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GEORGE SCOTT RIDES

3 - 7 NIGHTS | FROM €2,500 | SEVILLE, SPAIN

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THE ANDALUSIAN DREAM

George Scott’s glorious rides through the Sierra Morena, a wild and unexplored region of northern Andalucia which borders with Extremadura, is an area of magnificent landscapes light years away from the overpopulated coastlines and hoards of tourists wandering its famous cities.

You will ride for approximately 5 hours a day, breaking here and there for tapas or just to admire the view, then enjoying lazy picnic lunches in stunning settings before moving on towards the end of the day and a ridiculously romantic candle-lit dinner under a canopy of stars.

Meals are a work of art set in a scene ready to be painted. Meat cooked over an open fire, hand made ravioli, Iberico ham, scorched vegetables, gourmet cheeses, warm breads, sizzling chorizo, cold beers, chilled sherry wine - a real feast for the soul!

George Scott’s hedonistic rides through the glorious Spanish countryside are not to be missed. The landscapes are beautiful, the food is world class but by far the biggest drawcard is of course being hosted by George, the most charming man you can imagine.

LET’S RIDE

 

OVERVIEW

RIDE GUIDE

Duration: From three to seven nights

Cost: From €2,200 to €7,000 per person sharing

Operator: George Scott Rides

Where: Seville, Spain

Riding level: Experienced riders only. You must be comfortable at all paces.

Weight limit: Maximum of 95kg/210lbs

Time in the saddle: Up to 5 hours a day

HORSES

The horses are predominantly thoroughbred, anglo-Arabians and Spanish PRE. The horses, like their owner, are red blooded and full of life though always well mannered. The perfect ride for an experienced rider that appreciates a forward horse.

All the horses are ridden in comfortable deep Spanish saddles with sheepskin seat savers.

The riding is free and open across the rolling countryside with many opportunities for a fast gallop.

ACCOMMODATION

Taramona: George’s private home. You’ll share a beautifully decorated bedroom or apartment. Dinner will be enjoyed around a finely set table. The house is candle lit and warmed by log fires.

Rajasthani tents that are expertly set up ahead of the party. Alternatively you may overnight in a beautiful old villa that George and his team has breathed life into, just for your visit.

George is all about first time experiences. His impeccable taste and sense of adventure will take you to wild and beautiful places!

GET IN TOUCH

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Shared accommodation, all horse riding, guides, meals, alcohol and soft drinks are included. Whiskey, gin, vodka, wine and beers are always available but please let us know should you have a special request. George not only guides but can play the piano and guitar beautifully as evening entertainment.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

The price does not include international or domestic flights, travel insurance, or optional staff tips (€20 a day as a guide). Full medical and holiday insurance is required to join the ride.

TRANSFERS

Transfers from Seville airport are included in the tour price. Taramona is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Seville airport.

MEALS

Meals are as big a drawcard as the horses and countryside on George’s ride. There are separate teams for the midday and evening meals and each plays out like theatre.

Lunch is a picnic oasis taken amongst the trees. You’ll enjoy wonderful fresh salads, charcuterie boards, home made breads, cheeses, a hot chickpea or lentil stew, incredible chorizo, savoury tarts, cakes and a full bar.

In the evening, after an aperitif, a mallmann-esque three course meal cooked in a 16th century oven or over open flame will dazzle your senses! Start with a burnt pomelo negroni, paired with empanadas, flame roasted artichokes, croquettes and cheese before moving to your candle-lit table. Every meal has a different table-scape. The main meal is carnivore friendly (though vegetarians are well cared for too) with steaks, chorizo and cuts of beef cooked to your liking.

A true feast for your eyes, stomach and soul.

WHAT TO PACK

As with all riding holidays layering is key to staying comfortable. Linen and cotton shirts with a gilet will keep you cool under the Spanish sun. Don’t forget to bring a smart sunhat especially if you choose not to wear a riding helmet.

Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.

Should you wish to dress like a local for your ride, we are happy to recommend places to find beautiful Spanish country clothing.

Helmets are not provided. Please bring your own if you choose to wear one.

George will take you off-grid to romantic, isolated places no one may have visited for half a century. A power bank is vital to charge your phone. You’ll want to take photos of the incredible horses and food! We recommend our favourite power bank and other gear here.

INTERNET AND WIFI

As accommodation is in luxurious Rajasthani tents or off-grid villas there is no wifi on the ride but cell phone reception is usually very good and universally available.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

If three nights just isn’t enough time in Andalusia ask about staying at the family finca, Trasierra. George’s childhood home, the property was later stylishly refined by his mother, Charlotte, to become a much-loved country guesthouse which has gained a loyal following as a hideaway, far from the madness of modern city life.

PRICES & AVAILABILITY

George runs two seasons. Spring from March to June, and Autumn from September to November.

SPRING DATES + PRICES

3 Night Rides €2,500pp

MARCH
21st – 24th
28th - 31st

APRIL
‍11th - 14th

MAY
30th - 2nd June

JUNE
13th - 16th

5 Night Rides with 2 nights inc Rajasthani Tents 4,500pp

APRIL
2nd - 7th

MAY
7th - 12th
21st - 26th

AUTUMN DATES + PRICES

3 Night Rides €2,500pp

September
12th - 15th
19th  - 22nd

October‍3rd - 6th
10th - 13th
19th - 22nd

November
24th - 27th

5 Night Rides with 2 nights inc Rajasthani Tents 4,500pp

September
15th - 20th
24th - 29th

Maximum group size of 8.

