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The Hand of Fatima route is a great opportunity to get to know the most important aspects of Andalusia with its horse culture and history guiding us through this region´snature, gastronomy and its world class historic sites. It starts with four days riding in the Sierra Nevada National Park, with its changing landscape ranging from high mountain environments to fertile Mediterranean valleys. We will ride through several mountain villages which for centuries were a meeting point of the Arab and Christian worlds. This region is famous for its cured hams and local wine. There will be time to visit the Alhambra in Granada and the magnificent Mosque of Cordoba, both UNESCO World heritage sites, and during the last two days in Cordoba a visit to the Spanish Pure Bred Horses Royal Stables and some riding through the olive dotted landscape will complete the experience. This route is named after “The Hand of Fatima” novel by Spanish writer and horseman Ildefonso Falcones, a recommended read that will guide the rider through the history and landscapes that will be enjoyed during this route.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

DAY 1. CAPILEIRA. Welcoming and introduction of the guide. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** in Capileira.

DAY 2. BUBIÓN – TREVÉLEZ. Drive to the riding centre in Bubión (2 Km away from Capileira). Introduction of the horses. Always along bridle paths, we start climbing and then descend to the village of Pórtugos, where we will take the track that later on will lead us to Trevélez where we will have lunch. We will ride through an oak forest and descend to Trevélez by a bridle path. During the ride there are some opportunities for gallops. This village, famous for its hams, is considered the highest one in Spain (1,700m). Lunch at the Mesón del Jamón. There will be the opportunity to visit some of the ham drying houses. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel La Fragua **A five hour ride.

DAY 3. TREVÉLEZ – JUVILES – LOS BÉRCHULES. After crossing the bridge over the river, we will start this route by a bridle path that climbs the left slope of the ravine, leaving behind the village from which it takes its name. Riding down to Los Berchules by a track. Once again we will enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Contraviesa and Sierra Gádor, this time in the province of Almería. On a clear day we will have the view of the Mediterranean Sea and the silhouette of the mountains of Africa in front of us. Descent to Juviles for lunch. The journey continues on horseback to Los Berchules by a bridle path. Dinner and accommodation tonight in a very comfortable, family-run hotel – El Cercado***. Option for Spa services. Five hours riding

DAY4. LOS BÉRCHULES – CÁDIAR.  From Los Bérchules, we will descend to Narila, where we will stop for water the horses and visit a breeding farm of P.R.E. (Spanish Pure Breed) horses. The ride goes on towards Cádiar village and nearby from the hotel Alquería de Morayma**, where we should arrive just on time for lunch. In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to visit the wine cellar and the olive-oil mill of the Alquería with an explanation of the process to produce the wine and the olive oil. Approximately three hours riding. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 5. CÁDIAR – BUBIÓN. Crossing the Guadalfeo River, we will join the path that will lead us to Lobras, Nieles and Càstaras. We will continue until we reach the impressive gorge of Las Carihuelas de Busquístar, where we will descend to cross the Trevélez river, and we will follow the path which leads to the village of Busquístar for lunch. After lunch two more hours riding to Bubión. A six hour ride. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** in Capileira.

DAY 6. CAPILEIRA – GRANADA – CORDOBA. After breakfast, transfer to Granada where you will have the option to visit the Alhambra or to have a sightseeing tour at the l’Albaicín, Granada where you will have the option to visit the Alhambra* have a guided sightseeing tour* of the Albaicín – the charming Arabic medieval quarter of Granada – or enjoy a relaxing bath at the Arab Hamman*. Transfer in the afternoon to Cordoba. Visit to the Royal Stable where we will enjoy the fabulous equestrian show of “Cordoba Ecuestre”. Dinner in a typical restaurant. Accommodation at the Hotel Alfaros**** right in the city center (subject to availability). Free time to go and enjoy in May the Fair of Cordoba.

DAY 7. CORDOBA – PALMA DEL RÍO. After breakfast visit to the Mosque of Cordoba. Transfer to Palma del Río (30’). Lunch in the village and a 3 hour ride with P.R.E. (Spanish Pure Breed) in the riding center of La Herradura. Farewell dinner in a restaurant at the old part of Palma del Río and accommodation in the wonderful hotel Monasterio de San Francisco***, National Architecture Award.

DAY 8. PALMA DEL RÍO – GRANADA. After breakfast  transfer to the Riding Center of La Herradura (3km) where we will have the choice of a special lesson of 1 hour of Spanish Western Dressage “Doma Vaquera”, or alternatively, a 2 hour ride around. After a small snack, transfer to the airport of Granada.

*Previous reservation is required if you would like to visit the Alhambra, do the Albaicin guided tour or enjoy the Arab baths of the Hamman in Granada. Subject to availability.