Following a cancellation, a twin/double room is now available. Contact the group leader, Angela Chantry, for further information: spanish.culture.cuisine@u3ajavea.com
(all inclusive, maximum 25 participants)
Thursday 28th – Friday 29th November 2024
Discover more about the rich culture and natural heritage of this charming rural province in Castellón on an overnight tour led by Chema (our guide for the recent trip to The Corklands).
Day 1 Thursday 28th November: Jávea / Centro d’Interpretació del Parc Natural del Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca (221 km) / Mas de Rander winery (16.7 km) / Albocàsser (29.6 km)
08.30 hrs: Departure from Golden Star Apartments, Calle Bruselas, Jávea Arenal
08.45 hrs: Departure from Interiors (opposite side of the road), Jávea port.
09.05 hrs: Pick up at Mas y Mas on the N332 (if required). Short refreshment break enroute.
11.30 hrs: Our first visit will be to the Centro d’Interpretació del Parc Natural del Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca, a wetland of international importance. This extensive park is home to three main types of plant life: those of the salt marsh, the coastline and aquatic plants. The fauna of the park is very important, with endemic species such as the mosquitofish and toothcarp, and birds which include the Montagu’s harrier, the Warblers, which have formed one of the largest communities in the Peninsula, the Black-winged Stilt, the Little Bittern, and the mallard and red-crested pochard which are also frequent visitors.
After reboarding our coach, we will travel to the Mas de Rander bioclimatic winery, which is strategically located in a mountain area, and a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea. This gives its wines a unique personality: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Monastrell and Moscateles de Alejandría, Hamburg and Grano Menudo are some of the varieties used.
13.00h: Visit to the Mas de Rander bioclimatic winery, including:
- Guided tour of the vineyards, and explanation of the vegetative state and small agricultural practice (according to weather on the day).
- Guided tour of the winery and explanation of the winemaking process.
- Commented tasting of 8 wines accompanied by local products: Garcia chips, Aima rosquilletas, sausages and local cheeses.
- 8 wines to taste: Blanc, Pousole Rosé, Organic Syrah, Temps, Columbretes garnacha tintorera, Amaru de Gascoigne Syrah, Mistela Tinta, Mistela Roure.
- Commented tasting of extra virgin oil of the Picual and Arbequina varieties.
- Commented tasting of extra virgin oil from centuries-old olive trees of the Farga variety.
- Members will be given a bag of oranges from the farm (pick yourself!).
Late afternoon there will be a guided tour and tasting in a local traditional, but cutting-edge, chocolate shop in Albocàsser.
17.00h: Including:
- Brief explanation of the company, how it works and the products they use (approx. 10 mins).
- Tasting in 3 parts:
- Raw materials (ingredients),
- Different chocolates from around the world, and a variety of bonbons. (approx. 20 min).
- To finish, fruit skewers and marshmallow to try chocolate in the tempering machines (as if they were chocolate fountains, approx.15 min).
We will then travel to Morella and check in to the 3* Hotel Restaurante Cardinal Ram, situated in a former 16th century palace in the centre of the medieval city (dinner & breakfast included).
20.00 hrs: Dinner for the group.
Day 2: Friday 29th November: Morella / Sant Mateu (37 km) / Pou du Mas (11 km) / Canet le Roig (11 km) , Javea (267 km)
Breakfast.
09.00 hrs: Check out and load luggage onto the minibus.
09.15 hrs: Departure for Sant Mateu.
10.00 hrs: Guided tour of the monumental complex of Sant Mateu, the historic capital of the Baix Maestrat, with its medieval walls, fountains and palaces. Because of its historic-artistic importance, the city centre has been declared as a site of cultural interest. These lands, with olive and almond orchards and cereal fields, were ruled by the Order of Montesa in the Middle Ages. The fact that this town was the residence of the grand masters and the capital of Maestrazgo, attracted many craftsmen and cattle raisers who turned Sant Mateu into an interesting commercial centre, which exported wool to the famous textile mills in Florence. This economic boom is evidenced by the rich artistic legacy, which alternates ancestral homes and palaces with Romanesque and Gothic religious buildings.
11.45 hrs: departure to Pou del Mas Millenary Olive-trees site.
12.00 hrs: Guided visit to the Pou del Mas natural museum of ancient olive trees, an area with the highest density of ancient olive trees in Europe; “la Farga del Pou del Mas,” dates back to the first half of the 9th century, when Islamic Iberia was ruled by the emir Abd ar-Rahman II.
12.45 hrs: arrival at Canet lo Roig.
13.00 hrs: EVOO guided tasting with a local expert, with 2 different endemic varieties. Including an individual gift.
13.45 hrs: complete “almuerzo” (lunch) at a local restaurant with local products, including tapas, bocadillos, salads, drinks, coffees, etc.
15.15 hrs: Return to Javea; comfort stop enroute.
18.45 hrs: Approximate arrival in Javea.
INCLUDED
This is an “all inclusive” trip which includes:
Transport by minibus (max. 25 pax); driver’s accommodation & meals.
Visits to
- The Centro d’Interpretació del Parc Natural del Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca
- The Mas de Rander bioclimatic winery.
- A traditional chocolate shop.
- Guided tour of the monumental complex of Sant Mateu.
- The Pou del Mas natural museum of ancient olive trees.
- Canet lo Roig with EVOO guided tasting with a local expert.
Accommodation with dinner and breakfast at the 3* Hotel Restaurant Cardinal Ram.
Almuerzo lunch.
Tour led by Chema, and local guides.
Gratuities.
COST
Sharing twin/double room: €265 per person
Room for sole occupancy: €320 per person
