Gredos Escapes

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Gredos Escapes

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2021 Availability

March 31-April 4*
April 14-18
April 21-25
May 5-9
May 12-16
May 19-23
July 7-11
July 21-25
August 4-8
August 11-15
September 8-12
October 6-10
October 20-24
November 3-7
November 10-14

*Sold out

HIGHLIGHTS

Home of Equiberia
Great weekend break
Very diverse day rides
Perfect family holiday
Ideal for small groups of friends
Gain outdoor riding experience
Very pleasant summer temperatures
High altitude with great blue skies
Invigorating swims in pristine rivers
The authentic Rural Spain
Extra activities

Gredos escapes

Avila – Segovia Castilla y León | 8 days-7 nights– 6 days riding | From 2850€

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Introduction

The Sierra of Gredos is one of the most characteristic regions of the Iberian Peninsula situated between the provinces of Avila, Cáceres and Salamanca, and crossed by the Duero and Tajo rivers. The landscapes are full of light and colour and natures splendour. Ride up slopes of oak and pine trees; cross rivers of pristine waters; discover wildlife from rocky overlooks, and gallop across pastures and open fields. The small villages display their architecture, their traditions, and the way of life of their people, isolated in this inaccessible nature that shapes their unique character.

Our Weekend Rides, riding in the Mountains and the Valleys of Gredos, are a great introduction to this part of Spain in the heart of Castile. Great views, very diverse landscapes, great changes in the vegetation and the terrain, a varied pace depending on the terrain, 5-6 hours in the saddle.

Depending on the time of the year, the rides will be adapted to make the most out of this weekend escape in Gredos. The weekends stretch and you will feel you’ve had a week holiday after a couple of days riding in these great landscapes. These weekend rides can easily be tailored to small groups’ requests, both about the dates and about the itinerary.

This ride is ideal for small groups of friends and families.



What our guests say

“Taking up the Reins in Spain. You don’t need to go as far as Africa or India for an exotic riding experience – Spain’s unspoilt Gredos mountains are only a weekend break away as RU (Country Life Travel) discovered, with eagle sightings, river swimming and vampire dogs. (…) The rivers were perfect, their smooth boulders created perfect swimming pools of gin-clear water, welcoming hollows for a siesta, and mini waterfalls for natural hydrotherapy massages. Well off the foreign tourist trail, the Gredos are a well-kept secret. At the end of it all, 8 year-old son wished he could take his horse home in a 15hh suitcase and well-travelled 10 year old daughter, confided: I think that`s the best holiday I’ve ever had. Older seasoned travellers in the party found in difficult to disagree”. RU (Country Life Travel UK)

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"When filling in those forms it always looks a bit creepy when only the Excellent box is ticked, but I really thought, as did all our team, that the three days could not have been bettered. The horses were terrific and the riding was really good fun. The setting there is amazing and each day was different and perfect. As people that hunt we are used to bombing around like lunatics and there was a worry that it would all be a little tame, but it was terrific in every way. The walking through glorious country, the stopping and swimming and eating - all fantastic - truly. So thank you". PL-M (UK)

"Landscape, rivers, mountains, getting away from it all. Forward going well behaved horses. Size of the group was excellent. Standard of riding was good all round, which made it easy to relax. Maria Elena is a wonderful guide, so experienced (with brilliant English). Her calm and positive approach made for an excellent holiday. Her longstanding association with the area and affection for it was clear. So glad I went! CH (UK)

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Trip summary

Day rides from Navarredonda Ideal ride for small groups or families
The rides can be easily tailored to the riders’ abilities and interests

Trip length 4 nights – 3 days riding
From Wednesday to Sunday
Dates can be tailored for groups

Group size No minimum. Maximum 10 riders.
All departures are guaranteed.
If less than 4 riders a supplement for transfers from/to Madrid will apply

Airport Madrid

Riding ability Intermediate to experienced. Reasonably fit riders.
For private groups or families the ride can be adapted to beginner riders

Horses Andalusian and Hispano-Arab Excellent Andalusian and Hispano-Arab, very well-trained, responsive, sure footed, happy, fit and fun to ride, with a lot of personality!

Tack Excellent leather English general purpose saddles
Seat savers and small saddle bags

Time in the saddle Excellent leather English general purpose saddles
Seat savers and small saddle bags

Weight limit 90kgs – 198Ibs

Languages English, French, Spanish

Best time to visit April to November

Climate Dry continental weather
Temperatures are strongly influenced by the altitude, with the average of 1400m (the highest point is 1700 m and the lowest is 1000 m ).
Temperatures in summer are very pleasant, with bright blue skies, and cool evenings. Average temperature in Navarredonda de Gredos: July-August 25ºC Maximum during the day – Minimum during the night 12ºC.

