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Tango in Granada - This holiday is no longer available -

Nights: 7 nights

Dates: 22/10/2018 to 29/10/2018

Holiday Code: TAN1805

Sorry, this holiday has already run.

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What to Expect in terms of Organisation

On Arrival: You will receive a detailed itinerary, map and details of any optional extras. We also include information on the local sights and recommended restaurants and other helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Independence within the social activities: Although your holiday is fully hosted, we believe our guests do not like to be over-organised. So we give you quality information and an itinerary including a map and all the addresses of where we have organised social and dancing activities. You can decide for yourself if and when you want to turn up. You are fully independent on these holidays. If you are travelling on your own the tour host will be at all the meeting points on the itinerary and there is always company and normally the chance to share a taxi back the hotel.

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.

Overview of the Week and Welcome Drink: At the beginning of your holiday there is an Overview of the Week session where your tour host will tell you about all the details of your holiday and answer any questions you might have. At the Overview of the Week you can buy your optional extras. Also at the start of the week, Dance Holidays will invite you to enjoy a complimentary welcome drink.

Getting Around: You are responsible for making your own way to the dance classes and meeting points on the itinerary. You can cover the town centre easily by foot. It's a joy to walk everywhere as the town is bursting with atmosphere. In fact getting lost would be an enjoyable part of the holiday! The Alhambra is located on one hill and the Sacromonte area and the Albaicin on another – these have fantastic views. Where hills are concerned you may at times prefer to get a taxi.

Back


  • A fun and exciting ten hour tango course
  • At least four evening milongas
  • Full hosting by our team on the ground who are experts in Granada
  • 30 minute Transfer to / from Granada airport (any time)
  • 1hr 45 min Transfer to / from Malaga airport (departure time Malaga airport: 13:30 and departure Granada hotel: 10:00) NOTE: return flight should depart any time after 14:00
  • 7 nights accommodation with breakfast in the comfortable and well located 4 star Hotel Los Angeles
  • A programme of parties, soirees, restaurants, nights out dancing, sightseeing suggestions and more
  • A welcome drink

NB: Price is based on twin-share accommodation. Single supplement will apply. Alternatively, we can arrange a room share partner for you.

 

Located in Andalusia in the south of Spain, Granada is a magical city with a combination of elegant, chic society and a Bohemian subculture.  Its breathtaking vistas (views), Moorish ambiance and the dreamlike beauty of the Alhambra Palace can arouse even the most jaded visitor. With the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, trickling fountains in every square and rich Andalusian cuisine, you cannot fail to fall under Granada's spell.

The Sights

  • The Albaicin - the old Arab-Jewish quarter still with narrow cobbled streets and carmenes (walled gardens). 
  • The Alhambra – this ancient Moorish palace built during Spain’s 800 year Islamic occupation is one of the world’s most wondrous buildings with its modest elegant beauty, peaceful ambiance, and myriad fountains and pools.
  • The Generalife - the gardens and the summer palace of the Alhambra: some of the greatest decorative gardens in Europe with breathtaking views.
  • The Cathedral – huge Renaissance building symbolising the city's return to Catholicism after the surrender of the Moors.

Los Angeles**** (Bed & Breakfast) (Included) 

Hotel Los Angeles  is one of the few hotels in Granada with an outside pool.  This is a tastefully furnished four star hotel in one of Granada's most desirable residential quarters situated by the River Genil. Most rooms come with a balcony (please make a request at the time of booking), and all of them have en-suite facilities, television and air-conditioning.
 
There is a spa adjacent to the hotel offering an excellent range of massage and beauty treatments as well as a hydrotherapy circuit. It is about a ten minute walk to the main central shopping area of Granada.   Whilst there are no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms, there is a cafe within the hotel which is open most of the day.

Experience Argentinian Tango in Andalucia's most beautiful city, our classic Autumn Tango break.

