Ceremonial Cultural Expedition
OLD TESTs
Exclusive equestrian & cultural journey through Andalucía, combining Feria del Caballo experiences with a Sierra Nevada horseback expedition in Jerez and nearby towns.
Number of Nights: 10
Difficulty: Intermediate
Price: 4351 EUR
Location: Andalucía
OLD TESTs
Andalucía, Spain
Share with friends
Overview & Experience
Our exclusive program “al-Ándalus” blends deep horse culture with the rich historical legacy of Andalucía. Guests gain access to the Feria del Caballo in Jerez, witnessing top-level competitions, elegant horse and carriage parades, live music, and authentic Andalusian celebrations. The journey includes visits to iconic equestrian institutions such as the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, home to the show “How the Andalusian Horses Dance,” and the Yeguada de la Cartuja – Hierro del Bocado, cradle of the Cartujano line.
Beyond the fair, the itinerary expands into a horseback expedition through the northern Sierra Nevada, offering rolling hills, olive groves, mountain trails, and whitewashed villages. A bilingual, specialized equestrian guide accompanies the group throughout, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience that fuses culture, history, and authentic riding.
Accommodations, Inclusions & Logistics
The package covers 11 days / 10 nights in shared double rooms with a bilingual guide specialized in equestrian tourism. Inclusions encompass breakfast, welcome cocktail and dinner, winery tasting, and access to the Feria del Caballo events, Yeguada la Cartuja visit, and the Royal School show. A trained and fully equipped horse for the five-day ride, support vehicle for luggage, safety-checked routes, official permits, and a certificate of participation are included.
Key transfers and meals comprise group private transfers between hotels, Feria venues, wineries, and stud farms; European breakfast from May 14–23; and full board from May 18–23 (one drink included with lunch or dinner). The itinerary is subject to live event schedules and possible last-minute adjustments by organizers.
Feria del Caballo, Equestrian Art & Cultural Highlights
During the Jerez visit, participants enjoy the Feria del Caballo at Parque Gonzalez Hontoria, with opportunities to observe Vaquera dressage, carriage displays, and several morphological and riding competitions. A highlight is the Paseo de Caballos, a riders’ parade featuring riders, amazonas, and carriages, accompanied by regional music and flamenco. The program also includes an evening performance by the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, titled “How the Andalusian Horses Dance,” renowned for its elegant choreography, period costumes, and classical Vaquera movements.
Other cultural experiences include a guided visit to González Byass Wineries for a tasting and an intimate look at Jerez’s winemaking tradition, followed by a visit to Yeguada de la Cartuja – Hierro del Bocado to meet the purest Cartujano lineage and witness a live arena performance showcasing classical dressage and iconic movements such as the “cobra de Yeguas.”
Riding Adventure & Landscape
The program extends beyond the fairgrounds with a five-day horseback journey across one of southern Spain’s most stunning natural regions—the northern face of the Sierra Nevada. Riders traverse shaded trails among oak and pine, glide across rolling hills, cross streams, and ascend ridges to scenic overlooks. Accommodations are rustic yet authentic, designed to immerse riders in the local culture and landscape, with meals featuring regional specialties and a celebration of Iberian wines (Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Sherry, Montilla-Moriles, among others).
Each day follows a traditional equestrian rhythm, allowing time to connect with local horsemen, study lineage, and savor the bond between horse, land, and people. The expedition culminates in a deeper appreciation of Andalusian heritage and the living tradition of horseback travel through the countryside.
Cultural Context & Special Experiences
The journey emphasizes Andalucía’s equestrian culture, royal traditions, and historical horse breeding. Guests explore the Cartujano lineage cultivated by Carthusian monks for centuries, visit one of the oldest horse fairs in Spain, and witness morphologic and Vaquera competitions that reflect regional dressage customs. Time is also set aside for wine culture, with visits to prominent bodegas, and for absorbing the architectural and historical highlights of cities like Jerez and Ronda (birthplace of modern bullfighting, with Hemingway and Rilke-inspired landscapes).
Evenings blend performance, gastronomy, and storytelling as riders meet locals and horsemen who proudly share their lineage and devotion to the horse.
Summary
Riding - 5 days - approx. 6 hours per day
Terrain Difficulty - Easy
Pace - Walk
Mount Type - English saddle
Max. Weight - 100 kg
Accommodation - Hotel
Group Size - 6 min. - 8 max.
Riding Level - Intermediate
Min. Age - 14 years, unless accompanied by an adult.
Included Items:
Accommodation
Welcome Dinner
Support Vehicle
Welcome Cocktail
Safe and Verified Route
Bilingual Equestrian Guide
Certificate of Participation
Special Five-Day Horseback Ride
Itinerary and Logistics Program
Trained and Fully Equipped Horses
Tasting at Gonzalez Byass wineries
Visit to Yeguada de la Cartuja - Hierro del bocado
Royal school of equestrian art - spectacle How Andalusian Horses Dance
Not Included Items:
Airfare
Entry Fees
Travel Insurance
Airport Transfers
Personal Transfers
Alcoholic Beverages
Bus Station Transfers
Additional Hotel Expenses
Transfer out from the ending Point
Local or International Phone Calls
Lunch, Dinners, Changes to Pre-arranged Menus
Transfers to/from the Starting or Ending Point
Additional Costs for Single or Different Accommodation
Additional Expenses, Tips, Any Other Services Not Described in the Program.
Itinerary
DAY01: May 13 / Wednesday
BEGINNING OF THE PROGRAM
17:00 Welcome Meeting Cocktail, at Puerto de Santa María. During which the tour guide will be introduced, and the program for the following days will be explained. Afterwards, a welcome dinner will be enjoyed, featuring traditional dishes from the region.
Puerto de Santa María is a vibrant recreational hub in the bay, with constant activity throughout the year. Its beaches, wine cellars, and wide range of entertainment and dining options make it a top tourist destination. Among its most emblematic buildings is the Castillo de San Marcos (10th–14th centuries), originally an Arab mosque and now a beautiful fortress. Also notable are the Monastery of La Victoria and the Gothic-style Iglesia Mayor Prioral. Highlights of its civil architecture include the Lonja, the Hospital de San Juan de Dios, and the Fuente de las Galeras. During the Middle Ages, the city experienced significant maritime growth, so it's no surprise that its sailors played a notable role in the discovery and conquest of the Americas. In this city, the navigator Juan de la Cosa drew the first world map to include the Americas in 1500.
Items included for the day: Accommodation at Hotel Soho Boutique Vista Hermosa 4** or similar
Welcome Cocktel & Dinner

