Castile Trails, Spain
Horses
Type of horses:
Spanish, Spanish-Arab Crosses and Anglo Arabs.
Nature of horses:
Good temperaments and sure-footed for the trails.
Height of horses:
15.1 - 16.1hh
Weight limit:
100kg / 220lbs
Tack type:
Australian stock saddles or English.
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 24 C
Forecast:
Thu - Partly Cloudy. High: 27 Low: 13
Fri - Sunny. High: 24 Low: 9
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
2012:
Full version starting from Madrid (4 nights, 3 days of horse riding):
Ł718 per person
Single supplement: Ł85
This price includes transfer from Madrid airport, train or coach station to Avila on arrival, 4 nights of accommodation, all meals, 3 days of horse riding with a qualified guide and transfer from Riocabado to Madrid on departure.
Full version starting from Avila (4 nights, 3 days of horse riding):
Ł614 per person
Single supplement: Ł76
This price includes transfer from Avila to Riocabado on arrival, 4 nights of accommodation, all meals, 3 days of horse riding with a qualified guide and transfer from Riocabado to Avila on departure.
Shortened version starting directly from Riocabado (2 nights, 3 days of horse riding):
Ł498 per person.
Single supplement: Ł43
This price includes 2 nights of accommodation and lunch on the last day and 3 days of horse riding with a qualified guide. This shortened version does not include transfers.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Fascinating riding trails exploring the Spanish historical region of Castile. In modern day Spain, this region combines various areas and communities. This part of Spain is rich in history, and although the population has been influenced by the various origins of its inhabitants, these Castilians seem to share a common cultural identity. The beautiful countryside, interesting history and delicious cuisine of the area make it a superb destination to explore on horseback. Perhaps the most famous Castilian is Isabelle I of Castile who married Ferdinand II of Aragon and played an important role in the unification of Spain.
This riding route here lies a 90 minute drive from Madrid, in the province of Avila, in the region of Moraña. The name of this region in northern Avila comes from the Spanish translation of “land of Moors”, a name it received during the Middle Ages due to the high presence of Muslims in this area. This countryside land, a few kilometres from Arévalo, is also known for being part of the Mudejar and Mysticism Route with a cuisine based on roasts and poultry. The landscapes are dotted with some hills and valleys where traditionally the growing of cereal and legumes was alternated with flocks of sheep. It has only been altered by the Adaja river and its little tributaries that crisscross this region with woodlands and wetlands. The region is covered with small, compact villages with an average of 5 km from one to another. These villages are dotted with excellent examples of Romanesque-Mudejar architecture which make for interesting viewing.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in a variety of comfortable hotels.
Las Leyendas Hotel***(complete version)
Hotel Las Leyendas is a restored historic house which was built in the 16th century. The rooms are comfortable and contemporary, yet still retain much of the original charm of the building with exposed stone walls and beams and have views of the city walls, the Amblés valley or the private garden.
Avila
www.lasleyendas.es
El Mirador del Adaja
The Mirador Hotel offers you 13 independent houses. Every house has a different distribution, plenty of details that allow you to enjoy your stay.
Pajares de Adaja
www.elmiradordeladaja.com
The Five Lineages Inn***
Located in the old Jewish quarter of the town of Arévalo and next to the church of St Domingo, The Five Lineages Inn offers visitors a new concept of luxury and a return to history. The name of the Five Lineages dates back to the founding of the town: Arévalo, recognized in its entirety as a historic-artistic heritage site. The grand old house, built on the 13th century foundations and which had its maximum splendor in the early last century, has been entirely restored retaining the spirit of the times and keeping the original elements. Every room has been tastefully restored, adding modern touches which contrast in perfect harmony.
Arévalo
www.loscincolinajes.com
Hotel NH Nacional**** (complete version)
The hotel occupies a historic building dating back to 1920. Recently refurbished and restored to its former glory, in line with the NH Hoteles philosophy, it is within walking distance of the "Art Triangle", formed by the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. It is also conveniently located near the Atocha railway station in the heart of the city and overlooks the Botanical Gardens. Attractive shopping areas, good restaurants and elegant nightclubs are an easy stroll from the hotel.
