Experience the original and historic Castile and the province of Cantabria in the far north of Spain. These areas are mountainous and untouristy - ideal for wonderful trail rides. From Burgos you ride through medieval villages and river valleys, over mountains to the northern Spanish coast near Santander. You will pass mountain villages, passes with great views, reservoirs and more. A refreshing beach gallop awaits you as the crowning finale, or several on the longer version.
Overnight stays in charming hotels with excellent cuisine and wellness hotels in the coastal region

Itinerary

From Burgos to the sea (Part 1)

Day 1: Transfer from Bilbao to Covarrubias, where you will meet your guide and fellow riders over a leisurely dinner.

Day 2: Sotopalacios - Altos de Dobro
Your horseback tour begins in Sotopalacios, a small village outside the large city of Burgos. El Cid Rodrigo Díaz, Spanish knight and national hero, was born in the neighboring village of Vivar del Cid. From here, you ride north to the beach at Santander. Today, you ride steadily uphill to Páramo de Masa and end the day in Altos de Dobro with a hearty dinner.

Day 3: Altos de Dobro - Corconte
You leave Dobro and ride down towards the canyons of the Ebro through unforgettably beautiful landscapes that make this stage unique. You pass through small, quaint villages, climb the impressive Los Tornos mountain pass (920 m) and then ride through the Las Palancas gorge. This breathtaking gorge is three meters wide and the rock walls rise 100 meters high - a fantastic experience! After a hard climb, you will finally reach the banks of the Hoz de Arreba River - now you have earned your delicious picnic! In the afternoon, you will reach your destination for the day, Soncillo, from where you will head to the magnificent Corconte spa hotel. This historic property is located directly on the breathtaking Ebro reservoir – today, all you have to do is relax! You are now in the province of Santander, near the Escudo Pass (1,011 m).

Day 4: Corconte - Cotillo
You leave Corconte and the reservoir behind you and the clouds below you as you cross a mountain ridge with lonely pastures where you may encounter some animals. You approach Sel de la Carrera, where a refreshing picnic lunch awaits you. Refreshed, you then climb the mighty Cildá mountain on horseback. From there, gently sloping paths lead to Castillo Pedroso, a typical mountain village.

Day 5: Cotillo - Castañeda
Today you begin the descent to the Pas Valley and the coast. You will pass through pastures and magnificent eucalyptus forests. On the way, you will have lunch at the Ermita de Aés. The afternoon stage takes you along the idyllic Pas River to Castañeda, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner.

Day 6: Castañeda - Liencres
Lost in seemingly endless eucalyptus forests, you ride through the last farmsteads to arrive in Puente Arce, where you will have lunch in a nice spot. In the afternoon, you will arrive full of anticipation at the coastal town of Liencres, but save the beach ride for the next day.

Day 7: Liencres
Along the coast, you will approach the beach through a sheltered area with magnificent views. The tour culminates in a exhilarating gallop along the beach! The spray splashes under the hooves of your horses, who are just as happy as you are for the cool refreshment, and with their manes flying, you fly across the beach! Enjoy your last dinner together as you look back on the highlights of the riding tour.

Day 8: Transfer to Bilbao and return home.

Beach & wellness in northern Spain (part 2):

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao or Santander and transfer to the hotel for the first night.

Day 2: You begin the trail by exploring the Dunas de Liencres Nature Park, galloping along the long beach of Valdearenas and through the pine forest. You climb Picota Mountain to enjoy the fantastic view of the mouth of the Pas River and the Picos de Europa. You have a picnic in the park itself, and after a siesta, you return to the stables with a view of the sea. You spend the night at the Hotel Playa de Portio or a similar hotel right by the sea.

Day 3: From Liencres, the route follows the incredible Costa Quebrada to the pilgrimage chapel of La Virgen del Mar (patron saint of the city of Santander), where you will have lunch in a famous restaurant or a picnic (depending on the weather) in the chapel itself. After lunch, the route continues along the coast to the Cabo Mayor lighthouse and the coast of Matalenas. There is the option of visiting the city, the Magdalena Palace, and the Botín Center. Dinner will be at a typical restaurant, as the city offers a wide variety of cuisine. We will spend the night at the Hotel Silken Rio Santander or a similar hotel.

Day 4: The day begins with a boat trip through the beautiful bay of Santander to the village of Somo, where the horses are waiting for us. You will cross the beautiful beaches of Somo and Loredo (internationally known for surfing) and continue along the cliffs of Langre until you reach the coast of Galizano for a picnic. After a siesta, you will ride across green meadows and through eucalyptus forests, finally arriving in Suesa. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Las Torres de Somo or a similar hotel.

Day 5: After the days spent on the coast, you will head inland to the green Cantabrian countryside, passing cow pastures, forests, and well-preserved villages until you reach the town of Solares. There you will find a famous spring that is home to the Grand Hotel Balneario Castilla Termal, where you will spend the night and relax.

Day 6: You will leave Solares and ride towards the slopes of Mount Pena Cabarga, crossing Los Pozos de Valcava amid oak and beech trees to have lunch near the Cabareno Nature Park. After a siesta, you will ride over the mountain to another beautiful and charming village with another spa: Liéganes. Surrounded by mountains and green meadows, it features well-preserved stone houses. We will have dinner and spend the night at the Hotel Baleario de Liérganes.

Day 7: This unique village full of mythological stories (such as the legend of the fish man) is surrounded by mountains and offers beautiful hiking trails with breathtaking landscapes. That's why we'll take one of these circular routes on the last day and return for a picnic or dinner in a restaurant in the village itself. This will allow you to enjoy the thermal baths in the afternoon and relax at the end of the week. We will spend the night at the same thermal baths.

Day 8: After breakfast, transfer to Bilbao or Santander.

Wild Northern Spain 12 days: Combination of Burgos to the sea and the first 3 days of riding in the second part (beach & wellness), where you can explore the wild and romantic beaches of northern Spain and enjoy the comfort of beautiful wellness hotels.

Wild Northern Spain 15 days: Combination of both rides - The ultimate Northern Spain experience!

(Subject to change!)

Accomodation
You overnight in carefully ed typical Spanish middle-class hotels. Lunch is usually served as a picnic, always with several courses and a chupito (herbal schnapps). You will enjoy dinner at the hotel, with table wine included.

Saddle & Tack: Spanish saddles (vaquero) and double bridle. The stirups, the so-called "coal boxes" are unusual, but comfortable with a large footrest.

Experience: You should have ridden regularly for at least 3 years and be able to ride other horses in all gaits without instruction. Riding time approx. 5 hours per day, last day approx. 3 hours.

Horses: Andalusian and Spanish mixes, with good character, persistent and sure-footed.