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Extremadura Trails

Overview

Extremadura is a region in western Spain which is a paradise for horse riders. Boasting a fabulous climate in autumn, winter and spring, with hot summers, it has excellent preserved natural reserves and historical sites, many of which are UNESCO protected. Characterised by "dehesa" - wooded pasture…

Highlights

  • Amazing gastronomy experience!
  • Ride homebred PRE and Andalusian horses
  • Accommodations offer a high level of comfort
  • Small, family run trail riding outfit
  • Opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites

Essential Facts

  • 6 itineraries available
  • Max 10 riders per group
  • Average of 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kgs / 198 lbs / 14 st 2 lbs

Description

Extremadura is a region in western Spain which is a paradise for horse riders. Boasting a fabulous climate in autumn, winter and spring, with hot summers, it has excellent preserved natural reserves and historical sites, many of which are UNESCO protected. Characterised by "dehesa" - wooded pasture - it is one of the most prized destinations in Europe for bird-watching enthusiasts and nature lovers the world over.

Crossing this land are wide grassy pathways or Canadas Reales, which are ancient routes used by cattle herders for moving their stock between summer and winter pastures. These routes offer safe and enjoyable canters for riders on the beautifully cared for horses of your host and guide. The horses are all P.R.E, Andalucian or Hispano Arabs. The majority are born and raised on the home farm. They are sure-footed across the stony paths in the mountains whilst being fast and smooth across the flat and sandy glens of the valleys.

Your host and guide, Emilio, is the grandson of an Avilena cow herdsman and still moves his horses between the mountain and valley pastures as his family previously did with cattle. As well as breeding and raising the horses used on the trails, he has over 30 years experience as a Spanish Equestrian Federation instructor and guide.

There are several trails to choose from, with the Transhumance ride taking the horses up to their summer pastures in the mountains in June and bringing them back in October. Trails run through the autumn, winter and spring months.

NB. Please note that if you choose to leave the trail part-way through, there will be a charge for transporting your horse back to the stables. This amount will vary depending on which trail you are on and how long the journey back is.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English saddles with small front saddle bags and Acavallo gel seat savers. Most horses wear bridles with simple snaffle bits, but some are ridden in pelhams.

Horses

Mostly Andalucian, P.R.E and Hispano-Arab, with some other crosses.

Riding

There are 6 itineraries:

  • Conquistadors Extremadura Treasures is a based ride
  • Monfrague National Park trail is a trail ride
  • Pilgrimage to Guadalupe Monastery is a trail ride
  • Conquistadors Geopark Ride is a trail ride
  • Extremadura Long Weekend is a based ride
  • Transhumance is a trail ride

Ages

Children must be 10 years or older to join the trails and used to riding horses as there are no ponies

Health

General good health

Weight

90kgs / 198 lbs / 14 st 2 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Breakfasts are taken at the hotels.

Lunches are out on the trail but the support crew meets you so there are tables and chairs. If necessary there is also a tent for protection against the weather (sun or rain). Lunch may be an exquisite BBQ with Avilan beef, or a fresh paella prepared by your guide. Tapas with freshly carved Serrano ham are also on offer.

Dinners are taken at the restaurants and include typical Castilian dinners.

Drinks during meals, including red or white wine, beer and aperitifs such as sherry are included, but drinks outside of meal times are to your own account.

Accommodation

You stay in rural hotels or inns - the best that is available in the area. They are clean, comfortable, charming and picturesque. Twin and double rooms are available and all rooms have private bathrooms.

As these are all trail rides, your accommodation will change each night. Some of the hotels have swimming pools, but not all of them.

Itineraries

Conquistadors Extremadura Treasures Standard accommodation.

Monfrague National Park trail Standard accommodation.

Pilgrimage to Guadalupe Monastery Standard accommodation.

Conquistadors Geopark Ride Standard accommodation.

Extremadura Long Weekend Standard accommodation.

