Such is the passion surrounding what makes the perfect Paella it should come as no surprise that Spain has a dedicated National Paella Day on March 27. Having spread from its origins in Valencia throughout the country, as well as worldwide, National Paella Day sees cooks hotly contesting traditional recipes and what constitutes the magic ingredients. As celebrity chef Jamie Oliver recently learnt to his peril, chorizo is not on the list.

To learn the secrets behind this ubiquitous dish, why not take to the Andalusian hills with Chapters Experience Holidays on their 'Insight to the High Alpujarras' holiday. Staying in a small enclave of old rustic villa houses in Mairena, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, you can forage for ingredients and learn insider tips to cooking paella outdoors from local experts. Slightly off the main Andalusian track, the Alpujarras region is not only rich in fresh produce – peppers, aubergine, courgettes, artisan hams (jamón) and sausages – but is also one of the country's main rice growing regions, a key element to the dish. Exploring many of the neighbouring white-washed villages on foot to savour local tapas, cheese, jamón and olives - washed down with wine from an award winning bodega, the week long holiday also includes visits to historic churches, Moorish sights and local artisans offering all the flavours of hidden away rural Andalusian life.

Chapters Experience Holidays, 01707 246666, www.chaptersholidays.co.uk offers a seven night 'Insight to the High Alpujarras' holiday from £1285/person based on two sharing including flights, transfers, 7 nights half board accommodation with picnic or tapas lunches and local transport costs. . Departures on 4 June and 15 October 2017.

Company Background:

Chapters Experience Holidays is one of two new holiday brands from RWH Travel (formerly known as Ramblers Worldwide Holidays), the experts in guided walking adventures. With over 70 years of heritage, other brands within the group include the newly launched Ramblers Walking Holidays – a collection of dedicated small group guided walking holidays; Adagio – leisurely walking and cultural holidays at a gentle pace; Load Off Your Back – a self-guided UK walking programme and Cruise & Walk –cruise ship based walking holidays in association with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines.

For its walking holidays the company is the proud holder of Which? Recommended Provider status – ie companies which are highly rated by Which? Members and reach the exacting standards of Which? Researchers.

Levels:

Each of the Chapters Experience Holidays has been categorised to help clients choose the right pace:

• Leisurely Activity Level: for clients who enjoy being outdoors, discovering the world at a relaxed pace such as short countryside strolls, sightseeing on foot or enjoying cities with art and culture.
• Energetic Activity Level: for clients who enjoy the great outdoors and want to explore the natural world by foot, wheels or water, enjoying great scenery and a range of different experiences. Clients need to be moderately fit and previous outdoor activity experience is preferable.
• Adventurous Activity Level: for clients who love travel and enjoy dynamic experiences, who like to push themselves to experience something completely new as the rewards make it worth the effort.

Special Interest

Symbols have been devised to help clients choose the holiday that will appeal to their interest. These include: Pioneer; Wildlife; Flora & Fauna; Bird Watching; Lifestyle, Culture & Natural History; Cooking; Rail Journeys; Sightseeing; Nordic Walking and Cycling.

Company Mission

The company's mission is to generate funds for walking charities by the provision of outstanding outdoor activity holidays worldwide.

With its not-for-profit philosophy, the company contributes monies to the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust which supports walking related and environmental projects in the UK. The company also funds Heart & Sole - an initiative managed by company staff, with the aim of reaching into the heart of the communities visited both in the UK and overseas.

RWH Travel also runs The Walking Partnership - an initiative which champions walking at the 'grass roots' level by providing funding and support to walking groups and clubs throughout the UK.

Ramblers Walking Holidays is the Walking Holiday Partner of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity which drove the recent Big Pathwatch project, and has been pioneering and championing walking and 'rights of way' for over 70 years across England, Scotland and Wales.

Customers travelling on all holidays operated by RWH Travel are fully protected via the company's membership of ABTA and as holders of an ATOL licence. RWH Travel is also a member of AITO and ETOA.