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El Despeñadero Lodge | Partridge Shooting | Spain

Overview

Tour code: SPA004
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Partridge shooting in Spain offers a truly unforgettable shooting holiday. The words “tradition & excellence“ are what will reflect your visit to El Despeñadero. With more than 30 years of collective experience including valuable customer feedback and 40 years of history, El Despeñadero is dedicated to the Spanish Red Partridge shooting.

All this history means El Despeñadero remains at the top of the list for many national and international experienced hunters, this estate is a must-visit for any Partridge shooting enthusiast.

Location

At just a mere 60 minute drive from the airport and close to the area of La Mancha, Toledo you will be utterly spoilt with the generous 2000 hectares of undulating topography including olive groves, forests and farmlands. The deep ravines offer a sensational presentation of quality Red-Legged Partridges guaranteed to give you the most memorable Partridge shooting experience whilst getting those juices flowing. Dario and the team will ensure the day runs smoothly and efficiently to provide you with the best experience possible.

Creating lasting memories will continue whilst you enjoy the delicious freshly cooked food and study the most delectable wine list. Recollecting your day in the field with your friends in the fresh air of the Spanish countryside.

Partridge Shooting

Indulge in the best red-legged Partridge shooting the world has to offer. You will be in awe of such a wonderful place and its presentation of birds. There will be a selection of drives to shoot through during the day comprising of typically Spanish birds which tend to fly low and fast like the Grouse, but the opportunity will arise for you to shoot high birds from the steep valleys and ravines. Although we have an itinerary in place, please note that we can tailor aspects of the tour to suit your needs.

El Despeñadero hosts a minimum of 5 guns, with a maximum of 10 but should you be travelling alone as a single peg or with half a team we will be able to accommodate you. You can find more information on Single Gun holidays here. Depending on the time of the season you will be treated with a minimum bag of 350 birds per day with flexibility in the maximum bag which will be down to the shooting party’s discretion.

Additional Activities

We can arrange additional trips to Madrid, Toledo and Segovia.

For more information about this tour, contact our experienced team who will be happy to answer any queries you have. Alternatively, you can request a free brochure.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding our El Despeñadero holiday or any of our other shooting destinations, please feel free to contact us on 01603 407596 and our experienced team will be happy to help. Are you looking to explore more of our shooting holidays? Make sure to view all our alternative Partridge shooting destinations in Spain and request a free brochure.

 

Accommodation
Cigarral de las Mercedes

Cigarral de las Mercedes is the epitome of luxury. Set in over 5 hectares of land El Cigarral de las Mercedes is surrounded by traditional architecture including an impressive ancient wall, accompanied by olive trees, fragrant gardens, a lake and breath-taking views over the city of Toledo. This makes El Cigarral de las Mercedes one of the most exclusive places to stay in Toledo, one that will be certain to remain a firm favourite for years to come.

It won’t just be the views of Toledo and the beautiful weather that will have you spoilt. With a choice of outdoor spaces to unwind after a hard days shooting including the Mirador where you will witness the most prolific sunsets. The Gazebo, which is snuggled beside the lake and of course the lakeside house to keep you immersed in the moment you will be sure to find the perfect idyll to heighten your Spanish experience.

The Lodge

El Cigarral de las Mercedes offers complete versatility to all their guests offering the most intimate of settings within the luxury boutique lodge and La Casona which is the original Cigarral building, recently refurbished. If you wish to bring larger parties to experience the beauty of this estate look no further than the spacious Salón de la luz which can offer the largest of all and overlooks terraces and picturesque gardens.

The lodge offers a total of 21 rooms, 15 classic doubles, 2 deluxe rooms with their own jacuzzi’s and 4 private villas, each with their own private gardens and jacuzzi’s too. Each room gives a huge sense of opulence and sumptuousness due to being created with such passion and attention to detail. Not only will you be in awe of the palatial interior, the staff at El Cigarral de las Mercedes are expertly trained to cater to your every need aiming for 100% customer satisfaction. This in turn will make you feel totally at ease ensuring you the most comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Food and Drink

Food and drink at El Cigarral de las Mercedes is by far the best you’ll experience in Spain. Quintessentially Spanish cutting-edge cuisine expertly created by the chefs will allow you to experience some exquisite home-made tapas, meats and delicious gastronomic dishes using the highest quality raw materials.

