Ribera del Duero: Wine Ride
7 days – 6 nights – 5 riding days
The Ribera del Duero Vineyards Ride is a six-night point-to-point journey through the heart of one of Spain’s most renowned wine regions, combining rewarding riding with an exclusive introduction to its vineyards, wineries and wine culture.
Starting in Sepúlveda, at the dramatic Duratón River Canyon, the ride follows the landscape north and west towards the Duero Valley, crossing pine forests, open countryside and sandy terrain that is ideal for long canters. As you move deeper into wine country, vineyards stretch beneath medieval castles and along the river valley, creating a landscape best explored on horseback.
The ride combines riding with visits to a carefully selected mix of wineries, from historic underground wine caves to contemporary cellars and small family-run bodegas. You will taste a selection of outstanding Ribera del Duero wines, meet local winemakers and discover the traditions behind the region’s most celebrated wines.
At a glance
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Ride Type
Point-to-point
Riding
5 Days · 4–6 hrs/day
Rider Profile
Experienced · Max. 95kg / 209lb
Accommodation
4-5★ Hotels
Arrival
Madrid Airport
Itinerary
Day 1 – Madrid → Sepúlveda
Pick-up in Madrid at 3:00 pm and transfer to Sepúlveda (approx. 1h30 drive). After your travel day, settle into the charming Posada de San Millán, a 12th-century building in the medieval heart of the town. In the afternoon, visit the Hermitage of San Frutos, spectacularly perched in the Hoces del Duratón Natural Park. Welcome dinner in Sepúlveda.
Day 2 – Sepúlveda → Sebúlcor
Full-day ride: start with a slow morning along the Duratón River canyon to get familiar with your horse. Aperitif and picnic lunch in the country side in the national park, unique reserve of griffon vultures. In the afternoon, ride through pine forests with excellent sandy trails, ideal for long trots and steady cross-country canters. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Molino del Duratón in San Miguel de Bernuy.
Day 3 – Sebúlcor → Fuentidueña
Half-day ride with breath-taking views of the canyon walls, home to Europe’s largest griffon vulture colony. Aperitif near a 13th-century church in Carrascal del Río, then continue along the river to the Pantano de las Vencias for a homemade paella with panoramic lake views. After lunch,
transfer (10 min) to the medieval village of Fuentidueña, with its Romanesque churches and ancient fortress walls.
Overnight at Hotel Palacio de los Condes, a converted 18thcentury Baroque church. First wine tasting in family caves. Dinner in the hotel’s restaurant inside the chapel.
Day 4 - Fuentidueña → Peñafiel
Full-day ride across the “meseta” high plains at a lively pace. Pass the castle of Fuentidueña and the Monastery of San Francisco before reaching the Duero River for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, climb into vineyard-covered highlands for panoramic views of Peñafiel’s 10th-century castle. Private tasting at Bodegas Protos. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Convento Las Claras.
Day 5 - Peñafiel → Quintanilla de Onésimo
Morning visit to Bodegas Comenge, located beneath Curiel Castle. Continue with a full-day ride through endless vineyards, aperitif near
Pesquera del Duero, and lunch at the 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena. Afternoon ride along the Duero River to Quintanilla de Onésimo for a private visit and tasting at Bodegas Vega de Yuso, a family-run winery.
Dinner and overnight at Posada Fuente de la Aceña.
Day 6 – Quintanilla de Onésimo → Abadía Retuerta
Half-day ride from Quintanilla to Sardón del Duero into the vineyards of Abadía Retuerta, a 12th-century abbey set on a 700-hectare estate. Enjoy a guided ride through the vineyards with a private bodega guide, an aperitif, and wine tasting. Picnic lunch in the countryside. Afternoon canters
along the river and canal. Farewell dinner at Michelin-starred Converso restaurant in the Valbuena Monastery.
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 12:15 pm. We do not recommend booking flights departing before 2:30 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 six 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
October 18 – 24 6, 2026
2027
May 2 – 8 , 2027
October 17 – 24, 2027
Accommodation
Night 1 - La Posada de San Millán 3*
Night 2 - Hotel Molino Grande del Duratón 4*
SAN MIGUEL DE BERNUY (Segovia)
Hotel Molino Grande del Duratón 4*
Tel. +34 606 23 81 22
www.molinograndedelduraton.com
Night 3 - Convento LAs Claras
Night 4 - Azz Convento las Claras Hotel & Spa 4*
PEÑAFIEL (Valladolid)
Azz Convento las Claras Hotel & Spa 4*
Tel. +34 983 87 81 68
Night 5 & 6 - Fuente Aceña Hotel Boutique 4*
Night 5 & 6 - UPGRADE - Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena
VALBUENA DE DUERO (Valladolid)
Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena 5*
Tel. +34 983 68 30 40
For an additional €250 per person, upgrade the final two nights of the ride to a unique 5-star hotel and spa set within a beautifully restored historic monastery.
After several days in the saddle, it is the perfect way to finish the ride in comfort, with time to relax and enjoy the spa, the exceptional setting and the peaceful surroundings of the Duero Valley.
This upgrade is available to the group as a whole and will be confirmed once the group is formed.
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.
