A unique journey through time following the Republican exile route of 1939 in southern France. Over four days, participants will explore history through monuments, museums, shelters, and scenic routes, guided by expert storytellers who bring the past to life. An educational and cultural experience blending history, memory, and nature.
Includes:
* The activities included in this program are adaptable to the preferences and needs of each group.
Itinerary proposal:(It can be adapted according to the group's needs)
Day 1 – Exile Path and Mina d’en Negrín
The group will begin by walking the Camí de la Retirada, the path taken by the political part of the exile among other exiles. The route allows reaching Coll de Lli from the road junction (approximately 30 minutes one way and 25 minutes back). It is also possible to depart from La Vajol, slightly longer but highly recommended (1 hour walking one way and 20 minutes back, as the bus will pick up the group at the junction).
The group will arrive at Mina Canta or Mina d’en Negrín, where the history of the artworks, the fate of the Republic’s treasure, and the 7th lost truck will be explained.
Lunch will be served in Agullana.
In the afternoon, the participants will visit the Catalan Cultural Exile Museum and discuss the bibliobus. Next, they will visit the spectacular control bunker with a machine-gun nest, offering panoramic views of the Empordà plain. This bunker allows contextualizing the Pyrenees Line, introducing World War II, and explaining its connection to the Spanish Civil War and Francoism (30 minutes walking one way and 30 back).
Finally, the group will arrive at the youth center/hotel to rest.
Day 2 – Argelers, Maternité d’Elna and Rivesaltes
After breakfast at the house, the group will visit the Argelers beaches monument, including a group activity and reflection on concentration camps.
Next, they will visit the Maternité d’Elna, where through an interview the figure of Elisabeth Eidenbenz will be presented as a model of solidarity and commitment.
Lunch will be a picnic in Collioure, including a visit to Antonio Machado’s tomb. Depending on available time, access to the fortress of Collioure may be possible.
Later, the group will visit the Rivesaltes concentration camp and memorial, where remains of the barracks where exiled people stayed can still be seen. The visit will include museum entry and a guided tour.
Return to the youth center for dinner and rest.
Day 3 – Prades, Monastery of Sant Miquel and Canaletes Caves
After breakfast, the group will travel to Prades to visit the tomb and house of Pompeu Fabra and Pau Casals.
Next, they will visit the Monastery of Sant Miquel de Cuixà.
Lunch will be a picnic in Vilafranca de Conflent, a beautiful medieval town, where the group will also visit the Canaletes Caves.
Day 4 – Sant Ferran Castle and Figueres Shelters
After breakfast and check-out, the group will visit Sant Ferran Castle, a place of great historical importance during the Civil War.
Lunch will be a picnic in Figueres, including a visit to the “Catalan Gernika” and the city’s air-raid shelters.
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A payment of 40% of the total trip cost is required to confirm the budget, with the remaining 60% due 30 days before arrival. Services are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
Between 15 and 29 days before arrival, 50% of the paid amount will be refunded.
Between 8 and 14 days before arrival, 25% of the paid amount will be refunded.
If canceled less than 7 days before the arrival date, no amount will be refunded.
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