Transhumance Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non riders can travel with the party in the support vehicle, meeting riders at lunch spots and in the evenings. Alternatively, non-riders can hire their own car and visit sights during the day, meeting the group for dinner.

Travel

Transfers are provided from Madrid airport at set times for all of the long trails. Transfers are NOT included for the Long Weekends.

For the week-long trails:
On arrival day you will be collected at 15:00 (3pm) and so you need to arrive by 2pm at the latest to allow time for luggage collection.

Collection is from Terminals 1 and 4 only, so if you arrive at terminals 2 and 3 you should walk to Terminal 1 (it is very close) to meet the transfer vehicle at 3pm. Terminal 4 is 3kms away and hence a separate collection.

On the departure day, your flight should depart from 2pm or later as the road transfer is 2.5 hours and you won't depart the hotel until 10am.

For the long-weekends:
Make your own way from Madrid airport to Trujillo - there are several direct buses for c. 30 euro and it takes about 3 hours. You need to arrive in time for dinner on Weds and depart after breakfast on Sunday. We can advise on buses - please ask.

Testimonials

Ashley M., June 7, 2021

The holiday was amazing, truly one of a kind! Emilio and Mamen took really good care of us. They had everything planned out perfectly. Our daily routine was easy to follow. Every day took us to different landscapes to see the beauty of Spain. Lunches prepared by Mamen were the best! Emilio is so calm and loving to the horses, it made me feel safe and relaxed during the journey.


Louisa, Oct. 30, 2019

It was very relaxing and enjoyable. We were extremely well looked after at all stages. I really enjoyed all the variations in landscape that we rode through.


Misbah A. (Transhumance), Jan. 25, 2019

Relaxed riding and lots of good food! Really well looked after horses. I think Mamen put a lot of effort into ensuring I had suitable and good food. Emilio was quiet but very well informed and clearly experienced. (Favourite memory?) Time spent bonding with my horse. Cantering as a group (in a line, horizontally) for the camera!


Marilyn H. (Conquistadors), Jan. 25, 2019

A wonderful experience, beautiful horses, stunning countryside and great company. Emilio certainly knows his horses and Mamen is the kindest person ever! (Favourite memory?) The kind, caring horse I rode and the impressive way they are cared for by Emilio and Mamen. Meeting new friends and seeing the 'real' Spain.


Natalie Garner, Far and Ride, March 29, 2018

Overall, I am filled with a deep sense of belonging and serenity when riding through this country. Not only do I trust my horse and guide implicitly, there is something fundamentally pleasing about the rolling landscape, the serene atmosphere and the simple pleasure of spending so much of your day with the horses. The busy may claim to have found peace through meditation, but we have discovered our own piece of heaven right here. Truly, it’s an honour to be able to explore this beautiful, remote and lesser-known region of Spain from the back of a noble white Spanish horse.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be met at Madrid airport at 3pm and transferred 2.5 hours to Trujillo. Once settled into your hotel you'll have a welcome dinner with your guide where you can learn more about the ride and region on the map.

Day 2

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

After breakfast at your hotel it's time to meet the horses and set out on your first half day ride. Your route takes you along ancient cattle paths between fields and green pastures with carpets of wild flowers. Riding in the surrounds of Trujillo you'll have great views of the skyline of this historical town.

After a luxury picnic lunch you'll transfer 45mins to Merida which was founded by the Romans in 25BC as Augusta Emerita, the capital of the Roman province Lusitania, one of the most important in Iberia. The complex includes a Roman theatre, amphitheatre and Roman bridge across the river Guadiana. You have the afternoon to visit the historic town - there are audio guides available. Tickets to museums and monuments or guided visits are not included so you can choose where you go; likewise any snacks/drinks you purchase are to your own account.

