Segovia’s Hidden Gems

Day 1: Arrival to Segovia
Day 2: City tour in Segovia
Day 3: San Ildefonso - Valsain - San Ildefonso, 6.2 - 11 mi. (10 - 17 km)
Day 4: Circular walk to “El Chorro” Waterfall, 7 mi. (11 km)  
Day 5: Pradena - Gallegos, a walk along the foothills, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 6: Castilnovo - Sepulveda, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 7: Sepulveda - Duratón Canyon - Sepulveda, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 8: Departure or extra nights  

Day 1: Arrival to Segovia
Individual arrival into Segovia. Check-in to your accommodations at a small city hotel in the heart of town, where your tour info will be ready. 

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Mudejar or Hotel Infanta Isabel

Day 2: City Tour of Segovia
Your walking experience starts with a full day to discover the beautifull-preserved town of Segovia. Located northwest of Madrid in central Spain's Castile and León region, this UNESCO World Heritage Site city has a rich architectural legacy, including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace, and a Gothic cathedral. The most famous is the iconic ancient Roman aqueduct that looms above the Plaza Azoguejo. With more than 160 arches (most in the original mortarless granite), this structure was built in the 1st century A.D. The Aqueduct of Segovia functioned for many centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire and served the communities of Segovia into modern times.

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Mudejar or Hotel Infanta Isabel

Day 3: San Ildefonso - Valsain - San Ildefonso, 6.2 - 11 mi. (10 - 17 km) 
You will be provided with a short transfer to the historic town of San Ildefonso, nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains. From here, you'll begin a riverside circular walk along the Eresma River to the mountain village of Valsain within the river valley and nestled in a thick pine forest. You are now deep in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and life is simple here. You will overnight in San Ildefonso, a small historical site and a testament to the glory of the Spanish Monarchy in the 18th century. Wander the cobble-stone streets and visit the resplendent Royal Palace nestled at the foot of the highest peak (2428 m.) in the park, Peñalara.

Elevation: 390 m
Accommodation: Hotel Roma

Day 4: Circular walk to “El Chorro” waterfall, 7 mi. (11 km) 
Though short, your walk today is stunning, along the forest footpaths to the El Chorro Waterfalls and then on to the Silla del Rey viewpoint, combined with a visit to the famous Palace and Gardens of San Ildefonso.

Elevation: 464 m
Accommodation: Hotel Roma

Day 5: Pradena - Gallegos, a walk along the foothills, 9 mi. (15 km) 
A short transfer will take you to the charming village of Pradena, located in the foothills of Somosierra. With a population of about 600, Pradena was once a thriving agriculture-based economy focused on cattle and sheep.  You will walk along ancient tracks through stunning juniper forest to the mountain village of Gallegos nestled in a charming rural hotel.

Elevation: 420 m
Accommodation:  La Data

Day 6: Castilnovo - Sepulveda, 10 mi. (16 km)
Transfer to Castilnovo and from here, you begin your walk to Sepulveda. The landscape changes to cultivated fields of sunflowers and vast open landscapes until you reach the beautiful hilltop town. Sepulveda has been included on the association list of Los Pueblos mas Bonitos de España (the most beautiful villages is Spain). The town is located on the edge of the Hoces del Rio Duratón National Park and enjoys impressive views over the local sierra. Discover the timeless beauty of the hanging houses of Sepulveda and the abundance of Romanesque monuments and elegant 11th century nobel houses. It is also renowned for its gastronomy, with local restaurants specializing in roast lamb and suckling pig. 

Elevation: 383 m
Accommodation: Posada de San Millan or Hosteria Los Templarios

Day 7: Sepulveda - Duratón Canyon - Sepulveda, 10 mi. (16 km) 
Your last walk is along the riverside in the Duratón Canyon Natural Park. You will see birds of prey circling above you, nesting on the limestone cliffs either side of the river. A special permit will give you privileged access to this protected area.

Elevation: 367 m
Accommodation: Posada de San Millan or Hosteria Los Templarios

Day 8: Departure or extra nights
Departure or extra nights in Segovia or Madrid.

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You will spend two nights in a small city hotel in the heart of Segovia, two nights in a family-run hotel in the center of the historic town of La Granja, one night in a charming rural hotel in the quiet village of Gallegos, and the last two nights in a beautifully renovated historic building dating back to the 12th century in Sepulveda.