Your hosts and guides The Gredos rides are lead by Maria Elena, founder and owner of Equiberia. She is knowledgeable, qualified and hospitable. She takes great pride in the quality and the character of the horses and is adept in matching horse and rider.
The Equiberia team assistant guides and helpers are enthusiastic, motivated, attentive and charming.
Out attention to the detail is outstanding. We go as far as we can to anticipate all the little things that can make a difference. We have a lot of repeat guests that come back every year. We can give you direct references of riders from many different parts of the world.

Bookings Reservation Form and deposit BOOK YOUR RIDE

Horses and Riding

Riding ability Beginner, intermediate or experienced riders. Reasonably fit riders.
The pace, the length and the challenge of this ride can be adapted for small groups of friends or families.
It is a great ride for “rusty” riders to get back in shape or for less confidernt riders to gain experience for the long week rides.
It is not necessary to be an expert rider but it is advisable that riders have some trail riding experience, can manage a horse at all paces and comfortable handling a horse on the ground. A level of fitness is required, as the days are 4-6 hours. 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.

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 horses are excellent, very well trained, responsive, fit and fun to ride, happy horses with a lot of personality, and very much loved.

Pace of the ride The pace of the ride varies with the terrain. The ride includes walks, trots, and canters depending on the terrain. Overall it is a moderate pace, with some slow parts due to the mountainous terrain. There are open areas through the valleys where it is possible to canter with excellent tracks for exciting rides.

Tack Excellent leather English general purpose saddles, with deep knee rolls. Every piece of the tack is in excellent condition
Small saddle bags are provided.
Seat savers and riding hats or helmets can be provided too.


Time in the saddle From 4 and ½ to 6 and ½ hours (one day) – optional alternative itinerary.
The total distance of the trip is about 95 miles.

Weight limit 90kgs / 198 pounds

Your hosts and guides The Gredos rides are lead by Maria Elena or by her Gredos team. They knowledgeable, qualified and hospitable. María Elena takes great pride in the quality and the character of the horses and is adept in matching horse and rider.
The Equiberia team assistant guides and helpers are enthusiastic, motivated, attentive and charming.
Out attention to the detail is outstanding. We go as far as we can to anticipate all the little things that can make a difference. We have a lot of repeat guests that come back every year. We can give you direct references of riders from many different parts of the world.

Dates and Prices

2021 DEPARTURE DATES These are the dates programmed for this calendar year:

March 31-April 4
April 14-18
April 21-25
May 5-9
May 12-16
May 19-23
July 7-11
July 21-25
August 4-8
August 11-15
September 8-12
October 6-10
October 20-24
November 3-7
November 10-14

This ride can be private for groups of 8 riders.

If you would like a tailor-made programme at different dates, please Contact us.

2021 PRICES Prices start at 1200€ (Euros) euros pp in double occupancy
Single room supplement 100€ (Euros)

All our prices include 21% VAT and are fully inclusice. Details of services included: LEARN MORE

  • Transfers from/to Madrid in private taxi are included. If less than 4 riders a supplement will apply
  • Accommodation at the luxurious Parador of Gredos 3* or at a family owned hotel in the village La Dehesilla
  • Beautifully trained horses, in excellent condition and very well looked after in every aspect: feeding, grooming, veterinary care, and general well-being. You will feel it: they are happy horses.
  • The days riding as described in the programmes, with itineraries carefully selected to make the best out of every day ride
  • Knowledgeable, qualified and hospitable guides: Maria Elena or her team lead the rides, a knowledgeable and charming team.
  • Excellent leather English GP saddles; small saddle bags and seat savers are provided. Riding hats or helmets can be provided too. Every piece of the tack is in excellent condition.
  • All the meals are included: exquisite gourmet picnic lunches; aperitifs and tapas; fresh salads and fruit of the season everyday; selected dinners in the hotels; all the drinks are included during the meals: tasting of different red & white wines with the picnics; sherry at the aperitifs; beer, juices, soft drinks. Dinner, nights and breakfast at the Parador of Avila (lunch in Avila not included).
  • A support vehicle meets the riders with 1 or 2 helpers, to transport the luggage and prepare the lunches, with set tables, chairs.., and to assist the riders when necessary.
  • Out attention to the detail is outstanding. We go as far as we can to anticipate all the little things that can make a difference. We have a lot of repeat guests that come back every year. We can give you direct references of riders from many different parts of the world.
  • The company is fully insured and legally registered in every department, tourism, equestrian and agriculture.
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Travel & Itinerary

MEETING POINT

Madrid Riders will be met at the Madrid-Adolfo Suárez International Airport.
Terminal 4, arrivals gate 10, at the Cafeteria Paul (by gate 10). At 3pm, on the first date of the chosen week.
Departure on the Sunday after the ride: any flight after 1:00pm


Arrival Any flight in time for the pick- up time at 3:00 pm of the first Sunday of the ride.
If staying in a hotel in Madrid or in Avila, pick up can be organised from the hotel.