In the evening you return to Trujillo for dinner.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today is a mini trail to Finca Santa Marta and offers a full day of riding. In the morning you ride through the ancient Mediterranean forests with beautiful views of the open landscapes. After a picnic lunch, in the afternoon you ride in the Dehesa and alongside olive trees and vineyards lined by stone walls. You'll reach Finca Santa Marta in time to have a relaxing break before dinner. The finca is a former olive oil mill which has been converted into a country inn situated in the heart of the Extremadura dehesa, with a swimming pool and olive grove.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Ride back to Trujillo along good open countryside which is perfect for some good trots and canters through the morning. Cattle can be seen everywhere, including sheep, goats and Iberian pigs. After the picnic lunch there are more good canters before reaching Trujillo for dinner.

Day 5

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

This morning you have a half day ride with beautiful views of the best preserved Mediterranean forests. There are rolling hectares of holm oaks - the classic landscape of the dehesa. After a comfortable picnic lunch in the countryside you are transferred to the World Heritage Site of Caceres. Caceres is only 30mins drive from Trujillo and each corner is full of charm. The Old Town is a medieval and renaissance complex full of history and palaces. You will have a few hours to explore (again entrance tickets to museums/monuments and guided visits are payable locally).

Visiting Trujillo and Cacares will feel like stepping back in time or into the middle of a medieval movie - it's no surprise parts of Game of Thrones was filmed in these two towns!

Day 6

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Another half day of riding across the green open spaces with cattle everywhere. Lunch is the trademark paella cooked on site with good wines. 

In the afternoon you visit Trujillo with its mix of cultures. Amongst the Roman remains, at the top of the town there is a spectacular castle which was built by the Arabs in the 10th century. In the main square there are beautiful palaces built by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century, along with the equestrian statue of Pizarro. Many storks, eagles and swallows can be seen circling the nests on the roofs of the churches and palaces. There are also two museums - Casa-Museo de Pizarro and Centro de Visitantes Los Descubridores (entrance tickets not included) or you can simply wander the cobbled streets on foot. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred to Madrid airport for your flight home. The transfer departs at 11am to arrive at 1pm, so your flight must depart after 3pm.

Accommodation

You stay in rural hotels or inns - the best that is available in the area. They are clean, comfortable, charming and picturesque. Twin and double rooms are available and all rooms have private bathrooms. Some of the hotels have swimming pools, but not all of them.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need to be at least an intermediate rider, capable of riding at walk, trot and canter across varied terrain.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

Jan. 15, 2023 - Jan. 21, 2023

Jan. 22, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2023

Feb. 5, 2023 - Feb. 11, 2023

March 12, 2023 - March 18, 2023

May 21, 2023 - May 27, 2023  (*High Season)

Oct. 8, 2023 - Oct. 14, 2023  (*High Season (includes visit to Guadalupe for the Pilgrimage), requires 4 riders to confirm.)

Pricing

2023
High Season, Sharing		 £1400 $1695 €1580
2023
Sharing		 £1370 $1660 €1545
Included 6 nights accommodation in twin/double rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, wine or beer and tea/coffee with meals, drinking water, 5 days riding (2 full days and 3 half days), tours and visits as described in the programme and set time transfers from Madrid airport.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, drinks at hotels and bars (other than wine with dinner), tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £133 $161 €150
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in a single room.
2023 - Small Group Supplement (if only 2 in group) £89 $108 €100
Paid to Far and Ride
Small group supplement payable when only 2 riders. Please note that if the group size remains at two, the itinerary will be adjusted to a more centre-based option. A progressive trail is confirmed with a minimum of three riders.
2023 - Small Group Supplement (if only 3 in group) £62 $75 €70
Paid to Far and Ride
Small group supplement payable when only 3 riders.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be transferred from Madrid airport to Trujillo where there is time for a short visit to the town before a welcome dinner. Here you will learn about your weeks ride and the route you will follow. Overnight in Trujillo.

Day 2

Riding: 6 hours

After breakfast you are transferred from Trujillo to Herguijuela where you will be allocated your horse. Set off riding through the Dehesa (Mediterranean forest) which is exclusive to southern and central Spain. As you ride through the Canada Real Puerto de Miravete, you follow the medieval network of paths used for cattle movement which are 75m wide and perfect for riding. You may see free roaming bulls as you pass.

