If you enjoy the climate and landscape of Arizona and New Mexico, you will love this ride!  This inn to inn trail allows you to experience mountain riding in Spain’s snowy range, the Andalusia.  Near the Guadix, you will marvel at the plateaus of golden grain fields surrounded by weather sheared clay mountains. Your route to the snow capped mountain peak will take you through groves of almonds, olive and chestnuts, quaint Moorish villages and a stoic medieval castle.  You will marvel at the homes and hotels that are dug into the hillsides. There are intriguing shops to visit and tapas for you to taste.    

Itinerary:

Day 1: Sunday
Transfer from Granada Airport or train station to your hotel featuring cave bedrooms.
Day 2: Monday
You will climb from the red canyon of the Zalabi Valley to a high plateau and the village of Albunan, renowned for its Arab architecture. Your picnic lunch will be served next to the Cogollos Lake and then you will climb through the pine forests of the natural park where golden eagles and rare butterflies live. You will enjoy the contrasting landscapes from semi-desert plains to the lush valley and the tranquil Cogollos Lake.
Day 3: Tuesday
The ride will take you to the oriental side of the park and the Alhama River. You will climb through the district of Marchal for a picnic lunch on the river bank. A lovely trail through the pine forest will bring you to your hotel for the evening.
Day 4: Wednesday
You will ride through almond & olive plantations and the alpine pastures of Spanish bulls until you reach an altitude of over 6000 feet. After lunch, your ride will continue along old mining paths until you reach the Arab village of Jerex del Marquesado.
Day 5: Thursday
You will continue your climb through Mediterranean pine forests and crystalline stream beds to the Postero Alto summit where you will enjoy breathtaking views from 6000 feet. Your picnic lunch will be served on the banks of the Alhori River. You will return to your hotel along the tracks used by local cowboys to round up cattle.
Day 6: Friday
You will cross the Jerex River onto the high plateau of Aquile to behold spectacular views over ancient iron mines cratores which now serve as large blue lakes. Your lunch will be served along the Aldeire River. Your afternoon ride will take you to La Calahorra which has been inhabited since the Paleothic Age, through the community of Aldeire and its network of Moorish irrigation channels. Your evening accommodation will be in a hotel which resembles a medieval castle.
Day 7: Saturday
You will ride to the old castle of La Calahorra, the first renaissance palace to be built on the Iberian Peninsula. The ride will then descend down the Olla de Gaudix through the Zalabi River Valley. The valley has many streams which work the old flour mills and ancient windmills. Your afternoon is free for shopping in Gaudix.
Day 8: Sunday
After breakfast, transfer to train station or airport

Dates: Sunday to Saturday, April through September
Length of ride: 6 days
Meeting point: Granada airport or train station
Ability level: Walk, trot, canter
Horse: Spanish cross breeds
Group size: 5 – 10
Saddles: English
Hotel/s: 3*** & 4**** Inns 
Price per person:$1,914 per person double, $275 single supplement
*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in euros. A currency adjustment will be made at your final booking. Includes: 7 nights accommodation, 6 days guided trail rides, all meals, horse, tack, luggage transfers, transfer to and from airport or train station and tax. Not included: Air fare.