SATW FREELANCE COUNCIL MEETING 2023

Welcome to Extremadura,

A safe, friendly, uncrowded destination where we want you to feel at home.

Extremadura is a region in southwest Spain rich in agriculture nestled alongside Portugal and easily accessible from Lisbon, Madrid and Seville. There is a history of Romans, Visigoths, Christians, Moors and Sephardi Jews that can be seen in the monuments of our towns, and reflected in the recipes and ingredients of our meals, tapas and modern cuisine. Archaeological remains, castles, churches and cathedrals, Jewish quarters, towers and bridges are scattered throughout the geography of Extremadura which make for a fascinating itinerary.

Our region is divided into two provinces, Badajoz and Cáceres, which are the two largest in Spain. Together they cover an area roughly the size of Massachusetts and Connecticut, but with a population of just 1,051,738 inhabitants.

 

Here some tips that make Extremadura unique:

• Mérida is the capital and home to the regional government located in the center of Extremadura. It host The Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival, the oldest and most important of its kind.
• Three places in Extremadura have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Roman City of Mérida, the Monastery of Santa María in Guadalupe and the Old Town of Cáceres.
• In addition, three spaces are Biosphere Reserve, Monfragüe National Park, Tajo International Nature Park and La Siberia Biosphere Reserve. The Geopark Villuercas, Ibores, Jara has also been recognized by the UNESCO.
• The old town of Cáceres is the best-preserved example in Spain and the third in Europe according to the Council of Europe.
• People in Extremadura spend more time with their friends and family every week than anywhere else in Spain. The quality of life in Extremadura allows people to devote more time to their loved ones and enjoy important occasions together.
• The Vía de la Plata is an ancient route that crosses Extremadura from north to south.
• Extremadura is one of the European regions with the most freshwater coastline, over 930 miles where you can go sailing and windsurfing.
• 75 % of Extremadura is considered an area of importance for birds.
• Over 150 varieties of orchids grow in the region, making it one of the most varied samples of the species that you can find in the Mediterranean.
• Extremadura is the perfect destination for stargazing due to having very little light pollution, low population density and territorial distribution.
• Film-makers have often chosen to shoot their films in locations in Extremadura. The seventh series of Game of Thrones was filmed in and around Cáceres among others.
• Extremadura is one of the safest regions in Europe.

 

"Cáceres, your host town",

During the days you will spend in this historical city, you will feel like a time traveler as you walk around any of its narrow-cobbled streets. Surrounded by mansions, Renaissance palaces and churches crowned by storks’ nests, you’ll understand why Cáceres is a World Heritage City. So, get ready to enjoy one of the prettiest historic town centers of Spain.

Here we leave you some tips to make the most of Cáceres:

• Discover the always full of life Plaza Mayor, where you can taste some traditional local dishes like migas accompanied by a wine from Ribera del Guadiana Designation of Origin.
• The Plaza Mayor, San Juan and Pizarro Streets or the enclosure within the walls itself are the best places to grab a beer and try “tapas” and everything that is surnamed Iberian.
• Take a moment to snap a photo with the Bujaco Tower.
• Take a stroll around the old quarter and find the great mansions of Golfines de Abajo, Carvajal, Toledo – Moctezuma, and Casa de Las Veletas.
• Visit the co-cathedralof Santa María and climb the belltower if you want to have a good view.
• Take your time to visit one of the most important private collections of international art in Europe at the Helga de Alvear Museum.
• Walk around the Jewish quarter, Judería Vieja with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and windows full of flowers.
• Visit at dusk The old town of Cáceres when the historical buildings are illuminated.
• Live a first-hand experience at one of the best restaurants in the world, the Atrio restaurant.
• Walk up to the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Montaña, it offers the best views of the city and the plains of Cáceres.
• Take a walk in the Príncipe, Rodeo or Cánovas Parks to take in the greenest side of the city and its inhabitants.

 

TERM & CONDITIONS

MEETING ITINERARY

Download the meeting itinerary

REGISTRATION FEES

Core meeting fees to be paid per delegate: 550€ 

Pre/Post Fees per delegate: 275€

All fees will be paid to a local travel agency in charge of reservations and logistics during the stay. 

The maximum number of attendees is 50. 

Regitsration will be open until September 10. Due to the limited number of spots, once the registration is closed, SATW and Extremadura will confirm those who have been selected.

*To enter Spain, you will need a valid US/Canadian passport (no visa needed since your stay is under 90 days). According to the Schengen Authorities, the ETIAS (travel fee for non-Schengen country passport holders) will not go into effect until 2024.

REGISTRATION LINK

DELEGATE ACCOMMODATIONS 

The delegates attending the 2023 meeting will be housed at the NH Collection Palacio de Oquendo Hotel in Cáceres, Extremadura. The hotel rooms are included for all attendees as part of the registration fee. NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo Hotel

Extremadura will make all room reservations for delegates attending the core meeting (October 6-9). If the attendees choose to arrive before the 6^th or stay the 10^th onward, these reservations will need to be made individually by the attendee. The hotel can offer the rooms with breakfast for these days at 150€ per day (taxes included).

MEALS

Extremadura will provide all meals as per the itinerary to all delegates attending the meeting, including one evening for Dine Around (alcoholic beverages will be charged separately or per the restaurant menu offer).

TRANSPORTATION

Extremadura will cover the following per attendee under the registration fee:

• Transportation on Monday, November 6 from the Madrid Adolfo Suarez International Airport to Cáceres within the transfers available and published at the time of confirmation. There will be two different transfer times.
• Transportation on Friday, November 10 from Cáceres to the Madrid Adolfo Suarez International Airport within the transfers available and published at the time of confirmation. There will be two different transfer times.
• Transportation for all meeting activities and tours within the core meeting itinerary.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

All SATW delegates attending the meeting and tours are responsible for their own personal expenses such as room service charges, café bills, phone calls, laundry, tips and other similar expenses.

HELD HARMLESS

All delegates attending the Freelance Council meeting must agree that SATW, Extremadura, its employees and the vendors contracted will not be held responsible in any manner for any losses or costs incurred as a result of traveling to and participating in the official and optional meting activities and events. This shall include, but not be limited to losses, costs or damages incurred as a result of injury, sickness, accident, theft, loss or damage to property.

Extremadura highly recommends delegates to book their own travel insurance to cover any loss or medical care.