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Romantic Road to Ronda
Southern Spain
Spain
The Romantic Road, also known as the English Way, starts from Gibraltar and crosses the mountain range to reach Ronda.
This is an exciting journey, which was made famous in the 19th century, when artists (writers, painters...) of the Romantic movement travelled from all over the world to follow that route, in search of adventures and inspiration.
During this trip, we will also discover vestiges of the Moorish, which ruled this land between the 8th and the 15th centuries. At the time, Andalusia was the theatre of conflicts between the Moors and Christians. Nowadays, we can still see the influences left by these 2 religions on so many citadels, fortresses (alcazares), castles and towers.
In addition to its historical significance, this route offers splendid sceneries. In 1865 Henry O'Shea said that the road from Gibraltar to Ronda "... was one of the most beautiful and romantic journeys on horseback that can be undertaken by our country."
Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation
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Meeting:
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Los Barrios
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Airport:
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Malaga or Jerez
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Transfer:
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Malaga or Jerez Airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2021
Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals with water (1 glass of wine included with dinner), 6 riding days, Luggage transportation with support vehicle & Transfers at set times
A | 2021 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €1250 | $1490 |
Single supplement (if not willing to share) | €175 | $210 |
Solo rider supplement (1 pax only) - includes single supplement | €475 | $565 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2021
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Transfer from/to Malaga or Jerez Airport included at set times
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€
0
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$0
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2021
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Transfer outside set times, per car (1-4 pax)
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€
180
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$215
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2021
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Non-rider
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€
850
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$1,015
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Rates do not include:
Extra drinks, Transfers outside set times & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up from either Malaga or Jerez airport and transfer you to your base for the first few nights. We will then match horses with rider based on various criteria such as height and riding experience.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel la Montera or Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios
Day 2: Arab Stud Farm & Los Alcornocales Natural Park
We start the day by exploring the area around the Finca, where you can see the thoroughbred Arabian horses that are bred by your hosts. Then, we will visit a ranch with bulls. Eventually, we will ride to the Natural Park of Los Alcornocales (some river crossings). The park is famous for its rich vegetation.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel la Montera or Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios
Day 3: Los Barrios to Catsellar Castle
Today's route allows you to discover the Hispano-Muslim frontier heritage of the province from a privileged location in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park: the southern edge of the Sierra de los Melones. Our destination for the day is Castellar Castle, built during the Nazar kingdom.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle of Castellar Hotel
Day 4: Castellar Castle to Jimena de la Frontera
Our trail takes us through forests of holm oaks, cork oaks and a leafy thicket of rockrose, gorse and thyme, the ideal setting for the bandits who inhabited these lands. We will end the ride beneath the Castle of Jimena de la Frontera, an important defense for the Nasrid Kingdom.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Enrieta in Jimena de la Frontera
Day 5: Jimena de la Frontera to Gaucin
The romantic legend of these lands is linked to the famous “Bandoleros” of the Serrania de Ronda. They were highwaymen who hid in the hills and the forests to rob the wealthy travellers going to Ronda.
We will ride along the paths that the smugglers used to take, carrying tobacco and other goods from the coast to Ronda, from where it was distributed throughout Andalusia and Spain.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel la Frotuosa in Gaucin
Day 6: Gaucin to Jimena de Libar
This route never disappoints! We go through a charming but rough valley that offers a colourful mosaic with its lush gardens. These gardens have been able to survive thanks to the care of the inhabitants, who have wisely managed to exploit the valley's resources without undermining its landscape and natural beauty. We will also follow old trail roads previously used by muleteers to transport the wheat and olives that were milled on the banks of the Guadiaro River.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Almaraz in Jimena de Libar
Day 7: Jimena de Libar to Ronda
Today, we follow a historic route, deep in the Serranía de Ronda, where the fruit trees and irrigation of the Guadiaro valley give way to sharp slopes, forested hillsides and bare rocks.