Your holiday includes a full tango syllabus of ten hours with popular Argentinian teachers - Carlos and Debora, along with evening milongas, sociable nights out and the chance to immerse yourself in Andalucian and ancient Arabic culture in the historical city of Granada!

Whether you're a complete beginner or a competent tanguero, this holiday is suitable for all levels. Carlos and Debora's method of teaching ensures that everyone will take something away from their week in Granda; beginner dancers will return with a new confidence in tango and more advanced dancers will learn at least 3 or 4 new routines.

You'll be staying in the 4* Hotel Los Angeles (one of the few city centre hotels with a swimming pool). You'll experience nights out and get an insight into the city in addition to your daily dance classes. Tango in Granada is fully hosted and our local expert team will ensure you make the most of your stay in Andalucia's favourite city.

Secure your place now and call Club Dance Holidays on 0207 099 4816.
 

"I had a great time. The holiday is very well conceived and executed, lots of attention from the tour host, very well balanced, thank you!!"

"Just to let you know that we had a superb holiday in Granada.  The city, the people,  the tour host were all great.  Can't quantify the fun we had.  We would like to thank everybody in your organisation and all those above mentioned for the effort and real dedication given to the week's events.  We will certainly book a future holiday with your company.'"

"I will remember it fondly for a long time - thanks to the tour host. Great fun!"

"Dancing with Carlos and Debora was a real privilege, their tuition was just exquisite"

"I don't think I can single out any part of the holiday I would change.  We didn't want to come home!"

"Granada is such a vibrant city, the teachers and the tour host were fantastic. Thanks for a magic experience!"

Yes! Tango in Granada is open to all levels of dancing ability. Whether you're a beginner or an accomplished dancer, you will be made to feel very welcome. We count on years of experience in managing classes, levels and groups so that everyone has a great time. But please do tell us what level you are when you book so we can make sure you get the most from your holiday.


 		 Example Itinerary:

This is a provisional itinerary, and any of the listed activities are only a suggestion. 

There will be some elements which will change.

  (OP) indicates an optional extra for which a charge will be made in advance.    
  DAY 1 
  • Arrival and transfer to hotel
  • Evening Overview of the week with welcome drink; level decider; meal and drinks 
  • No Milonga (people have often got up very early to get a flight so need an early night!)
DAY 2
  • Morning Tango lessons
  • Afternoon Lunch and free time to wander around the Albaycin, Granada´s old jewish quarter with stunning views over the town
  • (OP) Flamenco show in the heart of the gypsy quarter
  • Milonga with the locals
   DAY 3 
  • Morning Tango lessons
  • Afternoon (OP) Relax in the Spa  - a perfect cure for tired feet! 
  • Evening Meet up for tapas and drinks
  • Milonga with the locals
  DAY 4
  • Morning Tango lessons
  • Afternoon Free time to walk around the city and see the local sites
  • Evening (OP) Delicious lunch served in raciones (plates to share) at a classy Andalusian taberna
  • Later Try out some Salsa-ing at one of Granada's top nightspots
DAY 5
  • Morning  Sightseeing suggestion:visit the legendary Alhambra Palace
  • Afternoon Free day for lunch and time to relax
  • Evening Tapas and drinks
  • Milonga with the locals 
  DAY 6
  • Morning Tango lessons
  • Afternoon Lunch and free time in Granada
  • Evening Tapas and drinks
  • Outdoor Milonga with the locals (*weather permitting*)   
DAY 7
  • Morning Tango lessons
  • Evening (OP) Delicious fondue dinner in a restaurant high up in the Albaycin with views over the Alhambra
  • Farewell milonga with the locals 
  DAY 8
  • Transfer to Airport

You will enjoy ten hours of tango tuition with our course directors Carlos and Debora (two hours a day over five days) in Granada. Our clients tell us that they get an enormous amount out of these classes, owing to the large amount of individual feedback and interpreter on hand.

Carlos and Debra can take beginners or people who have only a bit of tango experience and by the end of the week, providing you commit yourself to learning, utilise the practise sessions and also have a go at the Milongas in the evenings, you will be able to dance the basic tango steps with a partner with confidence and also have a few really cool looking decorations in your repertoire to spice things up!