After lunch on the trail, your afternoon ride is shorter as you cross the flat terrain of Torrecillas de la Tiesa to reach your rural hotel for dinner and to overnight.

Day 3

Riding: 6 hours

Follow the cattle trail Canada Real to the medieval village of Jaraicejo within the national park. There are plenty of trots and canter this morning as you cross the Dehesa, where local cows, sheep, goats and pigs graze. After lunch in the countryside you cross the Almonte river over a medieval bridge to reach your rural hotel in Jaraicejo.

Day 4

Riding: 6 hours

Continue along the cattle trail, with some good trots and canters throughout the morning ride through the Dehesa. After a luxury picnic lunch, continue through the Dehesa, with great views of the Sierra de Gredos in front of you, until reaching Torrejon el Rubio. Here you have dinner and overnight in a 4* hotel with a spa.

Day 5

Riding: 5 hours

Today you ride through the National Park Reserve which is a protected area and requires special authorisation. Upon reaching the Sierra de las Corchuelas, the highest point in the reserve, you have spectacular views of the pure nature and peace of this area. After lunch beside the Tajo river, you visit the cliff Salto del Gitano to admire the birds which nest here. Ride back to Torrejon el Rubio for a second night in your 4* hotel.

Day 6

Riding: 4 hours

Another beautiful day of riding as you continue along the Canada Real to Aldea del Obispo. Take lunch beside the Almonte river where the Canada Real crosses the river at a medieval bridge. After lunch the horses are transported home by truck and you are transferred to Trujillo for a farewell dinner.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred to Madrid airport for your flight home.

Accommodation

You stay in rural hotels or inns - the best that is available in the area. They are clean, comfortable, charming and picturesque. Twin and double rooms are available and all rooms have private bathrooms. Some of the hotels have swimming pools, but not all of them.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need to be at least an intermediate rider, capable of riding in all paces across varied terrain.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

Feb. 19, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2023

March 19, 2023 - March 25, 2023

March 26, 2023 - April 1, 2023

April 23, 2023 - April 29, 2023

May 14, 2023 - May 20, 2023  (*High Season)

Oct. 1, 2023 - Oct. 7, 2023  (*High Season. Requires 4 people to confirm trail)

Pricing

2023
High Season, Sharing		 £1400 $1695 €1580
2023
Sharing		 £1370 $1660 €1545
Included 6 nights accommodation in twin/double rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, wine or beer and tea/coffee with meals, drinking water, 5 days riding (2 full days and 3 half days), tours and visits as described in the programme and set time transfers from/to Madrid airport.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, drinks at hotels and bars (other than wine with dinner), tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £133 $161 €150
Paid to Far and Ride
* Payable by anyone staying in a single room.
2023 - Small Group Supplement (if 2 in group) £89 $108 €100
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable to confirm the ride with only two riders. Please note that if the group size remains at two, the itinerary will be adjusted to a more centre-based option. A progressive trail is confirmed with a minimum of three riders.
2023 - Small Group Supplement (if 3 in group) £62 $75 €70
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable to confirm the ride with three riders.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be transferred from Madrid airport to Trujillo (2.5 hours journey) and there is time to look around the town before a welcome dinner at your hotel. Here you will learn about the region and be shown your route on a map.

Day 2

Riding: 5 hours

After breakfast you will be transferred from Trujillo to Herguijuela where you meet the horses and are allocated your partner for the week. Set off riding through the Dehesa (Mediterranean forest), which is believed to be the habitat which would have covered this region thousands of years ago. After your mid morning stop for tapas, you break for lunch of an excellent home-cooked paella with fresh salads.

Rest for c. 2 hours and then re-mount for a shorter afternoon ride across flat terrain to Madronera where you spend the night in a small rural hotel.

Day 3

Riding: 5 hours

Depart after breakfast and follow the cattle trail to Zorita. There are plenty of good trots and canters through the morning as you cross the Dehesa, where cattle can be seen everywhere: local cows, sheep, goats and iberian pigs. Dinner and overnight in a rural hotel.

