Follow old mining paths that once served the Santa Constanza mines (Copper) and the craters of the Alquife mines (Iron). In your continuing journey up Sierra Nevada you will reach heights of more than 7900 feet before descending through through the Zalabi valley, which receives its water directly from the mountain and still hosts ancient windmills. The trip ends with a chance to visit an authentic Hammam (Arab baths).
Your Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: Arrival in Granada, transfer to riding center for evening meal in one of the local “cave” restaurants with the group and guide.
Day 2, Monday: Enjoy a day of riding in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park while getting acquainted with your horse. Experience wonderful views of some of the peaks which reach up to 9800 feet.
Day 3, Tuesday: Continuing in the Natural Park you will ride over the “end of the world” as you climb through pine forests and arrive in the heart of the Natural Park.
Day 4, Wednesday: Climbing up the Camarate hillsides, enjoy the breathtaking views from peaks of over 6600 feet in altitude. The Sierra’s closeness to the Mediterranean and its altitude account for the great diversity of the flora and fauna including golden eagles and rare butterflies. You will see bulls grazing freely at these heights which are perfect for cattle.
Day 5, Thursday: Ride to the most occidental areas of the Natural Park and through its contrasting sceneries: Semi-desert plains, luscious valleys through to the Cogollos Lake which collects the melting waters from the heights of the Sierra Nevada. Follow old mining paths that once served the Santa Constanza mines (Copper) and the craters of the Alquife mines (Iron). Pass through the Moorish village of Jerez del Marquesado and arrive at the Calahorra village with its impressive medieval castle.
Day 6, Friday: Continue up the sides of the Sierra Nevada and reach altitudes of over 7900 feet, discovering the northern, and less well known, face of the mountain. Ride along routes that were once used by bandits and contraband traffickers to get from the sea to the interior of the Granada province. On a clear day, we should be able to see both the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean sea.
Day 7, Saturday: Descend from the heights today, through the Zalabi Valley which receives its water directly from the heights of the Sierra Nevada and still hosts ancient windmills. Arrival at the Riding Center and enjoy a farewell meal
Day 8, Sunday: Breakfast and then a chance to spend the day visiting an authentic Hammam (Arab baths), relaxing in the thermal waters and have a professional massage in the traditional Moorish customs of the region. It is also possible to visit the historical and cultural side of Guadix or Granada depending the flight schedule.
2008 Dates: April 19-26, May 24-31, June 21-28, September 20-27, October 11-18.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,335 per person, shared; $365 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights guest house accommodation
- 6 days guided trail riding
- All meals
- Horse
- Tack
- Transfers to/from Granada Airport or train station at pre-set time - Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Spain
Horse Riding
Ecotourism
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