For the more experienced dancers, Carlos and Debra can bring your tango on in a week to levels that you would not have dared to hope for. But once again, how much you learn is down to the commitment you want to make during the week.

They'll start the first session by asking you to dance a tango (if you can) while they observe  They then have an idea according to your ability of the most suitable dance level/group for you. Each group will be given a series of dance steps, aimed at improving everyone´s dance technique. They are constantly walking round the class, approximately every 10 minutes to personally help you when you need it and once you have mastered those moves, they will give you a more challenging sequence.  This system works very well and everyone feels taken care of and as if they have received very personalised tuition.

Themes can include:

Tango

Improvers - Quality walking, perfect balance, good rhythm & musicality

Intermediate - Better connection in giros, ganchos, boleos, sacadas, enrosques

Advanced - Dynamics in motion, difficult sequences, variations

Vals
The tango version of a waltz, differing from Argentine tango and Milonga in that there are no stopping figures.

Colgadas
A Tango move where the feet of the follower and leader are in the same space and their bodies lean apart from each other in a perfect counterweight. The colgada is relatively modern and part of nuevo Tango.

Ganchos
A tango embellishment executed by flexing and swinging the knee of the free leg, and swinging it around sharply to hook around the partner's leg, and then quickly releasing.

Sacadas
Any move in which one or other partner moves into the space vacated by their partner's leg in such a way that he or she appears to have displaced her or him.

The teachers will pass through the group on an on-going basis, giving individual help to each couple. Once a couple have mastered the steps a new element is added, ensuring everyone is “stretched”, and therefore always learning something.

By the end of the week, depending on your commitment, it will be possible for more experienced dancers to have mastered between 5 to 8 beautiful and complicated dance sequences.

Note for Beginners / Improvers - Our Argentine tango syllabus offers enhanced learning for all levels and abilities. We cater for beginners to advanced dancers but we recommend that complete beginners take at least four or five classes before joining the holiday.

Argentine tango developed between around 1880 and 1910 and took its roots from several types of European folk dances. It was first danced in something like its present form mainly by lonely men, who danced together in the bars and bordellos of Buenos Aires, due to the shortage of women at the time resulting from the mass immigration of men to this part of the world looking for work.

The dance was then refined and became massively popular in the dance halls of Argentina during the 1920s and moved across to Europe in the 1930s. The wonderful, sensual music became known throughout the world and is an integral part of Tango.


The Dance
The building blocks of the tango are the Posture, Embrace and most important of all the Walk. The best teachers will emphasise these from the time you take your first lesson and continually thereafter. When you start to get these right, whether you are a Leader (Usually a man and mostly travelling forwards) or a Follower (Usually a woman and mostly travelling backwards), that’s when you begin to look good and – you’ll know it! And then you’ll know why the tango is the most sensual dance of all. You’re hooked!

When you go to a tango dance, known as a “Milonga”, the floor is usually so crowded with dancers that the only steps you will probably be able to make for most of the evening will be a walk or a variation of a walk with a few changes of direction to get round the corners. So if you want to strut you stuff – your “Walk” has to look good.

Our tango dance holidays can improve the standard of your musicality, floor-craft and overall enjoyment of this beautiful and sensual dance – whatever your current level of ability.


Dance Studios: All tuition will take place in a large space within the Hotel Los Angeles on a marble floor.

Carlos and Debora  from Buenos Aires have lived in Granada for approximately twelve years.  They both trained at the Dinzel Tango Academy in Argentina, have recorded four Tango films and perform regularly.  They are a charming, delightful couple with excellent teaching techniques. 

They can take beginners or people who have only a bit of tango experience and by the end of the week, providing you commit yourself to learning, utilise the practise sessions and also have a go at the Milongas in the evenings, you will be able to dance the basic tango steps with a partner with confidence and also have a few really cool looking decorations in your repertoire to spice things up.

