SIERRA DE GREDOS CASTLES

Tag 1: Navarredonda de Gredos

ITALY/MADRID / NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS (-/-/D)
Discover spectacular landscapes among authentic medieval villages, unspoiled mountains and evocative river valleys with this exclusive horseback journey in the Sierra de Gredos, in the heart of central Spain, one of the most fascinating and still little-known destinations in the country.
This 7-day horseback trek (6 nights and 5 riding days), from Sunday to Saturday, will take you west along the beautiful Tormes River valley, through a varied and scenic itinerary. You will ride through medieval villages, wild nature and breathtaking scenery, experiencing an authentic horseback holiday in Spain.
The route crosses forests of pine, poplar and holm oak trees, river crossings with crystal-clear waters and wide open spaces perfect for trotting and galloping. Along the way, small isolated villages and untouched landscapes will make this experience unique and unforgettable.
One of the most special moments of this horseback tour in the Sierra de Gredos is the arrival in El Barco de Ávila, Each day offers different terrain and scenery: a succession of colors, contrasts and relaxing atmospheres that make this horseback journey in Spain perfect for those seeking nature, adventure and tranquility.

Meeting at Madrid airport with our local representatives at 15:00 and transfer to the Sierra de Gredos (about 2 hours), with a stop in Ávila for a short visit: a splendid fortified medieval city, UNESCO World Heritage site. Welcome dinner at the hotel in a mountain village at 1,600 meters above sea level, overlooking the highest peaks of the Sierra de Gredos. The hotel has a small spa (extra charge, reservation required).

Tag 2: Navarredonda de Gredos

NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS (B/L/D)
Breakfast and horse assignment. Short and easy day to get to know the horses (about 4 hours in the saddle), riding in the Tormes valley through pine forests and open fields with wonderful views of the Sierra de Gredos. Lunch at a fishermen’s hut with freshly cooked paella by the river (possibility to swim, weather permitting). In the afternoon short ride to Navacepeda de Tormes. Return to the hotel (no accommodation in the village). Dinner and overnight stay.

Tag 3: El Barco De Avila

NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS/ EL BARCO DE ÁVILA (B/L/D)
Today will be the longest day with the most spectacular views of the Sierra de Gredos. Descent into the valley crossing small isolated medieval villages. Lunch in Aliseda de Tormes, by the river and the medieval bridge. In the afternoon riding across the open valley with trotting and galloping to El Barco de Ávila. River crossing over the Roman bridge. Overnight stay and dinner in a 4-star hotel. Time in the saddle: 6–7 hours.

Tag 4: Hoyorredondo

EL BARCO DE ÁVILA/ HOYORREDONDO (B/L/D)
Entering the province of Salamanca, a flat and arid area with spectacular granite formations. Very rural region with fields bordered by stone walls and farmers riding donkeys. Crossing holm oak woods and pastures, passing through Puente del Congosto (medieval village with a bridge and a 15th-century castle). Picnic near the river (possibility to swim in summer). In the afternoon an enjoyable ride to Hoyorredondo. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming country house. Time in the saddle: 6–7 hours.

Tag 5: Navacepedilla de Corneja

HOYORREDONDO/ NAVACEPEDILLA DE CORNEJA (B/L/D)
In the morning trotting and galloping in the open Corneja River valley to Bonilla de la Sierra, an important medieval town with a beautiful church. Lunch in a private garden with swimming pool and barbecue of Ávila beef. In the afternoon ascent back towards the mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming hotel. Time in the saddle: about 6 hours.

Tag 6: Navarredonda de Gredos

NAVACEPEDILLA DE CORNEJA /NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS (B/L/D)
Magnificent day in the mountains through three different valleys. Reach the highest point of the journey, Puerto de Chía (1,800 m), with views over the Corneja valley and the Alberche valley. Lunch in San Martín de la Vega with views of the Sierra de Gredos. In the afternoon crossing the Alberche River and return to the Tormes valley up to the stables. Farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Tag 7:

NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS /MADRID/ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure at 10:00, arrival at Madrid airport at 12:00 (plan a flight from early afternoon).

Note: The above itinerary is indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: charming hotels and country houses
EQUIPMENT: English saddle made more comfortable with soft seat covers. Saddlebags available.
HORSES: SPANISH and ARAB-SPANISH locally bred, perfectly trained to make the journey even more enjoyable. Suitable for the proposed routes and for all types of riders. They live freely in herds all year round.
PACE: from 4 to 7 HOURS A DAY IN THE SADDLE APPROX. All three gaits are used. Riders must be able to control their horse in open spaces and on different types of terrain.
WHAT TO BRING: Riding clothing according to the season; in hot summer months prefer cotton. Riding helmet, water bottle, waist bag, sunscreen.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 kg
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
TYPE: Equestrian holiday with overnight stays in hotels/country houses

ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation along the route ranges from charming rural inns in villages to beautiful 4-star hotels in towns, all carefully selected. All rooms have private bathrooms and are clean, welcoming and comfortable. Single rooms are available on request, with a supplement. Free Wi-Fi is available in all properties. In every room you will find towels, shampoo and liquid soap; some properties also provide hairdryers.
Food is one of the highlights of this trip: tapas breaks organized in unexpected places, with Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, olives, dried fruit and much more. Lunch is a relaxing and convivial moment, with delicious homemade Spanish dishes such as paella, tortilla española, barbecue, salads, followed by a siesta in the peaceful countryside. After the riding day, dinner is served around 21:00, with several courses and traditional local Spanish dishes, served at the accommodation. All drinks are included during meals: excellent Spanish red and white wines, beer, soft drinks and water.
Special diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) can be arranged upon prior request.

Night 1,2: Hotel boutique Milano Real (or similar)
Night 3: El Hotel "Puerta de Gredos" (or similar)
Night 4: Posada La Trocha de Hoyorredondo (or similar)
Night 5: Hotel Boutique "Cayetana": (or similar)
Night 6: Hotel boutique Milano Real (or similar)

Guaranteed group departure dates:
From 24/05 to 30/05
From 31/05 to 06/06
From 13/09 to 19/09
From 27/09 to 03/10
From 04/10 to 10/10

From 18/10 to 24/10
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 4 MAX 8