Spanish Nature & History

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Milo Barber
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Spanish Nature & History on horse back Gredos & Segovia 8 days & 7 nights This extraordinary ride combines 3 days riding in the province of Segovia with 3 days riding in the Sierra de Gredos; the

The journey starts in the Sierra of Gredos Nature Park, where riders will be inspired by the landscapes full of light, colour and nature s splendour.

The small villages display their architecture, their tradi ons and the way of life of their people, isolated in this inaccessible nature that shapes their unique character.

The second part of the ride will take you to Segovia, a journey with many historic sites accessible on horseback, riding through the open and unspoiled Cas lian countryside.

1 Spanish Nature & History on horse back Gredos & Segovia 8 days & 7 nights This extraordinary ride combines 3 days riding in the province of Segovia with 3 days riding in the Sierra de Gredos; the historic centre and natural heart of Cas le. Both provinces are in Central Spain, in the Meseta, the great high plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, in the region of Cas lla y Leon. The journey starts in the Sierra of Gredos Nature Park, where riders will be inspired by the landscapes full of light, colour and nature s splendour. This area is truly rural Spain, with an economy based on free range Avilian ca le breeding. The small villages display their architecture, their tradi ons and the way of life of their people, isolated in this inaccessible nature that shapes their unique character. It is an excellent terrain for riding, mostly open fields with magnificent views and paths that follow the course of rivers. The second part of the ride will take you to Segovia, a journey with many historic sites accessible on horseback, riding through the open and unspoiled Cas lian countryside. Riders will visit the medieval city of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Town which boasts a colossal Roman Aqueduct from the 1st Century AD; and ride to the Romanesque church of Sotosalbos; the castle and for fied city of Pedraza; and the Royal site of La Granja de San Ildefonso, with its grand baroque palace and beau ful gardens. The quality of the accommoda on is outstanding, with all hotels in great loca ons and carefully selected for their authen city and character. The trip also caters extremely well for non-riders offering a programme of history, gastronomy & wines, astronomy, walking & birdwatching. Why we like Gredos The Beauty of Remote, Rural Spain Robust, Gourmet Spanish Cuisine Beau ful Horses Apere fs Appearing from Nowhere Landscapes, Mountains, River Valleys

The Gredos Ride Day 1: Madrid, Navarredonda de Gredos You will be met in Madrid and transferred by road to Navarredonda de Gredos (a 2 hour drive), a small village in the heart of Cas le with a

Riders will enjoy a welcome dinner and their first of three nights at the Gredos Na onal Parador, an ancient hun ng lodge nestled in pine trees built by King Alphonso 13th, the first Parador opened

You will meander through pine woods, open fields and along trails taking in spectacular vies of the Sierra de Gredos as you go and stop for lunch as a tradi onal bar, where the menu is cooked on the

The idea of this gentle, short day of riding is for riders and horses to get used to one another and guests to acquaint themselves with the riding, the scenery and the general way of the life here in

2 The Gredos Ride Day 1: Madrid, Navarredonda de Gredos You will be met in Madrid and transferred by road to Navarredonda de Gredos (a 2 hour drive), a small village in the heart of Cas le with a splendid view of the Sierra de Gredos. This is a region steeped in history, where the Moors and Chris ans fought, where Romans built roads that have lasted for centuries. Riders will enjoy a welcome dinner and their first of three nights at the Gredos Na onal Parador, an ancient hun ng lodge nestled in pine trees built by King Alphonso 13th, the first Parador opened in Spain. Day 2: The Pinewoods, The Summer Pastures & The Source of the Tormes River Following a res ul first night, today you will begin your ride with a circular route towards the mountains. You will meander through pine woods, open fields and along trails taking in spectacular vies of the Sierra de Gredos as you go and stop for lunch as a tradi onal bar, where the menu is cooked on the spot. In the a ernoon you will complete your route, heading back to the stables in Navarredonda. The idea of this gentle, short day of riding is for riders and horses to get used to one another and guests to acquaint themselves with the riding, the scenery and the general way of the life here in this beau ful, remote spot. In the evening you will enjoy a fabulous dinner and a second night at the Gredos Na onal Parador. The Andalusian is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years. It has been recognized as an individual breed since the 15th century & its conformation has changed very little over the centuries. Throughout its history, it has been known for its prowess as a war horse, & was prized by the nobility. Strongly built & compact yet elegant, Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails. They are most commonly grey or bay although around 5% are black, dun, palomino or chestnut. They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity & docility & when treated with respect they are quick to learn, responsive & co-operative. 2

Day 3: Navarredonda de Gredos Barbellido Mountain Gorge On your third day you will ride towards the heights of the Sierra de Gredos, which boasts spectacular views across the mountain range.

This is an excellent spot for a swim to relax and refresh in the warm Spanish sun.

In the evening, a er a full day, you will ride back to the stables in Navarredonda de Gredos and relax and enjoy your third and final evening at the Gredos Na onal Parador.

