Segovia Escapes
_
_
Segovia Escapes
_
_
2021 Availability
April 14-18
April 21-25
May 12-16
May 26-30
June 9-13
September 15-19
September 29-October 3
October 13-17
October 27-31
*Sold out
HIGHLIGHTS
Long cross-country canters
Small private groups
Advanced fit riders
La Granja Royal Site and Gardens
Pedraza medieval village
Aqueduct of Segovia
Evening drinks in the main square
Ready, trot, CANTER!
Optional: some jumps over stone walls
Segovia escapes
Segovia – Castilla y León| 5 days-4 nights– 3 days riding | From 1350€
______
Introduction
What makes this ride unique is the exceptional combination of remarkable historic sites, accessible on horseback, with the open and unspoilt Castilian countryside, ideal for riding, with some exhilarating canters and gallops! The province of Segovia is in Central Spain, in the Meseta, the great high plateau of the Iberian Peninsula.
This ride will take you through very diverse natural landscapes, from the alpine views of the Sierra de Guadarrama, to the old transhumance trails and the open grazing fields; the ancient Valsain forests of pines, oaks, holm oaks and holly bush, where the Spanish kings used to hunt bears and wild boars; and through the vast grain fields, the Eresma river valley.
The terrain is excellent for riding and the horses are very fit, so this can be quite an active ride. There are plenty of opportunities for long canters, and the opportunity to jump some stone walls if the riders wish to go for it!
The accommodation is in the medieval city of Segovia, World Heritage Town by the UNESCO, which boasts a magnificent cultural heritage including the colossal Roman Aqueduct from the 1st century AD, one of the greatest in Europe. After the days ride there will be time to stroll down the streets of the old city and have tapas in one of its beautiful squares.
What our guests say
"Oh where to start. It was an absolutely superb ride in every way but not for the fainthearted. Certainly it was the fastest ride I have been on since Kenya in 1998……...This is a real 1st class operation. Maria Elena is absolutely wonderful as was Enrique and staff team...accommodations, food, horses, tack..organization of ride...tours...everything......Highly highly recommend this ride to the fast and furious." MW (USA)
LEARN MORE
“Long canters, varied scenery, absolute confidence in Enrique, good horses, really comfortable accommodation - I loved having a bath every evening. Even the weather was perfect. The evening entertainments in Segovia were beyond my expectation”. VG (UK)
“Another fabulous holiday. There is so much attention to detail, which makes for a seamless holiday. The horses were wonderful - so well-schooled and very fit… a joy to ride. Very comfortable saddles. The pace was great…you certainly need to be fit to keep with Enrique! Overal…. wonderful! LP (UK)
“It is a beautiful place to ride. I loved our guides. They made our trip extra special. Felt very welcome by everyone. Enrique does not mess around “Ready, trot, CANTER!” will stick in all of our heads for a long time. We did not go hungry. If there are any “light” eaters, this is not a trip for them.” JO (Netherlands)
LEARN LESS
Trip summary
Fast progressive ride (back to the same hotel every night)
Best time to visit
Set dates in April-May-September.
This ride can be organised for small groups of minimum 4 riders at other times in the year
Trip length
5 days - 4 nights - 3 days riding (from Wednesday to Sunday)
Distance covered 90kms/57miles
Group size
Minimum 2 riders - Maximum 8 riders.
All departures are guaranteed.
Airport
Madrid
Riding ability
Experienced reasonably fit riders
Horses
The horses are Andalusian crosses, mainly Anglo-Hispanos (Andalusian & Thoroughbred cross), ranging in height from 15-16 hh, and selected for their good nature and endurance. They are very well trained for the rides and for school work, show-jumping and cross-country jumps. They are very fit, very willing and they are fun to ride.
Tack
English general purpose saddles
Small saddle bags are provided. Seat savers can be provided.
Time in the saddle
From 4 and ½ to 5 and ½ hours
Weight limit
90kgs – 198Ibs
Languages
English, French, Spanish
Climate
Dry continental climate.
Temperatures are strongly influenced by the altitude, with the average of 1000m.
The temperatures in April and May are very pleasant, about 20-22ºC in the middle of the day.
September is a dry month.
April max 26º C (78º F) - min 2ºC (36º F). Average days of rain: 10 days/month
May max 28º C (82º F) - min 1º C (34º F). Average days of rain: 6 days/month
September max 31º C (87ºC) - min 4º (39º F). Average days of rain: 3 days/month
October max 28º C (82º F) - min 2º (36ºF). Average days of rain: 7 days/month
Your hosts and guides
The Segovia short rides are led by Enrique, the owner of the stables in Segovia – Hipica Eresma. He is very a very safe, fun and experienced guide, knowledgeable and hospitable.
The 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
Advanced reasonably fit riders.
The fitter you are the more you will enjoy this ride!