Day 4

Riding: 5 hours

Today's ride follows a greenway - an old railway built in the 1920's that was never finished because of the Spanish Civil War. Along the greenway you will see objects and buildings that remind you that this would have been a railway. There are also beautiful views over the impressive Villuercas landscape. Dinner and overnight in a rural hotel in Logrosan.

Day 5

Riding: 5 hours

Depart after breakfast and ride through the vineyard in Canamero which is famous in Spain for good wines and its olive gardens. Here the landscape changes to the beauty of the Villuercas mountains with the Ruecas river canyon. You continue along the greenway to your rural hotel.

Day 6

Riding: 4 hours

A short day from Canamero to Guadalupe, following the Canada Real. Enjoy the view over the impressive Villuercas landscape and look out for vultures, eagles and many other birds. Stop for lunch and wave goodbye to the horses who depart by truck. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting Guadalupe town and Monastery. The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe is in a beautiful location, overlooking a valley surrounded by high mountains. The town of Guadalupe, built around the Monastery has traditional buildings with unique architecture.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Madrid for your flight home.

Accommodation

You stay in rural hotels or inns - the best that is available in the area. They are clean, comfortable, charming and picturesque. Twin and double rooms are available and all rooms have private bathrooms. Some of the hotels have swimming pools, but not all of them.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need to be at least an intermediate rider, capable of riding in all paces across varied terrain.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

March 5, 2023 - March 11, 2023

April 16, 2023 - April 22, 2023

May 7, 2023 - May 13, 2023  (*High Season)

Pricing

2023
High Season, Sharing		 £1400 $1695 €1580
2023
Sharing		 £1370 $1660 €1545
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, wine or soft drinks with lunches and dinners, drinks at aperitif stops, drinking water, 5 days of riding and Madrid airport transfers at set times.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, drinks at hotels and bars (other than wine with dinner), tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £133 $161 €150
Paid to Far and Ride
* Payable by anyone staying in a single room.
2023 - Small Group Supplement (if 2 in group) £89 $108 €100
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable to confirm the ride with only two riders. Please note that if the group size remains at two, the itinerary will be adjusted to a more centre-based option. A progressive trail is confirmed with a minimum of three riders.
2023 - Small Group Supplement (if 3 in group) £62 $75 €70
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be transferred from Madrid airport to Trujillo (2.5 hours journey) and there is time to look around the town before a welcome dinner at your hotel. Here you will learn about the region and be shown your route on a map.

Day 2

Riding: 5 hours

After breakfast you will be transferred from Trujillo to Herguijela where you meet the horses and are allocated your partner for the week. Set off riding through the Dehesa (Mediterranean forest), which is believed to be the habitat which would have covered this region thousands of years ago. After your mid morning stop for tapas, you break for lunch which maybe an excellent home-cooked paella with fresh salads.

Rest for c. 2 hours and then re-mount for a shorter afternoon ride to Garciaz where the horses spend the night. It's a short transfer (15mins) to Madronera where you spend the night in a small rural hotel.

Day 3

Riding: 7 hours

Today's ride takes you from Garciaz to Berzocana, through some of the best preserved Mediterranean forests. The dominant species are the evergreen oaks (holm or cork oaks) and the deciduous oaks. After lunch, you ride to the Villuercas mountains in Berzocana, with magnificent views along the route. Dinner and overnight in a rural hotel with spectacular sunsets over the Villuercas Geopark.

Day 4

Riding: 6 hours

Ride through the Villeurcas Geopark which was declared by UNESCO in 2011 because of its cultural and natural heritage as well as its geological features. The landscape is impressive and this rural region features many fields with stone walls. There is one section where you have to dismount and lead your horse over some very technical terrain and so you must be fit and able to walk on foot for c. 40 minutes. You may see vultures, eagles, azure-winged magpies, red-billed choughs, shrikes or ravens as you ride. The afternoon has many opportunities for good canters before you reach your rural hotel in Logrosan.

