Transfer Option:

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid and transfer to Covarrubias, a medieval small town 150 miles north of Madrid. Dinner and overnight in a charming hotel inside the fortified walls. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Chindasvinto.

Day 2: In the morning short transfer to Lerma. Visit the local stable with some of the finest horses in the area. After a short demonstration, you saddle up and start your ride. A short visit to the medieval town center with its Parador follows a 5 to 6 hour ride across wide open fields and agricultural lands. Again and again you see flocks of Storks feeding in the fields. And certainly you will see the first vultures making their circles above you. It is just a first indication of what is to come. Be prepared to see maybe hundreds of these "ugly" and yet so gracious birds with a height of 3 to 4 feet and a wingspan of over 6 feet. The ride today offers several opportunities for nice long canters across the fields and meadows. For lunch you will be met by the supply vehicle at a lovely spot at a small creek. Maybe today you will have a real Spanish Paella - delicious. Of course the are soft drinks and wine available, as every day. Relax and watch a few more vultures resting on the cliffs before the shorter afternoon ride will get you back to Covarrubias. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Chindasvinto.

Day 3: Ride to Retuerto through vineyards, oak forests, juniper covered hearth land and pastures to the monastery Sto Domingo de los Silos. For dinner enjoy a traditional stone-oven lamb roast. Overnight at the hotel Coronas 2.

Day 4: Sto D. Silos to Navas del Pinar: You ride along a range of hills, through pine forests to the nature park "Canon del Rio Lobos" with a spectacular canyon scenery. Overnight in a rustic country house - Centro de turismo rural La Fuente.

Day 5: Today's ride leads you through a 10 mile long canyon of unique beauty. Crossing a river several times, the more you advance to the south the higher the bizarre rocks rise on both sides of the canyon. The park is home to eagles, vultures and other wildlife. Tonight's accommodation is located right at the exit of the canyon in a Parador - Posada Real Los Carreteros.

Day 6: Ride over a vast plateau with pine forests, meadows and fields. After passing a reservoir you reach Quintanar de la Sierra. The village is in the middle of a green cork oak forest covered with lush ferns.

Day 7: Quintanar to the origin of the Arlanza river: On your last day the ride continues over ascending narrow mountain paths and hiking trails to the Hierro-Pass and the origin of the Arlanza river. We’ll visit the necropolis from the middle ages of Revenga and Cuyacabras. Your riding adventure ends with the return journey (together with the horses) to Covarrubias. Join a farewell party for those that will leave us tomorrow. Overnight at the Hotel Chindasvinto.

Day 8: Transfer to Madrid and departure or stay with us on our next week’s discovery tour into the Sierra de la Demanda. Overnight and dinner in Covarrubias.

**Subject to change

The overall climate of Castillia is similar to Southern California: hot in the summer, pleasant and moderate in the spring and fall, and fairly cool in the winter. Rain is possible anytime, but rare in summer. The main rainy season is from the end of October to the beginning of May.

Rain gear suitable for riding should be carried along, particularly during the months from November through April.
A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.
Attire is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring a jacket and tie. Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available-bring plenty. It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all hotels supply it.
Also, please bring comfortable walking boots as you have to walk with the horses downhill on a rocky surface on the second day for at least one hour.

Most nights are in traditional and typical small hotels in wonderful settings.

The picnics are all well prepared with all the trimmings. Dinners are in local restaurants with delicious local menus. A medieval style banquet ends this first week on the tracks of “El Cid”.

This trip includes some wine with dinner.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements