Spain: the guadarrama mountain national park

 

General information

DurationDestinationDeparture
3 days and 2 nights
Spain (Segovia, Requijada)
Spain (Barajas)

Description

Segovia, a land of untouched nature with ancient trails, mountains, and valleys to explore, is also a place rich in history, once home to the royal court and a crossroads of different cultures. Just over an hour from Madrid, this destination offers tranquility and natural beauty, with horseback rides on Arab-Spanish horses through the Sierra de Guadarrama Natural Park. Along the journey, you will discover Romanesque churches and savor traditional cuisine, such as roast lamb and stewed beans. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe local wildlife, including vultures and raptors. It’s an experience that blends history, nature, and gastronomy, making you feel like a true medieval knight.

Category

 
Scheduled Tour
Scheduled Tour en, es
Full Board Unrated
 

Program

Day 1:
Segovia, a land of unspoiled nature with its ancestral shepherd paths, unknown mountains and valleys waiting to be discovered. The seat of the royal court in ancient times and a place where various cultures of the Peninsula intersected. Just over an hour from Madrid airport, you will find a surprising destination of pristine nature where you can experience the much sought-after tranquility riding our Arab-Spanish horses, galloping in the open countryside, through the beautiful natural landscapes of the Sierra de Guadarrama Natural Park, and visiting 12th-century Romanesque churches lost in time. It will also be a journey to discover traditional gastronomy, enjoying typical dishes such as wood-fired roasted lamb or bean stew. The perfectly preserved nature of these places allows us to discover on horseback the nesting areas of vultures and native birds of prey and to enjoy birdwatching and recognizing the different songs of the many birds inhabiting these areas. A blend of history, gastronomy, and nature experienced with unparalleled attention to detail, in a journey that will make you feel like a true medieval knight and that you won't easily forget. Nearby, there are incomparable destinations such as La Granja, the Riofrío Palace, the perfectly preserved Medieval Village of Pedraza, Sepulveda, or the capital of Segovia with its impressive aqueduct dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

ITALY/MADRID/CAÑICOSA (-/L/D)
Arrival at Madrid airport and transfer on your own to the town of Segovia (easily reachable by train – airport transfer available on request). Aim to arrive in Segovia between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, followed by a short transfer to the town of Cañicosa. Check-in and lunch. In the afternoon, a 2-hour theoretical and practical "gentle training" course with Enrique. Dinner at the typical restaurant “La Tasca.”

Day 2:
CAÑICOSA/REQUJADA (B/L/D)
Breakfast and horseback riding for about three hours through the unspoiled nature of the Sierra. This national park, located between Madrid and Castile and León, was established in 2013 and spans nearly 34,000 hectares, making it the fifth-largest park in Spain. The landscape is very diverse, with mountains over 2,000 meters and vast forests. Picnic lunch along the route, followed by another three hours of riding until La Tejera de Las Vegas, for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3:
REQUIJADA/SEGOVIA/MADRID/ITALY (B/L/-)
After breakfast, depart for a three-hour ride. Stop for lunch at the El Soportal restaurant in the beautiful town of Pedraza. Afterward, enjoy two more hours of riding before saying goodbye to the group. Transfer to the Segovia train station (airport transfer to Madrid available on request).

Note: The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. It is also possible to participate in treks of a longer duration.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: boutique hotels
EQUIPMENT: Traditional Spanish saddle or English saddle
HORSES: Spanish and Arab-Spanish horses known for their beauty, grace, and balance.
RIDING TIME: 5/6 hours in the saddle. Ability to control the horse in open spaces required.
WHAT TO BRING: Riding clothing according to the season, fanny pack, water bottle, helmet.
TYPE: Itinerary trekking with overnight stays in boutique hotels.

ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1: El Porton Segoviano or similar
Night 2: La Tejera de Las Vegas or similar

El Porton Segoviano, a group of fully renovated country houses located in the town of Cañicosa, is only one hour from Madrid and a few kilometers from Pedraza, Sepúlveda, Turégano, Segovia, and La Granja de San Ildefonso. Surrounded by forests and nature, it’s the perfect starting point for trekking by bike, on foot, or horseback.

La Tejera de Las Vegas, located near Pedraza, is an old tile factory that has been completely restored and turned into a country house. It is hidden near a 12th-century hermitage. Here, you can enjoy a homemade dinner and a well-deserved rest after a long day of riding.

Departure dates are available upon request (except in July and August) with a minimum of 4 participants.

Price includes

All meals as per the itinerary
Transfer to/from Segovia train station
2 overnight stays
2 full days of trekking
1 ethological activity
Horses and equipment provided
Support vehicles
Expert local guide speaking English and Spanish
Medical and luggage insurance

Price does not include

Flights to/from Madrid
Round trip transfer from the airport to Segovia
Any additional nights
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, beverages, tips, personal extras
Imported alcoholic beverages and spirits
Anything not mentioned in the "what’s included" section
Integrative or cancellation insurance

Itinerary

Day Overnight Itinerary highlights
1 Unrated or similarSegovia   Madrid - Barajas Airport (MAD), Madrid
  Madrid International Airport
  Segovia
  Cañicosa City
2 Unrated or similarRequijada   Segovia
  Cañicosa City
3   Requijada
  Segovia
  Madrid - Barajas Airport (MAD), Madrid
  Madrid International Airport

Accommodations provided in each place

PlaceScheduled Tour
SegoviaUnrated
RequijadaUnrated