Day 5

Riding: 6 hours

The morning ride takes you through the Dehesa where there are lots of cows, sheep, goats and Iberic pigs being farmed in traditional ways, reminiscent of a bygone era. Some afternoon canters take you to Zorita for dinner and to overnight.

Day 6

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Complete your circuit by riding from Zorita to Trujillo through the Dehesa Extremena. Overnight in the same hotel as on the first night and enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Madrid for your flight home.

Accommodation

You stay in rural hotels or inns - the best that is available in the area. They are clean, comfortable, charming and picturesque. Twin and double rooms are available and all rooms have private bathrooms. Some of the hotels have swimming pools, but not all of them.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need to be at least an intermediate rider, capable of riding in all paces across varied terrain. You must also be fit enough to dismount and lead your horse over technical terrain on one day.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

Feb. 12, 2023 - Feb. 18, 2023

April 9, 2023 - April 15, 2023

April 30, 2023 - May 6, 2023  (*High Season)

Pricing

2023
High Season, Sharing		 £1400 $1695 €1580
2023
Sharing		 £1370 $1660 €1545
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, wine or soft drinks with lunches and dinners, drinks at aperitif stops, drinking water, 5 days of riding and Madrid airport transfers at set times.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, drinks at hotels and bars (other than wine with dinner), tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £133 $161 €150
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in a single room.
2023 - Small Group Supplement (if only 2 in group) £89 $108 €100
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable to confirm the ride with only two riders. Please note that if the group size remains at two, the itinerary will be adjusted to a more centre-based option. A progressive trail is confirmed with a minimum of three riders.
2023 - Small Group Supplement (if only 3 in group) £62 $75 €70
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrive and transfer to Trujillo to meet your guide and the rest of the group for dinner in the evening. Transfers are not included. There are several direct buses for c. 30 euro and it takes about 3 hours. You need to arrive in time for dinner, which is usually 9pm.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

This morning you meet your horses and set out on a half day ride with beautiful views of the best preserved Mediterranean forests. Ride through rolling hectares of holm oaks, the classic landscape in the Extremadura dehesa. Comfortable picnic lunch in the countryside.  Riding c. 3-4 hours.

In the afternoon transfer to Caceres to visit this World Heritage Site on foot. The Old Town has a wonderful mix of medieval and renaissance architecture and is full of charm. You'll feel as though you've stepped back in time, or onto a movie set (it's no surprise parts of Game of Thrones were filmed here!). Tickets to museums and monuments are not included.

Day 3

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Another half day of riding to explore open green spaces where cattle roam freely. After 3-4 hours riding, stop for a traditional paella lunch with good wines. 

In the afternoon visit Trujillo with its mix of cultures, from Roman remains to a spectacular castle founded in the 10th century by the Arabs and many beautiful palaces built by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. There are museums if you wish to visit them (payable locally) or you can explore the cobbled streets on foot.

Day 4

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

A full day ride through the ancient Mediterranean forest and classic dehesa landscape with beautiful views. In the afternoon you ride along ancient cattle paths called Canadas Reales which have crossed the country from north to south since the middle ages. 

Final dinner and night in Trujillo.

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast. Transfers are not included.

Accommodation

Each night will be spent at a rural hotel near Trujillo. The hotel offers twin and double rooms with private bathrooms, as well as a communal sitting room, honesty bar, gardens and a swimming pool.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need to be at least an intermediate rider, capable of riding in all paces across varied terrain.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

Jan. 18, 2023 - Jan. 22, 2023

Jan. 25, 2023 - Jan. 29, 2023

Feb. 8, 2023 - Feb. 12, 2023

March 15, 2023 - March 19, 2023

April 12, 2023 - April 16, 2023

Dec. 22, 2023 - Dec. 26, 2023  (Christmas Special; minimum of 4 riders required)

Dec. 29, 2023 - Jan. 2, 2024  (New Year Special; minimum of 4 riders required)