Horses
The horses are Andalusian crosses, mainly Anglo-Hispanos (Andalusian & Thoroughbred cross), ranging in height from 15-16 hh, and selected for their good nature and endurance. They are very well trained for the rides and for school work, dressage and jumping. They are very fit, very willing and they are fun to ride.
Pace of the ride
The pace of the ride varies with the terrain. This can be quite an sportive ride, with long trots and canters, and even some cross-country jumps if the riders want to go for it. The pace will be adapted to the riders’ abilities and desire. The average riding time is five hours per day. The total distance of the trip is about miles.
The pace can be adapted to the ability of the riders, but in this programme riders can enjoy some exciting rides and it can be quite a sportive week.
Tack
Excellent leather English general purpose saddles
Seat savers and small saddle bags
Time in the saddle
From 4 and ½ to 5 and ½ hours
Weight limit
90kgs / 198 pounds
Your hosts and guides
The Segovia short rides are led by Enrique, the owner of the stables in Segovia – Hipica Eresma. He is very a very safe, fun and experienced guide, knowledgeable and hospitable.
The 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:
April 14-18
April 21-25
May 12-16
May 26-30
June 9-13
September 15-19
September 29-October 3
October 13-17
October 27-31
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
- Accommodation in 4* Hotel Monasterio San Antonio El Real
- 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 programme, with itineraries carefully selected to make the best out of every day ride
- Knowledgeable, qualified and hospitable guides: Enrique, the owner of the stables in Segovia leads the ride personally
- 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: aperitifs and tapas; lunches at local bars/restaurants in the villages; selected dinners in the hotel; all the drinks are included during the meals. Dinner at restaurant in Segovia can be organised (extra).
- A support vehicle will meet the group to assist the riders when necessary and will transfers the group in the morning to the starting point of the ride and back to the hotel at the end of the ride.
- 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.
- Accommodation in 4* Hotel Monasterio San Antonio El Real
Travel & Itinerary
MEETING POINT
Madrid
Riders will be met at the Madrid-Barajas International Airport.
Terminal 4, arrivals gate 10, at the cafeteria Paul (by gate 10). At 3pm, on the first date of the chosen week
Arrival
Any flight in time for the pick- up time at 15:00 pm of the first Sunday of the ride
Departure
Transfers on the Sunday of departure will be organised at the most convenient times for the riders.
Preferably, any flight after 1:00pm
Please contact us before booking the flights.
Transfer times can be flexible and adapted to the group schedule
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
- 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)
- Light rain jacket
- 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
Sunscreen and lip balm
LEARN LESS
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Progressive ride (back to the same hotel in Segovia at the end of the ride)
8 days - 7 nights-6 days riding
Exceelnte terrain for riding. It is a very active pace, with long steady cross-country canters. The pace will be adapted to the ability of the riders, but in this programme riders can enjoy some exciting rides and the Segovia ride can be quite a sportive week. A good level of riding fitness is required to make the most out of the great riding this week.
The average riding time is five hours per day. The total distance of the trip is about 90kms/57miles.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 MADRID – SEGOVIA
Arrival day. Panoramic visit of Segovia. Welcome drinks in a beautiful square in the city.
Day 2 LA GRANJA DE SAN ILDEFONSO – PEDRAZA
Exhilarating long canters. The Cega river. The medieval city of Pedraza.
Day 3 PEDRAZA VILLA MEDIEVAL - COLLADO HERMOSO
Long canters on the drover’s paths. Riofrío “cold river” lunch. More long canters.
Day 4 COLLADO HERMOSO - SEGOVIA
Sotosalbos Romanesque Moorish style church. Eresma river, More canters.
Privately guided visit of Segovia.
Day 5 SEGOVIA – MADRID
End of the ride. Transfer to Madrid.
SEE FULL DAY-BY-DAY DESCRIPTION
LEARN MORE
Day 1 MADRID - SEGOVIA
Transfer from Madrid (pick up at 3pm) to Segovia, about 1 and a half hour drive. Accommodation at the Hotel San Antonio El Real (4*), a luxurious and charming hotel. It was built in the cloisters of an ancient monastery from the 15th century, in the heart of the city of Segovia, a 5 min walk from the Roman Aqueduct. Transfer to the Equestrian Centre to see the stables and select the horses for the ride. Panoramic visit of the city of Segovia by car and a welcome drink in the Segovia main square. Welcome dinner and night at the hotel San Antonio el Real, which has an exquisite cuisine.
Day 2 LA GRANJA DE SAN ILDEFONSO – PEDRAZA, VILLA MEDIEVAL
Transfer to La Granja to ride in the Cañada Real Soriana Occidental, a ancient drover’s path, very wide and excellent footing for long canters. We will ride on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, until we get to Sotosalbos. Aperitivo stop and visit of the Romanesque church from the 13th century. Riding through countryside of holm oaks, through the small village of Requijada, where we will stop for lunch, near the river Cega. In the afternoon, we will ride by the Ermita de Las Vegas, and follow the Cega river to Pedraza. This is a beautiful medieval village, with an imposing castle, charming cobbled streets and a charming main square. Dinner and night in the Hotel de la Villa, a 3* hotel in the heart of the village.
