FIESTAS OF ANDALUSIA - SPAIN

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Andalusia is famous for its colourful festivals. Throughout the year, but particularly in the spring and summer, every loca village will stage a "Feria". Each feria also has a "Romeria" which is the mounted display. Horses are beautifully turned out, their traditional tack is gleaming and everyone puts on their party clothes - black trousers adn white shirts with traditional hats for men, or colourful ruffled dresses for the ladies.
These very special rides offer an opportunity to participate in local festivals on horseback, preparing the horses the day before, riding to (or boxing if further away) the horses to the villages and taking part in the displays. There is a carnival atmosphere and anyone on a horse is especially welcome!

There are 16 beautiful, well schooled and immaculately cared for Andalusians, to choose from at the finca sure to be admired in the fiesta. The traditional finca offers riding for all levels, but to participate in the parade it is necessary to have complete control over your horse. Accompanying beginners or non riders can participate on foot in Ferias and share in the atmosphere while riding on other days if wished.  

The finca has been restored to create a mountain retreat sure to charm riders or non riders. Extensive gardens with shady orange & lemon trees, indigenous plants and hammocks with views across the swimming pool all the way to the coast are perfect for lazy afternoons. The warm welcome extended by Donna, Jeff and Tony ensures that everyone returns for another visit. 

Trip length 6d/5n Ride price detailed prices price promise 2010: double pp £625/€715/$965 Departure dates 2010: 12-17 May; 9-14 Jun; 21-26 Jul Approximate riding time per day 2-3hrs, fiesta days up to 7hrs Riding ability required From beginner onwards Group size 1 - 8 Meeting point (getting there) Malaga airport or town Transfer From Malaga €60 per car each way divided amongst the passengers Flight guide London - Malaga return from £50 with Ryanair Single supplement detailed prices No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise: 2010: £69/€78/$105

SAMPLE ITINERARY - FIESTAS OF ANDALUSIA

Day 1
Arrive and transfer. Settle in, meet other participants over dinner and discussion of programme.

Day 2
Today we meet the horses and select our perfect match. There is an opportunity to ride in the arena before heading out for a mornings ride to see how you get on with your new partner. Return to the finca for lunch and after a rest on the terrace ride out again, on a different horse if you would like to change. About 4 hours of easy riding.

Day 3
Today is devoted to getting our horses ready for the feria as well as the saddles and any costumes. If there is time we may go for a very short ride but as tomorrow will be a very long day both for us and the horses, we generally don't ride.

Day 4
A very early start. We either ride to the feria if it is one of the local villages, or we box the horses if it is further away. Donna and Jeff are with you all day. Most of the day is on horseback socialising, wathcing other parades and of course taking part in the horse parade. We tie our horses for breaks at the local tavernas and lunch. At the end of a long day we head back to the finca again, either on horseback or by vehicle. This may well be after dinner!

Day 5
We sleep late to recover from yesterdays exertions with a late brunch. Later in the afternoon we head off for an afternon ride culminating at sunset on a high spot with marvelous views and enjoying a drink while watching the sun set over this very special part of Spain.

Day 6
Departure after breakfast.

NOTES - FIESTAS OF ANDALUSIA

Accommodation
There are 3 accommodation options. The first is on the Finca set deep in the National Park and surrounded by nature. The original farm house has been lovingly restored and consists of 2 double bedrooms and one small (child) single. Suitable for 2 singles sharing the bathroom or a group of friends. The views from the terrace to the ocean, peaceful terraced gardens and swimming pool make this a delightful retreat with horses on your doorstep. There is no TV at the Finca, and phone reception is unreliable although there is broadband connection.The Finca can be reached on a dirt road of 4 miles. Tony, Donna or Jeff are happy to drop guests off at the beach, nearby villages or other activites and attractions when not riding and pick them up by arrangement.

Alternatively for those looking for a more lively evening set up, a local hotel located 4 miles away provides a comfortable stay strolling distance from the village of Canillas de Albaida. This very traditional white washed village has many terraces and restaurants. The hotel offers twin and double rooms, a good restaurant across the square, convivial evening bar (often attended by locals who tie their horses outside) and terrace wtih spectacular sunset views. Many local activites can also be arranged by the hotel.

Also in the village of Canillas de Albaida is a British-run Bed and Breakfast, with evening meals taken in a restaurant in the village, just a short 10 min walk away. The Villa has a good-sized pool, surrounded by a sun terrace with loungers.

Horses and Riding
The 16 Andalusian horses give a choice of mount fro all levels of rider. Beginners can have some tuition in a school area before heading into the mountains. The traditional saddles are easy to ride in and the horses respond easily to light directions, making this an ideal place to learn/try riding. It is not uncommon to meet locals on their horses in this very traditional part of Spain. Horses are welcome in all the villages and most tavernas have a place to tie your horse. For more experienced riders there are good tracks for some faster riding and more challenging lively Andalusians. Englsih saddles are available if wanted. Some routes are also steeper and technically challenging.

Non riders
Non riders can participate in the festival on foot. Before and after the romeria tehre are numerous other activities available for non riders, all bookable on site.

The weight limit for this ride is 16st /224 lb/102 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, meals, riding, guiding and basic tuition if required. All drinks (including beer and wine) with meals and mini bar at finca.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Bar bills out of Finca, transfers and items of a personal nature.

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