We then take a beautiful path above the River Guadiaro and climb up to the ancient city of Ronda and its famous gorge.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Restaurante Berlanga in Ronda
Day 8: Departure
We will transfer you back to the airport after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Los Barrios
Airport:
Malaga or Jerez
Train station:
Algeciras
Transfer:
Malaga or Jerez Airport
Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Andalusian and Arab-Andalusian mix
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Pace:
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Approx. 5 hours in the saddle per riding day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
13
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
Tarifa area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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60
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60
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62
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64
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67
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72
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76
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77
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74
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70
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65
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61
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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52
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52
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54
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55
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59
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64
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67
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69
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66
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62
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57
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54
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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16
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15
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17
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18
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20
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22
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24
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25
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23
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21
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18
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16
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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11
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11
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12
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13
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15
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18
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20
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20
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19
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17
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14
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12
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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7
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7
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6
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6
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3
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1
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0
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0
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1
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5
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7
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8
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Andalusia benefits from a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Rainfalls are not common in this region as the sun shines on average 300 days a year. Most of the rain falls during the winter months, but it very rarely rains for a long time.
This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots + Minichaps
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Riding helmet
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Rain coat/Wax jacket
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Light summer jacket
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Warm jacket
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Comfortable shoes/sneakers
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Swimsuit
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Bandana
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films
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Belt pack
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Water bottle
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun cream and lip balm
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.
Description
You will be sleeping in various small hotels along the way.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel Montera or Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios
Night 3: Castle of Castellar Hotel
Night 4: Hotel Enrieta in Jimena de la Frontera
Night 5: Hotel la Fructuosa in Gaucin
Night 6: Hotel Almaraz in Jimena de Libar
Night 7: Hotel Restaurante Berlanga in Ronda
Hotel Montera in Los Barrios
This small hotel offers 64 spacious bedrooms, decorated with style and all equipped with air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access, private facilities and a balcony. The hotel has a garden and a terrace with an outdoor swimming pool. It is possible to do your laundry for an extra fee.
Castle of Castellar Hotel
Tonight, you will get to sleep in a fortress dating back to the 13th century. There are 9 rooms, all uniquely decorated and feature temperature control (hot/cold), ensuite full bathroom with hair dryer, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and beautiful views.
Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios
This charming country house is surrounded by nature. It has 8 bedrooms, all with private bathroom and internet access. Guests are welcome to relax in the living room, by the fireplace or to go for a walk in the lovely garden.
Hotel Enrieta in Jimena de la Frontera
This accommodation used to be the house of a famous doctor. It has now been renovated into a lovely boutique hotel with 13 individually decorated bedrooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, heating, a safe and a private bathroom with hairdryer. The hotel has a terrace that offers wonderful views over the Serrania de Ronda. There is also a solarium on the top floor, with great views of the castle.
Hotel la Fructuosa in Gaucin
You will be accommodated in a building that is over 200 years old and occupied various functions over time. It was first renovated in 1998 and then again in 2017. All rooms come with a private bathroom, a TV, fans, central heating, and free Wi-Fi access.
Hotel Almaraz in Jimena de Libar
Your accommodation for the night is a lovely hotel offering simple and comfortable accommodations in the heart of the village. Each room has its own bathroom, a TV and free Wi-Fi access.
Hotel Restaurante Berlanga in Ronda
This family run hotel offers comfortable accommodation, only a short walk from Ronda's city center. The 27 rooms are all equipped with ensuite bathroom, a TV, air conditioning and heating. There is free Wi-Fi access available at this property.
Room Occupancy
In case we do not find you a roommate, single supplement fees apply.
Meals
All meals are included from the dinner on Day 1 to the breakfast on Day 8.
You will be served typical regional meals (paella, stews...).
Lunches are often served as picnics on the trail.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Andalusian and Arab-Andalusian mix
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Pace:
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Approx. 5 hours in the saddle per riding day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
13
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
1 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No/2 |
Canadian |
No/2 |
USA |
No/2 |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Romantic Road to Ronda
Tour Code:
IT-SPAN02
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,490.00
Dates :
Mar-Oct
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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