La Malinche and the fall of the Aztec Empire: Heroine or Traitor?
2026-01-26 10:30 - 11:30 (Europe/Madrid) | Salón de Actos, Espai La Senieta, Ctra. Moraira a Calpe, 8, Moraira, Alicante, 03724, Spain
In the early 16th century Hernán Cortés and his conquistadors defeated the great Aztec Empire, built a new city for colonists from Spain and took control of vast lands stretching from today’s south-western U.S. down through most of Central America. A story not often told, however, is that one of the reasons for the success of this conquest was the invaluable help of a woman, Princess Malinalli, known today as La Malinche. Born around 1500 to nobleparents, after the death of her father and re-marriage of her mother, she was sold into slavery to Mayan traders who in turn sold her to the Spanish invaders. Her facility with languages brought her to the attention of Cortés, who used her as a translator and confidante. She was known to the Spanish as Doña Marina and was the mother of Cortés’ first son, Martin. La Malinche is often described as the embodiment of a new culture, one in which the mixing of races, Spanish and Aztec, created a new world. This view is not shared by all Mexicans, however. For some, La Malinche is the symbol of a great betrayal that led to the death of millions of her fellow indigenous people.

La Malinche standing between theAztec Leader, Moctezuma II, andHernán Cortés.

A statue of La Malinche, Cortés,and their son, Martín, in MexicoCity.

The History of The Samurai
2026-02-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Salón de Actos, Espai La Senieta, Ctra. Moraira a Calpe, 8, Moraira, Alicante, 03724, Spain
Speaker: John Hopwood

To understand the background and emergence of the samurai we must look at Japan’s early history, mainly from around the year 800ad.

Everyone knows something about the Samurai. The literal translation means one who serves.

For many years, they were the warrior class in Japan and whilst they had a tradition of gallantry, they were sometimes quite ruthless, and they also had the right to kill anyone who they thought did not show them sufficient respect.

This led to the development of what was called Bushido – or the way of the warrior – by which the Samurai maintained both their moral and military values through training and with the sword.

Codes of behaviour evolved around the Samurai tradition of absolute loyalty and willingness to die for one’s master.

The Samurai were the warrior class in Japan from around the year 1150

They continued for approximately seven hundred years during the period when shoguns ruled Japan until the mid-eighteen hundreds – so to the mid 19th century – when they were mostly disbanded because in 1868 the shogun of that time abdicated in favour of the emperor.

Valencia Fallas
2026-03-18 08:00 - 2026-03-20 17:00
18- 20th March 2026Trip Leader Coral Guise-Smith and her long-suffering Husband Ray.

Experience the Fiesta from the Heart of the City!

In March 2026 Valencia bursts into life with Las Fallas – a spectacular celebration of art, fire, and tradition like nowhere else in the world! For three unforgettable days, the city becomes a living stage of giant, colourful sculptures (ninots), breathtaking fireworks, and rhythmic parades.

What to expect:• Towering, hand-crafted sculptures that will leave you in awe• Explosive nightly fireworks and the famous Mascletà• Traditional costumes, music, and dancing in the streets• Delicious Valencian food, from paella to sweet buñuelos• The grand finale: the Cremà – where art meets fire in a blaze of gloryJoin locals and visitors from across the globe to witness a UNESCO-recognized festival that blends creativity, passion, and pure spectacle.

Only 30 exclusive places are available — staying in a central hotel . Act fast! The hotel is only holding these dates until the beginning of September, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!Accommodation is the SH Ingles Boutique (https://www.inglesboutique.com/en/) hotel. Adjacent to the city centre

Stay in the heart of the city’s old town at the Hotel SH Inglés. A boutique hotel in the centre of Valencia that provides a highly exclusive break. This renovated 18th century palace boasts an elegant design and offers comfortable rooms, an a la carte restaurant also serving Valencian paella, a breakfast buffet and so much more. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. 150 metres from the Cathedral. Rated 8.2 on booking.com 9.2 for location. 150 metres from the Cathedral.

