Jour 1: Ronda
ITALY/MALAGA/RONDA (-/-/D)
A unique experience like no other….straddling two continents!!!! This week‑long riding adventure will see you depart from Spain to reach the Moroccan coast, discovering two different cultures, colors, foods, and landscapes. The first part of the route, through the South of Spain and up to the Strait of Gibraltar on horseback, traces the ancient path once used by smugglers, traffickers, and bandits, known as “La Ruta de Los Viajeros Romanticos”. The arrival is scheduled in Malaga, to begin the itinerary in the coastal town of San Roque in southern Spain, showcasing the flamboyant culture of southern Spain and the beauty of its scenery… a private flamenco show, Spanish wines in an Andalusian “cortijo,” and a night under the stars in Parque Los Alcornocales. We’ll continue riding until reaching the southernmost point of Europe, from where we’ll cross the Strait of Gibraltar to arrive in Tangier, Morocco. The route continues south toward Asilah, known for its colorful old town and relaxed vibe. Discover the Atlantic coast on horseback, freshly cooked meals in terracotta pots over fire, and the experience of a local hammam after a long day in the saddle….and to top it off, we’ll fly over the ocean by helicopter to return home.
Arrival at Malaga airport, a coastal city in southern Spain. Pick‑up by our local correspondents (airport transfer on request), and approximately two‑hour transfer to Ronda. This town saw the first invasions dating back to 711 when the Moors captured Gibraltar. The castle of Ronda was conquered and Ronda took control of the entire region. Ronda developed atop Roman and Visigothic structures and was then replaced by mosques and Muslim buildings, becoming an independent kingdom. Check‑in at La Colegiata de Ronda, a charming boutique hotel located in the city center. After a moment of relaxation, transfer to Reservatauro for a wine and tapas tasting and a private visit to the farm, where you will learn about the importance of horse and bull breeding in Spanish tradition. Dinner and overnight at La Colegiata de Ronda.
Jour 2: Montejaque
RONDA/MONTEJAQUE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, meet with the horses for this first leg of about 13 km toward the picturesque village of Montejaque. Lunch stop at restaurant Entre Ascuas to enjoy some typical Andalusian dishes and in the afternoon arrival at the boutique Hotel Palacete de Mañara for dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 3: Cortes de la Frontera
MONTEJAQUE /CORTES DE LA FRONTERA (B/L/D)
Breakfast and a full day on horseback of over 20 km; crossing the majestic unspoiled landscape of Llanos de Libar with views of the mountains. Picnic lunch in nature and in the afternoon arrival in Cortes de la Frontera. Free time to explore the town. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Las Camaretas.
Jour 4: Colmenar
CORTES DE LA FRONTERA / EL COLMENAR (B/L/D)
Today we begin our day on horseback crossing the beautiful Natural Reserve of Alcornocales, known for its oak forests inhabited by a wide variety of small mammals. Lunch set up in nature and in the afternoon arrival at Hotel Las Buitreras for dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 5: Jimena De La Frontera
EL COLMENAR /JIMENA DE LA FRONTERA (B/L/D)
Another day on horseback of over 20 km. We’ll start by crossing fresh pine groves and start to glimpse the Strait of Gibraltar in the distance, where Spanish and Moroccan culture merge, reflected in the cuisine, architecture, and culture. Lunch at the restaurant Venta Las Acacias and in the afternoon arrival in the town of Jimena de La Frontera for an evening accompanied by flamenco sounds.
Jour 6: Asilah
JIMENA DE LA FRONTERA / TANGIER/ASILAH (B/L/D)
From Jimena, the old railway tracks will give way to good gallops across farmland and pastures with views of the strait. Lunch stop at a typical “venta.” After lunch we bid farewell to the horses that have accompanied us thus far and transfer to the ferry (for those wishing to participate only in the Spanish leg, a transfer to Malaga airport is available and continuation is optional) for a short one‑hour crossing through the Strait of Gibraltar to the port of Tangier, a city in the northwest of Morocco, on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Meet your guide and visit the Medina (Kasbah) and continue to Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. When the sun becomes gentler, you will take a camel ride at sunset along the beach before returning to the medina of Asilah, which is just minutes away by car. In 1471 the Portuguese occupied Asilah and in 1578, after the Battle of the Three Kings, it became a Spanish possession. It returned to Moroccan hands only in 1589, after an agreement between the Spanish ruler Philip II and the Moroccan Sultan Ahmad al‑Mansur of the Saadian dynasty. In 1911 the Spanish once again occupied the city, which remained part of Spanish Morocco until it was returned to the Kingdom of Morocco in 1956. Asilah is now a fishing port, a summer resort, and a commercial center for cereals, cattle, and sheep. Arrival for dinner and overnight stay in Asilah at the Hotel Al Alba (or similar).
Jour 7:
ASILAH/REHOUNA (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the Riadh and at 9:30 a short visit to the new medina of Asilah. After lunch, you will depart for a beach ride as the sun softens and spend the night in Rehouna, at Casa Hermes, founded by Patrick Guerrand‑Hermès, born from his love for horses and his privileged relationship with Morocco.
Jour 8:
REHOUNA/MASSALAH/MALAGA/ITALY (B/L/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the beautiful Polo Club La Palmeraie, an elite establishment offering three polo fields facing the beach of Sidi Mghayt in Massalah. The club currently has 64 polo horses and offers a full range of activities: stick and ball, practice, rides, and even tournaments managed by a team of Argentine players living there. After the polo, transfer via helicopter through the villages to Ceuta, where you will take the helicopter to Malaga airport for your journey home.
Note: The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. It is possible to participate in only the Spanish experience or only the Moroccan experience.
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°°° (INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED)
ACCOMMODATION: luxury hotels and haciendas
EQUIPMENT: vaquera saddle in Spain and English saddle in Morocco
HORSES: Spanish horse (in the first part) and Arabian‑Berber or Thoroughbred‑cross in the second part
PACE: APPROX. 4/5 H PER DAY IN THE SADDLE (approx. 20 km) . We ride at three paces. Ability to control your horse in open spaces is required. In the Moroccan section, there will be a beautiful polo experience
MAX WEIGHT: 95 Kg
TYPE: Itinerary trekking with overnight stays in boutique hotels
ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1 La Colegiada de La Ronda in Ronda
Night 2: Palacete de la Menara in Montejaque
Night 3: Hotel Las Camaretas in Cortes de la Frontera
Night 4: Hotel Las Buitreras in El Colmenar
Night 5: Rancho Los Lobos in Jimena de la
Night 6: Hotel Al Alba in Asilah
Night 7: Casa Hermes in Rehouna
Guaranteed shared departure dates, with a minimum of 4 participants:
From 05/24 to 05/31
From 06/07 to 06/14
From 07/05 to 07/12
From 09/13 to 09/20
Additional departure dates upon request with a minimum of 4 participants, except in November and March due to likely heavy rains.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 4 MAX 8
SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Fee for the Spanish part (5 nights) per person in double Euro 4.750
Fee for the Moroccan part ON REQUEST
