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SPAIN - ANDALUCIA : HORSE RIDING TRAIL IN ALPUJARRAS MOUNTAINS...

We propose you to discover an isolated region in the heart of Andalucia : the Alpujarras. Those mountains, which picks are covered by snow, with many traditional villages, protecting one of the most beautiful city of Spain : Grenada. Your heart will beat in time with this magestic environment, and our guide will share his love for this authentic place. Alpujarras route Secret Andalucia - Sierra Nevada to Tabernas desert Andalucian Summits

ITINERARY

THE ALPUJARRAS ROUTE

Day 1 : Malaga
You'll be picked up at 4.30 pm at Malaga airport and transfered to the riding center (approx. 2h15 of drive) and presentation of the guide and horses. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Capileira.

Day 2 : Capileira - Trevélez
Along towpaths, we start climbing to the village of Portugos. We will ride through an oak forest on paths to our first stage : Trevélez by bridle path in order to lunch. This village, famous for its hams, is considered the highest one in Spain (1.700m). During the afternoon, we will ride around the village. Dinner and accommodation in a 2* hotel.

Day 3 : Trevélez - Los Bérchules
After crossing the bridge over the river Trevélez, we will start today's route by a very steep and rocky path through pine forest, that climbs towards the hight part of the slope. Later we join the track crossing the valleys of the Sierra, and in one of these valleys we will stop for lunch. Once again we will enjoy the beautiful views and scenery of Las Alpujarras and the snowy peaks. After our break we will descend towards Los Berchules. Today we ride for approximately five hours. Dinner and accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 4 : Los Bérchules - Cádiar
From Los Berchules, we will descend to Narila, a small village where King Fernando de Valor was crowned during the Moor's Rebellion. The ride goes on towards Càdiar village and nearby to the 2* hotel "Alquería de Morayma" where we have the lunchtime. Afternoon at leisure (swimming pool) before the long 5th day ride. Approximately 2h30 ride. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 5 : Cádiar - Bubion

Crossing the Guadalfeo river, we will join the path that will lead us to Lobras, Nieles and Càstaras. We will continue until we reach the impressive gorge of Las Carihuelas de Busquístar, where we will descend to cross the Trevélez river, and we will follow the path which leads to the village of Busquístar for lunch. After lunch two more hours riding to Bubión. A six hour ride. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Capileira.

Day 6 : Departure from Malaga
After breakfast, rider's departure. Transfer back to airport (take off after noon) or continuation of your trip.

ANDALUCIAN SUMMITS

Day 1 : Malaga
You'll be picked up at 4.30 pm at Malaga airport and transfered to the riding center (approx. 2h15 of drive) and presentation of the guide and horses. Dinner and accommodation at the 3* hotel "Villa Turistica" in Bubión.

Day 2 : Capileira- El Hornillo - Capileira
We start our journey by climbing old bridal paths leading us to Sierra Nevada and enjoying the beautiful panorama on the Poqueira valley. In front of us, we discover the Sierras de Lújar, Contraviesa and Gádor. We follow the track till the "Cortijo El Hornillo" (2.200 mts.). We will stop close to this historic house for our country buffet lunch. After a rest, we ride back to Bubión across the Natural Park of the Sierra Nevada, declared Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO. You will enjoy the changes of landscape : from the cold deserted tops to the Mediterranean flora in the lower part. A four and a half hours ride. Dinner and accommodation in a hotel in Capileira.

Day 3 : Capileira - Trevélez
Always using bridle paths, we ascend a track narrowing through an oak forest, and cutting across the ravines of el Tesoro to Trevelez. This village, famous for its ham, is considered as the highest one in Spain (1.700m). Lunchtime. Afternoon at leisure for sightseeing. Dinner and accommodation at the hostelry La Fragua (*) for two nights. Above a four hours ride.

Day 4 : Around Trevélez
We will ride towards the snowy peaks of the National Park of the Sierra Nevada. We cross the ravines where the melt water flows and we reach the idyllic Siete Lagunas (3200m). Today, we will enjoy our picnic at the foot of Mount Mulhacén, the highest peak of the peninsula (3478m). After a short rest, we descend back to Trevelez, where we will spend the night. Tonight we dine in a local restaurant and our accommodation is at La Fragua 1*. Above five and a half hours ride today.