For the more experienced dancers, Carlos and Debra can bring your tango on in a week to levels that you would not have dared to hope for. But once again, how much you learn is down to the commitment you want to make during the week.

They'll start the first session by asking you to dance a tango (if you can) while they observe  They then have an idea according to your ability of the most suitable dance level/group for you. Each group will be given a series of dance steps, aimed at improving everyone´s dance technique. They are constantly walking round the class, approximately every 10 minutes to personally help you when you need it and once you have mastered those moves, they will give you a more challenging sequence.  This system works very well and everyone feels taken care of and as if they have received very personalised tuition


 

Andalusian cuisine:  Granada is home to many cosy, family-run restaurants offering traditional Andaluisan dishes.  You'll also find restaurants offering other types of cuisine including Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, Moroccan, Argentinian, Japanee and more so you'll definately be spoilt for choice!

Tapas/Raciones culture:  Tapas bars are an intrinsic part of Andalusian culture.  ‘Tapa’ translates as ‘lid’.  The idea is that you keep you hunger in check by eating small plates of food.  With each drink that you order, you order a ‘tapa’ that comes free with your drink.  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. 

What are optional extras?  In addition to your holiday we also offer you a variety of optional extras to make your holiday even richer and add some local colour.  You can buy your optional extras at the welcome meeting at the beginning of your holiday.  We will ask you to pay in cash and fill out a form. 

On Arrival: You will receive a detailed itinerary, map and details of any optional extras. We also include information on the local sights and recommended restaurants and other helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Independence within the social activities: Although your holiday is fully hosted, we believe our guests do not like to be over-organised. So we give you quality information and an itinerary including a map and all the addresses of where we have organised social and dancing activities. You can decide for yourself if and when you want to turn up. You are fully independent on these holidays. If you are travelling on your own the tour host will be at all the meeting points on the itinerary and there is always company and normally the chance to share a taxi back the hotel.

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.

Overview of the Week and Welcome Drink: At the beginning of your holiday there is an Overview of the Week session where your tour host will tell you about all the details of your holiday and answer any questions you might have. At the Overview of the Week you can buy your optional extras. Also at the start of the week, Dance Holidays will invite you to enjoy a complimentary welcome drink.

Getting Around: You are responsible for making your own way to the dance classes and meeting points on the itinerary. You can cover the town centre easily by foot. It's a joy to walk everywhere as the town is bursting with atmosphere. In fact getting lost would be an enjoyable part of the holiday! The Alhambra is located on one hill and the Sacromonte area and the Albaicin on another – these have fantastic views. Where hills are concerned you may at times prefer to get a taxi.

Banks and Money: The easiest way to 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 to Britain are open. You will always need to show your passport at a bank.

Tipping is generally less common in Spain than in Britain. 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.

Making friends with the Locals and people not on the holiday: Unfortunately we cannot allow people not booked on our Dance Holiday to join in on any of the organised activities and we ask for your discretion is this respect.

We include at least four milongas in Granada. The Tango scene in Granada is intimate and friendly and entrance is free to most Tango bars.

On other nights you can dine out at fantastic restaurants, see flamenco shows, try out some Salsa-ing and enjoy the delights of the Spanish nightlife. Your tour host, Gayle Mackie, has lived in the city for 20 years and will be on hand to ensure you maximise your nights out in this lively, cosmopolitan place.
 

As well as advanced dancers, Carlos and Debra teach beginners and those who have only a bit of tango experience and by the end of the week, providing you commit yourself to learning, utilise the practise sessions and also have a go at the Milongas in the evenings, you will be able to dance the basic tango steps with a partner with confidence! 

For the more experienced dancers, Carlos and Debra can bring your tango on in a week to levels that you would not have dared to hope for. But once again, how much you learn is down to the commitment you want to make during the week.

