Wine route

 

Castilla province is not only the heart of Spanish culture but also home to a rich tradition of wine and food. On this riding holiday in Spain we explore the vineyards of Ribera Del Duero on superb Spanish horses. We stop to taste fine wines at some of the oldest and most iconic wineries in Spain. We overnight in excellent hotels with much character and comfort. We dine in some of the finest restaurants and sample the best and freshest local cuisine: wine and meat and good horses are the focus of this ride.

 

Day 1
Arrival in Madrid, Spain and transfer to the first nights hotel. It may be possible depending on the time of arrival, to visit Sepúlveda in the afternoon. Beautifully situated with picturesque town walls, churches and traditionally built houses. Dinner and lodging in La Cerca Blanca or Posada del Duratón or similar. 

Day 2
SEBULCOR – SACRAMENIA 
We start our route in Sebulcor, a small town that allows the most direct access to the Natural Park of “Las Hoces del Río Duratón”. Riding between pine groves, forests of shore, sabinas and junipers, we traverse the Park and enjoy a precipitous view of the meandering S bends of the Duratón river at the feet of the hermitage San Frutos. We ride in the habitat of hundreds of leonados vultures and some Egyptian vultures, kites, eagles, sparrow hawks, and if we are really fortunate we will see the only pair of Real Eagles that nest in the park. Otters, genets and other species are prevalent. Upon arriving in the small town of San Miguel de Bernuy we stop for a wonderful lunch in a restaurant. After our siesta we head down the river Duratón to Sacramenia and the end of our first day. Dinner and lodging in La Cerca Blanca or Posada del Duratón or similar. 

 
Day 3
SACRAMENTIA – PEÑAFIEL 
Riding along the Duratón river we find the point where it joins the Duero River, we head towards Peñafiel with its majestic Castle (Tenth century and reconstructed in the fourteenth century and the National Historical Monument) and the Provincial Wine museum both of which we will have the opportunity to visit. We take a meal in Peñafiel. Dinner and lodging is in the hotel Posada Real Castillo de Curiel or similar.

Day 4
PEÑAFIEL – VALLEY OF CUCO – PEÑAFIEL 
Today we ride a circuit around Peñafiel taking in the Valley of Cuco, down by the Castle of Curiel to come back again to the foot of the mountain where the Castle is located. Visit to the Wine cellar of PROTOS. Dinner and lodging in the Hotel Posada Real Castillo de Curiel or similar.

Day 5
PEÑAFIEL – OLIVARES DE DUERO 
We cross the Duero river and once on the right bank we visit the most emblematic wine cellars of the region: Pesquera, Dehesa de los Canónigos, Emina. We also visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Valbuena (San Bernardo) of the order of the Cister and permanent seat of the Foundation “Las Edades Del Hombre”. 
We finish the day, too tired to ride further but with energy to visit another wine cellar or two, to drink (a little) and to eat, in Olivares de Duero! Dinner and lodging in the Hotel Fuente de la Aceña or similar.

Day 6
OLIVARES DE DUERO – TRASPINEDO 
We dedicate the day to riding, rising to the high lands from where shores of the Duero river can be seen stretching out before us, we have lunch wine-tasting and traditional lamb dish called “Lechazo”. Our Meal is in a wine cellar in Trasinedo. Dinner and lodging is in the Hotel Fuente de la Aceña or similar.

Day 7

Traspinedo – Portillo

Today we ride through resin pinewoods towards Portillo; the village famous for its  (Encierros traditional bulls round up), impressive 14th century Castle, churches and butter almond cookies called Mantecados or Zapatillas. We will have lunch in typical regional restaurant. Dinner and overnight in Covarrubias.
 

Day 8
Transfer to Madrid and departure after breakfast, which concludes your horse riding holiday in Spain.  

 Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.