Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Sierra de Gredos Summer Ride

8 days - Madrid to Madrid

The Sierra de Gredos, one of the most picturesque regions of the Iberian Peninsula, is situated between the provinces of Avila, Caceres and Salamanca. 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.

This itinerary is designed to offer some of the best riding during the summer in Spain. Combine the altitude of the mountains and alpine valleys (all above 1500 metres) with swimming in the rivers and mountain gorges and you have a very pleasant summer riding climate.

The 7-night ride offers pleasant full day rides, diverse landscapes, great mountain views and pristine mountains rivers. This really is a summer holiday; fantastic riding, long picnic lunches and beautiful pools to swim in - some even make great natural Jacuzzis! With average temperatures during the day in July & August of around 25degreesC, this is an area where you can enjoy great riding in the middle of the summer.

The riding itinerary below is based on comfortable family run and 2 star hotels - if you would like to upgrade, we can arrange for some of these nights to be at an ancient hunting lodge built by King Alfonso 13th and one night to be at the 16th century palace in Avila - please enquire for details.

Day 1
Transfer from Madrid to Navarredonda de Gredos (2 hour drive), 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 a comfortable country hotel (option to upgrade to luxurious ancient hunting lodge - National Parador of Gredos). (D)
Day 2
Circle ride from Navarredonda, an easy introductory day, with a picnic lunch in the countryside. Riding in the woods and towards the source of the Tormes River and alpine pastures of the Sierra de Gredos. In the afternoon ride back to the stables in Navarredonda, returning for dinner and overnight your comfortable country hotel (or at the National Parador of Gredos if choosing the upgraded option). (B,L,D)
Day 3
Morning ride along the river to Hoyos del Espino, and climb up to Hoyos del Collado. Riding along an ancient cattle path you will get to Navacepeda de Tormes. Descend towards the Tormes river and the Gorge of Barbellido. Lunch at the beautiful Pozo de las Paredes, with a 14th century bridge. Short afternoon with magnificent views to the village of Navalperal de Tormes. Dinner and night at a country hotel in the village. (B,L,D)
Day 4
From Navalperal, you will follow the cattle path to Navacepeda de Tormes. Then join the course of the Tormes. Lunch at a fisherman's hut, at Hoyos del Collado. Ideal river pool for a swim. Afternoon by the river and then ride through the pinewoods to get back to the stables in Navarredonda. Dinner and overnight a comfortable country hotel (or at the National Parador of Gredos if choosing the upgraded option). (B,L,D)
Day 5
In the morning climb to the heights of Canada del Horno, through open fields and dense broom areas, with a great panoramic view of the Alberche river valley. Lunch at a bar in the village. Afternoon with great views of the Sierra de Gredos. Descend back towards Barajas de Gredos and the stables in Navarredonda. Dinner and overnight your comfortable country hotel (or at the National Parador of Gredos if choosing the upgraded option). (B,L,D)
Day 6
Ride towards the heights of the Sierra de Gredos with magnificent views. Climb to the Covacha gorge and descend towards the gorge of Barbellido. Lunch by the river, another excellent spot for a swim! Afternoon climb to the heights of Siete Fuentes before descending to the pinewoods of Hoyos del Espino. Final ride back to the stables in Navarredonda de Gredos. Dinner and overnight your comfortable country hotel (or at the National Parador of Gredos if choosing the upgraded option). (B,L,D)
Day 7
Transfer to Avila (1-hour drive). Day in Avila to visit this historic walled town from the 11th century. Avila is one of the World Heritage Cities of Spain, one of the 660 cultural sites in the world that the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. Your guides will recommend the best visits, tours and restaurants in Avila. Dinner and night at the centrally located Hotel Las Cancelas (or at the 16th Century palace, National Parador of Avila, if choosing the upgraded option). (B,D)
Day 8
After breakfast transfer to Madrid. (B)
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  • Departure Dates: 19, 26 Jul, 02, 09, 16, 23 Aug 2009. Please note we still have plenty of availability on our August departures!
  • Prices (2009 land only):
    £1145 per person - supplement of £180 applies for the upgraded accommodation.
  • Includes: Transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated, drinks with meals and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: None if willing to share, otherwise £130.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.
  • Children: Aged 10 and upward are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider.
  • Riding ability required: Intermediate upward
  • Type of ride: Trail ride
    Spain
    Spain Spain
  • Trip Code: ESSG