Salsa weekend in Barcelona

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Winifred Simmons
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1 Salsa weekend in Barcelona A city break with a difference! Flirt with the Latin spirit in the effervescent, cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. Enjoy four hours of high energy Salsa classes with our fantastic local Salsa teachers, soak up the glamour of Barcelona street life and Salsa into the early hours at the city's best Salsa clubs. Dates and Prices 13 November to 15 November Unique Features A stylish city break with a difference! Not only can you experience the sights, sounds and smells of the buzzing city of Barcelona, with its fascinating Gothic Quarter and stunning architecture, you can also learn or perfect and new skill and Salsa the night away in the very best clubs frequented by locals in a friendly group of like-minded people. All for the amazing price of just 299! Your Holiday Take a Salsa break in Barcelona - one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities, with a buzzing Latin spirit, centuries of history and Spain's hottest Salsa scene. In addition to Salsa classes, nights out in hot Salsa clubs, delicious meals in carefully chosen restaurants and great social evenings - which can last all night long! - there is this extraordinary city to explore with its funky architecture and showy, innovative, avante garde people. Our expert local knowledge ensures that your time spent in Barcelona is maximised, with access to the very best nightlclubs, restaurants and cultural attractions. What's Included A thorough and entertaining syllabus in Salsa (see classes and workshops) A beautifully organised programme of Salsa nights out. Full hosting by our team on the ground who are experts in Salsa and in Barcelona. 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in a comfortable and well located 3 star Hotel A well thought out programme including parties, soirees, restaurants, nights out dancing as well sight seeing suggestions A full Orientation Pack containing information on where to eat, where to party, tourist spots, things to do etc so you can do your own thing A Welcome complimentary drink on arrival A choice of optional extras related to each individual holiday What previous Customers Have Said about this Holiday 'Brilliant way to experience Barcelona, meet like-minded people and Salsa the night away!'. 'V.relaxing and organized events v. enjoyable. Liked having choice to be independent as and when you please.' 'Its an absolute joy for me to write a letter of appreciation to you and your whole team for the totally fantastic holiday that I have just had dancing Salsa in Barcelona. It has become one of our all-time top three holidays to date. Our group comprised English, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French-Moroccan, Indian and Irish with ages ranging from about 25 to 59; it was an excellent advertisement for the United Nations and anti-ageism.' 'Jorge Camaguey was a perfect tutor, very entertaining and was kind and helpful to the whole group and gave attention and advice individually. He knew how to bring everyone to their own peak of dancing ability.' 'Salsa tuition - professional, sensitive, empowering.' 'Great fun made special by terrific host'. Is this holiday for me? Our Barcelona Salsa weekends are for absolutely everyone, whether you have danced Salsa all your life or have never set foot on a dance floor! An excellent value break offering the opportunity to practise some hot dance moves but more importantly to meet like-minded people, experience the vibrant city of Barcelona as part of a Club Dance Holidays group, make friends, sample some of the city's vibrant culture and wild nightlife and have the most fun you can squeeze into a weekend! Your Destination, includes sightseeing Barcelona is a dynamic city: colourful, energetic, proud, hip and fashionable. To Catalans, Barcelona is not in Spain but is the capital of a different country Catalunya. A bilingual city, with a growing sense of self-confidence, Barcelona is in fashion. The Sights: The Ramblas is a mile of unending activity, street performers, flower stalls, and general merriment for which Barcelona is famous. There is the Sagrada Familia, a cathedral designed by the famous Catalan architect, Antonio Gaudi. This famous landmark appears on many postcards and travel brochures. There is historic Montjuic Mountain,

2 providing spectacular views of the city, and reached by a pleasant cable car ride. Enjoy the Picasso museum, the old Gothic Quarter and Cathedral, and much more. Full details on these sights and more on arrival. The Beach: Barcelona has a variety of good Mediterranean beaches. The water and sand are both clean. There are beach bars and cafés where you can eat. The beach is about 25 minutes walk from Plaza Catalunya. For those travelling with us between May and October, the water should be warm enough for a dip! Climate and weather Weather: Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean coast and so the climate is always mild and nearly always sunny. It can be possible to bathe in the sea as early as February although you might have to be fairly enthusiastic. The beach chiringuitos (cafes/restaurants) are open from around May to October. Average temperatures: January 10C February 13C March 13C April 14C June 21C July 25C August 25C September 22C October 18C November 16C December 12C Your Accommodation Suizo - Hotel*** (Bed & Breakfast) (Included) TBC. Classes and Workshops Your Salsa course will be four hours long: Two hours a day over two days. The timetable is expected to be Saturday 4-6pm and Sunday 11am - 1pm Dance Levels: There is a level decider on the first day which ensures that you are in the level most appropriate to your ability and experience. Dance Studios: After years of experience in researching the best venues, teachers and equipment we have chosen one of Barcelona s top dance studios, endorsed by our renowned local dance school. The studio is easily accessible using the city s efficient metro system and your tour host will provide full instructions on how to get there. Daily Itinerary This is a provisional itinerary, aiming to give you an idea of what the weekend might look like. Some details may change. (OP) indicates an optional extra for which a charge will be made in advance. Day 1 Late morning - Check in to your hotel from 12/1pm. 1.30pm Welcome drink and lunch at a popular local tapas bar (OP) From 4pm Level Decider & Salsa classes (2 hours for each level) Afternoon Suggestion (before/after classes) Stroll down Barcelona s famous avenue Las Ramblas with its street performers, pet and flower stalls, terrace bars and cafes pm Tapas and drinks at stylish restaurant located near the salsa club (OP) From 12pm Salsa-ing all night at Barcelona s principal salsa nightclub. Day 2 Morning Salsa classes (2 hours for each level) Afternoon suggestion stroll around the gothic quarter and enter a medieval world. Watch the locals dancing La Sardana, a local folk dance- outside the Cathedral. Lunch at atmospheric local Barcelona restaurant (OP) Early Evening - Salsa Matinee by the beach area with Cuban band playing live! Free time for dinner From 11.30pm Salsa-ing at another of Barcelona s principal salsa nightclubs. Day 3