Departure Any flight after 1.00 pm, on the Sunday departure of the ride.

Transfer times arrival/departure are flexible for groups

Before/After the ride Equiberia can help with suggestions, hotel bookings, and other arrangements before or after the ride. Please contact us.

Packing list The principle of “layers” is always very convenient, any time of the year.
We suggest the following

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Riding

  • Jodhpurs or riding breeches
  • Half chaps and short riding boots with a good sole (don’t try new boots for a riding holiday)
  • Long sleeve shirts and T-shirts
  • Waistcoat (warmer or lighter (depending on the time of the year)
  • Warm or light fleece (depending on the time of the year)
  • Decent rain jacket, warm or light (depending on the time of the year)
  • Light rain trousers
  • Sun hat with a brim and sun glasses
  • Riding helmet (a few helmets are available at the riding centre). Not mandatory but advisable.
  • Riding gloves
  • Small saddle bags are provided to carry only small things while riding
  • Seat savers can be provided


Other Casual clothes for the evenings
Swimsuit (swims in the river, spa, hotel with pool and spa)
Flip-flops or sandals, especially in the summer for the picnics by the river
Sunscreen and lip balm
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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

3 days from base Navarredonda de Gredos
4 nights-3 days riding – 1 day in Avila

The itinerary of this ride and the length of the day rides can be adapted for small private groups and families, and for groups of riders with different riding ability.

The pace of the ride varies with the terrain. Overall it is a moderate pace, with some slow parts due to the mountainous terrain. There are open areas through the valleys where it is possible to canter with excellent tracks for exciting rides. The average riding time is five to six hours per day. The total distance of the trip is about 75 kms/ 48 miles.

Itinerary Outline

Day 1 MADRID - NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS
Arrival day. Visit of Avila. Welcome drinks at the Parador of Gredos.

Day 2 GREDOS NATURE PARK – PINE FOREST AND SUMMER PASTURES – SOURCE OF THE TORMES RIVER
Gredos Nature Park: the Pine forests and the common land mountain pastures. The source of the Tormes river.

Day 3 NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – BARBELLIDO MOUNTAIN GORGE
Climbing to the high alpine pastures and views of the glacial granitic remains. The “top of the World”. Pristine mountain gorge pools.

Day 3 NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – HOYOS DEL COLLADO- TORMES RIVER
Option (depending on weather and riders ability/fitness). Pinewoods, the views of the Tormes river valleys and the ride along the river. Beautiful river pool.

Day 4 NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – CAÑADA EL GALLO – SAN MARTÍN
Magnificent views and excellent terrain for long canters. The most memorable gourmet lunch in the greatest landscape.

Day 5 NAVARREDONDA – MADRID
End of the ride. Transfer to Madrid.

SEE FULL DAY-BY-DAY DESCRIPTION

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The 3-day Gredos rides will combine some of these day rides.
They are very diverse itineraries and depart in all different directions from Navarredonda. Day 1 MADRID - Day of arrival. Transfer MADRID - NAVARREDONDA DE 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 (National Parador of Gredos) (comfortable country hotel).

Day 2 NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS. SIERRA DE GREDOS REGIONAL PARK

Circle ride from Navarredonda, an easy introductory day. Riding in the woods and towards the source of the Tormes River and the mountains of the Sierra de Gredos. Ride through pine woods, open fields, and trails, towards the mountains with great views of the Sierra de Gredos. Picnic lunch in the countryside, near the river. In the afternoon ride through the pine woods to Hoyos del Espino and back to the stables in Navarredonda.

Day 3 NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – BARBELLIDO MOUNTAIN GORGE

Morning through the pine woods following the river Tormes until Hoyos del Espino. Climb up to the village of Hoyos del Collado, where riders will stop for an aperitif. Following an old cattle track, descent towards Navecepeda the Tormes, with a rich vegetation of oaks and poplar trees. Following the course of the Tormes river, riders will get to the picnic lunch stop, by a fisherman’s hut. Near the Tormes river. It is an ideal spot for an invigorating swim in the summer. Afternoon back to Navarredonda, following the course of the Tormes river, with great views of the valley.

