The Castilian Language Route - a historical and literary discovery of the Spanish Language (7 days)
Please note that this tour is in Spanish only
Dates 2009
April/May/October
please contact us to confirm dates and availability as number of participants is limited
Pricing
Euro 1,100
Levels
You are expected to have at least an intermediate level to follow this educational course-journey.
Description:
On this 7 day tour we will follow and explore the great artistic, cultural and touristic heritage of the Castilian Language Route, which is directed by the 'Foundation Camino de la Lengua', and follows through the regions of La Rioja, Castilla y León and Madrid. We follow the birth of the Castilian Language at San Millan de la Cogolla to the height of its development at Alcala de Henares.
The first written testimony of Castilian dates back to the XI century. 'Glosas Emilianenses' have been found at the Monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla and they are thought to be the origin of the language that is now spoken by more than four hundred million people in the world. These first texts are followed by the “Glosas Silenses” at the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos in the town of Burgos.
The university cities of Valladolid and Salamanca treasure history and culture thanks to Cervantes, Fray Luis de León, Teresa de Avila, Quevedo, Zorrilla, Delibes, Nebrija, Unamuno and “Celestina” and “Lazarillo de Tormes”. At Avila, Santa Teresa de Jesús, with her clear, plain and concise speech and San Juan de la Cruz with his “Cantico espiritual” reach the heights of the Spanish poetry.
And finally, the Castillian language at Alcalo de Henares is full of literature with Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Calderon, Tirso de Molina and Quevedo. It is at this town where nowadays the prestigious Prize 'Cervantes' is given, which is the highest distinction in Spanish Literature.
The journey runs through, for even most Spaniards, unknown landscapes. You will enjoy the beautiful Castilian scenery and discover the Castilian heritage by visiting small but wonderful historical and artistic villages, which are part of the precious Spanish culture.
Your guide and tutor is Clemente Sanchez, Director of 'Paramó, Academia de Espanol', who has just completed presenting this very tour for the Spanish TV.
Itinerary
Day 1: Leave Valladolid at 8.00 a.m..
Visit of wine cellar López Heredia in Haro; wine tasting
Lunch in Rioja at 'Los 4 arcos' where traditional food is served.
Guided visit of Santo Domingo de calzada by Foundation Camino de la Lengua; you will learn about:
- Glosas Emilianenses
- History of St. Domingo de la Calzada
- Introduciton to Gonzalo de Berceo.
Didactic Unit
Overnight Stay in Santo Domingo de la Calzada Hotel 'El Corregidor'.
(at the wine cellars López Heredia -Haro - 26 May 2003)
Day 2: Leave Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Guided Visit of the Monastery San Millán de la Cogolla (Suso y Yuso) by Laura Malo, General coordinator of the Fundacion Camino de la Lengua,
included is entry to the historic library.
Lunch at 'El
pájáro'.
Visit of Monastery Santo Domingo de Silos: entry to historic library (old and new); attending praying of Gregorian songs.
you will learn about:
- Gerardo Diego: Al ciprés de Silos
- Glosas Silenses
Didactic Unit
Overnight stay in Covarrubias
Day 3: Guided visit of Colegiata de Covarrubias by priest D. Emiliano García.
Visit Palace Avellaneda de Peñaranda de Duero.
Lunch at 'El Lagarde Aranda de Duero'.
Visit the altarpiece in Olivares de Duero
Your will learn about:
- Infante D. Juan Manuel
Didactic Unit
Overnight stay in Valladolid.
Day 4: Visit the Historical Library of the Palacio de Santa Cruz.Codix .
Visit the Palace-Monastery in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, the birthplace of Isabel la Católica.
Lunch.at “Mesón San Nicolás”.
Visit the Monastery Carmelite de Peñaranda de Bracamonte to see the wonderful pictures of Lucas
Jordán.
You will learn about:
- Jorge Manrique
- Fray Luis de León
- Jorge Gillén
- José Zorrilla
- Miguel Delibeses
Didactic unit
Overnight stay in Salamanca (World Heritage City)
Madrigal de las Altas Torres - 28 May 2003
Day 5: Visit the Cathedrals in Salamance
Visit the University
Visit the historic library at the university (guide,courtesy of the Fundación Camino de la Lengua)
Lunch at Colegio Anaya
Visit the Monastery Teresiano de Alba de Tormes.
Didactic unit
Overnight stay in Ávila at ‘Las Cancelas’.
At the claustro in the old cathedral in Salamanca - 29 May 2003
Day 6: Visit the Monastery of Encarnación de Ávila.Courtesy of the Fundación Camino de la Lengua
Visit the Cathedral in Ávila. Special interest for “el Tostado”.
Lunch on the way to Madrid
Optional visit of the Monastery of El Escorial or Museo del Prado
You will learn about:
- Santa Teresa
de Jesús.
- San Juan de la Cruz.
- Calderón
de la Barca.
- Quevedo
- Historia de Felipe II y El Greco
Didactic unit
Overnight stay in Alcalá de Henares at Hotel 'Partner Cisneros'.
Day 7: Visit the University of Alcalá de Henares. Special incidence on the Auditorium, where the
Cervantes awards are
given.
Visit
Cervantes' birth home. Guided tour - courtesy of the Fundación Camino de la Lengua.
You will learn about:
- El Quijote
- Historia del Cardenal Cisneros y la Complutense
Didactic unit
Lunch
at the Restaurant
“Néctar”.
Return
to Valladolid around 18.00.
Cervantes home -Alcalá de Henares - 1 June 2003
NOTE: The present program could be modified according to the museums' timetables, extra visits, official receptions, etc. as well as accommodation at hotels and lunch at restaurants.
Tour Dates 2009*:
May dates TBC
October dates TBC
*Dates may be subject to change, before booking your flight please contact us to confirm dates!
The course price includes:
7 days traveling along the Route of Castillian Language
Service of a qualified professor/guide throughout the tour
Each day will start with an introduction of the places and monuments to be visited. Lesson of 1-1.5 hours.
Informativematerial will be provided. Opportunity to discuss literature and history.
Visits to:
- San Millan de la
Cogolla (Rioja)
- Santo Domingo de Silos (Castilla y León)
- Valladolid (Castilla y León)
- Salamanca (Castilla y León)
- Avila (Castilla y León)
- Alcalá de Henares (Madrid)
Visit to the vineyards of Rioja and Ribera de Duero (wine tastings included)
Accommodation in twin rooms on a half board basis in **/*** Hotels
Transport in comfortable Microbus
The Course Price does NOT include:
Flight to Valladolid
Travel Insurance
Spending money – we recommend around 70 euros, more if you’’d like to shop for
shoes,clothes,ham,wine,etc.
As this is a very popular tour and spaces are limited please book at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
To book your place contact us by email castillayleon@gmx.net or leave your contact details on our 24hrs answerphone +44 20 8650 4939
All enrolments are accepted on the basis of our standard Terms & Conditions
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