Sevilla: Trails of Andalucía
Sevilla y Huelva (Andalucía) - 4 nIGHTS - 3 Days riding
Andalusia: the cradle of the Andalusian horse, a land of deeply rooted traditions, the horses and the bulls, the pilgrimage to El Rocío, the sandy trails in the Doñana nature reserve, the beautiful pine forests and the marshlands, a winter paradise for the migratory birds. This is a new ride in the provinces of Sevilla and Huelva, a great destination for the winter months. In Andalusia it is still possible to ride through the most unimaginable landscapes for several days, combining nature with the most ancient traditions.
Andalusia: the cradle of the Andalusian horse, a land of deeply rooted traditions, the horses and the bulls, the pilgrimage to El Rocío, the sandy trails in the Doñana nature reserve, the beautiful pine forests and the marshlands, a winter paradise for the migratory birds. This is a new ride in the provinces of Sevilla and Huelva, a great destination for the winter months. In Andalusia it is still possible to ride through the most unimaginable landscapes for several days, combining nature with the most ancient traditions.
To the Southwest of Sevilla, we will ride on the pilgrimage roads to El Rocío. Leaving from the south of Sevilla, we will stay at some beautiful and traditional country houses, with all the charm of the old times. We will ride by the environs of the Doñana National Park. The landscape of this area is of great diversity: forests of pine and savin, eucalyptus and cork oaks; dunes, marshlands and preserves. Thousands of birds come to spend the winter here. We will ride on sand tracks, ancient bridle paths, and get to El Rocío, named the International village of the horse. All the houses have stables and all the streets are sand tracks. In the times of the pilgrimage, this village hosts thousands of horses - many of them Andalusian stallions. A unique natural area, full of the most authentic traditions, the kingdom of the Andalusian horse.
The Andalusian horse is spirited, strong, temperamental and of unquestionable courage. The counterpoint of these qualities is its docility, being a very sensitive horse, obedient and easy to handle. The Andalusian horse possesses, through inheritance, a measured and balanced command of its movements and it is a delight to ride.
The Andalusian horse is spirited, strong, temperamental and of unquestionable courage. The counterpoint of these qualities is its docility, being a very sensitive horse, obedient and easy to handle. The Andalusian horse possesses, through inheritance, a measured and balanced command of its movements and it is a delight to ride.
Tryp Summary
Moderate inn-to-inn ride
Best time to visit: Best dates to ride are from the month of October to May. Very pleasant temperatures and sunshine over the winter months and early spring.
Trip length: 3 days - 4 nights - 3 days riding. Distance covered 55 miles /90kms.
Group size: Minimum 5 riders - Maximum 10-12 riders.
Airport: Seville.
Riding ability: Intermediate to experienced. Reasonably fit riders.
Horses: Andalusian, Hispano-Arab and Anglo-Arab. Excellent horses, strong, very well-trained, responsive, sure footed, fit and fun to ride. They are very well schooled, with training in dressage, show-jumping and cross-country. They participate in eventing clinics and TREC competitions,
Pace of the ride: The pace of the ride is moderate to fast, with many opportunities for good trots and canters. The terrain is excellent, with predominantly sandy tracks in the pine forests and good terrain when riding though the “dehesas” (oaks land and pastures) and the private estates.
Time in the saddle: From 4 and ½ to 6 hours (one day).
Languages: English, French, Spanish .
Climate: The climate in this part of Spain is nearly tropical. Winter months are strongly recommended - with gentle temperatures, maximum 18 - 22ºC and minimum temperatures at 8-10ºC. Average days of rain in the February – March – November months is 5 days per month.
Your hosts and guides: Sevilla’s rides are lead by Alfonso, the owner of the stables in Sevilla – la Corbera. They are knowledgeable, qualified, hospitable and terrific travel companions. The assistant guides and helpers are enthusiastic, motivated, attentive and charming.
Our attention to the detail is outstanding. We go as far as we can to anticipate all the little things that can make a difference. We have a lot of repeat guests that come back every year. We can give you direct references of riders from many different parts of the world.
Bookings: please contact us at [email protected] // [email protected]
Best time to visit: Best dates to ride are from the month of October to May. Very pleasant temperatures and sunshine over the winter months and early spring.
Trip length: 3 days - 4 nights - 3 days riding. Distance covered 55 miles /90kms.
Group size: Minimum 5 riders - Maximum 10-12 riders.
Airport: Seville.
Riding ability: Intermediate to experienced. Reasonably fit riders.