Day 3 (Option) NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – BARBELLIDO MOUNTAIN GORGE

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).

Day 4 NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – CAÑADA EL GALLO – SAN MARTÍN

In the morning climb to the heights of Cañada del Gallo, through open fields and dense broom areas, with great panoramic views of the Alberche river valley and the Sierra de Gredos. Aperitivo and picnic lunch in the open countryside. Descent back towards Hoyos del Espino and the stables in Navarredonda. Dinner and overnight at the Parador of Gredos (or at a hotel rural in the village).

Day 5 Day of departure. Transfer NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS– MADRID

* END OF THE PROGRAMME * LEARN LESS

Hotels & Gastronomy

The selection of the accommodation and the service in every aspect of the ride is of outstanding quality.

Accommodation

The accommodation has been carefully chosen for the quality and the welcoming to the riders and to the horses. 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.
Single accommodations can be arranged at an additional charge.

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Option 1: Parador of Gredos
4 nights accommodation in the National Parador of Gredos ***, an ancient hunting lodge built by the king Alfonso 13th, the first Parador opened in Spain.

Option 2: Hotel Rural La Dehesilla
4 night’s accommodation in a comfortable and family run hotel in the village, with an exquisite cuisine.

Other accommodation option: Hotel Milano Real - Boutique hotel and Spa

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Food & Wine

You will be pampered by our attention to detail and our high standards in every aspect of the ride. Our exquisite aperitivos appear around the corner, just when you think you need a break. Our gourmet lunches served al fresco on white linens in stunning surroundings will become lifelong memories – dining will never be the same again. We always come up with surprises and special treats: delicious water cress in spring or exquisite mushrooms in the autumn, just picked up the same morning; a sumptuous birthday celebration in the middle of the countryside.
Breakfast, aperitifs, lunch and dinner are included while on the trek. All the drinks are included during the meals. Tasting of Spanish red& white wines; sherry; beer, juices, soft drinks and water.
A support vehicle will follow the riders during the entire trip, meeting for aperitifs, meals and at night.

Vegetarians and special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

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The local cuisine is excellent, and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a sampling of the many different delicious specialities. 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. Our exciting selection of local Spanish wines will delight the most demanding palates.

All the aperitivos and lunch spots have been carefully selected for best views and scenery, while you enjoy the aperitifs and the meals, always surrounded by the horses at rest.

Dinners will be in the hotel or at a local restaurant with carefully chosen menus to add the specialties of the local gastronomy.

Km Zero Food

We aim to minimize the impact in the environment. Our meals are elaborated with local produce: salad, vegetables, meats, and fruit are produced in the Northern and the Southern slopes of Gredos. Even our olive oil is produced is a small local cooperative. We serve local Spanish wines and beer made in Gredos. Whenever possible our choice is Zero km food (0 km food). It denotes the food produced, sold and eaten locally – the food which travelled zero kilometres. Our rides hardly require transport of the guests, as we usually ride to the hotels where riders and horses stay. We minimize the waste in our rides. Our picnics are 99% waste free with proper reusable crockery and cutlery, glasses, and tablecloths. These may seem small things, but they count.

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History and Nature

About Avila

Strongly recommended a night in Avila, a medieval walled town, before or after the ride. We can help with hotel bookings. Pick up can be organised from Avila on the Sunday beginning of the programme. 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.

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Avila is a medieval town, surrounded by walls constructed in the 11th and 12th century (2500m, 88 towers, 9 gates) to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors. The walls are still complete nowadays. Avila is the “City of Saints and Stones”. The birthplace of St Theresa and the burial place of the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada. Avila has kept its medieval austerity. This purity of form can still be seen in the Gothic cathedral and the fortifications which are the most complete in Spain. Charming squares and beautiful quiet pedestrian streets for a very pleasant walk around this old historic town.

http://whc.unesco.org
www.spain.info/tourspain
www.avilaturismo.com

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Birds of the Sierra Gredos,
by David Tomlinson

The Sierra Gredos is an exceptional area for birds, and many interesting and unusual species can be seen here.

