Page 41 - Cork & Tee Sample Program Flipbook, 2018

Proposed Accommodations: Cortijo Barranco

Day 9: Excursion to Ancient Jerez. For today, we propose an excursion to the ancient city of
Jerez de la Frontera, where Ivan lives. In the
morning, he will meet you for a 45-min private
transfer to the city. Located 12 miles inland, Jerez
is known worldwide as the epicenter of sherry
production. The word Jerez is derived from
Arabic and has now become synonymous with the
English word “sherry.” The city is equally
famous for its fine horses as well as Flamenco
music and dance. Your visit to Jerez will start
with an overview walking tour of the charming
old town, featuring an eleventh-century Moorish
fortress and the Cathedral del Salvador, the principal church of the city originally built by Arabs
as a mosque. You will visit a private aristocratic palace that has been owned by the same family
since the Christian Reconquest of the city in 1268. Enjoy the outstanding architecture and
aristocratic air of the atmospheric old town.

A key reason for visiting Jerez will be to experience a spirited performance at Real Escuela
Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (the Royal Andalusian
School of Equestrian Art). The proud equestrian
tradition dates back many centuries in Spain. The
performance, which is called “How the Andalusian
Horses Dance,” lasts approximately 75 min and
takes place adjacent to the historic 19th-century
Palacio de las Cadenas. The impressive complex
includes 60 stables, which are arrayed around a
cobbled courtyard, and a wonderful tack room.
Spectators enjoy what is equivalent to a horse ballet.
The level of equestrian skill and spectacular Spanish Baroque horsemanship shown are
comparable to the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. The school is quite focused on its
mission of nurturing and maintaining true Andalusian horsemanship.

After your visit to the Royal Equestrian School, we will arrange a private visit to a producer of
fine sherry hosted by the passionate owner. He only makes sherry and sherry vinegar for his
family (and close friends) and his bodega is not open to visitors. Expect an authentic experience
in this rustic setting. While here, you will learn about the sherry making process and enjoy
tastings of his top-of-the-line sherries (tastings with lunch in the vineyard house included). This
is as much a cultural experience as it is about the sherry. Sherry is actually one of the world's
oldest wines and has a long history in the area. Over the centuries, the drink has been influenced

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