Horseback Riding in Spain
EXTREMADURA TRAILS |
Toledo and Extremadura are widely untouched regions in the central-southwest of Spain, where history comes alive. Toledo is one of the richest historically, culturally and monumentally endowed cities of Spain. Talavera famed for its ceramic-ware and Wellington's battle during the Peninsular War and Oropesa, with its Middle Age grand castle await you.
For centuries this region has been the winter destination of sheep and cattle, shepherds and Spanish "vaqueros" who ride the ancient "cañadas" - cattle drovers' paths. This is a land of lonesome trails and tranquility. Ride through red plains studded with holm oaks and watch black long-horn cattle grazing in grassy fields. The fertile Tietar river valley in the southern foothills of the Gredos mountains, with olive groves, fig, chestnut and cherry trees offers great opportunities for trots, canters and gallops. After long hours in the saddle charming but small rural hotels scattered in the region welcome horses and riders.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | MADRID - BUENAVENTURA (TOLEDO)
Meet in Madrid and transfer to Buenaventura (1 and 1/2 hour drive), a small village in the heart of the Tietar river valley, with a splendid view of the southern slopes of the Sierra de Gredos. On the way, stop at the monument to the Battle of Talavera (Peninsular War - 1809), near Talavera de la Reina. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight at a small, charming rural hotel in Buenaventura, a restored ancient watchtower of this settlement.
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| Day 2: | FINCA LAS MAJADAS - CAÑADA DE LAS MERINAS - BUENAVENTURA
Transfer to the Finca Las Majadas, starting point of the ride and home of the horses and the guides. Ride in one of the main cattle tracks ("Cañadas) of Spain, which has kept its width through centuries (about 70m wide). The sandy terrain is ideal for getting to know your mount. Ride across the hills of the Sierra de San Vicente, and stop for lunch near the village of Sotillo de las Palomas. Spend the afternoon riding through nearby woods, and stone walled paths to Buenaventura (Toledo). Dinner and overnight as previous night.
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| Day 3: | THE TIETAR RIVER VALLEY
The Tietar river valley divides the provinces of Avila and Toledo. It is a wide, sandy river that irrigates this fertile region. Follow the course of the river, riding on ancient cattle tracks. After our "aperitivo" stop, we will ride to Hontanares for lunch. After lunch ride to the foothills of the Gredos mountains. Overnight at a rural hotel in Poyales del Hoyo / Candeleda (Avila).
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| Day 4: | EL RASO: A CELTIC SETTLEMENT
Ride in the Southern foothills of the Gredos, a well known area for its architecture and microclimate, full of orchards of olives, vineyards, figs, chestnuts, cherries... After the aperitivo, we will enjoy lunch at the Celtic settlement of El Raso. Short afternoon ride towards Madrigal de la Vera (Cáceres) which is well known for its dried red peppers (paprika). Dinner and overnight at a beautiful country hotel.
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| Day 5: | THE RIDE OF THE LAKES
Back to the province of Toledo, the Tietar river forms a beautiful marsh - Lago Rosarito, a peacefull site full of birdlife. Aperitivo and lunch stop by the lake. Afternoon ride to Navalcan, near the marsh of the same name. Overnight at a rural hotel in the village.
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| Day 6: | THE WINTER PASTURES
For centuries this region has been the winter destination of the cattle from the Northern villages of the Sierra de Gredos. This is a land of lonesome trails - "cañadas", red plains studded of holm oaks. Enjoy the lush meadows around the Navalcan lake, where the black long-horn cattle graze. Aperitif and lunch by the lake. Afternoon ride to La Corchuela where the horses will spend the night. Short transfer to historic site of Oropesa, one of the oldest inhabited towns of Spain. Dinner and overnight at the luxurious National Parador of Oropesa, a 14th century castle, that belonged to the Count of Toledo.
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| Day 7: | CAÑADA DE LAS MERINAS - FINCA LAS MAJADAS.
From La Corchuela we will rejoin the cattle path of Las Merinas. Aperitivo and then lunch near the village of Velada. Afternoon back on the “cañada”, passing by fields of holm oaks, where cows, horses and..(well-fenced) young fighting bulls graze. Arrival at Las Majadas and short transfer to a rural hotel in Segurilla. Farewell dinner in the hotel.
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| Day 8: | SEGURILLA - TALAVERA - MADRID
After breakfast transfer to Madrid, arriving there about 12 noon. All riders will be transferred at the same time. If any rider needs to arrive in Madrid prior to noon, all riders will have to depart earlier.
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| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-6 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate to fast |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Andalusian, Arab crosses |
| Weight Limit | 200lbs |
| 2008 Dates | NOT AVAILABLE IN 2008 |
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