17-24 May 2026

Day 1–3: Parador de Gredos

Navarredonda de Gredos A historic mountain lodge nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Gredos. This was Spain’s very first Parador, originally built as a royal hunting lodge. Cozy, elegant, and full of old-world charm, it offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and forests. You’ll spend three nights here while exploring the alpine terrain of Gredos.

Day 4: Parador de La Granja

La Granja de San Ildefonso A luxurious Baroque-style palace that once housed the Spanish king’s children. Located next to the Royal Palace of La Granja and its beautiful gardens, this 4-star Parador combines grandeur with modern comfort. After your final Gredos ride, you'll transfer here for one night of royal elegance.

Day 5: Hotel de la Villa

Pedraza A charming boutique hotel in the heart of one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval villages. Set in a nobleman’s house, this 3-star hotel offers a rustic and authentic Castilian atmosphere with stone walls, wooden beams, and a view of cobbled streets and the castle. One night here is like stepping back in time.

Day 6: Finca El Rancho de la Aldegüela

Torrecaballeros A warm and welcoming country hotel surrounded by open farmland. With traditional architecture, wooden ceilings, and beautiful gardens, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long ride. Known for its comfort and hearty local cuisine.

Day 7: Hotel San Antonio El Real

Segovia Housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century monastery, this 4-star hotel sits just a short walk from Segovia’s iconic Roman Aqueduct. The peaceful cloisters, original Mudejar ceilings, and serene gardens provide a unique blend of history and relaxation for your final night.

Day 1 – Welcome to the Heart of Castile

Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Madrid, where you’ll meet the group at 3 PM and head out on a scenic 2-hour drive to Navarredonda de Gredos. This charming village, nestled in the Sierra de Gredos mountains, will be your base for the next few days. Rich in history, the region has seen Roman roads and Moorish-Christian clashes - and it remains a place where nature and tradition reign. Settle into the historic Parador de Gredos, Spain’s very first national parador, built in an ancient hunting lodge, and enjoy your first group dinner as anticipation for the ride builds.

Day 2 – Riding to the Source of the River Tormes

Today’s ride is a gentle introduction to the landscapes of Gredos and a chance to connect with your horse. You’ll set out from Navarredonda and ride through fragrant pine forests and wide-open fields, gradually gaining elevation and catching sweeping views of the Gredos peaks. You’ll follow the young Tormes River to a peaceful picnic site by its banks, where a traditional meal is cooked right on the spot. The afternoon ride takes you back through the same terrain, with time to soak in the mountain light and settle into the rhythm of the trail.

Day 3 – Oak Forests, Villages, and Wild Swimming

This morning, ride deeper into Gredos, meandering through pine woods and alongside the Tormes as it winds through the valley. After a short stop in the tiny village of Hoyos del Collado, you’ll descend along ancient cattle tracks through a landscape dotted with oak and poplar groves. The midday break is set near a rustic fisherman’s hut by the river - a quiet spot perfect for a summer swim. Refreshed and re-energized, you’ll return to Navarredonda, following the curves of the river beneath golden light and mountain shadows.

Day 4 – Mountain Lagoons and the Royal Retreat

Your final day in Gredos takes you high into the alpine plains. Riding along the ancient drover’s trail, Cañada Lengua, you'll pass through fields ablaze with yellow broom (especially vibrant in spring). Reaching the Laguna Cañada El Gallo at 1700 meters, you’ll stop for a gourmet picnic with unforgettable views of the Sierra. After lunch, descend toward Hoyos del Espino and return to the stables. In the late afternoon, the adventure shifts - transfer by vehicle to La Granja de San Ildefonso, where you’ll check into the elegant Parador Nacional de La Granja, once a royal residence. Stroll through the baroque palace gardens before a delicious dinner in this regal setting.