DAY02: May 14 / Thursday
González Byass Wineries & Horse Fair
After breakfast, a private transfer will take us to the González Byass wineries, better known as 'Bodegas Tío Pepe.' This monumental winery complex, located in the historic center of Jerez, is a hallmark of 19th-century winemaking tradition with its Andalusian courtyards, trellised streets, and spectacular centuries-old cellars where the finest Sherries and Brandies age. We will explore the vineyards and gardens, tour the 180-year-old cellars, and enjoy a tasting of the exquisite flavors and aromas of the best Sherries.
Following our winery visit, we will proceed to El Parque González Hontoria, home to 'La Feria del Caballo,' one of the oldest and most significant horse fairs in Spain and the world. Declared of International Tourist Interest, the fair offers visitors a chance to witness various equestrian events, displays, and Vaquera dressage competitions, as well as enjoy local wines, the magic of flamenco, and the spectacular horse and carriage parades throughout the venue. It promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation at Hotel Soho Boutique Vista Hermosa 4** or similar
Items included for the day: Breakfast - Private transfer to the González Byass wineries - Winery tour and wine tasting at González Byass - Transfer and visit to the Feria del Caballo: Equestrian events - Vaquera dressage - Carriage display - Visits to the casetas (stands) - Private transfer back to the hotel.

DAY03: May 15 / Friday
Feria del Caballo & Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
After breakfast, we will be transferred to visit Yeguada de la Cartuja. The Yeguada de la Cartuja – Hierro del Bocado, is one of the most prestigious and historic horse breeding farms in the world, located in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. It is home to the purest bloodline of the Andalusian horse, known as the Cartujano, a breed cultivated for over five centuries by Carthusian monks and preserved with exceptional care.
Today, the stud farm is not only a living heritage site but also a center of excellence in equine genetics, housing more than 200 horses that embody elegance, strength, and nobility. It offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to experience the beauty, history, and tradition of one of Spain’s most iconic horse breeds.
As we arrive to the stud, the air is filled with the fresh scent of the countryside… and the unmistakable presence of history. The stillness of the morning blends with the distant whinnies of horses. Far across the open meadows, we spot the majestic silhouettes of Cartujano mares grazing freely, surrounded by playful foals trotting with curiosity.
Our experience begins with a warm and heartfelt welcome from the staff. From the very first step, we’re drawn into the world of equestrian tradition. We stroll through ancient stone buildings where the legacy of the Carthusian monks still lingers in the air. Our guide — passionate and deeply knowledgeable — shares stories passed down through the centuries: how these horses were raised with care and rigor, how their bloodlines were preserved with devotion, and why they’ve become a true symbol of nobility.
As we venture deeper into the farm, we reach the stallion stables. We pass by the old tack room, filled with traditional harnesses and saddles, and we can’t help but feel a mix of wonder and reverence standing so close to such powerful yet graceful animals. When we step into the museum and see the carriages, the experience becomes almost spiritual — we begin to truly understand the deep bond between Jerez and this extraordinary breed.
DAY04: DAY04: May 16 / Saturday
Accommodation at: Hotel Soho Boutique Vista Hermosa 4** or similar
Items included for the day: Breakfast – Private transfer to Yeguada la Cartuja - Visit to the stud farm - Private transfer to the fairgrounds - Visit to the Feria del Caballo - Equestrian events - Carriage displays - Visits to the casetas (stands) - Transfer back to the hotel.