Price

€440 per person in a double room. €715 singleIncludes Bed & Breakfast and coach to and from MorairaDeposit is €140 per person.You must reserve your place now to secure your booking

https://local.u3amoraira-teulada.org/travel/coral.guise-smith@u3amoraira-teulada.org** Sometimes changes will have to be made to schedules and prices, this will only happen when outside of our control and we will notify you of these changes. When booking trips it will be taken that you will accept any necessary changes.————————————————————

China 7th-23rd May 2026
2026-05-07 08:00 - 2026-05-23 17:00
Trip Leader is Coral Guise-Smith ably assisted by her husband Ray.

16 Days Beijing/Xian/Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang/Shanghai

Including Terracotta Warriors, Tiananmen Square,Mutianyu Great Wall, Pandas, Bullet trains and Yangtze river cruise

This is a Private Tour with a private coach and English-speaking guide.

Come and visit China and see all the amazing sites it has to offer. Please note it will be a busy tour with plenty of walking. Wheelchairs can be provided.

Itinerary for 16 Days 15 nights.

B=hotel buffet breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1

Day 1 Leave Moraira and travel to Valencia airport by coach.

Arrival / Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, the iconic city as well as the capital of China! You will be met by your local tour guide at the arrival hall of Beijing Capital airport, then be escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle.

The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Day 2 (B, L, D)

Beijing

After breakfast, start to explore the historical face of Beijing with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, now the largest city plaza in the world. Tiananmen Gate on the northern side of the square was the site where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Stepping into the Tiananmen, you will see one of the world’s five most important palaces – Forbidden City, a huge palace complex of more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. Pass through various doorways in this magnificent structure to admire the beautiful and well-preserved buildings decorated with yellow-glazed tile roofs, white marble bases and splendid colorful paintings.

After Forbidden City exploration, take a short visit to Jingshan Park where you can get a nice shot of one watchtower of Forbidden City and take a panoramic view of Forbidden City. After lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to spend an enjoyable time in the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and corridors while feasting your eyes on the vast lotus in Kunming Lake and the colorful paintings in the Long Corridor. Dinner Included.

Day 3 (B, L, D)

Beijing

This morning, you’ll be driven approximately 70 km (about 1.5 hours) to the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, a less-crowded yet beautiful section of this World Wonder. Begin your adventure by ascending the wall via an enclosed cable car, reaching No. 14 Watchtower, your starting point for an unforgettable experience. Hike westward along the wall, passing through towering watchtowers and capturing breathtaking panoramic views.

The trail is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children. For the more adventurous, challenge yourself by climbing the Great Man Slope to No. 20 Watchtower,the highest point, offering an even more spectacular vista. After exploring the wonderful sightseeing, hike back to No. 14 Watchtower and descend by the enclosed cable car.

Optional Toboggan Experience: For an extra thrill at Mutianyu, consider taking the toboggan ride or the chairlift cable car to descend the Great Wall, both available at No. 6 Watchtower. Note that there might be a queue, especially during peak seasons like Chinese holidays. Lunch included. Continue your trip to Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of the 13 Emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

The Emperor, known as the Son of Heaven, would travel from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way and return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and the Great Palace Gate, and you’ll see the magnificent stone guard statues of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then, drive back to Beijing and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside. Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel.

Day 4 (B, L)

Beijing

After breakfast, you will visit Temple of Heaven, a historic site once used by emperors for sacrificial ceremonies. As you explore this grand complex of buildings and gardens, you’ll discover the rituals and beliefs of the Ming and Qing emperors, who sought divine blessings for good harvests through intricate ceremonies. Beyond its historical importance, you’ll observe vibrant local life, with residents practicing Tai Chi, dancing, and engaging in various exercises among the lush pine woods. Then get back to the central city to hop on a rickshaw to experience the Beijing Hutongs – narrow alleys lined with historic quadrangle dwellings. This journey will immerse you in the traditional Beijing lifestyle, where you can explore charming antique shops, boutique stores, and witness the city’s historical evolution. You’ll also visit a local family’s home in the Hutongs, offering a glimpse into everyday life.

