AAVE's Adventure and Language Camp in Spain

DAYS 1-2:
You will be met upon arrival at the Madrid Barajas Airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse, demanding and remote regions we explore, we load up our custom vehicles and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins. After orientation we drive toward Santander to the sandy beaches of Cantabria along the Atlantic coast.

DAYS 3-8:
Our first day is spent discovering the beautiful city of Santander, learning the public transportation system, taking a language placement test and meeting our host families with whom we stay for seven nights. Morning sessions are held at a school qualified by the University of Alcala in Madrid with classes to accommodate each level of Spanish. Afternoons are active, whether at the beach learning to surf on the Atlantic, or enjoying the city and the sites of the area. We have breakfast, lunch and dinner with our families, except on days when we head out of town for regional excursions, such as the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

DAYS 9-10:
We travel across Spain to one of the country's most magnificent cities, Barcelona. Our beautiful hostel lies close to the city center where we visit some of Gaudi's most amazing sites and wander around Barcelona's streets and markets.

DAYS 11-16:
The Parc National d'Aigues Tortes I de Sant Maurici in the Pyrenees Mountains is one of Spain's oldest and most spectacular reserves, with one of the highest concentrations of lakes in Europe. A two-day backpack takes us from lake to lake in this magnificent setting. Here we are self-supported and spend each night in cozy mountain cabins. Our Spanish guide teaches us about the environment and animal life of the region, and urges us to speak Spanish as we hike. Next, white water rafting and canyoning will be challenging activities full of fun and adrenaline!

DAYS 17-18:
On our way to Madrid we spend a day in the lively city of Salamanca, Spain's most renowned university town. Here we have time to relax, shop and visit the city and university.

DAYS 19-21:
The Prado, the 17th century Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace: all of Madrid's breathtaking monuments will be visited. We enjoy a traditional dinner out on the town to celebrate our achievements, receive our diplomas issued by the University of Alcala, Madrid, and say "hasta luego" to unforgettable Spain.

AAVE Language Adventure Formula:
1. Minimum of one year Spanish study required.
2. We create the optimal situation to jump from learning to using!
3. 6 days of formal classroom language instruction (3-4 hours a day).
4. Language tasks are planned for each day: games, cooking, speaking with locals, etc.
5. All local outfitters speak Spanish exclusively.
6. The home stay is designed for language immersion and fun.
7. Trip Leaders encourage students to speak Spanish as much as possible.
8. Trip Leaders are fluent in Spanish.
9. Every meal, activity and conversation involves Espanol!

Price Includes:
Three CPR and First Aid certified Venture Europe guides; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.

Price Doesn't Include:
Flights to/from Madrid, Spain; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs.

This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.

We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 800 222 3595 or email us with questions, to receive 2007 references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!