Day 3 PEDRAZA VILLA MEDIEVAL – COLLADO HERMOSO
From Pedraza, and we will follow ancient bridle paths. Through nearly abandoned rural villages, with a typical architecture in stone and timber. We will pass the Romanesque church of San Juan Bautista 13th century and reach the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, in the Cañada Real, Aperitif stop in the Cañada, the we follow until Navafría, a mountain village with a timber production tradition. Lunch in the village restaurant. In the afternoon ride to Collado Hermoso. Dinner and night at the country hotel Finca del Duque or Fuente Plateada.
Day 4 COLLADO HERMOSO – SEGOVIA
Morning ride passing through Santo Domingo de Pirón and Torrecaballeros. We’ll stop for an aperitivo in the country. Riding through open farming land, we will pass the remains of an old ranch, where shepherds use to stop with their flocks to sheer the sheep, during the long transhumant journeys. Late lunch at the equestrian centre Hipica Eresma where the horses come from. Transfer to Segovia to the hotel Monastery San Antonio El Real 4*, within walking distance from the heart of Segovia. Visit of Segovia in the afternoon. Dinner and night at San Antonio El Real.
Day 5 SEGOVIA - MADRID
After breakfast transfer to the Madrid airport, arriving there about 12 noon. All riders will be transferred at the same time. Transfer can be arranged at a different time is that is more convenient for the group.
* 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 chosen for this ride is excellent and of special interest in this ride.
4 nights will be spent at the Hotel Monasterio San Antonio el Real, a luxurious and charming 4* hotel. It was built in the cloisters of an ancient monastery from the 15th century, in the heart of the city of Segovia, a 5 min walk from the Roman Aqueduct.
Single accommodations can be arranged at an additional charge.
• Nights 1, 2, 3 & 4 Hotel Monastery San Antonio El Real **** (Segovia)
LEARN LESS
Food & Wine
Breakfast, aperitifs, lunches and dinners 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. Lunches on this ride will be mostly at small bars or restaurants the ride goes through. If groups of 6 or more riders, we can organise lunches in the countryside. Dinners at the hotels will feature a varied selection of the typical cuisine.
All the drinks are included during the meals. Spanish red & white wines; beer, juices, soft drinks and water.
Vegetarians and special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Dinner is planned in the hotel where the guests stay. We can suggest/book other restaurants in Segovia (extra cost).
LEARN LESS
History and Nature
About Segovia
Towers, Romanesque churches, squares, steps, mansions and Renaissance palaces, synagogues, porticoes, convents, gardens… Segovia boasts a whole host of monuments and an almost endless list of places of interest. You will see one monument that predominates over everything else: the spectacular Roman Aqueduct, an engineering achievement dating back almost 2,000 years and whose colossal appearance is still intact today. The best view of it can be obtained from the popular Plaza Azoguejo square: the huge blocks of granite stand 29 metres tall, seeming to dwarf everything in the vicinity.
LEARN MORE
A stroll through the streets of Segovia is a pleasant and very interesting way of gaining an insight into the history of Spain. Over the centuries, various civilisations (Romans, Arabs, Jews and Christians) have left an artistic heritage that is difficult to match elsewhere. This will become obvious as you stroll through its old town, whose streets still boast the medieval structure and civic and religious buildings of various architectural styles. Many of them were built during the Middle Ages, the heyday of this city. One example from this period is the Cathedral, the last Gothic building constructed in Spain; another is the Alcázar, the impressive fortress with its stunning views of the city. And then there is the unique Casa de los Picos House, the Alhóndiga corn exchange market, with a façade that leaves no-one unmoved, and the tower Torreon de los Lozoya, originally a 14th century defensive structure, which are now used to hold cultural exhibitions.
More information at:
http://whc.unesco.org
http:/www.spain.info/tourspain
http:/www.avilaturismo.com
http://www.segoviaturismo.es
LEARN LESS
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.
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 Segovia itinerary can be adapted for cycling (ideal for 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.
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.
LEARN LESS
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 and/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.
LEARN MORE
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.
LEARN LESS
Trip extensions
Our carefully crafted trip extensions, before and/or after the ride, capture the essence of an authentic Spain.
LEARN MORE
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.
LEARN LESS
2021 Availability
March 7-14 March 21-28 April 11-18* October 17-24 October 31 – November 7 November 14-21 *Sold out
HIGHLIGHTS
Haciendas of Sevilla Doñana National park El Rocío Canter through El Rocío Gallop on the beach Excellent terrain for riding Horses for “riders” Horse-carriage for non-riders (Flamenco pairing dinner) (Fish and seafood) (Pub crawl on horseback)
2021 THE RIDES
—
