ROOTS OF CASTILLA - SPAIN
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Castilla province near Madrid is home to the roots and history of the Spanish and consequently the heart of Castillian culture. Explore the spectacular scenery on magnificent horses, riding along routes taken by such Spanish heroes as El Cid in the times of the Moorish occupation. Overnight accommodation on this ride is in very comfortable hotels with en suite bathrooms. The riding, food and wine is top class, this riding holiday is highly recommended for those wanting to experience true Spanish culture in comfort.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - ROOTS OF CASTILLA
Day 1
BURGOS
Arrival at Madrid Airport and transfer to the first night's hotel in Burgos. Here we enjoy a fine dinner and have the chance to learn a little about the history of El Cid, a medival Castillian hero in the fight against the Moorish occupation of 10th century Spain. On this horse riding holiday, we follow in his footsteps and the dramatic events of those times, visiting the monastries and villages he did 1000 years ago.
Day 2
BURGOS - COVARRUBIAS
We start our adventure in Burgos. We walk the Cid’s banishment route (Medieval hero of Castilla) and will visit San Pedro Cardeña’s Monastery (a Benedictine Monastery built in year 889 where “el Cid” left his wife and children long the route. He was later also buried in this monastery. Via the plateau of Castilla we arrive in Covarrubias, beautiful town where count F. González and Castilla, Spain and Spanish language rose were born.
Dinner and lodging in Hotel Rural Chindasvinto.
Day 3
COVARRUBIAS - SANTO DOMINGO DE SILOS
We continue on along El Cid's banishment route, crossing the Arlanza river near Covarrubias . Then we take the road to Retuerta - a town that was going to be buried by a dike- and later arrive in Contreras, also know as the “town of the one hundred fountains”.
Finally we reach Santo Domingo de Silos, a well known Village due to its romantic Monastery of the XI century, one of the most beautiful in all Spain. Dinner and lodging in Hotel Coronas II
Day 4
SANTO DOMINGO DE SILOS - NAVAS DEL PINAR
We leave Santo Domingo de Silos traversing Alto de Peñacoba , Marmolar and Tierra de Pinares (land of pines). Then we get to Navas del Pinar at the entrance of Parque Natural del Cañón del Río Lobos. We walk surrounded by pine groves and cross deserted mountain towns where all the inhabitants have left for the cities. Dinner and lodging in Casa Rural La Fuente
Day 5
NAVAS DEL PINAR - CASAREJOS
Today we ride through the spectacular Parque Natural del Cañón de Río Lobos. This is a 16 km canyon, made by Río Lobos in the provinces of Burgos and Soria, with perpendicular cliffs on both sides and a green floor with poplar and older trees everywhere. There are also many caves and wells. In this park, birds are protected. At the end of this canyon we emerge in Casarejo, in the province of Soria. Dinner and lodging in Posada Cabaña Real de Carreteros
Day 6
CASAREJOS - QUINTANAR DE LA SIERRA
We leave Cañón del Río lobos, riding through the pinewoods of Pino Valsain and get to Canicosa de la Sierra and Quintanar de la Sierra in the Province of Burgos. Here we will visit Necrópolis de Revenga, where we’ll find dinosaurs tracks. Dinner and lodging in Hotel Ramón II
Day 7
QUINTANAR DE LA SIERRA - LAGUNA NEGRA NEILA
We leave these beautiful mountain towns and begin our last day riding through pine woods in our way to Laguna Negra - a Quaternary Glacial lagoon. After a lunch here we return at last to Covarrubias where we werer on teh second day. Dinner and lodging in Hotel Rural Chindasvinto
Day 8
Departure and transfer to Madrid after breakfast.
NOTES - ROOTS OF CASTILLA
GETTING TO Madrid Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 17 st/231 lb/105 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Return transfers from Madrid Barajas Airport, all accommodation, all meals, wine and beer with meals, all riding, luggage transfer, English speaking guide and excursions mentioned.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Drinks other than with meals, spirits, tips.
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