Extremadura Getaway

Introduction
Central Spain Spain
Extremadura is one of the last-remaining unspoiled regions of Spain. It is an authentic paradise for riding holidays due to the excellent state of preservation of its nature and a good climate. Wood pasture (Dehesa) is the most emblematic landscape of the region and plays a crucial role for the local birds.
This region is among the most prized destinations for bird watching enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the world, drawn by the possibility of observing birds in their natural habitats. In addition, it is also home to many interesting cultural and historical heritage sites (Trujillo, Guadalupe, etc).

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
This finca was built during the 19th century and is composed of two old farmhouses (one for wine and one for olive oil). Nowadays, it welcomes guests in 13 tastefully decorated ensuite bedrooms fitted with central heating and air conditioning. Wi-Fi is available in public areas and guests are welcome to roam the 30 hectares (approx. 75 acres) park (with vines and olive trees) or go for a swim in the outdoor swimming pool.


Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.


Meals
All meals are included on this trip.

The food is a highlight of this trip! Mamen will delight you with the tapas-breaks waiting for you with Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, olives, nuts, etc.

Lunches are taken on the trail; in the countryside (we bring tables and chairs) and always include a starter (salad, gazpacho, vegetables, etc), a main course (paella, iberian pork, fish, etc), fresh fruit, coffee and local wines. Lunchtime features delicious home cooked Spanish dishes such as Paella, Tortilla Española, Iberian pork bbq, salads, and soft cheese very typical from Extremadura “Torta del Casar”. Lunch is often followed by a siesta in the countryside.
 
After the day riding, your dinner in the evening is around 9 pm and you can choose from different dishes and courses of local Spanish recipes. Your dinner is usually taken at the accommodation and include a choice between 3-5 starters (mix salad, soup, vegetables, pasta, etc), 3-5 main course (grilled beef, pork, stews, fish, omelet, etc), a dessert (flan, rice pudding, fruit, cake, etc), local wine, bread and coffee or tea.

The following drinks are included in the package: red and white wines, beer, refreshments, coffee or tea during the meals and aperitifs. Water bottle is provided every morning.

Dietary Restrictions
Special diets (vegetarian, gluten free, allergies, etc.) can be arranged with advance notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Riding Experience
This trip has been designed for intermediate to experienced riders. You should be comfortable at the walk, trot and canter, in group, in open spaces and your seat should be firm. On the rides, you will be riding for between four to seven hours a day so it is important to be as riding fit as possible.

Pace
The overall pace of riding is moderate with walk, trots and canters mostly every day, depending on the terrain. Usually, when the terrain allows for a safe canter, we canter. In the mountains, in many areas the terrain does not allow for trotting or cantering so we enjoy walking with breathtaking views around.

Tack
We use fine quality English saddles and silicon seat saver. All the tack is in excellent conditions, very comfortable for horses and riders. You have small saddlebags in front of the saddles for a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, mobile, etc.

Helmet
We recommend wearing a helmet, however you can ride without a helmet but your insurance must clearly state that you are covered to do that. You will also be asked to sign a disclaimer.

Support Vehicle
A support van follows the group during the whole week, meeting us in the morning, for tapas-breaks, lunches, at night and to move your luggage. This means you have access to your luggage at least 3 times a day.

Horses
We currently have 21 horses: 14 PRE, 4 Pure Hispano-Arab, 1 Anglo-Arab and 2 Crossed (hispano-bretón, hispano-lusitano).
Our horses are responsive, well behave, good natured and serene thanks to the natural horsemanship method used to train them.
Most of our horses were born and bred at home while others have been with us since they were foals.
They live in freedom as a herd, eating, drinking, sleeping and traveling together in the most natural way possible.
They live in a huge pine forest (500 ha) in the Gredos Mountains or in the rich pastures in the Dehesas of Extremadura. They keep fit as they can walk around 20 km every day. They live with other groups of animals including other horses, donkeys, cows and also wild animals such as wolves, roe deer, deer, wild boar, foxes.

Staff
Emilio and Mamen (both born in Gredos Mountains) will be personally escorting you on these trips. Emilio will happily guide you across the trails, while Mamen will be preparing delicious meals and pic-nics.
Emilio has been working in equestrian tourism for over 30 years and he dedicated his whole life to his horses. He speaks English and Spanish.

Age Restrictions
There is no upper age limit, as long as you are riding fit and healthy. The minimum riding age is 10 years old (competent riders only), accompanied by an adult.

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory to take a travel insurance for this trip! If you come from Europe, you should bring the European Health card, this gives you access to Spanish health care.

Itinerary



Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

This ride follows the same itinerary as the last part of the Conquistadors Treasures Ride.

Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival to Trujillo. Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Trujillo

Day 2: Ride through the Dehesa and visit of Caceres
After breakfast, horses are already tack up, waiting for you to ride! This day the riding will be in the morning, with beautiful views of the best-preserved Mediterranean forests. Rolling hectares of holm oaks the classic landscape in Extremadura “Dehesa”. Comfortable lunch in the countryside, with starters, main course, salad, fresh fruit, coffee or tea with chocolate and biscuit; good wines.
In the afternoon, transfer to Cáceres (about 30 min) for a visit of this historical World heritage site. The Old Town is a wonderful medieval and renaissance complex full of history and palaces.
Riding 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Trujillo

Day 3: Half day Ride and visit of Trujillo
After breakfast, we go for a lovely ride along open natural landscape. Green open spaces and cattle can be seen everywhere. Lovely picnic lunch with an excellent paella cooked on the spot.
Time in the afternoon to visit Trujillo, a very historic town with a mix of cultures. There are still Roman remains, a spectacular Castle founded in the 10th century by Arabs & in the main square, many beautiful palaces built by Spanish Conquistadors during the 16th-century and the equestrian statue of Pizarro.
Many storks, eagles and swallows can be seen circling the nests on the roof of the churches and palaces in the Plaza Mayor. There are also two museums – Casa-Museo de Pizarro and Centro de Visitantes Los Descubridores (not included: tickets to Museums and Monuments, guided visits or drinks/snacks in bars). 
Riding 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Trujillo

Day 4: Ride the Cañadas Reales
Today you get to ride through ancient Mediterranean Forests, the classic landscape in Extremadura the “Dehesa”, with beautiful views and open landscape. In the afternoon, you will ride along ancient cattle paths called “Cañadas Reales” which cross the country from north to south since the middle age.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Trujillo

Day 5: Departure
End of Services after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non-Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. They can travel in the support car and join in meals, dinners and others activities, or if they wish, they can rent a car and move on their own, joining the group for dinner.

Rates and Dates for Extremadura Getaway

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Trujillo
Airport: Madrid
Transfer:

Climate:
                                            Cáceres‎ area