Seville, Donana, Jerez ride / culture

Day One

Arrive at Seville/Faro Airport and head to Donana National Park (1 hour drive) where you will be staying in one of our charming hotels or apartments. The infinite virginal beaches of Donana, the spectacular dune system and the vast Mediterranean forest provide the diversity of ecosystem that makes this area one of the most popular in Europe for bird watching. The spectacular beauty of these lands are protected by the government and are the last refuge of the Iberic Lynx and the Spanish Imperial Eagle.

Day Two

Breakfast will be served this morning in the hotel, relax and let the calming ambience of this extraordinary setting seep through your body. Later today you will be riding in The Donana National Park. The marked seasonality of the Mediterranean weather of this region is the key to understanding the diversity of its flora and fauna. In Donana there are four distinct seasons each bringing its own subtle changes, not only to the animal and bird life but also to the light that you will experience. As you gaze out on your surroundings you will quickly understand why the Spanish call this area La Costa de la Luz or The Coast of Light.

Day Three

After breakfast this morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Donana National Park on horseback. If your visit coincides with the autumn or winter months you will be able to enjoy the site of thousands of birds who migrate here to enjoy the mild weather conditions, feeding in the surrounding wetlands. In the spring and summer you can paddle in the ocean whilst appreciating the cooling sea breezes and the sound of the waves gently breaking around your horse’s hooves.

Day Four

Today you will be travelling to Seville. Seville lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and is one of the largest historic centres in Europe. This afternoon you will  visit a typical Andalucian Cortijo where you will see an equestrian show together with wine tasting and tapas. This evening we offer you the opportunity to enjoy a Flamenco Dinner in one of the most popular 'tablaos' in Seville.

Day Five

This morning there is the option to ride out (2 or 3 hours) or  to enjoy a dressage lesson at a typical Andalucian Hacienda located in the surroundings of Seville.  You will be riding out along the banks of the beautiful Guadalquivir river. The afternoon will be free for you to explore this magical city on your own. Why not try out a massage at a typical Arabic Bath or enjoy a private horse drawn carriage ride and tour of the historic centre with one of our specialist city guides affording you the opportunity to visit the well known tourist sites such as The Minaret of la Giralda and The Alcazar Palace.

Day Six

Today you will travelling to Jerez de la Frontera (1 1/2 hour drive); Jerez  has earned international recognition thanks to its wine and sherry production. However Jerez is also home to The Royal Riding School. Jerez is seeped in equestrian heritage and culture. Today you will visit The Royal Riding School of Jerez. You will be watching the wonderful performance: ‘How the Andalucian horses dance.’ This afternoon you will be riding with our expert horseman in the Vineyards of Jerez on beautifully trained Andalucian horses. You will be able to choose between a lesson or a hack.

Day Seven

This morning you will be visiting one of Jerez’s bodegas. The most famous bodega in town is Gonzales Byass Bodega, founded in 1835 and the birthplace of ‘Tio Pepe,’ which was first exported to Great Britain in 1844. Today, the impressive visitor centre sets you on a course of discovery as you learn to appreciate and savour the wonderful local wines. This afternoon you will be riding with our trainer once more you can choose from a hack or a lesson. Tonight, you will be going to a Flamenco dinner. You will witness first hand the passion of the Flamenco dance! The origin of this dance is still unknown, although it is generally believed to be a mixture of gypsy and Arabic dance. Definitely a night to remember!

Day Eight

This morning before checking out of your accommodation there should be time for some last minute souvenir shopping in Jerez. You can fly home from Jerez, Seville or Faro Airport.

Cost per person in shared twin from:

£835pp staying in either apartments or three star hotels
£915pp staying in 4 star hotels
£1185pp staying in luxury accommodation

All of our horse riding holidays in Andalucia are flexible. We can organise more riding for you if you would like, please just ask us. We can also organise additional  visits and extra nights if you would like. For more riding holidays please click here.

We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.