You will be able to dine on the terrace where you will be able to take in the views over Toledo, breathe the freshest of air and enjoy the atmosphere of the whole experience. The terrace is beautifully lit which gives you a very Spanish feel and of course making you feel very at home. Why not enjoy the lodges fine wines and beverages out there too, sit back and relax while sipping away and socialising with friends or family.

Adaption to your tastes will be taken into account and all dietary requirements are catered for so that you can make the most from the beautiful cuisine too without missing out. At the bar you will find a vast selection of wines to suit and should you wish to venture into Toledo for some fine dining we will be able to find you the best prices as a guest.

We have a team of in-house professionals who prepare exclusive, home-made and extraordinary confectionery using the highest-quality raw materials. This means they can adapt to the customers’ tastes and prepare unique dishes which will delight and surprise.

Along with that El Cigarral de las Mercedes will have you savouring and remembering each and every bite, texture and fusion of flavours. It’s because they specialise in preparing personalised cuisine, with its own identity which is constantly evolving through the input of the customers.

Board: Full board
Rooms: Double rooms
Telephone: In rooms
Internet: Free Wifi
Power: 220 volt
Air Conditioning: In rooms
Meals: Breakfast and Tapas
Equipment Hire: Gun hire available
Cards Accepted: Both Credit and Debit
Cash Accepted: Euros
Quarry Information
Partridge
Season: October to February
Peak: February

Itinerary

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The itinerary below is only for shooting guests only. However, for the non-hunting companions should you wish to explore we have additional tourism trips to Toledo, Madrid and Segovia. We have daily flights departing from the UK therefore should you wish to either extend your stay with additional days at the beginning or end of the itinerary below.

Day 1:

Depart UK (alternative routes available)
Arrive in Madrid.

You will be greeted by a representative from Cacerías Ibéricas who will assist you with gun clearance should you wish to bring your own. You will then be transferred from Madrid to Toledo. (60 minutes) Upon arrival, you will be shown to your lodge Cigarral de las Mercedes where you will settle in and enjoy the beautiful views to El Valle and the river Tajo out on the terrace where dinner will be served.

Overnight Accommodation: Cigarral de las Mercedes (Single Rooms) F/B

Day 2: Shooting Day

Arise and prepare for your first morning of shooting in El Despeñadero where breakfast will be held in the main dining room from 9:30-10:00am. You should be ready to depart for shooting at 10:30 am – 11:00 am. All loaders and secretarios will have your guns and cartridges loaded into the vehicles ready for the day. All you need is your personal effects such as hearing/eye protection and gloves. The day will consist of 4 drives and 3 breaks for the “taco” (elevenses) after each of the first three drives. You will enjoy an array of exceptional food including hot and cold meats, fish, Spanish omelettes and a large amount of tapas and the best Rioja wines. A unique chance to enjoy some conversation.

Once the days shooting has come to an end you will retire to the house for lunch and to submerse yourselves fully in the delicious wines and reflect on the day with friends and fellow guns.

Overnight Accommodation: Cigarral de las Mercedes (Single Rooms) F/B

Day 3: Shooting Day

Day 3 starts in the same way as day 2 but with different drives.

At the end of the day once shooting has finished, you will retreat back to the hotel where you will prepare for your return journey back to Madrid.

