Segovia

In the Sierra Ceberolla mountains, south of La Rioja.


Almost to Segovia, which is just northwest of Madrid. The much drier landscape here is quite a contrast to what we were used to in northern Spain.

We headed south out of the La Rioja and over the Rio Ebro. We meandered up the valley of the Rio Iregua to the Sierra Ceberolla mountains and it's national park. The trees were vividly changing color, mostly yellows and browns. South of this range is the province of Soria. This is wheat and rangeland country and very dry compared to farther north. Grocery stop in the capitol town, also called Soria.

Our lunch stop was to the west in El Burgo de Osma, a surprisingly small town for a cathedral. Of course, we stopped for a look at it, then had lunch at a local café. From there, it was southwest through more meseta like farmland, mostly wheat and sunflowers. If we would have gone straight west, we would have been in the Ribiera del Duero wine region, but decided to head on towards Segovia instead. 

By 4 pm we arrived in Segovia. We went to the tourist information to get a city map and find about available accomodations. We found a close by room in a hostal and will stay here for the next two nights. Why Segovia? 1. We have never been here yet. 2. It has much to see, Roman aqueducts, Moorish castles, the ever present cathedral, and more. 3. It is only about 90 minutes from the airport, so will be convenient when we leave Spain on Sunday. Added bonus- We also found out there is a contemporary classical music concert in one of the old churches on both nights that we will also attend. More tomorrow.