Your Beijing tour is now about to end. You will stay one more night in Beijing to enjoy your own time. Dinner not included.

Day 5 (B, L)

After the breakfast buffet in the hotel. Your tour guide will see you off at the Beijing West Railway Station for a high-speed train trip to Xian (about 5 hours). Lunch will be a pic-nic of sandwich on your train.You will be picked up by your tour guide at Xian North Railway Station and escorted to your hotel in Xian. The rest of the day is on your own to explore this ancient capital of China.

Day 6 (B, L)

Xian

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to discover one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans.

After lunch, return to Xian to visit Da Cien Temple, a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous building in the temple. The pagoda, rising to a height of 64.5 meters, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve classic scriptures he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang was the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. (Note: It costs an extra 5€ if you want to climb up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda).

Day 7 (B, L)

Xian

After breakfast, start today’s tour with an educational visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum to learn a lot about the history and culture about the ancient city of Xi’an. They are together located in a clean and beautiful park. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is rather smaller and 55 years younger than its “sister” – the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during 707 to 709 AD, the pagoda is 43.4 meters tall with 13 tiers (originally 15 tiers), looking like a very tall rectangular pyramid. An interesting fact about the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is that the pagoda has survived nearly 70 earthquakes, and now still standing firm and sturdy. You can walk around to appreciate the beautiful design and take photos of the pagoda.

Then you will go to visit Xi’an Museum which is only several minutes’ walking from the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This museum has more than 130,000 pieces of jade relics, seals, paintings, porcelains, Buddhist statues, stone carvings and many other precious relics. Later, go to spend a leisure time on the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Just like the merchants and envoys on the Silk Road thousands of years ago, you will enter the interior of the city walls through the Hanguang Gate.

There you will visit a mini museum to see the real Tang Dynasty city wall ruins from over 1400 years ago, including gateways, cross-sections of the wall, and the remains of water channels. After the museum visit, get up to the city wall to enjoy a leisure stroll and pleasant panoramic views of modern Xian. Leave the City Wall, then go to wander leisurely around the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter, a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture. The rest of today is free. You will stay one more night in Xian. And the dinner not included

Day 8 (B, D)

Xian – Chengdu

After the buffet breakfast, you will get escorted to catch your train to Chengdu (4 hours). You can enjoy some snacks on the train. You will have a dinner when you arrive in Chengdu.

Day 9 (B, L, D)

Chengdu

This morning you will make a stirring visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding which is not only the most important panda scientific research center, but also dwelling home to more than 100 Giant Pandas. Walk at leisure through the bamboo framed paths, and closely observe giant pandas of different ages eating bamboos, playing with each other, tumbling, climbing trees, etc. Don’t miss the chance to visit the most adorable panda cubs in the panda kindergartens. If you are lucky, you may be able to see the precious panda babies in the nursery rooms.

There is also a very informative Panda Museum where you can learn more scientific facts about Giant Pandas. Leaving the panda center, you will be taken to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple in the bustling downtown of Chengdu – Wenshu Temple. Marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architecture, soak in the reverent atmosphere, and wander on the peaceful paths.

Adjacent to the monastery is a small bazaar (Wenshufang) where you can enjoy a leisure stroll through to experience local market and living style. Chengdu is famous for its relaxing and leisure pace throughout China, which will be proved after a stay in Renmin Park. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea, make a casual chat with your friends and watching locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment – napping in a lively teahouse, playing mahjong, disco dancing, neck massage, ear cleaning… Next is an impressive trip to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time steals away from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc. Dinner Included. At the end, your guide will escort you to your hotel.