Depart Madrid
Arrive UK

Prices

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Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

Start Date End Date Days Nights Shooting Gun Bag size Availability Notes
01/01/2021 31/01/2021 3 2 2 £6,065 700 Birds Enquire Now N/A
01/02/2021 28/02/2021 3 2 2 £6,065 700 Birds Enquire Now N/A
01/10/2021 31/10/2021 3 2 2 £6,065 700 Birds Enquire Now N/A
01/11/2021 30/11/2021 3 2 2 £6,065 700 Birds Enquire Now N/A
01/12/2021 31/12/2021 3 2 2 £6,065 700 Birds Enquire Now N/A
01/01/2022 31/01/2022 3 2 2 £6,258 700 Birds Enquire Now N/A
01/02/2022 28/01/2022 3 2 2 £6,258 700 Birds Enquire Now N/A
01/10/2022 31/10/2022 3 2 2 £6,258 700 Birds Enquire Now N/A

Price Notes

Prices are based on 8 guns sharing transfers and shooting based on two 350 bird days (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.

ATOL
Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

What's Included

  • All international flights
  • All transfers
  • 2 Nights at Cigarral de las Mercedes Lodge
  • All meals
  • All drinks on the estate and the Lodge
  • 2 x 350 Bird days
  • All cartridges
  • Loaders and secretaries.
  • Gun cleaning

What's Excluded

  • Personal insurance
  • Hunting licenses and insurances: 120€/hunter + Vat. (Mandatory to shoot in Spain)
  • Gun hire (per pair): 150€/hunter + Vat.
  • Lodge staff

Options

  • Min bag size 350 max bag size 1,000

  • Flight upgrades

  • Additional days in either Toledo or Madrid

Price Supplements

  • Overs are only charged when over 10% of the agreed bag. Overages are charged for the whole shooting party at 39 euros per bird.

Price Match Promise

We are so confident that our packaged prices are the best available and offer great value for money.

If, however, you find an identical holiday available with any other fully bonded Tour Operator at a lower price, we will match that price.

Financial Security

Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

Tour Notes

Visa

A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required.

Medical Requirements

No vaccinations currently required

Please Note

All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.

Departure tax

There is no additional airport departure tax when leaving Spain

Flight Route & Flight Time

UK – Madrid (approx 2.5 hrs)

Baggage Allowance

Your actual allowance is based on both which airline you are flying with and also what class of seat you are travelling in. Normally in economy it is 1 checked bag, Premium Economy / Business 2 checked bags, First 3 checked bags. In addition to your checked bags you are also allowed 1 cabin bag and either 1-laptop bag or ladies handbag. The actual size and weight limit for bags is dependent on the airline. We therefore recommend that once your flights are booked you check on the airlines website for the up to date allowances.

Note, if you wish to travel with your own guns you will need to confirm this at time of booking as some airlines do not allow you to travel with firearms therefore we will need to ensure that you are on flights/airline that does allow travel with firearms.

Note If you are travelling from a E.U. country it is essential that you have a “EUROPEAN FIREARMS CARD” (Without this document it will be impossible to import any gun into the country). Once in the airport it will only be necessary to fill out a questionnaire, pay a small tax to get your  firearms card stamped. A maximum of 5 guns (rifles or shotguns independently) will be allowed under one person.

Transfer Time

Madrid –  Cigarral de las Mercedes Lodge (approx 60 mins)

Questions & Answers

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Where is the lodge?

Cigarral de las Mercedes sits in 5 hectares of land in the middle of the city of Toledo approx 70km from the Spanish capital of Madrid. Cigarral de las Mercedes has the most beautiful views over the city and being surrounded by a big lake, gardens, olive and pine trees and an ancient wall makes it for and sensational setting.

Where do they shoot?

The El Despeñadero estate is situated to the south of Madrid in the region of La Mancha, Toledo. It has over 2.000 wild hectares with olive groves, forests and farmland as well as deep ravines from which present incredible birds. Offering a variety of drives gives the guns a great challenge ensuring the best partridge shooting in Spain. The partridge which are presented are impressively fast, courageous and high flying providing you with an unforgettable experience.

How long does it take to reach the shooting ground?

It takes approximately 10 minutes from Cigarral de las Mercedes to the estate and the various drives you’ll be shooting.