3 Day 3: Navarredonda de Gredos Barbellido Mountain Gorge On your third day you will ride towards the heights of the Sierra de Gredos, which boasts spectacular views across the mountain range. You will then climb to the Covacha Gorgea to descend again to the gorge of Barbellido where you will enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. This is an excellent spot for a swim to relax and refresh in the warm Spanish sun. In the a ernoon you will climb to the heights of Siete Fuentes before descending to the pinewoods and the Tormes river. In the evening, a er a full day, you will ride back to the stables in Navarredonda de Gredos and relax and enjoy your third and final evening at the Gredos Na onal Parador. Day 4: Navarredonda de Gredos Laguna Cañada el Gallo Hoyos del Espino Today you will ride towards the heights of Cañada Lengua through expanses of broom, a plant na ve to Western Europe which produces oceans of stunning yellow flowers in spring me. Con nuing, you will reach the heights of Los Cervunales, open fields of summer pastures at an al tude of around 1700m from which the views of the Sierra de Gredos are simply breathtaking, un l you reach the beau ful lagoon of Cañada El Gallo which is teeming with life in spring me. You will enjoy a picnic lunch by the lagoon before descending down towards the village of Hoyos del Espino and then riding back to the stables. At the end of today s ride you will by transferred by road (approx 2 hours) to The Royal Residence of La Granja a beau ful small town just 11 kilometers from Segovia. You will have the opportunity to visit the baroque palace and gardens of this royal site, built in the mes of Felipe V, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant and your stay at tonight s hotel Parador de La Granja. The Sierra de Gredos is the most extensive mountain range of the Central System. It is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna including the Spanish Imperial Eagle, European Otter and Eurpoean Honey Buzzard, as well as several endemic species including the fire salamander and Western Spanish Ibex. The Sierra de Gredos was one of the first known settlements of the Vettones, a pre-roman Celtic people who were predominantly cattle-herders of the 2nd Iron Age. 3

The Segovia Ride Day 5: La Granje de San Ildefonso Pedraza From La Granja you will rejoin the Cañada Real at the Caserio de Gamones and ride on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, un l you reach

From here you will con nue to ride through the countryside among majes c Holm oaks, through the small village of Requijada un l you reach your lunch spot near the Ermita de La Vegas.

Here you will dine and spend the night at the Hotel de la Vila, a fantas c hotel in the very heart of this historic village.

You will pass the 13th Century Romanesque church of San Juan Bau sta and then reach the slopes of the Sierra Guadarrama in the Cañada Real.

4 The Segovia Ride Day 5: La Granje de San Ildefonso Pedraza From La Granja you will rejoin the Cañada Real at the Caserio de Gamones and ride on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, un l you reach Sotosalbos. The aperi vo stop and visit of the 13th Century Romanesque Church here is a real highlight as you wander and marvel at these ancient buildings. From here you will con nue to ride through the countryside among majes c Holm oaks, through the small village of Requijada un l you reach your lunch spot near the Ermita de La Vegas. From here you will follow the Cega River to Pedraza. Pedraza is a beau ful medieval village with an imposing castle, cobbled streets and a charming main square. Here you will dine and spend the night at the Hotel de la Vila, a fantas c hotel in the very heart of this historic village. Day 6: Pedraza Collado Hermoso From Pedraza you will follow ancient bridle paths through nearby abandoned rural villages showcasing typical stone and mber architecture. You will pass the 13th Century Romanesque church of San Juan Bau sta and then reach the slopes of the Sierra Guadarrama in the Cañada Real. Following a aperi f stop in Cañada you will con nue to Navafría, an isolated mountain village with a tradi on in mber produc on. A picnic lunch by the river Cega will be followed by an a ernoon riding to Collado Hermoso, a small town filled with churches and beau ful historic buildings da ng from the early twel h century when it was founded by the Bishop of Segovia. Dinner and your evening s accommoda on will be at the country hotel Finca del Duque. Why we like Segovia Beau ful & Historic Pedraza 13th Century Romanesque Churches Long Canters in Open Countryside Fascina ng Ancient History The Roman Aqueduct & Royal Sites 5

Day 7: Collado Hermoso Segovia This morning s ride will pass through Santo Domingo de Pirón and

You will ride through open farm land, pass the remains of an old ranch and rest where shepherds used to

carefully converted into a four star hotel with stunning views, a spa and a beau ful open air swimming

and relaxing end to a fantas c week. Day 8: Segovia Madrid Sadly today will see the end of the trip.

arriving there at around midday. Earlier/Later transfers can be arranged at an addi onal cost if required.

