The Sierra de Gredos is located in Castile in the heart of Spain and is known for its medieval castles and picturesque river valleys, among other things. The mountain range is home to some rare species of animals such as the Gredos ibex, imperial eagle, white stork and many others. The northern part of the sierra is rather rough and wild, while the southern part has a rather mild climate. The summer months are dry and sunny with temperatures of max. 25-28 degrees. The autumn months of September and October are milder, with temperatures around 18 degrees, very pleasant for riding. Four different riding programs lead through the beautiful landscape of the Sierra. You will stay in charming, ed hotels and also the catering leaves nothing to be desired. You will enjoy excellent Spanish cuisine with paella, Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, fresh fruits, barbecues and of course excellent Spanish wines.

Itinerary

Gredos mountain ride (8 days)
From Navarredona de Gredos you ride in a westerly direction through the Sierra de Gredos. You ride through beautiful valleys, enjoy a great mountain panorama, cross small, remote shepherd villages and medieval towns. Your guide, who was born here, knows this area very well! You will stay in charming, ed hotels and also the catering leaves nothing to be desired.

Course of the tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Madrid and transfer to Navarredonda (approx. 2 hours). On the way you will stop in Avila and make a short visit to the city. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Navarredonda.

Day 2: After getting to know the horses, you will set off on your first ride. The route leads through the Tormes Valley. At a fishing hut you will have a lunch break and enjoy a delicious paella typical of the country. In the afternoon you ride on to Navacepeda de Tormes, where you will stay overnight in a hotel. Riding time about 4-5 hours.

Day 3: Today you will have a riding day with always great views of the Gredos mountain range. You ride above a valley and through small, remote shepherd villages. In La Aliseda de Tormes is the lunch break. In the afternoon you ride down the valley of El Barco de Àvila, a wide open valley with different landscapes. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in El Barco de Ávila. Riding time about 6,5 hours.

Day 4: You cross the river Tormes over the old Roman bridge in El Barco de Ávila and approach the province of Salamanca, a rather flat and dryer area. In this rural area you will see fields surrounded by stone walls and you will certainly see farmers and field workers with their donkeys. Lunch by the river Tormes. In the afternoon there is the possibility for some gallops. Dinner and overnight stay in an inn in Hoyorredondo. Riding time about 6 hours.

Day 5: In the morning there are some trot and canter courses in the flat river valley of the Corneja. You will reach Bonilla de la Sierra, an important medieval town with beautiful churches. Lunch break in a garden with pool and a barbecue with steaks from the Avila cattle. In the afternoon you will climb the mountains until you reach Piedrahita, where you will stay overnight in a hotel. Riding time about 6 hours.

Day 6: Today you will reach the highest point of the riding tour. On the route you will have great views of the Alberche River Valley and San Martin de la Vega. You will cross the river Tormes. Lunch with great Gredos mountain panorama. In the afternoon short ride with some gallops to Hoyos del Espino. Riding time about 5 hours.

Day 7: On the last day you will explore the river valley Tormes further. There is again the possibility for some trots and gallops.

Day 8: Breakfast and transfer to Madrid (arrival at the airport approx. 12:00 hrs).

Gredos mountain ride (7 days)
Corresponds to the 8-day variant, only without the last riding day.

Four-valley ride (7 days)
On this horseback riding tour you will explore the four river valleys of the Tietar, Tormes, Alberche and Corneja rivers, which cross the Sierra de Gredos and are fed by the melting snow of the mountain peaks. The route passes through pine forests, valleys and ravines, and green, lush meadows.

Salamanca Ride (8 days)
Salamanca is especially famous for its university, which is the oldest in Spain. The charming city with its historic buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ride from Navarredonde de Gredos in a westerly direction and then further north to Salamanca. Passing the Sierra de Candelario and Sierra de Bejoar with their microclimate until you reach the river Tormes. In the oak groves you can also see black bulls from time to time.

Gredos connoisseur star rides (7 days)
This ride has a relaxed, less demanding riding program. You will spend 5 nights in the same accommodation and from there you will undertake star rides in different directions every day. On the way you will have a relaxed lunch break with barbecue or paella. Often there is also the possibility to swim in one of the clear streams. On one day you ride to another town where you spend the night. This program is also suitable for families, less experienced trail riders and riders who do not like to change accommodation every day.

Accomodation
Overnight stay in a double room with shower/WC

Saddle & Tack: English saddles and bridles.

Experience: You should be comfortable in all gaits and have at least 3-5 years of riding experience, have off-road experience and be able to control a new horse in all gaits. You will help with grooming, saddling and feeding the horses. Max. 90kg. Minimum age: 10 years.

Horses: Over 20 good-natured, responsive and well-bred P.R.E., Hispano-Arabs in excellent condition.