| Day 1 |
| 1 MADRID - NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS
Meet in Madrid (Pick up at 3pm at the airport) 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 (luxurious National Parador of Gredos) (comfortable country hotel).
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| Day 2 |
| NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS. Full day Circle ride.
Circle ride from Navarredonda, an easy introductory day, with a picnic lunch in the countryside, where Emilio will cook an excellent paella. 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 to the Parador of Gredos (or at a hotel rural in the village).
This day is a short ride so riders and horses get used to each other. If any change is necessary it can be done, before leaving the next day and for the rest of the ride.
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| Day 3 |
| NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS - NAVACEPEDA - NAVALPERAL DE TORMES
Morning along the river to Hoyos del Espino, and climb up to Hoyos del Collado. Riding along an ancient cattle path we will get to Navacepeda de Tormes. Descent towards the Tormes river and the Gorge of Barbellido. Luch at the beautiful Pozo de las Paredes, with a 14th century bride. Ideal for a swim!. Short afternoon with magnificent views to the village of Navalperal de Tormes. Dinner and night at a country hotel in the village.
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| Day 4 |
| NAVALPERAL DE TORMES – NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS.
From Navalperal, we 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 through the pinewoods to get back to the stables in Navarredonda.
Dinner and overnight at the Parador of Gredos (or at a hotel rural in the village).
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| Day 5 |
| NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – SAN MARTIN DE LA VEGA - NAVARREDONDA
In the morning climb to the heights of Cañada 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. Descent back towards Barajas de Gredos and the stables in Navarredonda.
Dinner and overnight at the Parador of Gredos (or at a hotel rural in the village).
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| Day 6 |
| NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – GARGANTA DE BARBELLIDO - NAVARREDONDA
Ride towards the heights of the Sierra de Gredos with magnificent views.. Climb to the Covacha gorge and descent towards the gorge of Barbellido. Lunch by the river, excellent spot for a swim. Afternoon climb to the heights of Siete Fuentes and descent to the pinewoods of Hoyos del Espino. Ride back to the stables in Navarredonda de Gredos.
Dinner and overnight at the Parador of Gredos (or at a hotel rural in the village).
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| Day 7 |
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| Horses |
| The horses are Hispano-Arab, Andalusian, Arab and Lusitano breed ranging in height from 15 - 16 hh, and selected for their good nature and endurance. The trainer takes great pride in the quality and the character of the horses and is adept in matching horse and rider. The horses are excellent, fun –to –ride, with a lot of personality, fit, very well-trained and very much loved. |
| Experience |
| It is not necessary to be an expert rider but it is essential that riders have trail riding experience, can easily manage a horse at all paces and be familiar and comfortable handling a horse on the ground. The pace of the ride will vary, but the ride includes walks, trots, canters and gallops depending on the terrain. A level of fitness is required, as some of the days in the saddle are rather long. Riders can assist in taking care of their horses, if they wish - but it is not necessary. Horses will be ready for the riders to get on every morning.
Weight limit of 90kgs / 198 pounds (with riding equipment on)
(Riders may be asked to walk on the scales)
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| Dates |
| 19-26 July, 26 July - 2 August, 2 - 9 August, 9 - 16 August, 16 - 23 August, 23 - 30 August. |
| Prices |
| 8 days, 7 nights, 5 days riding. Option 1:- Accommodation in Village Hotels:- £1300 per person based on twin share. Single supplement: £130. Option 2:- 6 nights in Paradores £1525 per person based on twin share. £180 single room supplement |
| Flights and transfers |
| Flights are not included. Flights required into Madrid. Transfers from Madrid airport are included |
