Segovia Escapes – Spain on horseback

You’ll be met in Madrid at 15H00 and transferred to La Granja de San Ildefonso, around a 1.5 hour drive. Settle into the Parador de La Granja, a beautiful 4-star hotel set within a former royal residence. Later, transfer to the equestrian centre to meet the horses and have a look around the stables. Enjoy a drink on the terrace before returning to the hotel for a welcome dinner and your first night in La Granja.

Head to the stables and set off towards the mountains, crossing open farmland as you leave La Granja behind and enter the Valsaín Forest. Follow ancient transhumance routes, including the Cordel de Santillana and Cañada Real Soriana, with a stop along the way for an aperitivo. Continue towards the source of the Roman Aqueduct, riding alongside the reservoir and Acebeda stream.

At midday, stop for a three-course lunch in the countryside, with time to relax and enjoy a leisurely siesta in the sun. In the afternoon, pick up the pace as you follow the cañada and the River Eresma back towards the stables. Return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner at Restaurante La Reina, located within the Parador.

After breakfast, collect your luggage and transfer to the stables for another full day in the saddle. Ride towards La Granja de San Ildefonso, following the River Eresma and crossing in front of the Pontón Dam. Continue along the lakeshore towards the polo fields before picking up a canter along a tree-lined avenue to your aperitivo stop.

After tapas and a drink, the route climbs into the pine forests of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Ride past the stone walls of the Royal Palace before emerging to panoramic views across the gardens and surrounding mountains. Descend a steep track through the village, followed by a long canter towards the lunch stop at Tejera del Cambrones, beside a small forest.

In the afternoon, continue around the western side of the Pontón Reservoir, crossing open fields with further opportunities for cantering before returning to the stables. Transfer to Segovia and check into Hotel San Antonio El Real. There will be time to explore the city before dinner at the hotel.

Transfer to the stables for your final day of riding. Begin with some open canters around the village of Hontoria before stopping for an aperitivo. The route then continues through the Tejadilla River valley and around the Cerrogordo hills, with beautiful views across Segovia and its skyline, including the Cathedral and the impressive Alcázar.

Descend towards the meadows of San Marcos, where the Eresma and Clamores rivers meet and the 13th-century Church of Veracruz stands. Stop here for a long, relaxed countryside lunch with views across the old town.

In the afternoon, ride back towards the stables along green riverside trails, with one final canter before saying goodbye to your horse. Return to the hotel to freshen up before your farewell dinner at a renowned local restaurant, known for one of Segovia’s most traditional dishes.

Transfer to Madrid Airport for your return flight home after an amazing few days making memories with your fellow riders and amazing horses! Scheduled transfers are arranged for the group, although private transfers at alternative times can be arranged on request and at an additional cost.