History at a Canter
8 days – 7 nights – 6 riding days
History at a Canter is a seven-night point-to-point ride through the heart of Segovia province, combining fast-paced riding with some of the most remarkable landscapes and historic sites in Castilla y León.
Starting and finishing in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia, the ride takes you through medieval villages, ancient forests, open Castilian plains and spectacular river valleys. Along the way, you will ride to historic castles including Pedraza and Castilnovo, discover Romanesque villages and churches, cross the ancient Valsaín forests and explore the dramatic gorges of the Duratón River Nature Reserve.
The terrain is varied and excellent for riding, with fit, responsive horses and plenty of opportunities for long canters. As a point-to-point ride, you move on each day rather than returning to the same base, staying in carefully selected hotels full of character along the way.
At a glance
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Ride Type
Point-to-point
Riding
6 Days · 4–6 hrs/day
Rider Profile
Experienced · Max. 95kg / 209lb
Accommodation
4★ Hotels and boutique hotels
Arrival
Madrid Airport
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival (Madrid → Segovia)
Pick-up in Madrid at 3:00 pm and transfer to la Granja de San Ildefonso (approx. 1h30 drive). After your travel day, settle into Hotel Parador de Segovia, a 4* hotel with an amazing view of Segovia’s skyline. Transfer to the Equestrian Centre to see the stables and the horses. After meeting the horses, panoramic visit of the city of Segovia by car and a welcome drink in Segovia’s main square. Welcome dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 2 – Segovia → La Granja de San Ildefonso
Morning ride from Segovia, following the Eresma River, skirting the Pontón Reservoir, before stopping for a country aperitif with beautiful views of the Royal Site of La Granja de San Ildefonso and the Sierra de Guadarrama.
We continue along the Cambrones River valley, climbing to Loma de las Peñas Lisas before enjoying a picnic lunch near the Pirón Reservoir. In the afternoon, we ride along the ridge and descend back to the historic Cañada Real, where the horses remain overnight near Caserío de la Torre. Transfer to La Granja where you will stay at the luxurious National Parador of La Granja 4*. Visit
of the baroque palace and the gardens of this royal site, built in the times of Felipe V. Dinner and night at the Parador.
Day 3 – La Granja de San Ildefonso → Pedraza
From La Granja we will re-join the Cañada Real, at the Caserio de Gamones. We will ride on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, until we get to Sotosalbos. Aperitivo stop and visit of the Romanesque church from the 13th century. Riding through countryside of holm oaks, through the small village of Requijada, we will get to our picnic stop, near the river Cega. In the afternoon, we will ride by follow the Cega river to Pedraza.
This is a beautiful medieval village, with an imposing castle, charming, cobbled streets, and a unique main square. Dinner and night in the Hotel de la Villa, a 3* hotel in the heart of the village.
Day 4 - Pedraza → Sepúlveda
Half-day ride. From Pedraza, and we will follow ancient bridle paths. Through nearly abandoned rural villages, with a typical architecture in stone and timber. We’ll stop for an aperitivo in the country. Riding through open farming land, we will reach the plains where stands the fortress of the Castle of Castilnovo, where we will end today’s ride. Transfer to the medieval city of Sepúlveda. Lunch in a local restaurant, the most delicious lamb roast, and an after-lunch pause in the charming hotel Posada de San Millán admired by its wooden porticoed courtyard. In the afternoon, drive to the Duraton river gorges and the jewel Hermitage of San Frutos.
Day 5 - Castle of Castilnovo→ Prádena
In the morning, we ride into the Castilnovo Castle estate and from there follow the San Juan River through the heart of its canyon, riding between dramatic cliffs where griffon vultures nest. After an aperitivo, we head towards the mountains, riding through juniper forests before reaching the Cañada Real, a wide and open transhumance trail, where we will stop for a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon we will pass Enebralejo, where we can stop to visit the prehistoric caves. We then ride on to Prádena, a typical mountain village. Dinner and night at the Posada del Acebo (“The Holly Bush Inn”), a typical family house dating from the 18th century.
Day 6 – Prádena → Torrecaballeros
We will ride in the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, in the Cañada Real, and thourhg the oak forest of Pradena. Aperitif stop in the Cañada, which we will follow until we get to Navafría, a mountain village with a timber production tradition. Picnic lunch by the river Cega. In the afternoon ride to Collado Hermoso. Dinner and night at the boutique Hotel Fuente Plateada – or at the Hotel El Rancho de la Aldegüela in Torrecaballeros.