3 Morning Suggestion Discover the fantasy inspired Cathedral Sagrada Familia (great views from the towers), visit the Picasso museum, or go shopping! 1pm Suggestion - Take lunch at fantastic seafood restaurant near the modern marina Port Vell and watch the comings and goings along Barcelona s beautiful and famous promenade. Afternoon Suggestion sunbathe on the beach or walk the Gaudi route to see modernist architect Antonio Gaudi s finest buildings. Late afternoon return flight to the UK. Nightlife The Salsa scene in Barcelona offers something for everyone: Cuban Salsa, LA Salsa, Cuban Wheel, live music, dance displays and a Salsa community from all over the world! The Salsa scene in Barcelona is increasingly active and happening with many clubs and bars. We will visit different Salsa venues to ensure you enjoy a wide variety of the Salsa ambiente. There are a lot of Salsa dancers in Barcelona and thus many potential dance partners for you! Admission into the Salsa clubs accompanied by Club Dance Holidays is free, however if you opt to go alone there may be a fee. Your Teachers We will be working with a variety of local first-rate teachers, all highly regarded professionals not only for their technique and teaching abilities but also for their exuberant and fun personalities. They are very popular with our clients and we are sure that you will enjoy their classes. The Salsa taught on our Barcelona weekends will be predominantly Cuban style. Food and Meals International cuisine: Barcelona offers a wide choice of restaurants offering many different types of cuisine from all over the world - modern Catalan, traditional Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, Moroccan, Argentinian, Colombian and much more. Tapas and raciones: Its worth remembering that Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, and prices here are higher than in other parts of Spain. A good way of keeping your costs down it to eat 'tapas' by way of a meal. Tapas bars are an intrinsic part of Spanish culture. Tapa translates as lid. The idea is that you keep you hunger in check by ordering small plates of food. In most tapas bars you don t sit down. Rather, you stand or sit on stools at the bar. In tapas bars and in many restaurants you can also order raciones. A ración is a plate of one type of dish (either meat or fish or salad etcetera). The idea is for a group of people to order a ración each and for the group to then share the dishes between themselves. It s a great way to be able to try different dishes! If you would prefer to eat a sit down three course meal, we suggest that you eat at a restaurant with a set menu. Optional Extras What are optional extras? In addition to your holiday we offer you a variety of optional extras to enrich your experience and add some local colour. You can buy optional extras at the welcome meeting at the beginning of your holiday. These are the optional extras that we anticipate running actual details and prices will be confirmed on arrival. Some may require minimum numbers. Social Dinner: Dinner (catalan cuisine) at elegant, atmospheric restaurant with turn of the century modernist decor, situated at the heart of the Gothic Quarter. ( 25) Single Room Supplements, Upgrades and Budget Options Option 1 - Included Suizo - Hotel*** Bed & Breakfast - (13/11/2010 to 15/11/ nights) Twin (Based on 2 sharing) Included Twin (Single Occp.) (1 Person) GBP Flights and Transfers Airport Hotel, Lounge & Parking: We can arrange a hotel for you the night before your flight this will include parking, arrange access to the airport lounge or just arrange your airport parking for you. Please contact us for a quote: theteam@clubdanceholidays.com Flights : This holiday, and the rest of our short haul programme in 2010, is quoted flight exclusive. This allows you to fly from the airport of your choice, at a time that suits you. We can book your flights for you, there will be an admin charge of 2r on top of the flight price.