Day 5 – Through Romanesque Villages to Medieval Pedraza

The Segovia portion of your journey begins with a ride along the Cañada Real, a transhumant route once used for seasonal livestock migration. You’ll pass through the 13th-century village of Sotosalbos and enjoy an aperitif while visiting its Romanesque church. Continuing through oak-studded countryside and sleepy hamlets, you’ll reach the banks of the Cega River, where lunch awaits near the ancient hermitage of Las Vegas. In the afternoon, ride into the storybook village of Pedraza, where cobbled streets, old castles, and elegant balconies whisper tales of the Middle Ages. Tonight’s stay is at Hotel de la Villa, a converted noble house that exudes Castilian charm.

Day 6 – Timber Trails and Hidden Hamlets

Today’s ride takes you through Segovia’s rural soul-abandoned villages where stone and timber structures tell silent stories of centuries past. You’ll canter along ancient bridle paths and pause at another 13th-century Romanesque church before continuing toward the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama. A refreshing picnic is set beside the river near Navafría, a village known for its forestry traditions. As the light softens, ride on to Torrecaballeros, where you’ll enjoy the evening at the welcoming Hotel El Rancho de la Aldegüela, surrounded by fields and horses.

Day 7 – Into the Heart of Segovia

Your final riding day takes you across expansive farmlands and forgotten transhumance routes. Stop in the countryside for a relaxed aperitif before continuing past an ancient shearing ranch once used by migrating shepherds. After a late lunch at our local equestrian centre that guided you through Segovia, transfer to your final hotel in Segovia: Hotel San Antonio El Real, a beautifully restored monastery just a short walk from the legendary Roman aqueduct. In the afternoon, explore Segovia’s medieval city centre, then gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure.

Day 8 – Farewell and Departure

After breakfast, a group transfer will take you back to Madrid, with arrival at the airport around noon. If anyone needs to reach the city earlier, private transfers can be arranged. Say goodbye to your fellow riders, horses, and guides - with unforgettable memories of the castles, rivers, forests, and feasts of Castile.

Price: 3500 EUR

Single room supplement, if expressly requested:

450€ for all nights (subject to availability)

Deposit: 1200 EUR

*If you are not a EU citizen, your passport expiry date should be no less than 6 months from the return date

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Private transfers to/from Madrid.

• Accommodation in charming boutique hotels and luxurious 3 / 4* National Paradores with spa and pool

• All meals: gourmet countryside picnics, aperitifs, seasonal salads, tapas, and selected hotel dinners. Drinks during meals included - local wines, sherry, beer, and soft drinks.

• Expert, friendly guides (helmets available; high-quality tack provided)

• Support vehicle with helpers for luggage transport, picnic setup (tables & chairs), and rider assistance

• Tour Leader from Bulgaria

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• International flights to and from Madrid

• Medical Insurance – obligatory

• Single accommodation 450 EUR

• Visa - if required

• Personal expenses

• Tips

Level: Intermediate and Advanced

The Rider

This experience is designed for riders with solid trail-riding experience and a good level of physical fitness. You must be confident and in control at walk, trot, and canter in open country, and comfortable riding for several hours a day over changing terrain. The horses are spirited, responsive, and trained for long-distance trail riding - suited for those who enjoy an active pace and can handle forward-going mounts. Riders should be prepared for 6 consecutive riding days and flexible enough to adapt to varying conditions. English-style riding is required. Saddles are mostly general-purpose English trail saddles, and saddle bags are provided.

Horses

You’ll be riding well-trained Andalusian crosses - mainly Hispano-Arabs and Anglo-Hispanos - known for their endurance, sure-footedness, and noble character. The horses are fit, responsive, and fun to ride, selected for their temperament and performance in long-distance trail settings. They have an energetic walk, balanced trot, and are strong in canter, making them ideal partners for a route that includes open stretches perfect for long trots and exhilarating canters. Horses are ridden English style, and a 90 kg weight limit (including riding gear) is enforced.

Route

You’ll cover approximately 185 km over 6 days, averaging 25–35 km per day (4–6 hours in the saddle). The terrain is varied - ranging from open alpine meadows and forested mountain trails in Gredos to rolling farmlands and historic village paths in Segovia - offering opportunities for long trots and canters.