To book, submit a Rider Form.


ANDALUSIA, SPAIN

Currency is the euro (EUR). You can pay your tips in euro. While it’s wise to carry a small amount of cash with you it’s possible not to spend a penny for your entire trip.

Time Zone: GMT +1

Climate:  Warm and arid make sure you wear layers to beat the heat and changes in temperature during the day. It can rain and though George can provide dark green ponchos to keep you dry a lightweight raincoat is always a good idea.

Visa: A British national can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Please check the visa and covid entry requirements with your government advice website before setting off.


SAMPLE 3 NIGHT ITINERARY

Please know George may change the itinerary but only ever to keep you even more entertained, safe, dry and happy.

 

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL TO TARAMONA

Your destination is Sevilla where you will be met and driven to Taramona which is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from the airport.

This XVI Century Farmhouse is settled in the heart of Sierra Morena mountains looking across a dramatic valley towards the wilds of Extremadura.

If you are staying in the city center, we can arrange a transfer to Taramona directly from wherever you are staying

Guests will have the chance to try out their horses which will be taking them on this adventure for the next 3 days.

Aperitivo and drinks followed by a candle lit dinner.

 
 

DAY 2 - ROMANTIC VILLA

After a hearty breakfast we will set off on a 2 and half hour ride climbing up to one of the highest points of the surrounding mountain range. From here you will have panoramic views of the Sierra followed by the descent towards the Pantano del Pintado lake where a delicious safari style lunch will be waiting for us.

After a short reviving siesta we will mount up and set off again towards the ancient wild cattle trail of Garganta Fria which will eventually lead us all the way back to Taramona.

Tonight the evening Aperitivo will be served beside the XVI century stone oven while you watch tonight's dinner being prepared by our argentine cook, an expert in open fire cooking, before moving on into part of the candlelit ruin which we light with flares. An unforgettable setting full of atmosphere, history, and romance.

 
 

DAY 3 - PICNIC SPLENDOR

After another hearty breakfast we will set off on another beautiful, peaceful ride along the top of the valley, heading east towards a spot where connecting different cattle trails meet. We will then begin our descent to the crossing of the Benalija Stream where an abundant picnic lunch will be waiting for us.

After lunch and a short rest, we will connect with the other side of the valley and find our way cross country through the Mediterranean oak forest to the late turn of the century "El Hornillo Bajo". Here we will spend a night lit only by oil lamps, firelight and candles as the electricity doesn't reach us here - a real experience of life as it was lived until relatively recently.

Tonight, dinner will be cooked over the open fire and you will be seated under the stars in this unique area renowned for star gazing.

The comfortable beds are warmed by hot water bottles.

 
 

DAY 4 - DEPARTURE

Last but not least, we will now enter the wildest part of our three day ride. As we leave El Hornillo behind we will now descend to the Rio Benalija, stopping under an ancient Mediterranean Oak Tree which has become one of George’s favourite places to set up our tables. This is covering completely untrodden ground, and at the very end of the last climb of our last ride we will be able to look back over the magnificent landscapes which we have ridden and explored over the last few days.

As always a merienda (tea, coffee and home made cake) will be awaiting us and you will have time to freshen up before departing for Sevilla airport and the real world.

 
 
 


MEET YOUR GUIDE

GEORGE SCOTT

Born in Seville, George Scott has lived and breathed the Andalucian way of life since he was a child.

The family finca, Trasierra, in which he grew up was later stylishly refined by his mother, Charlotte, to become a much-loved country house cum guest house which has gained a loyal following as a hideaway, far from the madness of modern life.

George has been a natural rider all his life and, as a boy, he loved to explore the wild and unspoilt country on his horse learning all about the folklore from the locals. The hills of the Sierra Morena held no secrets for him and his local childhood friends.

In recent years, with the permission of neighbouring land owners, he has been re-discovering and, in some places, painstakingly restoring old cattle-driving routes, many of which have not been trodden for decades.

He now wants to share his love and knowledge of this breathtaking region with small groups of travellers, who can discover the Spanish countryside in an utterly unique way - on horseback.

 

PRICES & AVAILABILITY

AUTUMN DATES + PRICES

3 Night Rides €2,500pp

OCTOBER
26 - 29

NOVEMBER

16 - 19

5 Night Rides €3,500pp

NOVEMBER
31 Oct - 05

5 Night Rides with 2 nights inc Rajasthani Tents 4,500pp

SEPTEMBER
19 - 24

OCTOBER
03 - 08
17 - 22

SPRING DATES + PRICES

3 Night Rides €2,500pp

MARCH
21st – 24th
28th - 31st

APRIL
‍11th - 14th

‍MAY

30th - 2nd June

JUNE
13th - 16th

5 Night Rides with 2 nights inc Rajasthani Tents €4,500pp

APRIL
2nd - 7th

MAY
7th - 12th
21st - 26th

Private groups are welcome with a maximum of 8 guests.

To book, submit a Rider Form. George or his team will contact you directly regarding availability. Saddles are reserved with a deposit of 30% with the balance due 10 weeks before departure date.