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Mountains & Valleys of the Gredos

8 days - Madrid to Madrid

The Sierra Gredos is one of the most picturesque regions of the Iberian Peninsula situated between the provinces of Avila, Caceres and Salamanca, and crossed by the Duero and Tajo rivers. The area is characterised by snow-capped mountains overlooking numerous wildflower-filled valleys intersected by clear running rivers. A mix of mature forests, lavender and thyme covered hillsides, and highland pastures offer fantastic riding country giving riders an interesting insight into rural Spain in all its splendours.

It is an excellent terrain for riding; mostly open fields with magnificent views and paths that follow the course of rivers. The landscapes are full of light and colour, where wild nature shows its splendour. Riders will be inspired by this National Park's diverse display of flora and fauna through the Tormes, Corneja, Alberche and Tietar river valleys. Ride up slopes of oak, pine and chestnut trees, cross rivers of pristine waters, discover wildlife from rocky overlooks, and gallop across pastures and open fields. The small villages along the trail display their architecture, their traditions, and the way of life of their people, isolated in this inaccessible nature that shapes their unique character.

Day 1 (D)
Mid-afternoon transfer from Madrid to Navarredonda de Gredos, a small village in the heart of Castile with a splendid view of the Sierra de Gredos. This is a region steeped in history, where the Moors and Christians fought, where Romans built roads that have lasted for centuries. Riders will enjoy a welcome dinner and night at the Gredos National Parador.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
An easy introductory day, so riders and horses can become acquainted with each other, with a picnic lunch in the countryside. This is a circular ride, riding in the woods towards the source of the Tormes River and the mountains of the Sierra de Gredos. In the afternoon ride back to the stables in Navarredonda, returning for dinner and overnight accommodation at the Parador.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
After breakfast head through woods and beautiful meadows in the Tormes river valley. Lunch at a fishermen hut, by the river, where Emilio will cook an excellent paella. This spot is ideal for a swim in summer. In the afternoon, follow the cattle path to Navalperal the Tormes and your overnight stop at a small hotel, near the Tormes river.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
Ride along the Tormes River valley, following cattle paths and passing the village of Aliseda de Tormes. Riders will appreciate in the change in the vegetation as they will approach the small town of El Barco de Avila. The hotel in Barco de Avila is a luxurious country hotel, built as a restoration of an ancient country estate. The hotel has a spa and an indoor heated pool. Afternoon free to visit El Barco de Avila, a 15th century walled village with a medieval bridge stretching over the Tormes. a good chance for a rest to be fresh for the rest of the ride.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Todays ride proceeds through holm oaks woods and pastures, following the cattle track between Barco and Hoyorredondo, arriving in Puente del Congosto for a picnic by the river. In the afternoon there will be a short ride to Hoyorredondo and accommodation at a comfortable rural hotel.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
A day with great contrast in the landscape. The ride starts in the valley of the Corneja River, open flat valleys until you reach the aperitif stop. Then follow the river Corneja to its source, and stop for lunch near one of the water mills along the river. In the afternoon follow a Roman road up to the Puerto de Chia (5,686 feet) for a panoramic view of the Corneja Valley on one side, and the Alberche River on the other. Descend to San Martin de la Vega for the night.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
The final day's ride takes you from San Martin back to the Sierra da Gredos. During the morning there are some great views of the peaks of the Sierra. After lunch near a river it is just a short ride back to the Paradoe for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 (B)
After breakfast transfer to Madrid.
In addition to the ride shown we also offer a Sierra de Gredos Summer Ride (departing July 13, July 27, August 3, August 10, and August 17). This ride is designed to offer the best riding in Spain in the summer; combining riding in the cooler air of the mountains and alpine valleys - all above 1500m, with plenty of refreshing dips in the rivers and streams of the mountain gorges. A full day in the historic town of Avila is also included.
Spain
  • Cost per Person:
  • Ride Only: £1,125

    Summer ride £1075

  • Includes: Transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated, drinks with meals and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: £135.
  • Departure Dates: 30 Mar, 13, 27 Apr, 11, 25 May, 08, 22 Jun, 20 Jul, 07, 21 Sep, 05, 19 Oct.

    Summer Ride 13, 27 Jul, 03, 10. 17 Aug.

  • The Accommodation: Your accommodation will range from rustic to luxurious, always comfortable and with en-suite bathrooms. The first two and the last night are spent at the magnificent Parador de Gredos and one night is spent at the luxurious Hotel Puerta de Gredos. Elsewhere, the lodgings have been selected according to what is appropriate and available in these non-tourist regions. At the end of a day in the saddle, you will look forward to arriving at the hotel. You can count on a warm welcome, drinks, a hot shower or a bath, and an excellent dinner - so the next morning, you will be fresh again and ready for a new journey on horseback. On our summer ride a night at the four-star Avila Parador is also included.
  • Food & Drink: The cuisine is excellent and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide you with many different delicious specialities. Every morning there is an aperitif stop, which includes some of the following: Iberico ham, chorizo and saucisson, a sample of cheeses produced in the region: fresh and cured goat cheese, manchego cheese, sheep cheese in olive oil... and a variety of olives. You will always be offered a cold young sherry "manzanilla" with the aperitif (other drinks are available too). Picnic lunches are a feast, some cooked on the spot - like Emilio's delicious paella - or the barbecue of famous Avilian free-range beef; other days, you will have some pre-cooked food like lamb or vegetable stews. There is a rich variety of salads and tasty tomatoes, and fruit of the season as dessert (strawberries, melon, grapes, and other). For the picnic lunches tables are laid and food is served. Breakfast and dinner are provided by the hotels where you'll stay. Again the menus have been chosen carefully to offer a rich variety. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notification. Wine during the meals is included too. Other drinks such as water, manzanilla, beer, soft drinks or fruit juices are always available.
  • Laundry: Not available.
  • Children: Are welcome providing they can ride and are accompanied by an experience adult rider. They have to be mature enough to be with a group of adults and eat at Spanish hours.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.