Horses: Andalusian, Hispano-Arab and Anglo-Arab. Excellent horses, strong, very well-trained, responsive, sure footed, fit and fun to ride. They are very well schooled, with training in dressage, show-jumping and cross-country. They participate in eventing clinics and TREC competitions,
Pace of the ride: The pace of the ride is moderate to fast, with many opportunities for good trots and canters. The terrain is excellent, with predominantly sandy tracks in the pine forests and good terrain when riding though the “dehesas” (oaks land and pastures) and the private estates.
Time in the saddle: From 4 and ½ to 6 hours (one day).
Languages: English, French, Spanish .
Climate: The climate in this part of Spain is nearly tropical. Winter months are strongly recommended - with gentle temperatures, maximum 18 - 22ºC and minimum temperatures at 8-10ºC. Average days of rain in the February – March – November months is 5 days per month.
Your hosts and guides: Sevilla’s rides are lead by Alfonso, the owner of the stables in Sevilla – la Corbera. They are knowledgeable, qualified, hospitable and terrific travel companions. The assistant guides and helpers are enthusiastic, motivated, attentive and charming.
Our attention to the detail is outstanding. We go as far as we can to anticipate all the little things that can make a difference. We have a lot of repeat guests that come back every year. We can give you direct references of riders from many different parts of the world.
Bookings: please contact us at [email protected] // [email protected]
Accommodation
The selection of the
accommodation and the service in every aspect of the ride is of outstanding
quality. Lodging
is very comfortable and full of charm. You will stay at traditional Andalusian
country estates and cortijos (the Andalusian country houses).
The Cortijo de La Corbera, www.lacorbera.es; where the ride starts and ends, has accommodation in the finca, eight beautiful bedrooms, charming and with all the facilities. The Cortijo Ardea Purpurea (Purple Heron), www.ardeapurpureaturismo.com; in the boundaries of the Doñana nature reserve, has been built in the traditional country style, with thatched roofs and wood beams. In the magic village of El Rocio, we’ll stay at one of the traditional houses of this horse village, www.lincecasaruralrocio.com, . The whole village has sand streets and the houses have an inner courtyard and stables at the back.
Food & Wine
Breakfast, aperitifs, lunch and dinner are included while on the trek. The local cuisine is excellent and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a sampling of the many different dishes produced in the area. Lunch is usually a picnic in the countryside with set tables, chairs... a small feast everyday¡ Some lunches will be cooked on the spot; others prepared by the village bars or restaurants, always exquisite. Dinner is at the hotels will feature a varied selection of the typical cuisine.
All the drinks are included during the meals. Tasting of Spanish red & white wines; sherry; beer, juices, soft drinks and water.
A support vehicle will follow the riders during the entire trip, meeting for aperitifs, meals and at night.
Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice.
The Cortijo de La Corbera, www.lacorbera.es; where the ride starts and ends, has accommodation in the finca, eight beautiful bedrooms, charming and with all the facilities. The Cortijo Ardea Purpurea (Purple Heron), www.ardeapurpureaturismo.com; in the boundaries of the Doñana nature reserve, has been built in the traditional country style, with thatched roofs and wood beams. In the magic village of El Rocio, we’ll stay at one of the traditional houses of this horse village, www.lincecasaruralrocio.com, . The whole village has sand streets and the houses have an inner courtyard and stables at the back.
Food & Wine
Breakfast, aperitifs, lunch and dinner are included while on the trek. The local cuisine is excellent and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a sampling of the many different dishes produced in the area. Lunch is usually a picnic in the countryside with set tables, chairs... a small feast everyday¡ Some lunches will be cooked on the spot; others prepared by the village bars or restaurants, always exquisite. Dinner is at the hotels will feature a varied selection of the typical cuisine.
All the drinks are included during the meals. Tasting of Spanish red & white wines; sherry; beer, juices, soft drinks and water.
A support vehicle will follow the riders during the entire trip, meeting for aperitifs, meals and at night.
Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice.
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY
1 SEVILLA – CORTIJO LA CORBERA (UTRERA)
Meeting time around 16:30-17:00hrs. at the Sevilla airport or at the Santa Justa train station if you are in Sevilla already. Transfer to the equestrian centre of La Corbera, south of Sevilla, near Utrera, about 20-30mins from Sevilla.
It’s a beautifull Cortijo (traditional andalusian country state) that belongs to Alfonso Gonzalo de Bustos, our host and a great horseman with a background in Doma Vaquera and at present competin in TREC. He’s passionate about horses and about Sevilla and it’s country and traditions.
Welcome drink at the Cortijo and distribution of the rooms. The accommodation is at the finca with 8 charming bedrooms overlooking the fields and the horses. Distribution of the horses and short ride around the finca to try the horses. Dinner and night at La Corbera.