DAY04: May 16 / Saturday
Yeguada de la Cartuja
Then comes the unforgettable moment: the performance in the covered arena. The music begins. One by one, the horses enter, performing classical dressage movements with hypnotic precision. The rhythmic sound of their hooves echoes like noble drums. And when we witness the “cobra de Yeguas” — several mares joined by a single rope, moving in perfect harmony — we’re left absolutely breathless. It’s poetry in motion.
Finally, as a young foal approaches and gently nuzzles our hands without fear, we know we’ve experienced something extraordinary. We haven’t just visited a farm — we’ve touched a living piece of Andalusia’s soul.
But the day has just begun. It is time to go to Parque Gonzalez Hontoria to enjoy the last day of Feria. Today the celebration is even bigger, and we see happy people and beautiful horses everywhere.
Accommodation at: Hotel Soho Boutique Vista Hermosa 4** or similar
Items included for the day: Breakfast – Private transfer to Yeguada la Cartuja - Visit to the stud farm - Private transfer to the fairgrounds - Visit to the Feria del Caballo - Equestrian events - Carriage displays - Visits to the casetas (stands) - Transfer back to the hotel.

DAY05: May 17 / Sunday
Puerto de Santa Maria to the starting point of our horseback journey
Beginning our horseback journey on a Monday morning in the heart of Spain's cultural land is more than just an adventure — it feels like stepping into another time. Over the course of five unforgettable days on horseback, we move to the noble rhythm of our horses, leaving behind the noise of the modern world to embrace a landscape where tradition lives on and every mile offers a deeper connection to culture, history, and nature.
From the very start, we feel the deep equestrian spirit that runs through these lands: ancient bridle paths, whitewashed cortijos nestled among olive groves, and conversations with local horsemen who proudly speak of their horses’ lineage. In every village we pass, we are welcomed as part of an old custom — travelers on horseback, as it was done centuries ago.
Each day is a feast for the senses. Our meals are true tributes to the local cuisine: aged cheeses, Iberian cured meats, slow-cooked stews rich with flavor, fresh-baked bread, and traditional desserts that taste like family recipes passed down through generations. At midday or in the golden hour before sunset, a glass of wine always awaits us — Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Sherry, Montilla-Moriles and many more — wines that don’t just accompany the food, but speak of the soil beneath our feet.
Our path leads us through shaded trails lined with oak and pine, across golden fields and up through rolling hills where the wind carries only the sound of hooves and birdsong. We cross streams, climb ridges, and pause at scenic overlooks where time seems to stand still and the horizon stretches endlessly.
As night falls, we rest in charming rural lodges, warm and filled with authenticity. We share stories and laughter, soothed by the fulfilling fatigue of a day well lived. The stars above become our final gift before sleep.
By Saturday, when we reach the end of our journey, it doesn’t feel like something is over — it feels like we’ve become part of something timeless. We’ve touched a tradition that honors the land, the horse, and the spirit of those who came before us. We return with tired bodies, full hearts, and memories that will stay with us forever.

DAY06: May 18 to May 23
DAY06: Monday May 18 to Saturday May 23
Beginning our horseback journey on a Monday morning in the heart of Spain's cultural land is more than just an adventure — it feels like stepping into another time. Over the course of five unforgettable days on horseback, we move to the noble rhythm of our horses, leaving behind the noise of the modern world to embrace a landscape where tradition lives on and every mile offers a deeper connection to culture, history, and nature.
From the very start, we feel the deep equestrian spirit that runs through these lands: ancient bridle paths, whitewashed cortijos nestled among olive groves, and conversations with local horsemen who proudly speak of their horses’ lineage. In every village we pass, we are welcomed as part of an old custom — travelers on horseback, as it was done centuries ago.
Each day is a feast for the senses. Our meals are true tributes to the local cuisine: aged cheeses, Iberian cured meats, slow-cooked stews rich with flavor, fresh-baked bread, and traditional desserts that taste like family recipes passed down through generations. At midday or in the golden hour before sunset, a glass of wine always awaits us — Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Sherry, Montilla-Moriles and many more — wines that don’t just accompany the food, but speak of the soil beneath our feet.
Our path leads us through shaded trails lined with oak and pine, across golden fields and up through rolling hills where the wind carries only the sound of hooves and birdsong. We cross streams, climb ridges, and pause at scenic overlooks where time seems to stand still and the horizon stretches endlessly.
As night falls, we rest in charming rural lodges, warm and filled with authenticity. We share stories and laughter, soothed by the fulfilling fatigue of a day well lived. The stars above become our final gift before sleep.
By Saturday, when we reach the end of our journey, it doesn’t feel like something is over — it feels like we’ve become part of something timeless. We’ve touched a tradition that honors the land, the horse, and the spirit of those who came before us. We return with tired bodies, full hearts, and memories that will stay with us forever.

DAY11: May 23 / Saturday
DAY 11: Saturday May 23
After breakfast, end of the program.






















Loading PDF viewer...