Pricing

2023
Sharing		 £820 $995 €925
2023/2024
Christmas/New Year special		 £1155 $1395 €1300
Included 4 nights accommodation in shared rooms, full board meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, red/white wine or beer and tea/coffee with meals, bottled water and 3 days riding.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, alcoholic or soft drinks (other than wine or beer) with dinners, tips, personal expenses and airport transfers.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £89 $108 €100
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in a single room
2023 - Single Supplement (for Christmas & New Year Special) £151 $183 €170
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in a single room.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be transferred from Madrid airport to Trujillo in time for a short visit of the town before dinner at the Monastery hotel. Here you will learn about the route and be able to see it on a map.

Day 2

Riding: 5 hours

After breakfast at the hotel you are transferred to Herguijuela (10mins) where the horses are waiting for you. After being allocated your horse, you set off riding along the Canada Real, stopping for lunch in the countryside where a delicious paella is created. The afternoon takes you across flat terrain to Torrecilla de la Tiesa where you overnight in a rural hotel.

Day 3

Riding: 6 hours

Set off riding across open countryside and through olive trees, with plenty of trots and canters. After lunch you ride to Casas de Miravete - you will be able to see the 13th century castle from a long distance away. Dinner and overnight in a rural hotel.

Day 4

Riding: 7 hours

Continue along the Canada Real with impressive views of the Sierra de Gredos. Stop for lunch in the countryside in Toledo province and then in the afternoon, ride to Navalmoral. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Navalmoral de la Mata.

Day 5

Riding: 6 hours

Todays ride along the Canada Real is through a flatter area where there are lots of trots and canters. The Canada is wider here at 200m as you continue to Ventas de San Julian. The horses will spend the night at Las Ventas de San Julian, but riders will be transferred for dinner and night at “Parador de Oropesa”. This is a medieval castle that has been restored and converted into a luxury 4* hotel (dinner will be “a le carte”, drinks not included).

Day 6

Riding: 6 hours

Another day riding across flat terrain with plenty of trots and canters. The landscape changes and you ride along the reservoir close to Navalcan with beautiful views to the Gredos mountains. Dinner and overnight in Navalcan.

Day 7

Riding: 5 hours

A beautiful day of riding as you leave one Canada and take another in the direction of the Gredos mountains, offering spectacular views. Depart Toledo province and enter Avila province at Castilla y Leon. Dinner and overnight in Mombeltran.

Day 8

Riding: 5 hours

After breakfast you set off up the Roman road which is more than two thousand years old and well preserved for 7km. The road takes you up into the mountains with beautiful views before arriving at the picturesque mountain village of Cuevas del Valle. Continue along the Roman road to Puerto Pico where the road ends amid beautiful mountain landscapes. Stop for lunch in Puerto Pico and then ride through very different landscapes with green mountain pastures surrounded by stone walls, with the highest peaks of Gredos ahead of you. Farewell dinner and overnight in Navarredonda de Gredos.

Day 9

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred back to Madrid airport for your flight home.

Accommodation

You stay in rural inns and hotel, including the beautiful 4* Parador de Oropesa. All hotel options are the best available in the region and are clean, comfortable, charming and picturesque. Twin and double rooms are available and all rooms have private bathrooms. Some of the hotels have swimming pools, but not all of them.
Experience Experienced

You need to be a competent rider, capable of riding in all paces across varied terrain - there are some long days in the saddle so you also need to be riding fit.
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

May 27, 2023 - June 4, 2023  (Extremadura - Gredos (South to North))

Oct. 28, 2023 - Nov. 5, 2023  (Gredos - Extremadura (North to South))

Pricing

2023
Sharing		 £2070 $2505 €2330
Included 8 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, wine or soft drinks with lunches and dinners, drinks at aperitif stops, drinking water, 7 days of riding and Madrid airport transfers at set times.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, drinks at hotels and bars (other than wine with dinner), tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £215 $260 €245
Paid to Far and Ride
* Payable by anyone staying in a single room.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.