Spain - Luxury Wine Trail

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from AZ of Selsingen on 05/07/2024

Day 1
Arrival in Madrid, Spain and transfer to the first two nights Hotel Boutique Fuente Aceña 4* next to the Duero river or similar.

Day 2
QUINTANILLA DE ONÉSIMO – Abadía Retuerta Cellar – QUINTANILLA DE ONÉSIMO. The trail starts in Quintanilla de Onésimo, heading to the exclusive Abadia Retuerta winery in Sardón de Duero, taking the tour and tasting. Afterwards, gallop through the magnificent vineyards of this winery until reaching the perfect picnic spot. After a rest, return to Quintanilla de Onésimo along the Duero river to have dinner and spend the night at the 4-star Boutique Hotel Fuente Aceña or similar.

Day 3
QUINTANILLA DE ONÉSIMO – Pesquera de Duero – CURIEL: After breakfast set off and cross the Duero next to to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Valbuena, and once on the right bank there is a tasting at one of the most emblematic wine cellars of the region: Dehesa de los Canónigos or Matarromera. After lunch, finish the day in the hotel Posada Real Castillo de Curiel 4* or similar.

Day 4 
CURIEL – Peñafiel – CURIEL: Today, a circular route starting from Curiel Castle, visiting the biggest, and one on the most famous, wineries Protos in the heart of Ribera del Duero (Peñafiel), as well as Peñafiel Castle itself, which is Wine Museum. Enjoy a picnic in the countryside and return in the afternoon to the castle to enjoy its rooftop pool.

Day 5
CURIEL –- VALCAVADO DE ROA. Departure from Curiel Castle towards the village of Bocos to take the path along the Duero River, heading towards another important area of Ribera, which is Roa. There, settle in a modern winery that also serves as a hotel surrounded by vineyards.

Day 6
VALCAVADO DE ROA – Haza – PRADOREY (Real sitio de La Ventosilla): After breakfast, stroll through the Roa region, a later venue or a countryside picnic, and in the afternoon ride on to at La Ventosilla, where the accommodation is located. A visit to the Pradorey winery, with a tasting dinner, and spend the night at its magnificent Pradorey Royal Inn, in the same rooms that housed illustrious figures such as King Felipe III, the Duke of Lerma, Lope de Vega, or Rubens in the 17th century. Built in the Herrerian style by the Duke of Lerma in the year 1601."

Day 7
PRADOREY – Gumiel del Mercado (Bodegas Valduero) - PRADOREY: The final day takes riders to a special visit and gastronomic experience to the Valduero winery, one of the most international and sophisticated wineries in Ribera del Duero. After the meal, return to Pradorey Royal Inn to enjoy its fantastic gardens and pool.

Day 8
After breakfast transfer to Madrid Airport for your departure flight.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The horses are Spanish, Arab X and some Andalusian X, and there are 35 excellent riding horses to choose from. They range in height from 15hh-16.2hh with some ponies available. They are all in well rounded condition and beautifully polished on a daily basis with traditional flowing manes. They are mainly kept stabled and shod all round, and very well mannered.

They are ridden in traditional deep seated Spanish saddles with soft sheepskin covers and traditional big stirrups. The bridles are mainly curb bits and the horses are ridden loose reined and respond easily to weight shifts and subtle signals. This is a very easy and relaxing style of riding similar to Western, some instruction will be given if wanted.

The horses are all experienced and sure-footed trail horses with temperaments that vary from quiet and reliable through responsive to fiery and showy. With 35 horses to choose from, riders are sure to find the ideal partner for the week. The riding is mainly at a walk due to varying terrain, but there are plenty (4-6) of opportunities for long and fast canters every day. The guide is not too keen on trotting although this is possible if requested. The riding starts late morning, after 2-3 hours a break for lunch and a siesta, a similar length afternoon ride finishes late afternoon back at the accommodation. All saddling and grooming is provided, but riders are welcome to assist with their own horse.

Riders need to be able to walk, trot and canter. These horses are trained in the Spanish style and are used to being ridden with a loose rein when at walk and a light contact at canter. There are some large and strong horses, so there is a higher than usual weight limit of 105kg. Due to the long rides, it is not suitable for children under 12 and all children should be competent riders. There is no need to saddle or clean the horses unless wishing to. Assistance is available for mounting and dismounting and minimal walking next to the horses is required. Please bring your own riding helmet

The weight limit for this ride is 231 lb/105 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The hotels used en route are all very comfortable with twin or double rooms and en suite shower, toilet, bidet and basin in the bathrooms. They are always located in spots of particular interest and have a local character all of their own. The meals are taken at vineyards, fine restaurants and hotels along the way. The local specialities are based on meat (often lamb or beef), sausages, cheeses and the famous red wineries of Ribero del Duero valley. Everything is fresh and locally produced. The standard of food on this ride is excellent.

Unfortunately vegetarian or other unusual dietary requests cannot be accommodated on this trip.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The climate in this area is dependent on the altitude. In the valleys it can get very hot in July and August while the Sierras (mountains) are at their best then, spring and autumn are ideal for riding at while the valleys start to be pleasant in March already and are still fine in November.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Spain and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

In Spain the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly

There is electricity in the hotel rooms and camera equipment can be recharged each night. Most towns and villages will sell some batteries . If using a GoPro please ensure to have the permission of the group to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Gloves
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Jersey/fleece
- Warm jacket (depending on time of year)
- Shorts
- Long trousers (evenings)
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- 8 pairs of socks
- Trainers
- Waterproofs
- Sarong or wrap
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses with string
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Binoculars
- Toilet paper (only for emergencies while out riding)
- Copy of passport
- Plastic bags to keep important documents from getting wet

Provided by hosts
- Riding Helmet

This is an 8 day/7 night programme with 6 days riding available on set dates. Other dates can sometimes be arranged for groups of 6 or more in June or September. Due to the grape growing and harvesting schedule this ride cannot be run in October.

2025: 28 Jun - 5 Jul; 27 Sep - 4 Oct

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• US $
• SEK

• The New Spaniards’ –John Hooper,


• ‘Driving over Lemons’- Chris Stewart,


• ‘The Story of Spain’- Mark Williams,


• ‘South from Granada’ – Gerald Brenan,


• ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ – Ernest Hemmingway,


• ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’- Laurie Lee 


• ‘Don Quijote de la Mancha’ – Miguel de Cervantes.


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com


•  

Non riders are welcome to accompany the ride in the luggage transfer vehicle. Each night is spent in luxury hotels and there is plenty to do and see. The main cultural items are visited with your guide enroute and non riders will of course enjoy the food and wines as much as the riders.

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country, the second largest in Europe. The official language is Castilian Spanish but Catalan, Galician and Basque are also spoken. Territory includes two island archipelagos – the Balearics and the Canaries – and two enclaves on the North African coast, bordering Morocco – Ceuta and Melilla. The African influence can be found throughout Spain but especially in the south, for example the guitar was invented by the Spanish when they added a sixth string to the Arab lute. Music and art permeates Spanish culture, most obviously displayed in the fire and passion of the Flamenco and the stunning modern architecture found in the cities.

The famous siesta is still enjoyed by the majority of Spaniards, most shops close at lunchtime for two or three hours so everyone can escape the often scorching afternoon sun. Evening meals are served late into the evening with plenty of wine or sangria. Often meals can last two or three hours, especially if your host is serving Tapas, small and varied dishes of meats, bread, vegetables. Paella is also a delight and very popular across the country.

Spain is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Spain is +34.