Segovia Escapes
5 days – 4 nights – 3 riding days
Spending three days in the saddle, this center-based ride is ideal for those who prefer to stay in one place and ride out daily from the stables. The first part of the experience focuses on open countryside, forests, and varied natural landscapes around Segovia. On the final day, the ride circles the city, offering outstanding views of its iconic monuments, including the Roman Aqueduct and Alcázar. It combines simple logistics with fast-paced riding and beautiful scenery. A perfect introduction to the region with a strong balance of nature and culture.
At a glance
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Ride Type
Center-Based
Riding
3 Days · 4–6 hrs/day
Rider Profile
Experienced · Max. 95kg / 209lb
Accommodation
4★ 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 the charming Parador de La Granja, a luxurious 4* hotel, ancient residence of the King’s infants. Transfer to the Equestrian Centre to see the stables and the horses. After meeting the horses, a little drink in a terrece. Welcome dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 2 – Cañadas of Segovia – Forest of Valsaín
You will depart from your hotel to the stables and ride towards the mountains, crossing open farmland as you leave Segovia behind and enter the forest of Valsaín. Following ancient transhumance trails such as the Cordel de Santillana and the Cañada Real Soriana, you will pause for an aperitivo before continuing towards the source of the Roman Aqueduct, along the reservoir and the Acebeda stream.
At midday, enjoy a three-course lunch in the countryside, with time to relax and a siesta in the sun.
In the afternoon, the ride continues at a faster pace on the way back, following the cañada and the River Eresma. Return to the hotel to freshen up and rest before dinner at Restaurante La Reina, within the Parador.
Day 3 – Views of La Granja Royal gardens – Ponton lake
The day begins with a pick-up from your hotel, together with your luggage, and transfer to the stables. From there, you ride out towards La Granja de San Ildefonso following the River Eresma and crossing it in front of the El Pontón dam. Following the lakeshore, you reach the polo fields and continue at a canter along a tree-lined avenue to the aperitif stop.
After tapas and an aperitivo, the route climbs into the pine forests of the Sierra de Guadarrama, passing the stone walls of the Royal Palace before opening up to panoramic views of its gardens and surrounding mountains. You then descend a steep track, pass through the village, and finish with a long and enjoyable canter towards the lunch stop at Tejera del Cambrones, next to a small forest.
In the afternoon, the ride continues back along the western side of the Pontón reservoir, crossing open fields with further canter sections until reaching the stables. Transfer to Segovia and to Hotel San Antonio El Real, with time to explore the city before dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 - Segovia 360º
You will be transferred to the stables for your final ride. The day begins with some enjoyable open canters as you ride around the village of Hontoria, where you pause for an aperitivo stop. The route continues with exhilarating canters through the Tejadilla River valley and around the Cerrogordo hills, opening up to spectacular views of Segovia’s skyline, including the Cathedral and the Alcázar, once the home of Spanish kings and the inspiration for Disney’s fairytale castle.
You then descend towards the meadows of San Marcos, where the rivers Eresma and Clamores meet, and where the 13th-century Church of Veracruz stands, linked to the Order of Malta. Lunch is a long and relaxed affair with unforgettable views over the old town.
In the afternoon, you return to the stables riding through the outskirts of Segovia along green riverside trails, with one last glorious canter before saying goodbye to your horse and heading back to the hotel for a shower. The farewell dinner is at a renowned local restaurant with a royal warrant, famous for Segovia’s most iconic dish.
Day 5 - Departure (Segovia → Madrid )
End your journey in style at this boutique hotel and acclaimed restaurant set in a former flour mill on the banks of the River Duero. Enjoy your own private balcony with serene river views.
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 advanced 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 90kg (198 pounds) 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 four nights’ accommodation, all meals during the trek (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)
Spending three days in the saddle, this center-based ride is ideal for those who prefer to stay in one place and ride out daily from the stables. The first part of the experience focuses on open countryside, forests, and varied natural landscapes around Segovia. On the final day, the ride circles the city, offering outstanding views of its iconic monuments, including the Roman Aqueduct and Alcázar. It combines simple logistics with fast-paced riding and beautiful scenery. A perfect introduction to the region with a strong balance of nature and culture.
Accommodations
Night 1 - Posada de San Millán
Night 2
SAN MIGUEL DE BERNUY (Segovia)
Hotel Molino Grande del Duratón 4*
Tel. +34 606 23 81 22
Night 3
FUENTIDUEÑA (Segovia)
Palacio de los Condes
Tel. +34 921 466 070
Night 4
PEÑAFIEL (Valladolid)
Azz Convento las Claras Hotel & Spa 4*
Tel. +34 983 87 81 68
Night 5 + 6
QUINTANILLA DE ONÉSIMO (Valladolid)
Fuente Aceña Hotel Boutique 4*
Tel. +34 983 68 09 10
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.
The Ribera del Duero has been celebrated for its exceptional wines for over 2,000 years. The art of winemaking here reflects the perfect harmony between the land, its people, and their culture. Evidence of this ancient tradition was uncovered during the grape harvest of 1972: a remarkable 66-square-metre Roman mosaic, the largest Bacchic allegory found on the Iberian Peninsula, showing that wine has long been part of life in this region.
The modern Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin emerged thanks to the vision of local vine-growers and winemakers determined to improve the quality of their vineyards and wines. Today, the region is renowned worldwide for the care taken at every stage—from innovative growing practices and cutting-edge winemaking technologies to the rigorous controls maintained by the Regulatory Council.
The region’s unique climate plays a key role in shaping its wines. Cold winters delay budding, while the sharp temperature swings between day and night during the summer ensure grapes ripen with perfect balance. In autumn, the harvest brings grapes of exceptional quality: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha Tinta, and Albillo. These grapes become wines ranging from Young and Crianza to Reserve and Grand Reserve, among over 1,200 brands proudly carrying the Ribera del Duero seal (*).
Ribera del Duero’s excellence was recognized on the international stage in 2012, when it received the Wine Star Award for Best Wine Region of the World at a gala at the New York Public Library, presented by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
(*) Not all of these wines will be tasted on this ride, but every glass offers a taste of the region’s remarkable heritage.