Vineyard Trail - Ruta del Vino Central Spain Spain Join us on a special ride through the famous wine harvest area of Ribera del Duero in Castile. During the 1990's the region developed into one of the best wine producers of Spain and now showcases some of the country's best wines. The area has 28.000 acres in grape production and is home to over 180 vineyards- over 8000 wine producers buy their grapes from this area! Our horseback tour allows you to explore its bountiful landscapes while you taste some of these classic and delicious wines. The first two days of the ride focus on the beauty of the nature park, Hoces del Rio Duraton. Situated to the northeast of Segovia, it has many great archaeological and historical riches as well as natural splendor. The water of the River Duratón is dammed after passing Sepúlveda, in a canyon with areas that have astounding drops of over 100 metres. Impressive and deep gorges have been carved out by the river's forces in these limestone lands, where a great number of birds of prey nest, like the striking Griffon Vulture. The next four days we will follow along the river of the same name - Ribera del Duero - and visit the nearby vineyards. The soft dandy trails of the high plateau are the perfect place explore on horseback and of course the cultural and culinary experiences along the way play a big role during these days. We visit castles and abbeys, stop at the best bodegas (wine tasting rooms and cellars) and enjoy the beautiful wines and cuisine of the region. Savor typical regional dishes like the juicy lamb roasts and the full flavored sheep cheese. This trip is certainly designed for lovers of fine wines and delicious foods! Accommodations are in very nice hotels and country estates. To make it a bit more relaxing we only move lodgings every second day (a total of 4 different accommodations) – so no need to pack your bags every morning. You will have breakfast and dinner at your accommodations and lunch is typically at one of the bodegas or a sumptuous picnic alongside the trail.  A wonderfully appetizing way to explore central Spain!   Progressive Ride (no camping) Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Airport: Madrid Transfer: Madrid Riders: Min 4 riders Max 9 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). Pick-up is fixed for 5:00pm. Drop-off around 12:00pm on the last day.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival in Madrid, Spain and transfer to the first accommodation. It may be possible depending on the time of arrival, to visit Sepúlveda in the afternoon. It has picturesque town walls, churches and traditionally built houses.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at La Cerca Blanca or Posada del Duratón or similar in Sebúlcor

Day 2 (Sunday): Sebúlcor to Fuentidueña
We start our route in Sebulcor, a small town that allows the most direct access to the Natural Park of “Las Hoces del Río Duratón”. Riding between pine groves, forests of shore, sabinas and junipers, we cross the Park and enjoy a precipitous view of the meandering S bends of the Duratón river. We ride in the habitat of hundreds of leonados vultures and some Egyptian vultures as well as kites, eagles & sparrow hawks. If we are really fortunate, we will see the only pair of Real Eagles that nest in the park. Otters, genets and other species are prevalent. Upon arriving in the small town of San Miguel de Bernuy we stop for a wonderful lunch in a restaurant. After our siesta, we head down the river Duratón to Fuentidueña and the end of our first day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Cerca Blanca or Posada del Duratón or similar in Sebúlcor

Day 3 (Monday): Fuentidueña to Peñafiel
We follow the Duratón to its confluence with the Duero River. Cozy lunch and siesta on the way. In the afternoon you will reach Peñafiel with its majestic castle and wine museum. Overnight in a beautiful 4-star hotel in Peñafiel. There is still enough time to explore the city, castle and museum
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Peñafiel

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride to Valle del Cuco
Fom Peñafiel you will ride through the valley of the Cuco river, through heathland, on the way to the castle of Curiel. You will rest at the foot of the castle before visiting a well-known bodega. Dinner and overnight at the hotel of the previous day in Peñafiel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Peñafiel

Day 5 (Wednesday): Peñafiel to Olivares de Duero
On the right bank of the Duero, explore the famous Ribera and visit four of the region's most typical bodegas. You will also visit the Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Valbuena near San Bernardo. It was founded in 1143 and is one of the best preserved examples of early Cistercian architecture in all of Europe. 
After many canters and sightseeing visits, you arrive in Olivares del Duero, where dinner and a nice hotel await you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Olivares del Duero

Day 6 (Thursday): Olivares de Duero
Today, you climb the heather-covered plateau on horseback, where you can enjoy a great view of the entire Ribera del Duero. On the way back to Quintanilla de Onésimo, a wine tasting and a little surprise await you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Olivares del Duero

