Valleys of Gredos - Spain

Transfer from Madrid (Pick up at 3pm) to the Parador of Gredos Meet in Madrid and transfer 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 the Gredos National Parador.

THE PINEWOODS AND THE SUMMER PASTURES. THE SOURCE OF THE TORMES RIVER. Circle ride from Navarredonda, an easy introductory day, with a picnic lunch in the countryside. Ride through pine woods, open fields and trails, towards the mountains with great views of the Sierra de Gredos. Picnic lunch in the countryside – a paella cooked on the spot. In the afternoon ride back to the stables in Navarredonda, returning for dinner and overnight as the previous night. This day is a short ride so riders and horses get used to each other. If any change of horse is necessary it can be done, before leaving the next day and for the rest of the ride. A nice small Spa has been open in the next village (5 min away). It is possible to arrange a session - a special rider’s massage - in the evening before dinner.

THE TORMES RIVER NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – NAVALPERAL THE TORMES Morning through woods and beautiful meadows in the Tormes river valley. We will follow the course of the Tormes River. Lunch at the Pozo de las Paredes, a magic spot at the gorge of Barbellido, which joins the Tormes River. This spot is ideal for a swim in summer. In the afternoon, riders will follow the cattle path, with great views, to Navalperal the Tormes. This night riders will stay at a new rural hotel: Hotel Rural Cruz del Gallo. A new small hotel, near the Tormes River.

THE CATTLE PATH TO EL BARCO DE AVILA NAVALPERAL THE TORMES – EL BARCO DE AVILA. Half day ride. This day it will be a long half day ride. It is a progressive ride to get to El Barco. A ride along the Tormes River valley, along cattle paths, passing the village of Aliseda de Tormes. Riders will appreciate 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 country hotel, a luxurious hotel built as a restoration of a ancient country estate. The hotel has a spa and an indoor heated pool, a good chance for a rest to be fresh for the rest of the ride. Afternoon free to visit El Barco de Avila or just relax in the hotel. El Barco de Avila is a 15th century walled village with a medieval bridge stretching over the Tormes.

. INTO THE PROVINCE OF SALAMANCA EL BARCO DE AVILA – HOYORREDONDO Today’s ride proceeds through holm oaks woods and pastures, following the cattle track between Barco and Hoyorredondo, arriving in Puente del Congosto, with a XVth century bridge and castle for lunch. Picnic near the river – a beautiful spot for a swim in the summer. In the afternoon there will be a fun short ride to Hoyorredondo. Night at a beautiful and comfortable rural hotel.

THE CORNEJA RIVER VALLEY AND OVER THE MOUNTAINS TO THE ALBERCHE RIVER VALLEY HOYORREDONDO – SAN MARTIN DE LA VEGA A day with great contrasts in the landscape. The ride starts in the valley of the Corneja River, open flat valleys until we reach the aperitif stop. We 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. Dinner and night at a rural centre.A day with great contrasts in the landscape.

BACK TO VIEWS OF THE SIERRA DE GREDOS SAN MARTIN DE LA VEGA – NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS Last day back to the Sierra de Gredos, with some great views of the peaks of the Sierra. Descent towards the Tormes valley where we started. Picnic lunch with panoramic views of the Sierra de Gredos. Short afternoon, with some good canters, back to the stables. Night and farewell dinner at the Parador.

. NAVARREDONDA – MADRID After breakfast transfer to Madrid, arriving there about 12 noon. All riders will be transferred at the same time, so if any rider needs to arrive in Madrid prior to noon, all riders will depart earlier - or we will arrange an alternative transfer (at an extra cost).

Excellent Andalusian, Hispano-Arab, Lusitano and Arab horses, very well-trained, responsive and sure footed. English general-purpose tack, very comfortable, leather kept in excellent condition. Seat savers and small saddle-bags provided.

8 days - 7 nights -6 days riding (from Sunday to Sunday) Distance covered 115 miles/180 km

The selection of the accommodation and the service in every aspect of the ride is of outstanding quality. Lodging is planned in some luxurious, with character, and some small and charming country hotels, providing double or twin-bedded rooms and en-suite baths. First, second and last nights are spent at the National Parador of Gredos ***, an ancient hunting lodge built by the king Alfonso 13th, the first Parador opened in Spain. One night is spent at the Hotel Puerta de Gredos (a 4* hotel) built in a grand XVIth century country estate. Other accommodations will be comfortable rural hotels, like La Trocha de Hoyorredondo where the horses sleep in the backyard and come to the windows to wake up the riders in the morning. Single accommodations can be arranged at an additional charge. The accommodation has been carefully chosen for the quality and the welcoming to the riders and to the horses. Every night, the horses stay in a field next to the hotel where the group stays. The contact and the relation with the horses are very special in this ride. A support vehicle will follow the riders during the entire trip, meeting for aperitifs, meals and at night. Breakfast, aperitifs, lunch and dinner are included while on the trek. The local cuisine is excellent and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a sampling of the many different dishes produced in the area. Lunch is usually a picnic in the countryside with set tables, chairs... and small feast everyday!.. Some lunches will be cooked on the spot; others prepared the village bars o restaurants, always exquisite. Dinner is at the hotels will feature a varied selection of the typical cuisine. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice.