guiasandalucia.com: Activities, Walking Tours, Flamenco Courses and Language Schools in Jerez, Andalusia, Spain

Jerez Just 20 kilometres from the coast Jerez is world famous for its quality of sherries, flamenco, and horses. The town itself has lots more to offer for anyone lucky enough to visit. The Moors were the first to settle here hundreds of years ago. Some of their architecture is still evident such as the 11th century Alcazaba Fortress which has been partially restored to some highlight its former glory. The church is also very interesting as it was originally built as a mosque, and the Catedral del Salvador houses a famous painting by Zurbaran called The Sleeping Girl. At the centre of the town you will find the production houses, or Bodegas, for the various types of sherry from the region. The Bodegas some times have an Anglo Saxon influence in the name due to the long running activity of British wine makers in the area. With the horses there is the famous Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art which showcases the talents of these maghnificent animals as they perform special ballets. This is also complemented by the Horse Fair which takes place at the beginning of May every year, and welcomes guests from all over Spain as well as the rest of the world. Many prestigious prizes are available to visiting competitors, and the event also includes an agricultural fair throughout the town. A long tradition of Flamenco is very evident in Jerez. The annual Flamenco Festival during the end of February and beginning of March most years is one of, if not the, most important events of its kind in the world. International performers come here to delight the crowds with their singing, dancing, and guitar playing.
	Walking tours – with an experienced local guide you get a feel for the history of the locations, an opportunity to take pictures, and learn about the historic richness on offer. Some of the types of walks included are; architectural, classical, monumental, artistic, Baroque, night tours, convents & monasteries, food & drink, and cultural.
	Balloon tours – hot-air balloon trips give you an exciting experience with a unique perspective of the landscape, as you glide effortlessly through the Andalucian skies and over the breathtaking scenery. This truly unique experience will capture your imagination again and again.
	Golf – enjoy golf in one of Europe’s top sporting destinations. The picturesque surroundings and agreeable weather will have you spending enjoyable afternoons on the fairways. Whether you’re an experienced swinger, or relatively new to the sport of golf, Andalucia will invigorate mind and body in the great outdoors with this increasingly popular sport.
	Horses – This is one of the most important reserves for thoroughbred Spanish Cartusian horses in the world, and it can only be found in Andalucía. Situated on a private estate in front of an old Monastery on the edge of Jerez. A tour of this magnificent facility includes a walk through the courtyard to the boxes where the carriage horses and the stallions are kept.
	Language Courses - Jerez is an ideally situated city to experience learning in a relaxed and friendly environment. To take full advantage of learning a foreign language is one thing, but to be immersed in the culture, food, music, and people will only serve to enhance the whole experience. Classes run all throughout the year and are normally very flexible to suit the students needs. The number of students is often kept to a minimum to ensure a more personal service.
	Wine & Sherry – Jerez has a long history of Sherry and Brandy making that stretches back hundreds of years. The elaborate process that goes into making sherry is yours to experience on a tour of one of the Bodegas. You can see for yourself every step from the vine to the glass as you enjoy the Spanish countryside and some of its rich culture.