Day 7 – Torrecaballeros → Segovia
Morning ride passing with exciting canters in the open countryside. Aperitivo at the well-preserved remains of an old ranch, where shepherds use to stop with their flocks to sheer the sheep, during the long transhumant journeys. Short fun ride back to the stables in Segovia,
crossing the Eresma river. Late lunch at the restaurant of the stables.
Transfer to the hotel Hotel San Antonio El Real in Segovia, a luxurious 4* hotel, built in the cloisters of an ancient monastery from the 15th century, in the heart of the city, a 5 min walk from the Roman Aqueduct. Free afternoon in Segovia. Farwell dinner at the so known Segovian restaurant Meson de Candido which specialty is the famous Segovian suckling pig.
Day 8 – Segovia → Madrid
After breakfast transfer to the Madrid airport, arriving there in time for the flight. All riders will be transferred at the same time, so if any rider needs a private transfer at a different time than the group, we will arrange an alternative transfer.
Genaral Information
Meeting point - Madrid
Arrivals: Riders will be met on the day of arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas International Airport (MAD), Terminal 4 – Arrivals Hall, at 3:00 pm. Other transfers available on request (extra cost).
Departures: On the last day, riders will be dropped off at Terminal 4 at approximately 11:00 pm. We do not recommend booking flights departing before 1:00 pm
Rider requirements
This ride is designed exclusively for experienced riders who can confidently manage a horse at all paces, maintain a safe distance from the horse ahead, and feel comfortable handling a horse on the ground. The pace of the ride will vary, but the ride includes walks, trots, a lot of long canters and gallops depending on the terrain. A level of fitness is required, as the days are 4-6 hours. Riders can assist in taking care of their horses if they wish – but it is not necessary. Horses will be ready for the riders to get on every morning.
The pace will be adjusted to suit the group’s abilities, but overall, this program offers some exciting, sportive riding throughout the week. Weight limit of 95kg (209 lbs) with riding equipment on.
The horses and the tack
The horses used on this ride are a mix of breeds, predominantly Anglo-Hispanos — a cross between Andalusian and Thoroughbred — standing between 15 and 16 hands high. They are carefully selected for their good temperament and endurance.
They are sport horses who work daily at our riding school, so they are exceptionally well-trained, comfortable at all paces, and experienced in school work, dressage, and jumping. They are fit, willing, sure-footed, and a genuine joy to ride. Their quality and spirit will truly make all the difference in your experience on this ride.
Please be sure to describe your riding skills and experience when booking, so we can find the best horse match for you.
The tack used on this ride is English style, with general-purpose leather saddles featuring deep knee rolls for added security and comfort. We provide small saddle bags equipped with a daily bottle of water to keep you refreshed on the trail.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for safety. Choosing not to wear one is at your own risk. If you don’t have a helmet, please let us know in advance. We can provide helmets as well as seat savers upon request.
Expenses
The price includes seven nights’ accommodation, all meals during the ride (from arrival night dinner to breakfast on departure day), soft drinks, beer, and wine during meals, horses with tack, the services of a guide/host/interpreter (Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese), a support vehicle with staff, and scheduled transfers to and from Madrid.
Not included are international or domestic flights, mandatory travel insurance, special transfers outside scheduled times, beverages outside of meals, and tips (15-20€/day) wich are optional but appreciated, to be given to the guide.
Insurance / Medical
Accident insurance is mandatory, and it should guarantee that you are insured to undergo all equestrian activities pursuant to the riding holiday booked. Insurance should cover plus accident, illness, recovery, repatriation, and liability. You are responsible for the organization of your insurance and the adequate protection for the total duration of your riding holiday.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover trip cancellation, baggage damage or loss,
We will ask for details of your insurance policy for the trip before the final payment for the ride due.
Segovia Rides is a fully licensed company and travel agency with the mandatory liability insurance and accident insurance coverage for the participants of the rides.
The use of riding helmets for equestrian holidays is not mandatory in Spain. We highly recommend you bring and wear your own helmet. We can provide some riding helmets if necessary. You will assume your own risks and should be aware of the requirements of your accident insurance policy concerning the use of riding helmets.
Upon request and with prior notice, we can provide air canisters for airbag jackets.
Climate
Dry continental climate.
