Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th July 2026
Enjoy a beautiful route through the organic lavender fields and visit an essential oil distillery. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will discover the beauty of the fields in full bloom and learn about the different aromatic plants. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the distillery and hear about the process of obtaining essential oils. You will learn the process of stemming and harvesting the aromatic plants used to make what are currently considered some of the highest quality natural essences in the world, due to the bioclimatic conditions in which they grow, in a unique corner between the mountains and forests of Moratalla and the Northwest Region of Murcia. We will have 2 different tours so that we can experience the lavender fields in both the evening and morning sunshine.
Saturday 4th July
08.30 hrs: Departure from Golden Star Apartments, Calle Bruselas, Javea Arenal.
08.45 hrs: Departure from Interiors (opposite side of the road), Javea port.
09.00 hrs: Pickup at Mas y Mas on the N332 if required.
10.30 hrs: Self-guided visit to the Huerto del Cura, Elche (The Priest’s Garden), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 13,000 square metre garden is famous for its diverse collection of over a thousand palm trees, including the unique “Imperial Palm.” Originating in the mid-19th century, the garden was part of a larger palm grove owned by a priest, lending it the name ‘Priest’s Garden’. The Huerto del Cura showcases an exotic array of plants and trees from all corners of the world, complemented by the vibrant presence of various bird species and the elegant strutting of peacocks, adding to its enchanting and diverse ecosystem.
11.45 hrs: When you have finished wandering through the garden, make your way to one of the nearby café bars, or cross the street to the Hotel Huerto del Cura – the Veranda Garden Bar has an outdoor terrace and indoor lounge which is open to the public where you can buy coffee, signature cocktails, and meals.
13.00 hrs: Re-board our coach at the entrance to the Hotel Huerto del Cura and travel to Caravaca de la Cruz.
14.30 hrs: Check in to the Hospedería of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a XVI century monastery completely restored and surrounded by peaceful cloisters and gardens. It offers bright rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and ensuite bathrooms (with showers). Founded by St. John of the Cross in 1587, it is in the historic centre of Caravaca de la Cruz, 600 metres from the town hall and the tourism office. Less than 5 minutes’ walk away there are several shops and restaurants (simple continental breakfast included).
The guesthouse is directly managed and run by the small resident community of Discalced Carmelite friars. While they employ professional local staff to assist with modern hotel operations like cleaning, reception duties, and cooking, the friars oversee the property and actively host their guests. Excellent ratings on Google, Booking.com and Trip Advisor.
17.15 hrs: Reboard our coach and travel to the Parish of San Bartolomé, El Sabinar (Moratalla), where we will meet our guide for the “Lavender Blooming Route Experience” evening tour.
18.15 hrs:
- Presentation of the experience and a brief contextualization of the lavender flowering and the history of its districts.
- Departure towards the lavender fields with stops at strategic points, such as Campo de San Juan, Calar de la Santa and Campo de Béjar.
- Explanation on lavender cultivation, types of varieties and uses (essential oils, cosmetics or gastronomy).
- At each stop there will be time for photography and enjoyment of the environment.
- Explanation of extraction of essences.
- 🎁 Gift.
- Tasting of local products:
Homemade split tomato with extra virgin olive oil. Artisan cured meats and cheeses from Moratalla (dried sausage, chorizo, and blood sausage) with rustic wood-fired bread. Local wine, water and homemade.
Vegetarian option available with prior reservation.
20.15 hrs: Return to the meeting point and end of the experience. Travel back to the hotel for the evening.
Sunday 5th July
Breakfast.
09.45 hrs: Travel to Essential Oils, Campo de Béjar, Caserio de la Huerta.
10.30 hrs: Meet our guide.
- Complete guided tour of the lavender fields and factory with explanations.
- Three course paella lunch with wine/soft drinks.
- At the end of the visit, there will be an opportunity to purchase the essential oils and other products derived from them.
14.30 hrs: Reboard our coach for the return journey to Javea; comfort stop enroute.
17.45 hrs: Approximate time of arrival back in Javea.
COST
Sharing twin or double room = €190 pp (please state on booking which room you require)
Single room = €205 pp
BOOKING NOW OPEN
If you would like to join this overnight trip, please send an email to the group leader, Angela Chantry:
spanish.culture.cuisine@gmail.com
You will receive a card payment link when your reservation is confirmed.
Please note that should you need to cancel for any reason, refunds can only be made if your reservation is taken over by another member of the Jávea U3A.