Segovia’s Hidden Gems
Spain Hiking + Walking Tours
Segovia, Guadarrama National Park & the Duratón Canyon
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€650 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This self-guided walking tour in and through Segovia in central Spain allows you to deeply explore this amazing region and the city. As you trek the foothills of the Guadarrama National Park and Duratón Canyon, you will come to understand why this region is called a hidden gem.
The walks are gentle, but the experience is monumental. Immerse yourself in Castilian culture as you stroll through centuries-old ochre-colored villages anchored in an age-long past.
Highlights
- Segovia, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Delightful walks through the beautiful countryside
- Guadarrama National Park, home of the Iberian wolf, native wild boar, deer, and birdlife
- Stunning traditional villages
- Impressive canyon of the Duratón River
- Nature reserve area for wildlife
- Overnights in the historic towns: San Ildefonso & Sepulveda
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Itinerary
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 nightsDay 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 RomaDay 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 RomaDay 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 DataDay 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 TemplariosDay 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 TemplariosDay 8: Departure or extra nights
Departure or extra nights in Segovia or Madrid.Looking for something other than a hiking tour? View all our featured tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.
Map
Accommodation
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.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodation in charming small rural hotels
- 7 breakfasts.
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Private transfers on days 3, 5 & 6
- Detailed maps and roadbook
- GPS tracks on request
- Emergency support
What’s Not Included
- Lunches & dinners
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Arrival is possible any day of the week from April 1 through October 31, 2021 (subject to availability).
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Twin/double: $ 1034 £ 576 $ 996 € 650 NZ$ 1113 kr 6718 $ 797 Single room supplement (when traveling with min. 2 people): $ 318 £ 177 $ 306 € 200 NZ$ 343 kr 2067 $ 245 Solo traveler supplement (when traveling alone, in addition to single supplement): $ 434 £ 242 $ 418 € 273 NZ$ 468 kr 2821 $ 335
Extra Options
Dinners included: $ 210 £ 117 $ 202 € 132 NZ$ 226 kr 1364 $ 162 Transfers:
From Sepulveda to Segovia: $ 111 £ 62 $ 107 € 70 NZ$ 120 kr 723 $ 86 From Sepulveda to Madrid: $ 215 £ 120 $ 207 € 135 NZ$ 231 kr 1395 $ 165 Extra nights:
Segovia: on request
Madrid: on requestExtra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This self-guided hiking holiday is rated as easy to moderate. You will walk a predominantly flat route with a few small ascents each day, utilizing good footpaths. Daily distance is approximately 15 km and generally requires no more than 4 hours of walking each day. Since this is a self-guided tour, you can go at your own pace. Stop when you want, go faster or slower, you are in control! On the daily itinerary below, you will find the elevation gain listed for each day.
Airport Info
Fly to Madrid Airport (MAD) also known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. This is the main international airport serving Madrid in Spain.
Local Travel
Take the C-1 RENFE train from Terminal 4 at Madrid airport to the Chamartin station. From here you can access the high-speed AVE train to arrive in Segovia in 30 minutes. The ticket will cost about €12. Once you arrive in Segovia, we suggest that you take a taxi to your first hotel. To return to Madrid, you can book a one hour transfer from Sepulveda to Segovia (see pricing) and catch the AVE high-speed train back into Madrid.
Climate
The climate here in central Spain is mild, and generally warm and temperate. Do check local conditions before your arrival.
Important to know
DOCUMENTS
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
Extra nights are possible before or after your tour in Segovia or Madrid. Just ask.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Senderos y Pueblos.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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