.
DAY 2 HACIENDA TORREQUEMADA - CAMINO DE TRIANA
Horses will be transported to the Cortijo de Torrequemada, near Bormujos. Riders will be driven to Torrequemada, about 30mins drive.
Ride will start at Torrequemda, a XVI century Hacienda. Brief visit of Torrequemda. This is a traditional stop of the pilgrims on their way to El Rocio, the camino de Triana, from where we’ll start the ride. Through farming land of olive trees we’ll get to the pine forest for the aperitivo. We’ll follow the camino de Triana and stop for a picnic lunch before the river Quema. In the afternoon we’ll cross the river where the pilgrims traditionaly get baptized¡¡ Ride on to Villamanrique de la Condesa to the beautiful Cortijo Ardea Purpurea where we’ll spend the night.
Meeting time around 16:30-17:00hrs. at the Sevilla airport or at the Santa Justa train station if you are in Sevilla already. Transfer to the equestrian centre of La Corbera, south of Sevilla, near Utrera, about 20-30mins from Sevilla.
It’s a beautifull Cortijo (traditional andalusian country state) that belongs to Alfonso Gonzalo de Bustos, our host and a great horseman with a background in Doma Vaquera and at present competin in TREC. He’s passionate about horses and about Sevilla and it’s country and traditions.
Welcome drink at the Cortijo and distribution of the rooms. The accommodation is at the finca with 8 charming bedrooms overlooking the fields and the horses. Distribution of the horses and short ride around the finca to try the horses. Dinner and night at La Corbera.
.
DAY 2 HACIENDA TORREQUEMADA - CAMINO DE TRIANA
Horses will be transported to the Cortijo de Torrequemada, near Bormujos. Riders will be driven to Torrequemada, about 30mins drive.
Ride will start at Torrequemda, a XVI century Hacienda. Brief visit of Torrequemda. This is a traditional stop of the pilgrims on their way to El Rocio, the camino de Triana, from where we’ll start the ride. Through farming land of olive trees we’ll get to the pine forest for the aperitivo. We’ll follow the camino de Triana and stop for a picnic lunch before the river Quema. In the afternoon we’ll cross the river where the pilgrims traditionaly get baptized¡¡ Ride on to Villamanrique de la Condesa to the beautiful Cortijo Ardea Purpurea where we’ll spend the night.
DAY 3 VILLAMANRIQUE
- PALACIO DEL REY - EL ROCÍO
Ride through pine woods and the Dehesa de Boyal, a forest of holm and cork oaks. We will follow the Camino de
Pilas and later the Camino de Hinojos, where we’ll stop for an aperitivo. Then we will join the Raya Real, an
impressive wide sand avenue surrounded by forests of pines, cork oaks, and eucalyptus; where many trails meet
for the last part of the pilgrimage. We will have lunch near the beautiful Palacio del Rey, a royal hunting lodge built
for Alfonso XIII. In the afternoon we will reach the destination of our pilgrimage on horseback: El Rocío, the international village of the Horse, with the church Ermita de la Virgen del Rocío. It is a unique village: all the houses have stables and all the streets are sand tracks. In the times of the pilgrimage this village hosts a million people and thousands of horses! We will stay at a traditional house of El Rocío, Casa Rural Casa del Lince, which has been restored with all the comfort. Dinner at a local restaurant with a beautiful view of the marshlands
Ride through pine woods and the Dehesa de Boyal, a forest of holm and cork oaks. We will follow the Camino de
Pilas and later the Camino de Hinojos, where we’ll stop for an aperitivo. Then we will join the Raya Real, an
impressive wide sand avenue surrounded by forests of pines, cork oaks, and eucalyptus; where many trails meet
for the last part of the pilgrimage. We will have lunch near the beautiful Palacio del Rey, a royal hunting lodge built
for Alfonso XIII. In the afternoon we will reach the destination of our pilgrimage on horseback: El Rocío, the international village of the Horse, with the church Ermita de la Virgen del Rocío. It is a unique village: all the houses have stables and all the streets are sand tracks. In the times of the pilgrimage this village hosts a million people and thousands of horses! We will stay at a traditional house of El Rocío, Casa Rural Casa del Lince, which has been restored with all the comfort. Dinner at a local restaurant with a beautiful view of the marshlands
DAY 4 VILLAMANRIQUE – DEHESA DE
ABAJO – GELO – SEVILLE
Morning ride through the pine forests, dehesas (holm and cork oaks estates) and private fincas. Aperitivo and picnic lunch in the countryside, near the Hacienda de Lopa. Through the beautiful pine forests we will reach the Camino de Aznalcázar and the Nature Reserve Dehesa de Abajo, a beautiful lagoon, rich in birdlife, common land where the local cattle grazes. Picnic lunch with views of the waters of the Dehesa. In the afternoon, we will ride around the reserve to get to the Hacienda de Gelo, end of the ride. The horses will get driven back to La Corbera.