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Most obvious are the birds of prey: look out for black vultures (buitre negro), one of the largest and heaviest flying birds in the world, with a wingspan of up to 285cm. Black vultures are rare birds in Europe, and the Gredos is one of their most important strongholds. Much more numerous than the black vulture and almost as big is the griffon vulture (buitre leonado). The two species can often be seen soaring together. The griffon is a colonial, cliff-nesting species, but the black vulture nests in trees.
Several species of eagles can be found in the Gredos, including the golden (aguila real), the short-toed (aguila culebrera) and the booted (aguila calzada). The short-toed is a large, snake-eating eagle that is a summer visitor to Spain, as is the booted eagle. This is a small, buzzard-sized eagle, and is generally quite common. Two of the most conspicuous birds of prey are the red kite and the black kite (milano real and milano negro). They are extremely graceful fliers, and are often quite tame and approachable.
The most characteristic birds of the pine forests of the Gredos are the firecrest (reyezuelo listado), the crested tit (herrerillo capuchino) and the crossbill (piquituerto comun), while one of the special birds to look out for is the citril finch (verdecillo serrano). The citril finch is a highly localised bird, found exclusively in Europe. It likes alpine meadows.

Another speciality of the Gredos is the strikingly colourful bluethroat (pechiazul). The bluethroats that nest in the Gredos are the most southerly in Europe, as well as the most westerly. They are best looked for on dry, stony slopes densely covered in Spanish broom. The cock is the size and shape of a robin (petirrojo), but is easy to identify thanks to his distinctive blue-throat with central white spot.
In spring, one of the noisiest birds of the Gredos is the nightingale (ruiseñor comun), which can be heard singing where ever there is suitable habitat. Nightingales like dense, damp habitat, preferably by the side of streams or in hedges. The nightingale is a member of the thrush family, and so is related to the rock thrush (roquero rojo), one of the most handsome birds of the mountains. This species is a scarce summer visitor to the Gredos, but is well worth looking for.
Several of the villages in the Gredos have pairs of white storks (cigueña blanca), often nesting on the village church. They are never numerous in the Gredos (unlike in Extremadura, where they are often very common), but they are usually tame and confiding, drawing attention to themselves with their noisy beak clapping.

David Tomlinson is a British ornithologist, and is the co-author of the Birds of Iberia. He has visited the Gredos several times.

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Concierge Services

Equiberia understands that all details of your trip are paramount to your overall experience with us that is why we have developed a series of carefully curated services that go the extra mile to ensure your trip is complete with those extras that make the difference.

We are pleased to offer customized programs for Non-riders accompanying the riders; Bespoke trips for private groups of families; and Trip extensions before and/or after the ride.

Any ot there options will be quoted for each special request.

Non-riders

On our Segovia tours non-riders can enjoy themselves just as much as they could by taking any trip to that region of Spain and still spend a good part of the time with the riders.

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Non-riders can hire a car and visit the interesting tourist spots in the area. They can re-join the riders in the evening for dinner and split off again after breakfast the following morning. We will provide information on the area, suggest itineraries, and connect with local guides and any place of interest, local artisans, or a small bar in a village where the local meet. On some of the ride, some of the days, non-riders can go in the support vehicle and join the riders for the aperitivos and lunches in the countryside too.
Gredos is our home and we have great flexibility and many local contacts to organise activities for non-riders.
The Gredos and the Segovia itineraries can be adapted for cycling (ideal for mountain and road cycling and E-bikes and there are good paths and beautiful remote empty roads and villages with the greatest views). We can offer full support for cyclers through a specialised cycling tours company. Walking or hiking: fit walkers can follow some of the itineraries the riders do and then we can organise local drivers to meet the walkers and take them to the hotel;

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Bespoke groups and families

We can customize our equestrian vacations for private groups such as small parties, family gatherings or groups of friends. We can create a trip for a group with special interests or around a special event, or create an exclusive tour including trip extensions with our customizable concierge services.

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The Segovia ride is designed for competent riders. It can be tailored for private groups with mixed riding abilities, from intermediate to advanced riders, not for beginners. The riding trips can be combined with other activities such as cycling, bird-watching, kayaking ans/or cultural visits and wine tasting.
We customize intimate, fun, rich, flexible and memorable experiences. We offer some options but we can adapt to new requests an adapt to a wide range of needs or interests.

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Trip extensions

Our carefully crafted trip extensions, before and/or after the ride, capture the essence of an authentic Spain.

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We are passionate about Spain, its history, its nature, its traditions, its joy, and its lifestyle - and the Spanish food and wines, of course. Every ride is a true immersion into the culture of Spain. We design our trip extensions so that every day is a hand-selected experience specifically designed for you to learn something different about our fascinating country.
Accommodation and transport can be tailored to guests’ wishes and needs in the itinerary that will fit the travellers best.
We select the people that will provide each service included in the trip by their professionalism, knowledge, and enthusiasm, and they will go the extra mile to ensure you get the best experience. They will contribute to creating special moments and memories of your trip to the hidden Spain.

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