Madrid
www.nh-hoteles.es
Food is typical Spanish fare from the region.
Activities
There is the possibility of booking a guided visit to the Madrigal de las Altas Torres (historic site of Isabel la Catolica), Arévelo, or doing different activities on El Mirador del Adaja.
You could also extend your stay in Madrid or Avila.
Further Details
Languages: English, Spanish and French.
Health requirements: Fit and healthy.
Age limit: 12+
Tuition: No.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals and horse riding with a qualified guide.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, drinks or extras not mentioned.
Travel Information
Guests are recommended to fly into Madrid. Transfers are included on the full version of the trail from Madrid airport, train or coach station to Avila on arrival, then from Riocabado to Madrid on departure.
On the shortened version of trails then not all these transfers are included.
Airport: Madrid
Programme
Trek to Adaja River
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This route will enable you to enjoy the landscape of cereal fields which are typical of Castilla and to discover the pinewoods and oaks; you will pass through ornithological reserves and along red-stone cliffs bordering the river Adaja. Along the way you will discover Arévalo, the largest village in the area, which was declared an Artistic and Historical Site, and will enjoy walking along its streets and visiting its monuments, as well as tasting its delicious “tostón”. Day 1. Madrid – Ávila (complete version) You will be transferred from the airport of Madrid to the hostel, in Ávila, where you will stay for the first night. There is the possibility to arrive directly to Ávila. Day 2. Ávila – Riocabado – Pajares Distance: 18km Transfer from Ávila to Riocabado, where the route begins. The start crosses the area of “Laguna de El Oso”, and if you are lucky the group may have the opportunity of watching a large variety of birds, including the great bustard. You will continue along fields of cereals until entering some pinewoods. Here you cross the river Adaja and continue along the banks of this river, admiring the cliffs and dense vegetation. It is an area inhabited by birds of prey such as the red kite, the black kite, the peregrine falcon and others. The day will end at the top of a cliff with some impressive reddish taluses along the river, where the rural tourism centre of “El Mirador de Adaja” is located; an ideal space for horses and riders. Here you will be offered paella for lunch and will have the afternoon free to relax or visit the Altas Torres (a historical compound from the times of Isabella the Catholic). Day 3. Pajares – Arévalo Distance: 23km The route north follows the banks of the river Adaja. At the start you will enjoy a landscape with ravines created by the river, with steep ascents and descents, and lush vegetation along the way. Half way you will stop for a light lunch in a picnic area which is perfect for horses. You continue along the route approaching Arévalo, through pinewoods, and will enter the village bypassing it and leaving it to the left, so as to admire it from the top and see its location and architectonic monuments, until reaching the castle, which you access by crossing the river Adaja over the nearest bridge. At the castle you will stop to take a group photo, and then go on along the banks of the river Arevalillo, reaching some facilities to leave the horses. From here you will go to the hotel to rest. You may want to take a walk through Arévalo and dine on a smooth and crispy “tostón”. Day 4. Arévalo – Riocabado – Madrid/Avila Distance: 33,5km Leaving Arévalo along the same way used to enter the village, among pine trees, along the banks of the river Arevalillo, you will be able to gallop along the extensive flat lands. You will have lunch at a restaurant alongside the church of Cristo de los Pinares, where you may try the typical dishes of the region. After having coffee, you continue along a quiet path until reaching Riocabado. Transfer to Madrid or Avila. Day 5. Departure. Madrid or Avila Free day and transfer to the airport on departure day. NB. This trail is available as a shorter route. You can either start directly from Avila if you are already there, or you can start the trail in Riocabado. |
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| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and above. |
| Type of ride: | Trail. |
| Total riding time: | 3 days of riding, as per itinerary. Total distance covered is approximately 74.5km. |
| Departure dates: |
2012: flexible departures. For a group of 4 or more, any departure date can be offered provided that there is availability. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
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