Morning ride through the pine forests, dehesas (holm and cork oaks estates) and private fincas. Aperitivo and picnic lunch in the countryside, near the Hacienda de Lopa. Through the beautiful pine forests we will reach the Camino de Aznalcázar and the Nature Reserve Dehesa de Abajo, a beautiful lagoon, rich in birdlife, common land where the local cattle grazes. Picnic lunch with views of the waters of the Dehesa. In the afternoon, we will ride around the reserve to get to the Hacienda de Gelo, end of the ride. The horses will get driven back to La Corbera.
History and Nature
About Sevilla
Sevilla is the capital of Andalusia and of the province of Seville. It is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir, with an average elevation of 7 metres (23 ft) above sea level. The inhabitants of the city are known as sevillanos or hispalenses, following the Roman name of the city, Hispalis.
Sevilla is without a doubt one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. The Sevillanos are an extremely proud and passionate people. To many Sevilla is not just a place, it is a way of life. The Guadalquivir, Semana Santa, the April Feria, Velazquez, Don Juan Tenorio, orange blossom, the dancing of Sevillanas and bullfights….. Sevilla is bright, beautiful and a city that must be seen and must be experienced.
Following the Moorish conquest in 712, Seville came under a long period of Moorish rule. It was during this period that both the Giralda and the Mosque (Mezquita) were built, on the site where the Cathedral now stands.
With the discovery of America in 1492, Sevilla developed a monopoly on trade with the New World. It became the arrival and departure point for every expedition to the newly discovered continent. Sevilla began to amass a great wealth, palaces were built, new industries were created and the whole city was a hive of activity. All financed by American gold.
In 1929 Sevilla hosted the Ibero-American Exhibition and in 1992, the Expo. Both of these events had a significant impact on Sevilla to become the beautiful city you can discover nowadays.
More information: www.visitasevilla.es
Sevilla is the capital of Andalusia and of the province of Seville. It is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir, with an average elevation of 7 metres (23 ft) above sea level. The inhabitants of the city are known as sevillanos or hispalenses, following the Roman name of the city, Hispalis.
Sevilla is without a doubt one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. The Sevillanos are an extremely proud and passionate people. To many Sevilla is not just a place, it is a way of life. The Guadalquivir, Semana Santa, the April Feria, Velazquez, Don Juan Tenorio, orange blossom, the dancing of Sevillanas and bullfights….. Sevilla is bright, beautiful and a city that must be seen and must be experienced.
Following the Moorish conquest in 712, Seville came under a long period of Moorish rule. It was during this period that both the Giralda and the Mosque (Mezquita) were built, on the site where the Cathedral now stands.
With the discovery of America in 1492, Sevilla developed a monopoly on trade with the New World. It became the arrival and departure point for every expedition to the newly discovered continent. Sevilla began to amass a great wealth, palaces were built, new industries were created and the whole city was a hive of activity. All financed by American gold.
In 1929 Sevilla hosted the Ibero-American Exhibition and in 1992, the Expo. Both of these events had a significant impact on Sevilla to become the beautiful city you can discover nowadays.
More information: www.visitasevilla.es
Parque Natural “Coto de Doñana”
The “Parque Nacional de Doñana” is one of Europe's most important wetland reserves and a major site for migrating birds. It is an immense area; the park itself and surrounding natural park or “Entorno de Doñana” (a protected buffer zone) amount to over 1,300 sq. km in the provinces of Huelva, Sevilla and Cádiz. It is internationally recognised for its great ecological wealth. Doñana has become a key centre in the world of conservationism.
Doñana is well known for its enormous variety of bird species, either permanent residents, winter visitors from north and central Europe or summer visitors from Africa, like its numerous types of geese and colourful colonies of flamingo. It has one of the world's largest colonies of Spanish imperial eagles. The park as a whole comprises three distinct kinds of ecosystem: the marismas, the Mediterranean scrublands and the coastal mobile dunes with their beaches.