Temperatures are strongly influenced by the altitude, with the average in the region of 1000m:
April Max 26º C (78º F) – min 2ºC (36º F). Av. days of rain: 10 days/month | September Max 31º C (87ºC) – min 4º (39º F). Av. days of rain: 3 days/month |
May Max 28º C (82º F) – min 1º C (34º F). Av. days of rain: 6 days/month | October Max 28º C (82º F) – min 2º (36ºF). Av. days of rain: 7 days/month |
Packing list
Your luggage will be transported by vehicle to each location. As most of our rides involve changing accommodation every day or every second day, each rider is allowed one large suitcase and one backpack or handbag.
We strongly recommend that your suitcase is waterproof or well protected against rain, as luggage may occasionally be exposed to the elements during transfers.
Saddlebags will be provided on your horse for carrying personal items during the ride (such as water, sunscreen, or extra layers).
Essential Riding Equipment
- Riding helmet (strongly recommended – see safety section)
- Riding boots or chaps
- Comfortable riding trousers (we highly recommend styles with pockets for your phone rather than storing it in saddlebags)
- Riding gloves
- Long riding socks
All Seasons Essentials
- Light waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Casual clothing & comfortable footwear for the afternoons
- Swimsuit
- Toiletries
- Universal travel adaptor
Warm Season (Spring / Summer)
- Lightweight long-sleeve breathable shirts (recommended for sun protection)
- Short-sleeve shirts
- Extra sun protection (the sun can be very strong)
Cold Season (Autumn / Winter)
- Warm waterproof jacket (or lighter waterproof layer combined with warm layers)
- Fleece or warm mid-layer
- Thermal base layers
- Extra riding trousers (as laundry time is limited during the ride)
What Not to Bring
- Valuable or fragile items (we cannot guarantee safe transport between locations)
- Excessive clothing (luggage space is limited and moves frequently)
- Extra luggage for shopping (we recommend planning purchases for the end of your trip)
- Non-riding footwear for use on horseback (for safety reasons, only proper riding boots or suitable alternatives should be used)
Dates & Prices
2026
August 30 – September 6, 2026
September 20 – 27, 2026
2027
March 7 – 14, 2027
April 4 – 11, 2027
April 11 – 18, 2027
May 9 – 16, 2027
May 30 – June 6, 2027
………………
September 19 – 26, 2027
September 26 – October 3, 2027
October 17 – 24, 2027
October 24 – 31, 2027
Accommodation
Night 1 - Parador Nacional de Segovia 4*
SEGOVIA
Parador Nacional de Segovia 4*
Tel. +34 921 44 37 37
Night 2 - Parador Nacional de la Granja 4*
LA GRANJA DE SAN ILDEFONSO
Parador Nacional de La Granja 4*
Tel. +34 921 01 07 50
Night 3 - Hotel de la villa 3*
Night 4 - La Posada de San Millán 3*
Night 5 - La Posada del Acebo
Night 6 - Hotel el Rancho de la Aldehuela 4*
Night 7 - Hotel San Antonio El Real 4*
Gastronomy
From your first breakfast to your last dinner, this journey is a celebration of the Ribera del Duero’s rich culinary traditions. Every meal is an experience, carefully planned to delight your senses and give you a true taste of the region.
Mornings begin with a leisurely breakfast at 8:30 am — fresh breads, local cheeses, seasonal fruits, and aromatic coffee to prepare you for the day’s adventure.
By midday, the support team greets you for a 12:30 pm aperitif — always varied and abundant. Expect platters of fresh fruit, slices of Iberian ham, wedges of regional cheeses, freshly squeezed juices, chilled sherry, and a full selection of refreshing drinks.
Lunch is a true highlight: a beautifully set table in the countryside with linen, chairs, and attentive service. Each is a three-course feast with two choices for each course. Starters feature plenty of fresh vegetables; mains always offer both a fish and a meat option; and desserts round off the meal with something sweet. Of course, every lunch is paired with the region’s celebrated Ribera del Duero wines.
Evenings bring you back to your hotel, where dinner (served at 9:00 pm) showcases a varied selection of traditional dishes, accompanied once again by fine local wines chosen to complement the flavors.
Vegetarians and other dietary needs are happily accommodated with advance notice. Drinks outside of mealtimes (such as those ordered from the hotel bar) are not included and can be paid for directly.
Throughout the trip, a support vehicle follows the group, meeting you for aperitifs, lunches, and again at day’s end, ensuring every meal is served in comfort and style.
A taste of Castile
Fresh local produce, carefully prepared and enjoyed in some of the most beautiful places along the ride.
