttle to and from Biarritz airport.

We also run bespoke language and walking holidays throughout the year for individuals, couples and groups. Please enquire.

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

Typical Activity Programme

Day 1 Arrivals and reception at Casa Latxaberria.

Day 2 This morning we leave the house in Zuaztoi and make our way gently over the hills to the medieval town of Amaiur, famous for its role in the final defence of the kingdom of Navarra. We visit the village water mill and stop here for a traditional lunch of corn talos and cider. We then make our back to the house along part of the famous Camino de Santiago. Language lessons in the afternoon.

Day 3 This morning we walk towards the village of Azpilikueta, the birth place of the mother of San Francisco Javier, the patron saint of Navarra. We pass the village's crumbling water mills en route. We then explore the tiny hamlet of Apaioa with its stunning 'caserios' and shields before heading back over the hills to the house for lunch where we are joined by Edorta who sings us Spanish and Basque songs on the guitar. Language lessons in the afternoon.

Day 4 Today we drive to the hill top village of Ziga. and walk high into the hills with stunning views of the Baztan valley and Elizondo. The walk takes us past hill top farms and mountain 'bordas' towards the hamlet of Zigaurre and then back towards Ziga for lunch. 3-course lunch out on the terrace in Ziga. Language lessons in the afternoon. Dinner at the house.

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 a field. If people want to stay at the house there are maps to borrow and ample stocks of food.

Day 6 Language lessons in the morning. If the weather is good we will then take a picnic down towards the waterfall of Xorroxin and then take a shady walk along the banks of the river towards the traditional and very pretty village of Gorostapolo. Dinner at the house.

Day 7 Lessons in the morning. After lunch we head towards the mountain pass of Izpegi and take a high level walk along the French and Spanish border, through beech forests and over mountain passes. This walk gives us stunning views of France and Spain. Farewell evening meal at the house.

Day 8 Morning - return to Biarritz for return flights.