The configuration of the Parque Nacional de Doñana is a result of its past as the delta of the Guadalquivir river, the 'big river', or Wada-I-Kebir, of the Moors. But it is a delta with a difference. Unlike most, the river has only one outlet to the sea, just below Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The rest of what used to be its delta has gradually been blocked off by a huge sandbar that stretches from the mouth of the Río Tinto, near Palos de la Frontera, to the riverbank opposite Sanlúcar, and which the sea winds have gradually formed into high dunes. Behind this natural barrier stretches the marshlands (marismas).
The effect of this extraordinary mélange of land and water was to create an environment shunned by people but ideal for wildlife. As early as the thirteenth century, the kings of Castille set aside a portion of the Doñana as a royal hunting estate; later the dukes of Medina Sidonia made it their private state too. One of the duchesses of Medina Sidonia, Doná Ana de Silva y Mendoza, indulged her antisocial instincts by building a residence there that was more hermitage than palace. As a result, the entire region came to be known as the 'forest of Doná Ana', or Doñana. In the eighteenth century, Goya is known to have visited the Duchess of Alba at the Palacio de Doñana when she was its proprietress. Subsequently, the land passed through many hands before the official creation of the parque nacional in 1969.
Doñana National Park is a wetland / coastal reserve at the delta of the Guadalquivir River and a major site for migrating birds. The park holds 360 species of birds, in transfer from or to Africa (on the same flyway as Djoudj and Banc d’Arguin). Especially noted are its wintering waterfowl, which number over 500.000.
The importance of the Doñana region cannot be overstressed. Half a million wintering birds, mainly wildfowl and waders, flock to the area each year to escape the much colder weather conditions in the north of Europe and many more use it as a feeding station during the migration periods in spring and autumn. It is also of major importance as a breeding ground for some of the scarcest and most endangered bird species in Europe, such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle, the Marbled Duck and the Red-knobbed Coot. The park also is the habitat of the endangered Spanish lynx, Adalbert’s eagle, marbled teal and white-headed duck.
The “Parque Nacional de Doñana” is one of Europe's most important wetland reserves and a major site for migrating birds. It is an immense area; the park itself and surrounding natural park or “Entorno de Doñana” (a protected buffer zone) amount to over 1,300 sq. km in the provinces of Huelva, Sevilla and Cádiz. It is internationally recognised for its great ecological wealth. Doñana has become a key centre in the world of conservationism.
Doñana is well known for its enormous variety of bird species, either permanent residents, winter visitors from north and central Europe or summer visitors from Africa, like its numerous types of geese and colourful colonies of flamingo. It has one of the world's largest colonies of Spanish imperial eagles. The park as a whole comprises three distinct kinds of ecosystem: the marismas, the Mediterranean scrublands and the coastal mobile dunes with their beaches.
The configuration of the Parque Nacional de Doñana is a result of its past as the delta of the Guadalquivir river, the 'big river', or Wada-I-Kebir, of the Moors. But it is a delta with a difference. Unlike most, the river has only one outlet to the sea, just below Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The rest of what used to be its delta has gradually been blocked off by a huge sandbar that stretches from the mouth of the Río Tinto, near Palos de la Frontera, to the riverbank opposite Sanlúcar, and which the sea winds have gradually formed into high dunes. Behind this natural barrier stretches the marshlands (marismas).
The effect of this extraordinary mélange of land and water was to create an environment shunned by people but ideal for wildlife. As early as the thirteenth century, the kings of Castille set aside a portion of the Doñana as a royal hunting estate; later the dukes of Medina Sidonia made it their private state too. One of the duchesses of Medina Sidonia, Doná Ana de Silva y Mendoza, indulged her antisocial instincts by building a residence there that was more hermitage than palace. As a result, the entire region came to be known as the 'forest of Doná Ana', or Doñana. In the eighteenth century, Goya is known to have visited the Duchess of Alba at the Palacio de Doñana when she was its proprietress. Subsequently, the land passed through many hands before the official creation of the parque nacional in 1969.
Doñana National Park is a wetland / coastal reserve at the delta of the Guadalquivir River and a major site for migrating birds. The park holds 360 species of birds, in transfer from or to Africa (on the same flyway as Djoudj and Banc d’Arguin). Especially noted are its wintering waterfowl, which number over 500.000.
The importance of the Doñana region cannot be overstressed. Half a million wintering birds, mainly wildfowl and waders, flock to the area each year to escape the much colder weather conditions in the north of Europe and many more use it as a feeding station during the migration periods in spring and autumn. It is also of major importance as a breeding ground for some of the scarcest and most endangered bird species in Europe, such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle, the Marbled Duck and the Red-knobbed Coot. The park also is the habitat of the endangered Spanish lynx, Adalbert’s eagle, marbled teal and white-headed duck.