Day 10 (B, L, D)

Chengdu / Chongqing– Century Paragon (the cruise may be changed based on the confirmed cruise schedule for 2026 and the final travel dates)

Transfer via: High-speed train (2nd class). This morning, be driven to take train to Chongqing. Welcome to Chongqing, the Port City of Yangtze River Cruise! On this day, you’ll have the chance to fully experience the uniqueness of the Mountain City and culture of Yangtze River. First, be escorted to Three Gorges Museum at the city downtown. The vast collection of more than 280 thousand pieces of precious historical relics will let you have an amazing understanding of the great Yangtze River and formation of the magnificent Three Gorges, and also tell you the gradual thriving of Chongqing from 3,000 years ago, to its war defense in 20s century, and developmental path to be one of the 4 prosperous municipalities in China.

Stepping out from the museum, have a nice look at the People’s Assembly Hall that is popular with Fancy classical exterior design and was listed into the History of Architecture compiled in London in 1987. Later, be transferred to take Chonqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Metro Station to Liziba Metro Station to look at the city’s prototype from a different angle. Then, get off to have the never-seen magic of the train going through 11-storey block of flats, existing only in the fantastically structured Chongqing built against mountains. After that, travel up to E’ling Park and embrace the impressive panorama of Chongqing City which has been highly praised as “Little Hong Kong” with its well-arranged row upon row of modern skyscrapers and two winding rivers surrounding.

Then, go down to visit Hongya Cave to catch the symbolic view of Chongqing. The featured Ba & Shu regional wooden structures are tiered up to 11 floors on a hillside, creating a stunning sight with neon lights at night. Enjoy your leisure walk there and take some beautiful photos! After the tour, you will be escorted to Chaotianmen Dock to board the Yangtze cruise ship between 18:00-20:00. Your memorable Yangtze River cruise will sail around 21:00!

16:30-20:00 Board the cruise in Chongqing. (Include the luggage handling service.)

19:00-20:30 Embarkation buffet dinner (Free flow House wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included)

20:30-21:00 Embarkation & Safety briefing

Approx. 21:30 Captain’s Welcome Reception (Smart Casual is Required)

22:00 Cruise anchor aweigh from Chongqing

Accommodations: On the ship (deluxe cabin on 2nd floor)

Day 11 (B, L, D)

Yangtze Cruising

06:30-07:00 Morning coffee, tea and pastries

06:30-07:00 Tai Chi morning exercise

07:00-08:30 Buffet Breakfast

08:30-11:00 Shore Excursion— Fengdu Ghost City

12:00-13:30 Lunch Buffet

14:00-16:00 Cultural activities

17:00-18:00 Dinner Buffet

18:00-21:30 Optional Show — War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show (42€/pp/tour. Sign up & pay when on board.)

22:00-23:00 Midnight snacks time (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.)

Accommodations: On the ship

Day 12 (B, L, D)

Yangtze Cruising

06:30-07:00 Morning coffee,tea and pastries

06:30-07:00 Tai Chi morning exercise

07:00-08:30 Buffet Breakfast

08:00-10:30 Optional Tour — White Emperor City (42€/pp/tour) or take part in the onboard activities

Approx. 11:00 Cruising through the spectacular Qutang Gorge

12:00-13:30 Lunch Buffet

Approx. 13:30 Cruising through the magnificent Wu Gorge

14:00-16:30 Shore Excursion — Shennv Stream

19:00-20:30 Dinner Buffet

20:30-22:00 Crew Cabaret/Talent Show

22:00-23:00 Midnight snacks time (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.)

Accommodations: On the ship

Day 13 (B, L)

Century Paragon-Yichang / Shanghai

Transfer via: Flight Yichang – Shangai

06:30-08:00 Buffet Breakfast

08:00-11:00 Disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang. Join in the Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project Site. (Exclude the golf car fee: 2€/pp.) (Include the luggage handling service.)

Approx. 12:30 Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang for your onward Journey.

Lunch included.

Be met and driven to take the flight to Shanghai, the most flourishing metropolis in China. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by local tour guide, then transferred to your downtown hotel in Shanghai.