Day 5 : Trevélez - Los Bérchules
After crossing the bridge over the river Trevélez, we will start today's route by a very steep and rocky path through pine forest, climbing the slope of the ravine. Once again we will enjoy the scenery views on Las Alpujarras and the snowy peaks. After our picnic in the heart of a pine forests we will ride down towards Los Berchules (5 hours in the saddle today). Dinner and accommodation in a very comfortable, family-run 2*hotel in Los Bérchules.

Day 6 : Los Bérchules - Cádiar
From Los Berchules, we will descend to Narila, a small village where King Fernando de Valor was crowned during the Moor's Rebellion. The ride goes on towards Càdiar village and nearby to the 2* hotel "Alquería de Morayma" where we have the lunchtime. Afternoon at leisure (swimming pool) before the long 5th day ride. Approximately 2h30 ride. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 7 : Cádiar - Capileira
Today's ride lead us to the crossing of river Guadalfeo. We will join the path in direction of Lobras, Nieles and Càstaras. We will continue until we reach the impressive Gorge of the Carihuelas de Busquitar where we will descend to cross the Trevelez river. We will follow this track until Pitres where we will dismount for lunch. After one more hour ride, we will arrive in Bubión (approx. 5h30 ride today). Dine and wine in a local restaurant and accommodation in Capileira (3*).

Day 8 : Departure from Malaga
After breakfast, rider's departure. Transfer back to airport (take off after noon) or continuation of your trip.

SECRET ANDALUCIA - SIERRA NEVADA AND TABERNAS DESERT

Day 1 : Malaga
You'll be picked up at 4.30 pm at Malaga airport and transfered to the riding center (approx. 2h15 of drive) and presentation of the guide and horses. Dinner and accommodation in a hotel in Bubion.

Day 2 : Capileira - Trevélez
Along bridle paths, we descend to the village of Portugos. We will ride through an oak forest on paths to Trevélez by a bridle path. This village, famous for its ham, is considered the highest one in Spain (1.700m). Above four hours ride. Dinner and accommodation at the 1*hostel La Fragua.

Day 3 : Trevélez - Cádiar
After crossing the bridge over the river Trevélez, we will start today's route by a bridle path that climbs the left slope of the ravine. Descent along a more gentle path to Juviles, where we will have our country buffet lunch. Descend to Timar along a narrow path through the gorge. Then we will take the bridle track to the beautiful hotel Alquería de Morayma (2*), close to Cadiar. We have descended over 1,000m during this five hours ride. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 4 : Cádiar - Laroles
Riding first over the hills with stunning panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and the sierras of Contraviesa, Lujar and Gador of the Almeria province. Then we will ride along the dry river bed to arrive to Ugijar for a picnic. In the afternoon we will ride up to the beautiful villages of Mairena and Jubar and from here to Laroles. Approximately six hours ride. Dinner and accommodation at the Refugio de Nevada (3*)

Day 5 : Laroles - Benecid
Descent to Picena then crossing the Bayarcal river where we enter the Almeria province. Picnic at Guarros. Leaving for Laujar de Andarax, an important wine-growing area. A four and a half hour ride. Dinner and accommodation at the 3*hotel Villa Turística de Laujar.

Day 6 : Benecid - Alcora
Today, we leave the village of Benecid and cross the Andarax river. Across Sierra Gádor, enjoying the open view of Sierra Nevada we arrive at Cortijo Cacín for our picnic stop. After a short rest, ride to the old "venta" d'Alcora (pastoral). Depature for Caseta de Cristal, where we arrive by end afternoon, always enjoying breathtaking landscapes on Sierra Nevada and the Tabernas desert. Approximately 4h30 in the saddle. Dinner under the pine trees and accommodation in self-catering cottage (shared bathroom).