4 NB Please make sure we have confirmed your holiday before you book your flight. Transfers : Please make your own way to your chosen hotel, please see various transport options below. Car Hire: We could arrange your car hire for you from Barcelona Airport. Prices start from 54 for the duration of the Dance Holiday. Making you own way to the hotel for ground only package Making Your Own Way to Your Hotel in Barcelona: 1) Taxi: A taxi costs about 25 euros from the airport to your hotel. 2) Train: Signposted from the arrivals lounge and runs every 30 minutes to Sants and connects to the metro system. The cost is about 4 euros. 3) Bus: Signposted from the arrivals lounge and leaves every 10 or 15 minutes, dropping you off at Plaza Catalonia. The cost is about 4 euros. From here you can walk, join the metro, or get a taxi to your hotel. What to Expect in terms of Organisation On Arrival: You will receive a detailed itinerary,annotated map and details of any optional extras. We also include information on the local sights, recommended restaurants and other helpful tips. Independence: We believe our guests do not like to be over-organised. So we give you details of organised social and dancing activities. You can then decide if and when you want to turn up. You are fully independent on these holidays. Club Dance Holidays Host: We pride ourselves on a lightness of touch which allows you to be independent within the social and cultural activities we organise. Club Dance Holidays Tour Hosts are personable and efficient and have an intimate knowledge of the destination and local language. They are on hand at all times from the 'Meet and Greet' all the way through the parties and nights out. Club Dance Holidays Tour Hosts normally offer much more of themselves than you would expect including making sure your nights are sociable and fun often well into the small hours if that is your whim. During the daytime the level of participation and presence of Club Dance Holidays tour hosts varies according to the nature of each holiday and its destination. Getting around: You are responsible for making your own way to the dance classes and meeting points on the itinerary. On arrival you will be provided with the addresses of all the venues. Taxis are cheap and plentiful and allow you to visit the best of the city with the minimum of fuss. The metro is also easy to use. Before Your Go Books on Barcelona and Spain: It may be worth your while reading up on your destination before you go. Time Out Guide to Barcelona the best local guide. See Barcelona is an excellent glossy booklet sometimes available free in the reception of many hotels. Penelope Casas writes beautifully on Spain, The Blue Guide or The Foods and wines of Spain. Ian Gibson s The Fire in the Blood is one of the most fascinating insights into Spanish Culture. Budgeting for your holiday: Its worth remembering that Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, and prices here are higher than in other parts of Spain. If you wish to keep you costs down, we suggest eating 'tapas' by way of an evening meal. Here are some guidelines on prices, to help you do your own calculations. Please refer to the optional extra section of the fact sheet for the prices of the optional extras. Three course meal including drinks in the centre of town: euros An evening of tapas and drinks: 15 euros Taxi ride across town: 5 euros Rum and coke in a nightclub: 6 euros Beer in a bar/cafe: 3 euros Coffee in a bar/cafe: 1.50 euros Entrance to a monument or museum: 5 euros. Health and Fitness: There are no particular health requirements for a dance holiday. However you should be able to dance for at least two hours a day in order to be able to enjoy the dance classes. Insurance, Visa and Passport Requirements: In brief, Insurance is a condition of booking. You must check with your local embassy regarding Visa and passport requirements. British nationals need a full passport to travel to Spain.

5 Travel Documents: You receive these 10 days prior to daparture. We also confirm the address and phone number of the hotel and the emergency contact numbers. Essential equipment and clothing to bring What to wear for Salsa dancing: We recommend that you bring shoes with a leather sole for the dance classes and the evenings. Your shoes should be comfortable and supportive. Wear lightweight cotton socks to avoid sweaty and blistered feet! Wear comfortable loose clothing for the classes. The Barcelona Salsa clubs are quite informal - it is common for both men and women to wear jeans. Most of them do not allow shorts or trainers. Useful Things to Bring Camera Shoes suitable for spending a long time walking around the streets Summer clothing for day and light jacket for evenings if travelling between May and October. Warm jacket for day and evenings if travelling between November and April. Swimming costume, suntan lotion and beach gear if travelling between May and October. At Your Destination Banks and Money: The easiest way to buy obtain euros is by using a credit card at one of the numerous cash points. You can buy small amounts, as often as you like, at any time, without queuing. You will need to know your P.I.N. Cash points are very easy to use. Bank opening hours are normally 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Banks will change cash, travellers cheques and will sell you currency on your credit card providing the lines are open. You will always need to show your passport at a bank. Tipping is generally less common in Spain than back home. There is no need to tip taxis but it is usual to leave a 5-10% tip at a restaurant if you are particularly pleased with your dinner/lunch. We feel our tour hosts work hard to give you an exceptional holiday and sometimes you may find that they add some special touches which are beyond the call of duty. If you agree with us, you might wish to show your appreciation by way of a tip. You can do this by putting money in an envelope on your own or by getting together with other guests. This evidently is entirely at your discretion. People Joining in that are not on the Holiday: Unfortunately we cannot allow people not booked on our Dance Holiday to join in any of the organised activities and we ask for your discretion is this respect. However we can offer a flight exclusive package for people already in Spain, thus enabling them to stay with the group and join in all activities and lessons. Please see or contact our UK Reservations Team ( ) for details.

Champagne Salsa in Barcelona your last chance to tan - 7 nights

Champagne Salsa in Barcelona your last chance to tan - 7 nights Enjoy a week of sizzling Salsa in the hot city of Barcelona and make the most of the September sun. Enjoy Salsa classes with our Barcelona