They'll start the first session by asking you to dance a tango (if you can) while they observe  They then have an idea according to your ability of the most suitable dance level/group for you. Each group will be given a series of dance steps, aimed at improving everyone´s dance technique. They are constantly walking round the class, approximately every 10 minutes to personally help you when you need it and once you have mastered those moves, they will give you a more challenging sequence.  This system works very well and everyone feels taken care of and as if they have received very personalised tuition

Flights : This holiday is quoted flight exclusive. This allows you to fly from the airport of your choice, at the time which best suits you. It  also allows you to take advantage of any offers for early bookers made to you by the airline.

If necessary, we can book your flights for you - just let us know your preferences. Please note there will be an admin charge of £20 on top of the flight price.

NB Please make sure we've confirmed your holiday before you book your flight.

Flights are available to Granada from London.  Granada Airport is 30 minutes from the city by car.

Many flights are available to Malaga from airports across Europe.  Malaga airport is about 1.5 hrs away from Granada by car.

There is a frequent public coach service from Malaga which is easy to use and we can tell you exactly what to do. 

Transfers:

  • 30 minute Transfer to / from Granada airport (any time)
  • 1hr 45 min Transfer to / from Malaga airport (departure time Malaga airport: 13:30 and departure Granada (for return) hotel: 10:00) NOTE: return flight should depart any time after 14:00

 

Making Your Own Way to Granada: For those whose flights don't coincide with our Airport transfer at Malaga Airport, we recommend the following modes of transport:

 

From Granada Airport by taxi:  Take a taxi from Granada Airport to your hotel in Granada.  Journey time:  about 30 minutes.  Cost:  about 25 - 30 euros.

 

From Malaga Airport by bus:  Take a taxi from Málaga Airport to Málaga bus station (15 euros). Journey time: 15 minutes. Take a bus from Málaga Bus Station to Granada bus Station (12 euros). Journey time: 1 hour and 45 minutes. Bus timetable: every hour, last bus from Málaga leaves at 9pm (apart from Sundays when it leaves at 10pm). First bus leaves at 7am. Bus company: www.ALSA.com. Take a taxi from Granada bus station to your hotel.

 

From Malaga airport by Taxi:  Take a taxi from Málaga Airport to your hotel in Granada (about 150 euros). Journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Books on Granada and Spain: It may be worth your while reading up on your destination before you go. Penelope Casas writes beautifully about Spain, in 'The Blue Guide or The Foods and Wines of Spain'. Ian Gibson’s 'The Fire in the Blood' provides one of the most fascinating insights into Spanish Culture. Gerald Brenans 'South from Granada' and Ian Gibson’s 'Lorca’s Granada' give an insight into local history and culture. 'The Rough Guide to Andalucia' is the best guide book. 'Tales from the Alhambra' by Washington Irving is worth buying and makes a nice gift; it can easily be bought locally. 
 
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. If you do have any concerns or queries please do feel free to call us and we'll be more than happy to advise.

Insurance, Visa and Passport Requirements: Insurance is a condition of booking. Visas may be required for non EU citizens. British nationals need a full passport to travel to Spain.

Joining Instructions: You receive these about 10 days before the start of your holiday. They will include the address and phone number of the hotel, transfer details, and emergency contact numbers.

Granada is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Because of its high altitude, the evenings can be cool. Even in autum temperatures can be very pleasant during the day with sunny,  clear blue skies and breathtaking views of the Sierra. Average temperatures during October can be anything between 14 and 25 degrees celsius.

What to wear for Tango dancing: We recommend that you bring shoes with a leather sole for the dance classes. You may also be wise to bring shoes with a rubber sole as the floors in the evenings might be somewhat “fast” and they will give you an alternative. Your shoes should be comfortable and supportive. Lightweight cotton socks are advisable if you want to avoid suffering from sweaty and blistered feet! It is probable that you may get through quite a few clothes in the classes and dancing at night (it can get quite hot!) so bring a variety of outfits. Wear comfortable loose clothing for the classes. The local tango dancers tend to dress smart/casual - dresses/skirts/smart trousers and top for women and chinos and shirts for men.