Day 14 (B, L, D)

Shanghai

After breakfast, you will visit Shanghai Museum, one of the best museums in China. Conveniently located near the People’s Square, this large and modern museum mainly focus on Chinese ancient history and art. Over one billion cultural relics are exhibited inside, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals and old coins from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Da Ke Ding(bronze food vessel in over 3000 years ago), Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments) are top treasures to visit. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.

Then, transfer to Shanghai old town to visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a famous Southern China classical garden which was originally built about 450 years ago. Walk around to view the ancient pavilions, halls, towers with jagged carved cornices and decorations, grotesque rockeries, glittering ponds filled with swimming kois and many old plants. These buildings, laid out in an asymmetry, fully embody impressive Chinese architectural style, art and skills, from which you can imagine an ancient living scene and find a magic harmony between human and nature. Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden is an interesting place for shopping traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and tasting a variety of local snacks.

Next, visit the Shanghai Tower (118th floor), “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible skyscrapers in Lujiazui. Later, get to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks. Lots of big name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings can be seen when you stroll around this busy pedestrian mall.

Continue your walk to the Bund, the most iconic place of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5km-long road was a simple towpath for transporting good but developed to the early “East Wall Street” in late 19th century. Most known as a perfect blend of the East meeting the West, the Bund mainly features 52 various European-style architectures praised to the Exhibition of World’s Architecture. Make a pleasant walk to see those western classical and modern style buildings and amazing skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river.

After the tour, drive back to your hotel. (If you want to spend free time at the Bund, Nanjing Road or take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets ablaze with colorful lights (about 50 minutes), or explore somewhere else, please let your tour guide know.

Day 15 (B)

Shanghai

A full day of free time

Day 16 (B)

Shanghai / Departure

Today is free for you before being driven to the airport for your Return to Valencia airport. Return by coach from Valencia airport.

Hotels

Quoted hotels or similar

 Beijing (4 nights): Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel Beijing Central 4*

 Xian (3 nights): Novotel SCPG Hotel Xi’an 4*

 Chengdu (2 nights): Chengdu Tibetan Hotel 5*

 Chongqing-Cruise-Yichang (3 nights): Century Paragon (the cruise may be changed based on the confirmed cruise schedule for 2026 and the final travel dates)

 Shanghai (3 nights): Hotel Jinjiang Tower 5**

Costs

PRICE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ROOM FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED

Group of 35 people: 2725€ p.p.

Group of 40 people: 2675€ p.p.

Group of 45 people: 2635€ p.p.

Single supplement: 1228€

**Prices subject to change when dates are confirmed.Deposit will be €500 per person

FLIGHTS

Flights are being sourced by Darryll at Dial a flight UK Telephone 0044 (0) 1732593070. You can fly from your home country and meet us in Beijing. If you wish you can source your own flights and meet us at the airport or hotel. Flights from Spain start from Valencia. Coach included from Moraira return.

PRICES INCLUDE

 15 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar with breakfast included.

 12 Lunches (Beijing 3, Xian 3, Chengdu 1, Chongqing 1, Cruise 2, Yichang 1, Shanghai 1)

 8 Dinners (Beijing 2, Chengdu 2, Cruise 3, Shanghai 1) *1 Peking duck dinner included

 Entrance fees mentioned in the program.

 Visits indicated in program with English speaking guide in each city.

 Ground transfers Bus of 46 people, airports/hotels/visits/restaurants/stations, according to program.

 High Speed Train Beijing-Xi’an, 2nd class.

 High-speed train Xi’an – Chengdu, 2nd class.

 High Speed Train Chengdu-Chongqing, 2nd Class.

 Flight Yichang – Shanghai with 20kg suitcase included.

 Cruise Chongqing – Yichang, Standard Room, 2nd class.

 The use of rented headphones for each pax.

 An English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE

 Beverages & Dinners not mentioned.

 Everything not mentioned in the price included

VISAS

Required for all UK Passport holders. These must be sourced yourself via the China website. Other nationalities need to check for themselves what is required. For further details contact Coral.

Booking Form

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