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Gredos Mountains Ride - Sierra de Gredos
Central Spain
Spain
The Gredos Mountains are about three hours drive west of Madrid, past the medieval walled city of Avila and on the borders of the provinces of Caceras, Salamanca and Avila. They are a lovely example of rural, unspoilt Spain where high snow capped peaks frame open moorland valleys and seas of yellow broom, lavender and thyme cover the hills. The Extremadura, to the south, is traditionally the mild, winter destination of cattle which spend summers grazing on the highland pastures of the Gredos and is also home to Toledo, Spain's medieval capital, and is full of culture and history. The Gredos ride will start in Navarredonds de Gredos (Castile), south-west of Avila, and winds its way down into Extremadura ending in Garganta la Olla. The route will take you through a very representative part of the Sierra in the province of Avila. This isolated region is one of the wildest and least populated areas of Spain. It is an excellent terrain for riding, and offers a great diversity of landscapes. It is a land full of light and color, where wild nature shows its splendor. You will follow ancient cattle tracks; gallop across pastures and open fields with magnificent views; ride up slopes of oaks, pines and chestnut trees; cross rivers of pristine waters; overlook rocks to discover wild goats. The small villages show their architecture, their traditions and the way of life of their people, isolated in this inaccessible nature that shapes their unique character.
This trip can be combined witht he El Cid -Arlanza Valley Ride.
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Meeting:
Airport:
Madrid
Transfer:
Madrid 5 PM
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Rates and Dates for 2009
Rates include:
Accommodations, meals, 6 riding days
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Madrid is included at set times
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Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
| A |
2009
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05/02
- 05/09
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8d / 7n
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4
/9
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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10/03
- 10/10
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8d / 7n
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4
/9
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Available
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Reserve
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Day 1: Arrival in Madrid and transfer to Navarredonda de Gredos at an elevation of 4,575 ft elevation. Here King Alfonso the 13th built the first national Parador, which is now the heart of Alto Gredos from which you can see Almanzor’s Peak (7,780 ft). Dinner and overnight stay at at the Hotel Almanzor. Day 2: We ride up over the northern Sierra de Gredos until we reach the origins of the Tormes River. We follow the way towards Puerto del Pico (4,135 ft) to cross the pass the Arenal if the weather let’s us. On the other side we find a milder climate coming into to the lovely valley Tietar that is known for its cherries. Dinner and overnight at the country house El Canchal. Day 3: On a perfectly preserved Roman road we descend to Barranco de las Cinco Villas - which are five villages bunched together - now at a much lower elevation of 1,200 ft. This road is still used for the “Transhumancia”, an ancient cattle and sheep trail used to take the livestock to better pastures. We’ll visit las cinco villas. Dinner and overnight again at the country house El Canchal. Day 4: We leave Arenas de San Pedro and Candelera to venture into Valle de la Vera, but first we stop to visit the Monastery of Chilla (Chilla is the patron saint of Gredos) and the ancient Celtic settlement “El Raso” (2nd century b.c.). Through Valle de la Vera we leave Castille y Leon and arrive in Extremadura. Dinner and overnight at the country house La Josa. Day 5: In Valle de la Vera we find many small towns with ancient houses made of wood and adobe - many of them with the traditional balconies. We ride along tobacco and red pepper plantations, orchards and through woodlands of chestnut and walnut, as well as orange and olive trees. Dinner and overnight at the country house La Herrería. Day 6: Passing Villanueva de la Vera and Valeverde de la Vera, two beautiful and very interesting villages we ride to Jarandilla de la Vera. From here we ascend to El Guijo de Sana Barbara, a small town situated in the outskirts of the mountain range Sierra de Gredos, underneath the port of Tornavacas. This has always been the historic starting point for crossings of the mountain range. Dinner and overnight at the rural hotel ‘La Abuela’. Day 7: We leave Guijo and keep following La Vera until we reach Cuacos de Yuste, another picturesque town overlooked by its monastery. The monastery is a building of monumental art and famous the world over. Before we continue our ride we stop for lunch and visit the monastery. You ride on to Garganta de Olla, well-known for its historic buildings and typical mountain architecture. Dinner and overnight stay in Garganta de Olla. Day 8: After breakfast transfer to Madrid and departure.
Subject to change
Meeting:
Airport:
Madrid
Transfer:
Madrid 5 PM
Passport and Visa Requirements: 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 onl. more
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.
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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Pablo Restrepo-Gautier
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5/24/2008
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Koretada Kondo
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