Sorry, this trip is currently fully-booked. If you would like to add your name to the reserve list, please send an email to the group leader, Angela Chantry, at the address below.
Wednesday 12th March 2025
The Cieza blossom is a natural spectacle that takes place every year in the months of February and March in the 13,000 hectares of stone fruit trees in this municipality in Murcia. The flowering season is characterised by the different shades of fuchsia of the flowers of the multitude of varieties of peaches and nectarines that mix with the white of plums, apricots and almonds, as well as with the green leaves of the trees that are already in bloom creating unique landscapes.
After leaving Jávea we will make our way to the Jardines de Villanueva Restaurant in the heart of the Ricote Valley, with its stunning views and captivating setting. Our visit will begin with a typical Spanish alumuerzo: Cieza olives, Murcian ratatouille, pipirrana, zarangollo, artisanal grilled bread with blackberry sauce, Murcian salad, homemade jam, mineral water and house wine (red or white, not rosado).
We will then reboard our coach for an exploration of the sites and viewpoints of the Ricote Valley, including Salto de la Novia, Ojós Dam, and Noria Grande Abarán.
Salto de la Novia de Ojós: the cliff owes its name to the legend of the Bride’s Leap. Legend has it that in medieval times, the beautiful daughter of the commander of Santiago in Ricote fell in love with a brave Christian officer. However, tragedy struck their lives when the beloved officer lost his life in battle. Heartbroken by her loss, the young woman threw herself from the top of the cliff of Salto de la Novia, meeting her sad fate among the whirlpools of the waters below. Her sacrifice and her eternal love remained engraved in the memory of that place.
The power plant dam that created the Azud de Ojós reservoir north of Ojós was built in 1978 with the purpose of regulating the sometimes wild Seguro River while extracting electrical energy.
Noria Grande Abarán: The wooden wheel was designed in 1805 by Francisco Libián and a century later it was rebuilt and replaced by the current mixed structure of wood and iron. It is supported by masonry walls up to the axis of rotation and has a diameter of 12 metres, and is one of the largest preserved in Europe. It also has 128 buckets located in what is known as the crown, 32 spokes and 64 blades that have a performance of 30 litres per second. It has recently been completely restored so the wheel is able to turn again and irrigate the fields of Abarán.
We will then continue by coach to visit the places and viewpoints of the Cieza Flowering. Throughout the tour we will be accompanied by a professional guide (in English).
Programme
08.15 hrs: Departure from Golden Star Apartments, Calle Bruselas, Jávea Arenal.
08.25 hrs: Departure from the bridge by the roundabout at the port end of Avenida Augusta (building works are still taking place at the usual stop opposite Interiors, making parking for the coach difficult). Pickup at Mas y Mas on the N332 if required.
Travel to the Jardines de Villanueva Restaurant located in the centre of the Ricote Valley; comfort stop enroute.
11.00 hrs: Traditional Almuerzo at the Jardines de Villanueva Restaurant.
12.00 hrs: Explore the sites and viewpoints of the Ricote Valley, including Salto de la Novia, Ojós Dam, and Noria Grande Abarán.
13:00 hrs: Explore the sites and viewpoints of Cieza in Bloom.
15.00 hrs: End of the tour and return to Jávea; comfort stop enroute.
17.45 hrs: Approximate arrival in Jávea.
What is included
Transport by coach, traditional alumuerzo as described, guided tour with English-speaking guide, gratuities, €1 per person contribution to the Jávea U3A travel fund.
Cost
€45 per person. Payable either by card (a link will be sent) or by bank transfer (using the bank reference CIEZA along with your name) on confirmation of your reservation.
Booking is via email to the group leader, Angela Chantry: spanish.culture.cuisine@u3ajavea.com
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. It is members’ responsibility to ensure that they have the appropriate medical/health/travel insurance for their own personal needs Please be aware that you are responsible for your own personal belongings at all times.
