Escapada Gastronomia y Relax
DAY 1 TUESDAY 9TH MAY: Jávea / Torrevieja (154km) / Guardamar del Segura (14km)
We will depart from Jávea and make our way to Torrevieja, where we will board the tourist train and enjoy the heart of the Salinas de Torrevieja on a trip of just over an hour. Discover the salt produced in the Natural Park of the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja and its characteristic enclaves: the unique pink lagoon, the ancient crystallizers of chemistry and the immense mountains of salt, in addition to the flora and fauna associated with this wetland of international recognition.
At the end of the journey there will be an opportunity to buy salt products in the store.
Free time in Torrevieja for refreshments, perhaps in a café bar near La Plaza de la Constitución or El Parque de Las Naciones. The park is dedicated to the European nations, the lake and small islands are designed in the shape of Europe.
We will then reboard our coach and travel to the nearby 4* Hotel Meridional in Guardamar del Segura, where we will check in for 3 nights. Rest of the afternoon/evening free.
Perhaps meet up with friends for an evening cocktail at the hotel’s Sky Bar, enjoying the panoramic view overlooking the sea.
DAY 2 WEDNESDAY 10TH MAY
Breakfast; the morning is free for your own sightseeing.
Nestled in the centre of the town, “Parque Reina Sofía” occupies more than 70,000 m (17 acres) of pine copse and natural, rugged terrain.
We will meet for our included lunch at the hotel’s Gastrobar Ñam, consisting of a variety of creative tapas, with wine, water and coffee included, in a modern and Cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The rest of the afternoon/evening is free. Members will have the opportunity to book the hydromassage – each session last 30 minutes and is included in the package. There are currently enough slots for everyone but, of course, these are at varying times through the morning/afternoon/evening. It will need to be on a “first come first served” basis once payment has been received for the tour, when we will send details of the times available during our 3 nights’ stay in the hotel.
DAY 3 THURSDAY 11TH MAY
Breakfast.
OPTIONAL: We will meet at the Guardamar del Segura tourist office for a guided walking tour. The strategic situation of Guardamar, next to the mouth of the Segura and the natural resources of its surroundings have favoured an almost uninterrupted settlement of cultures, highlighting the Phoenicians, Iberians, Romans and Arabs.
Through the guided tour ‘La Senda de la Historia’, the visitor can discover a Phoenician port city, a Caliphate Rábita (the remains of an Islamic Monastery dating back to the 9th century), the medieval history of Guardamar and the entire dune repopulation process (the forest nursery and inspiration behind the Dunas de Guardamar del Segura). Suitable footwear required: 2 hrs duration. The visit will include the Archaeological Museum.
14.00 hrs: We will return to our hotel for the Mediterranean lunch at the hotel’s Restaurant El Jardin, with the best local products and a traditional paella. Leave room for the dessert! Wine, water and coffee included.
For those who enjoy walking there are many easy and intermediate routes starting from Guardamar, of varying lengths. Click on the link below for a detailed guide of the 16 best walks and hikes around Guardamar del Segura:
https://www.komoot.com/guide/1547938/hiking-around-guardamar-del-segura
DAY 4 FRIDAY 12TH MAY
After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and load our luggage onto the coach and travel to the Faelo Winery for the “Tasting Visit” during which you will see their grandfather Rafael’s winery, press, vineyard, fermentation warehouse and barrel room. There will be a tasting of 4 wines (white, rosé, red and sweet) and each visitor will taste an individual plate of local gastronomic products (cocas salty and vegetable), dry sausages, cheeses, homemade bread with olive oil and fig-date bread. Duration: approximately 1h 30min., plus time to purchase wines if required.
After our visit we will make our way back to Jávea with a refreshment break enroute.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 TUESDAY 9TH MAY
08.45 hrs: Departure from Golden Star Apartments, Calle Bruselas, Jávea Arenal (by the pétanque park).
09.00 hrs: Departure from Interiors, Jávea port, opposite side of the road. A further pickup will be made at Mas y Mas on the N332 if required. Comfort stop enroute.
11.30 hrs: Arrival at the Paseo de la Libertad, Torrevieja; free time for refreshments near the boarding point for the tourist train.
12.15 hrs: Departure of the tourist train for visit to the Salinas de Torrevieja.
13.30 hrs: Free time for refreshments/own sightseeing in Torrevieja.
16.00 hrs: Reboard our coach and travel to Guardamar de Segura.
16.30 hrs: Check in to the 4* Hotel Meridional.
The rest of the afternoon/evening free.
DAY 2 WEDNESDAY 10TH MAY
07.30-10.30 hrs: Breakfast. Morning free.
14.00 hrs: Lunch in the hotel’s Gastrobar Ñam.
Rest of the afternoon/evening free.
DAY 3 THURSDAY 11th MAY
07.30 hrs: Breakfast.
10.00 hrs: Meet at the Guardamar del Segura tourist office. Optional 2 hour walking tour.
14.00 hrs: Mediterranean lunch at the hotel’s Restaurant El Jardin.
Rest of the afternoon/evening free.
DAY 4 FRIDAY 12th MAY: Guardamar del Segura / Bodegas Faelo (27km) / Jávea (153km)
07.30-10.30 hrs: Breakfast.
11.00 hrs: Check out of the hotel and load luggage onto the coach.
11.15 hrs: Departure for the Bodegas Faelo.
12.00 hrs: Visit, wine tasting accompanied with local products.
14.00 hrs: Departure for Jávea, with a comfort break enroute.
16.30 hrs: Approximate arrival in Jávea.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
3 nights’ accommodation in the 4* Hotel Meridional, room with balcony and sea view.
Welcome gift in your room; 30 minutes’ private session in the hydromassage.
2 lunches as described, with wine, water and coffee included.
Visit on the tourist train to the Salinas de Torrevieja.
Bodegas Faelo “Tasting Visit”.
Coach transport.
Gratuities.
OPTIONAL: guided walking tour in Guardamar del Segura.
COST
€330 per person sharing twin/double room
€410 per person room for sole occupancy
BOOKING IS NOW OPEN via email to group leaders, Angela & Tony:
spanish.culture.cuisine@u3ajavea.com
Once your reservation has been confirmed payment can be made either by bank transfer or by card (a link for payment will be given with your confirmation). Please include the reference GUARDAMAR along with your name/s. Please note that it is better to pay via a Spanish bank account, as UK transfers incur an automatic 18 euro charge for the transaction.
DISCLAIMER: The Jávea U3A is not liable in any respect for any loss or injury that may be suffered by members whilst participating in the Association’s activities. Please be aware that you are responsible for your own personal belongings at all times.
CANCELLATION: Please read the terms and conditions on the SC&C page on the website. In case of cancellation of your booking, refund of deposit/other payments can only be made if your place is sold on to another member/s. You are advised to make sure that you have appropriate travel/health insurance for your personal needs.