First recorded as a Celtic possession, it was then claimed by the Romans before being abandoned after the

5 Day 7: Collado Hermoso Segovia This morning s ride will pass through Santo Domingo de Pirón and Torrecaballeros and will stop for the customary aperi f in a remote spot of beau ful countryside. You will ride through open farm land, pass the remains of an old ranch and rest where shepherds used to stop with their flocks of sheep during their long transhumant journeys between high summer and low winter pastures. You will reach Hipica Eresma, the equestrian centre where the horses are based, for a late lunch and then transfer to Segovia. Your accommoda on for the night will either be at the Na onal Parador of Segovia an ancient convent carefully converted into a four star hotel with stunning views, a spa and a beau ful open air swimming pool or the Hotel Monasterio San Antonio El Real a beau ful converted monastery complete with a cloister next to Segovia's Roman Aqueduct. You will have me to explore this fascina ng city and enjoy a farewell dinner which will provide a fi ng and relaxing end to a fantas c week. Day 8: Segovia Madrid Sadly today will see the end of the trip. A er breakfast you will be free to con nue with your own arrangements or transferred to Madrid airport, arriving there at around midday. Earlier/Later transfers can be arranged at an addi onal cost if required. The city of Segovia is the capital of Segovia Province. First recorded as a Celtic possession, it was then claimed by the Romans before being abandoned after the Islamic invasion of Spain centuries later. The end of the Middle Ages saw something of a golden age for Segovia, with a growing Jewish population and several splendid works of Gothic architecture completed during this period. In 1985 the old city of Segovia and its Aqueduct were declared World Heritage by UNESCO. It remains one of the best places in the world to see cultural diversity represented through ancient architecture. 6

Equiberia Spain: Gredos & Segovia 8 Days and 7 Nights

the trek including night of arrival, farewell dinner and

Transfers to & from Madrid Horses, tack, guides,

Excluded: Transfers at special mes, transfers to/from

of meals Gratui es Please note: Terms and Condi ons apply

Departures are guaranteed with no minimum number of

Price is subject to change due to currency fluctua on and

6 Equiberia Spain: Gredos & Segovia 8 Days and 7 Nights Included: Seven nights accommoda on All meals while on the trek including night of arrival, farewell dinner and breakfast on day of departure Beer and wine with meals Transfers to & from Madrid Horses, tack, guides, interpreter, support vehicle. Excluded: Transfers at special mes, transfers to/from alterna ve loca ons or addi onal transfers Drinks outside of meals Gratui es Please note: Terms and Condi ons apply please request a copy of our Booking Form for all details Departures are guaranteed with no minimum number of guests. Maximum 10 riders. Single Supplements apply. Price is subject to change due to currency fluctua on and unforeseen changes beyond the control of our company. See next page for further informa on about the ride. 8

Accommoda on in Avila / Segovia: To round out your Spanish experience, we recommend at least 2 nights prior to and a er your riding trip staying Avila, Segovia and/ or Madrid.

7 Accommoda on in Avila / Segovia: To round out your Spanish experience, we recommend at least 2 nights prior to and a er your riding trip staying Avila, Segovia and/ or Madrid. The Classic Safari Company will be pleased to make hotel recommenda ons and assist with any addi onal arrangements. Climate: Dry, con nental weather with temperatures strongly influenced by the al tude (1000m 1700m). Average temperature in Navarredonda de Gredos: July-August 25ºC Maximum during the day Minimum during the night 12ºC Luggage: No luggage limit but we suggest packing in one piece. A detailed clothing list will be provided on confirma on. Meals: The local cuisine is excellent and much considera on is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a sampling of the many different dishes produced in the area. Vegetarians and any other dietary requests can be accommodated with advance no ce. Drinks: All the drinks are included during the meals. Tas ng of Spanish red& white wines; sherry; beer, juices, so drinks and water. Any addi onal drinks will be at guests expense. Time in Saddle: 4-6 hours in any one day but long breaks are taken at lunch me to swim in the beau ful river pools. Approximately 95 miles / 150kms will be covered. Pace of Ride: The pace of the ride varies with the terrain. The ride includes walks, trots, canters and gallops 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 exci ng rides. Riding Ability: Intermediate to experienced and you must be reasonably saddle fit. For private groups or families the ride can be adapted to suit beginners or tailored to the riders abili es and interests. Tack: Excellent leather English general purpose saddles, with deep knee rolls. Every piece of the tack is in excellent condi on. Small saddle bags are provided and seat savers can also be provided if necessary. Helmets: Helmets are compulsory. Equiberia can supply helmets, however, we recommend you supply your own to ensure a correct fit. Please check that your insurance cover includes horse riding. Should there be an accident and you are not wearing a helmet, do not expect any insurance cover. Type of Horses: The horses are Hispano-Arab, Andalusian, Arab and Lusitano breed ranging in height from 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. Weight Limit: 90kgs / 198 pounds Non-Riders: With prior no ce non-riders can be catered for and are offered an alterna ve programme tailored to their interests. This may include history, gastronomy & wines, astronomy, walking and trekking and birdwatching. Money: Once the trip begins you won t need much money but we suggest guests bring around 250 Euros just for drinks not served with meals, gratui es etc. Gratui es: Equiberia request that all ps go to tour leader Maria Elena and not to the staff directly to ensure equal distribu on. Your hosts and guides: The 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 enthusias c, mo vated, a en ve and charming. 11

RIDE WORLD WIDE. SPAIN - Segovia: History at a canter

RIDE WORLD WIDE. SPAIN - Segovia: History at a canter RIDE WORLD WIDE SPAIN - Segovia: History at a canter Riding trip information sheet 2018 These 7 night rides in central Spain are one of the special Portfolio of Spanish rides developed by our long term