Day 7 (Friday): Traspinedo
Along the right bank of the river, you will reach the town of Sardón de Duero, where you will cross the river and stop for the last time in well-known bodegas. Once in Traspinedo you will have time to rest and prepare for tomorrow's departure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Traspinedo

Day 8 (Saturday): Airport transfer
Transfer to Madrid after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                Valladolid area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	47	52	59	62	70	80	87	86	78	66	54	47
Average Low Temperature (°F)	33	34	37	41	46	53	57	57	53	46	39	35
Average High Temperature (°C)	8	11	15	17	21	27	30	30	26	19	12	9
Average Low Temperature (°C)	1	1	3	5	8	12	14	14	11	8	4	2
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	6	5	5	7	7	4	2	2	3	7	6	6

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The overall climate of Castilla is similar to Southern California. It benefits from a continental Mediterranean climate with hot summers, pleasant and moderate temperatures in the spring and fall, and fairly cool temperatures in the winter.

Rain is possible anytime of the year, but rare in summer. The main rainy season is from the end of October to 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.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

English or Western riding attire

Comfortable/riding boots

A hard hat is not required, but recommended for safety

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Rain coat/Wax jacket

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Light summer jacket

Warm jacket

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

Bandana

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films

Belt pack

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Small bar of soap

Flashlight

Average ratings from 2 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date sabine etter 8/3/2019 anna nilsson 9/26/2010

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations

Description
Overnights are in 3 and 4-star hotels and country inns with private bathrooms. Wi-Fi connection is available in all accommodations.

Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Country Hotel in Sebúlcor (2 options)
Nights 3 & 4: Hotel in Curiel
Nights 5 & 6: Hotel in Quintanilla de Onésimo
Night 7: Hotel in Covarrubias (2 options)



Country Hotel (option 1) in Sebúlcor
This small country hotel is composed of different buildings built with local materials and set around a large patio. The rooms are simply furnished and all feature a TV, ensuite facilities and free Wi-Fi access.

Country Hotel (option 2) in Sebúlcor
This charming country hotel is surrounded by nature and offers tastefully decorated bedrooms. All rooms come equipped with a TV, heating, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access. There are also 2 lounges with fireplaces where guest can relax.

Hotel in Curiel
This beautiful castle-like accommodation offers comfortable bedrooms each decorated with a unique historic style. The bedrooms have a TV, individual air conditioning, a safe, free Wi-Fi and private facilities. There is a small outdoor pool on the rooftop, from which you have a beautiful view over the valley below.

Hotel in Quintanilla de Onésimo
This accommodation is set in a former flourmill that has been entirely refurbished to ensure a comfortable stay to its guests. The rooms are modern and elegant and all come fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a TV and free Wi-Fi access. The property also has a terrace and a lounge with a fireplace.

Hotel Casa Ramón in Quintanar de la Sierra 
This small rural hotel offers 34 simply furnished bedrooms with great views over the surrounding mountains. Each room has its own temperature control, TV and private bathroom. There is free Wi-Fi available in common areas.

Posada Las Mayas in Quintanar de la Sierra 
This charming hotel located in the heart of the mountains only recently opened after enduring renovations. The interiors have been tastefully decorated and the original spirit of the house (dating from 1920) has been kept through small objects and furniture. The 11 rooms are all spacious and all come equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, phone and private facilities.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip.
We serve mainly Spanish dishes.

Lunches are at local bodegas along the way or picnic along the trail.
Dinners are in local restaurants with delicious local specialties.

Wine is included with dinner.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Spanish (Vaquero) and some English
Horses:		Pura Raza Española, Hispano Arab, Lusitanos, Cruzados con Español Arab
Pace:		Moderate with nice canters | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 9 riders

Riding Experience
You should be a reasonably experienced rider who is comfortable, secure and in control on a well-schooled horse at a walk, trot and canter in open country and over varied terrain. You should also have a fairly good level of general and riding fitness.

Pace
The pace is moderate overall but it varies each day. One day in particular, includes some steep ascents, descents and narrow trails to negotiate; other days are on more open terrain, which allows faster riding.

Horses
We currently have around 20 horses, mainly locally Andalusian, Andalusian crosses and Spanish breeds. They average between 15hh and 16hh and are a forward going, responsive and thoroughly enjoyable ride. They are also good natured, nimble and sure-footed.
The stables where horses live are fully equipped and designed for the comfort and well-being of our horses.

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 

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.