Butterfly Journeys and Retreats
Pathways of Growth and Transformation
"Sometimes we need to leave our homes to know ourselves. We need to step out of the routine of our lives and challenge our norms and beliefs to arrive at a new place of knowing and understanding…"
Journey of the Senses,
Pleasures for the Soul
Andalusia, Spain
March 15 - March 25, 2012
Savor western ancient history & religion
Our next butterfly retreat takes us to magical Andalusia, Spain, where the earliest humans lived in Europe and where we find some of the most sacred and spectacular Moslem, Christian, and Jewish sites outside of Jerusalem. We will visit ancient cities, temples and palaces that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and we will fill our senses with magnificent views and architecture, world class food & wine, Arab baths (Hammam), and Flamenco dance & music at its source.
Immerse into the stillness and beauty of nature
We will end our journey in a pristine wildlife and bird sanctuary staying in a restored cortijo (a typical Andalusian farmstead) with time for meditation and contemplation.
El Cortijo de los Mimbrales is a heaven of peace deep in the countryside. What better place to enjoy the beauty of nature, in an incomparable setting between Doñana and El Rocío. A wide range of leisure options and the exquisite cuisine are the cherry on the cake of an unforgettable journey.
We will go on safari and horseback riding in the park as we savor and connect to the pure energy of undisturbed nature.
Madrid-Cordoba-Granada-Seville-Cortijo
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Madrid.
Day 2 – Arrive and sightsee MADRID
We will introduce you to Cristina’s home town and the city that King Philip II made the capital of his empire in 1561.
We will be walking through the most interesting and historical places of the city: Parque del Retiro (Retiro Park), El Museo del Prado (Prado Museum), Famous squares such as the Puerta de Alcala, the Cibeles Fountain, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, The Cathedral: La Catedral de la Almudena.
We will tour the largest Royal Palace in Western Europe with more than 2,800 rooms, which was the official residence of King Juan Carlos and the Royal Family and is now only used for state occasions. It is one of the most beautiful and best preserved palaces in Europe. On the outside, its surroundings enhance the grandeur of the building, while the inside has rich tapestry, exquisite china pieces and clocks.
Then there will be leisure time to relax and enjoy the city on your own. We will all dine together at a Tapas restaurant.
Day 3 - MADRID - CORDOBA
We will take the high speed train (1h 47’) to Cordoba. Very few places in the world can boast of having been the capital of a Roman province (Hispania Ulterior), the capital of an Arab State (Al-Andalus, a highly civilized state in Southern Europe) and a Caliphate. Such splendor is palpable in the intellectual wealth of this centre of wisdom and knowledge, that has seen the birth of figures like Seneca, Averroes, and Maimonides.
We will walk the historic quarter of Cordoba, a beautiful network of small streets, alleys, squares and whitewashed courtyards arranged around the Mosque-Cathedral, which reflects the city's prominent place in the Islamic world during medieval times.
We will do a special night tour of The Cathedral of Cordoba, formerly the Mosque, which is without a doubt one of the most amazing monuments in the entire world and the most singular religious building in existence. On October 31st, 1984, UNESCO declared it 'World Heritage Monument'.
Day 4 CORDOBA
In the morning we will take a
bus to Medina Azahara, the ruins of a vast, fortified Arab Muslim medieval palace-city built by Abd-ar-Rahman III al-Nasir, (912–961) Ummayad Caliph of Córdoba, and located on the western outskirts of Córdoba, Spain.
It was an Arab Muslim medieval town and the de-facto capital of Al-Andalus, or Muslim Spain, as the heart of the administration and government was within its walls. Built beginning in 936-940, the city included ceremonial reception halls, mosques, administrative and government offices, gardens, a mint, workshops, barracks, residences, and baths. Water was supplied through aqueducts.
In the afternoon and evening we will have leisure time in Cordoba and the option of indulging yourself in a traditional Arab Baths and massage. These Arab Baths are a journey of body and soul as you transport yourself to ancient times where you submerge yourself in floating pools of different temperatures and flavors. The light, water, colors and aromas will generate a unique personal experience filled with sensual pleasures. (Cost not included)
Day 5 – CORDOBA - GRANADA
We will take the train and arrive in hilltop Granada with wonderful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We will spend the afternoon exploring the Christian section and it's abutting Arab shops.
We will visit the Cathedral and savor the small squares and narrow streets. You have leisure time to explore before heading to a special dinner and Flamenco show in the caves of Sacromonte.
Day 6 –GRANADA
We will spend the morning visiting the Alhambra Palace, a World Heritage Site. This is Spain’s most magnificent example of Moorish architecture and the former residence of the Moorish monarchs of Granada. The name means ‘the red fortress’ and the palace and fortress complex occupy a hilly terrace on the southeastern border of the city. See the exotic water gardens of Generalife and the royal summer residence. From here you can enjoy fine views over the town and the hills beyond.
In the afternoon and evening there will be time to visit the Albaycin, (old Arab quarter) and walk through some of the most beautiful streets of Granada. Take the time to sit at a Teteria (tea house) and try some of the local blends.
Day 7 –GRANADA-SEVILLA
An early morning train will take us to Sevilla, the artistic, cultural and financial capital of southern Spain and the capital of Andalusia. Beautiful Sevilla has many impressive monuments dating back over the centuries.
We will visit the Gothic Cathedral with its Giralda, a minaret transformed into a bell tower where we will see the tomb of Christopher Columbus. We will also see the Torre del Oro (Golden tower) by the Guadalquivir river.
There will be leisure time in the evening to explore this most beautiful city.
Day 8 –SEVILLA – CORTIJO LOS MIMBRALES
We will visit the Alcazar Royal Palace, a fantastic example of the Moorish style with gorgeous tile mosaics, shady courtyards and Moorish and Renaissance gardens. We will also see the pools and fountains of Maria Luisa Park and enjoy walking the Jewish quarter.
Private transportation will take us to our retreat center next to Donana National Park.
We will dine together and begin our journey toward Nature.
Day 9 - CORTIJO LOS MIMBRALES-DOÑANA NATIONAL PARK
In the peaceful setting of the Cortijo we will take time to "be" with our senses, with ourselves and to move inward. We will meditate, journal, walk and explore the tranquil ambience to relax and release into this new place of stillness, to connect with Mother Earth and savor our own nature.
We will go on a horse back excursion on the beach before returning to the Cortijo for dinner.
Day 10 - CORTIJO LOS MIMBRALES-DOÑANA NATIONAL PARK
The day will begin with a morning safari on Range Rover 4WD vehicles to catch the sunrise inside the park.
In 1994 UNESCO designated the park a World Heritage Site. UNESCO has also recognized the park as a Biosphere reserve. It is a wetland of international importance on the list of the Ramsar Convention.
The park has a biodiversity that is unique in Europe, although there are some similarities to the Camargue, with which Doñana is twinned. Doñana contains a great variety of ecosystems and shelters wildlife including thousands of European and African migratory birds, fallow deer, Spanish red deer, wild boar, European badger, Egyptian mongoose, and endangered species such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle and Iberian Lynx.
Upon our return we will meditate and journal and there will be leisure time to explore the area.
Day 11 - CORTIJO LOS MIMBRALES – SEVILLA - USA
This morning it is time to bid farewell as our journey comes to an end and you begin your travels home. We will meditate and close the energy of the group.
Guides
Manny & Cristina Muros, a husband and wife team, dedicated to the exploration and teachings of spiritual path that lead to self-realization.
Cristina – A native of Spain and avid explorer, alternative medicine and integrative bodywork therapist … A nature lover. Creator of the “Life Purpose Program”
Manny – Director Yoga Center of Newburyport, Anusara Inspired Yoga Instructor, Creator of several programs of Spiritual practice (Moving into Balance, Love & Intimacy as Spiritual Practice)
Costs and Registrations
Journey of the Senses,
Pleasures for the Soul
Andalusia, Spain
March 15 – March 25 11 days
1800€ – approx $2450
Price is set in Euros and subject to currency fluctuations
The cost includes
Sightseeing Highlights
Dining Highlights
First Class Travel Highlights
Costs not included
To register and more information call at 978-397-3417
or send an e-mail at manny@newburyportyoga.com
A $500 non refundable deposit due by November 15th
A $1000 second payment due by January 15th
Final payment due by February 15th
Pilgrimage of The way of St James, Spain
May 26 – June 8, 2011
Click to see our last retreat
Yoga Center of Newburyport, 12 Maple Street, Newburyport, MA 01860
center@newburyportyoga.com
(978) 225-3700
