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Course description

Enjoy a complete immersion Spanish Course (3 nights) in the 'City of the Admirals', in the heart of Castilla y León. By combining Spanish language lessons, cinema workshops, local history (i.e Napoleon, Juan de Austria, the Habsburgs, Cervantes, Columbus, ...) with visits to places still much unknown to mass tourism and good food and company, your hosts will make every effort to ensure your stay is really enjoyable and encourage and motivate you to converse in Spanish.

Optional visits to world famous bodegas (wine cellars) in Ribera del Duero. 

The town

Although situated some 200 km from the nearest seaside, Medina de Rioseco became headquarters of the Admirals of the Castilian kingdom in 1424. A small and lively medieval town with some 5,000 inhabitants, Rioseco maintains the beautiful arcades in the narrow main street, boasts 3 fine churches (15/16th cent.) and 3 gates of the once fortified city. As a visitor to Rioseco you can visit many of its museums, such as the Holy Easter Week Museum (museum de Semana Santa) or the beautiful Museum of San Francisco, which has an impressive arts collection (17th cent. ivory, 16-18th cent. sculptures and Flemish paintings. Also, the flour factory 'San Antonio' (19th cent.) is well worth a visit. With a good range of bars, cafes, restaurants, the beautiful canal which you can explore on foot, by bicycle or a daily scenic boat trip, and a small leisure centre (heated indoor pool, tennis courts, paddel courts, bicycle/canoe hire) Medina de Rioseco has something to offer to everyone. Rioseco is situated just 15 mins from Valladolid airport - 3 weekly flights from Stansted airport withRyanair.

Near Medina de Rioseco is the historic city Valladolid, once a capital city of Spain, and home to Cervantes and Christopher Columbus, Valladolid attracts visitors form all over the world for its history, art, culture and pure language. The many modern buildings and the University of Valladolid, gives it a young and dynamic flair without loosing the peaceful atmosphere of a provincial town.

SAMPLE itinerary (times and visits may change)  

You can also fly to Madrid and then make your way by bus or train/AVE to Valladolid/Medina de Rioseco

Saturday
11.35	Arrival to Valladolid airport; transfer to Medina de Rioseco
12.45-14.15	Walk to old town centre and enjoy a welcome coffee/drink in the famous bar 'Cubero'
14.30	Home-cooked lunch with your hosts
16.00-18.00	Free time
18.00-20.00	Spanish workshop
Evening	Free time
Sunday
09.00-09.30	Breakfast
10.30-17.30	Visit Valladolid by bus; guided city tour; you will have time for lunch (not included)
18.00-20.00	Free time
20.00-21.00	Dinner with your hosts
21.00-22.30	Spanish movie
Monday
09.00-09.30	Breakfast
10.00-11.30	Guided walking tour around Rioseco; learn more about Rioseco's history and buildings
11.30-14.00	Moderate Walk around Tierra de Campos (please bring comfortable shoes!)
14.00	Lunch at local restaurant (included in course price)
16.00-18.00	Free time
18.00-20.00	Spanish workshop
Evening	Free time
Tuesday
09.00-09.30	Breakfast
10.00	Transfer to Airport

2013 - Unfortunately we won't be able to offer any weekend courses during spring/summer 2013. That is due to work commitment of Esther and Gerda in London. We hope to return to our courses in Rioseco in the autumn!