Day 7 : Alcora - Alboloduy - Granada
After breakfast, we will begin our 5 hours ride by climbing down to the Rio Andrax to join Rágol and the Rambla de Guadix. We ride following a path at the edge of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, where we enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Tabernas desert. From here we descend through a labyrinth of canyons similar to those seen in numerous spaghetti-western films, towards the Rambla of Los Yesos. Picnic in the area called "El salto de caballo". We ride to the small hidden-away village of Alboloduy, where many moorish tracks remain. After saying goodbye to the horses, riders are driven to Fort Bravo, to enjoy a drink at the saloon while watching the western show. Then we will have a short ride in this "Texan frontier town". Transfer back to Grenada (above 2 hours drive). Dinner and accommodation in a 2* hotel.

Day 8 : Granada - Malaga
After breakfast, rider's departure. Transfers back to Malaga airport (flight departure from 3pm in Malaga) or continuation of your trip.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Tour of Andalucia : 8 days / 7 nights

What do you think about spending a few more days in the magical atmosphere of Andalucia ? Enjoy a few days under the orange trees, crossing typical white villages and olive groves .
That for, we offer you a 5 stopping places, 5 cities to discover Andalucia in depth:

- A night in Ronda to visit the oldest spanish Plaza de Toros (bull ring), its Taurino museum to complete your knowledges about bullfighting and the superb gorges that gives all its character to the city.
- A night in Jerez de la Frontera, the horse spanich capital, the occasion to visit the famous The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and its cattle farm. Well known for its wine the city also conceal other jowels as the Alcazar, an almohadian XIIth century fortress, arabian baths and cathedral with its baroque, gothic and neoclassical style, built on the ancine main mosque site of the moor city...
- Two nights in Sevilla, to fall in love with the city ! The inescapable Giralda and cathedral but also the Alcazar, the non less important Barrio de Santa Cruz (former jewish quarter) made of alleys maze. But don't forget to visit the Torre de Oro and the Plaza de Espana. As far as meals are concer, just an advice : tapas !!
- A night in Cordoba : where leather work is at least as famous as its magnificient mosque and its white and brick coloured vaults.
- Two nights in Grenada to finnish properly your Tour. The Alhambra palace, as the one thousand and one night palace will, overlooking the whole city will hypnotize you. (caution: the number of entrance in the palace are limited and during the high season, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance).

Cf. "Options" below to know the prices.

This programm can be adjusted to fit to your wills depending on your flight and the trail you've choosen.
Feel free to contact us for any other idea or advice !

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses and tack
Horses are mostly local brave spanish horses with safe foot, adapted to the unregular ground and mountain climate. They have English or western and spanish saddles.

Bags and flasks are provided on the trail.

Required riding level
For this trail you should be confident at all paces and already have an experience of trail riding. A good general physical condition will help you to appreciate these Andalucian trails.Moreover, you'll be often ask to walk next to your horse due to the land's type.
Every day, we are approx. five hours in the saddle.

Accompanied kids (from 8 years old) are welcomed, if they have a enough riding skills and good physical condition.

YOUR GUIDES

ACCOMMODATION

DATES AND RATES

** special 8 days Alpujarras route, ask for detail programm.

- Single room supplement White Villages trail: + 120 €.
- Single room supplement 8 days White Villages, Andalucian Summits and Secret Andalucia: + 170 €

This supplement apply for riders booking alone. If you accept to share a twin room with another person of the group, this supplement will be refunded. Please precise your choice on booking.


Options (price per person)

Flights from your country to Grenada or Malaga
According to the date and the city of your departure, we will offer you the best available rate at the time of your registration. Please contact us.

Included:
- Accommodation as detailled in the programm, in 4* hotels including breakfast.
- 8 days rental car, A category, unlimited kilometers.

To add:
- Meals, Drinks,
- Personnal expenses (visits, tips, fuel...)

- transfers from and to Malaga airport
- trail following the program, in full board basis
- the financial guarantee of the fund deposited at Randocheval

- flight transport from your city departure
- any other service
- personel expenses (drinks, tips...)
- optional insurance: Repatriation or multisrisks (cancellation repatriation luggage). For further information please contact us.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Contact Claire for further details !

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS

Minimum : 2 riders,
except on "Secret Andalucia" ride: 6 persons and "Andaloucian Summits" and "Alpujarras route 8 days" rides : 6 persons
Maximum : 12 riders.

Formalities
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..