What quarry will I shoot?

 You will be shooting driven Spanish red-legged Partridge during your time at El Despeñadero.

What will the bag be?

The bag will be a minimum of 350 birds but the opportunity to shoot more can be arranged on the day should you wish, at an added overage cost of 39 euros per bird per person (inc VAT).

How does the day work?

You will enjoy a breakfast at the lodge before being picked up and taken to the estate where your loaders/secretaries will already have your guns and cartridges in the vehicles.

You will be taken to each of the 4 drives by 4×4 where you will have both your loader and secretario with you.

The “Taco” (elevenses) will be served after the first, second and third drives where you will experience some traditional Spanish cuisine including hot and cold meats, fish and tapas washed down with only the best Rioja.

Do the guides speak English?

All the guides and lodge staff speak very good English.

Who is best suited to this destination?

A keen and well-seasoned game shooter would appreciate this destination due to the opportunity for a selection of challenging birds. However, at the same time, it would be an ideal place for the more intermediate gun to try his hand at some well-presented birds whilst being well looked after on their peg.

What skill level is required?

An intermediate competency level is required for this trip and type of shooting. As you will have a loader to take care of loading, the speed and trajectory of the presented game will be somewhat of a challenge on certain drives. So a reasonable amount of skill is required for this type of shooting.

How physically demanding is this trip?

The amount of physical exercise is minimal on this trip due to the 4×4’s included to pick you up from the lodge first and last thing at night and to and from the drives. However, whilst on peg action can become quite fast paced.

When is the best time to go?

October through until February.

How to get there?

Fly from the UK direct to Madrid with a short transfer of 60 minutes to the historic town of Toledo where you’ll be staying at the beautiful Cigarral de las Mercedes lodge.

What is the accommodation like?

Cigarral de las Mercedes is one of the most exclusive estates in the middle of Toledo. A big lodge set in 5 hectares of beautiful gardens and historic architecture overlooking the city. With a total of 21 rooms, 15 classic doubles, 2 deluxe and a jacuzzi and 4 private villas each with its own private gardens and Jacuzzis.

What is the food like?

The food consists of typically Spanish cuisine compromising of hot and cold meats, omelettes, fish and salads. A large amount of tapas will be on offer to tantalise your taste buds and a huge selection of Rioja wines are available throughout your stay.

Does the lodge provide hunting/shooting equipment?

 The lodge provides most equipment should you need it including hearing and eye protection along with your guns and ammunition.

Is internet and phone signal available?

Cigarral de las Mercedes provides both Wifi/Internet and telephones at no extra cost.

Are there other activities available?

Additional trips can be arranged.

How much does it cost?

We can offer you a complete package including all flights and transfers. To view all prices & availability click the “Dates & Prices” tab above.

Alternatively, if you wish to arrange all our own travel we can book just the lodge and shooting for you.

Reviews

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E.C

Reviewing multiple visits What a days! Great hospitality, generosity, company and superb birds! Many thanks for everything to both Darío’s. Loving your old Range Rovers! See you in a very near future.

Rob

An excellent couple of day's partridge shooting last season with very challenging birds. I shoot partridges but these were on a different level (literally) and I had shooting on every peg. The welcome and hospitality from Dario's and their team were of an equally high standard, I will be happily repeating this season in January. Best from EEUU boy's. Rob.

J.B

I have been lucky enough to shoot this estate for 5 years and have to got to know the wonderful family who run it to a degree of excellence that is rarely seen. Having been lucky enough to have shot a lot in Spain I can say that this is one of my favourite estates with fast, challenging birds unlike anything we get here in UK. If you are looking for a new experience, great value and only a couple of hours away, I cannot recommend this estate strongly enough.

Chris

What an amazing couple of days last year as always. After 6 seasons shooting with Vallano's family is with fast one of the best shoots we have ever been. Awesome hospitality, fantastic food, ALL kind of drinks and stunning, stunning birds.

Nick

Now in my 3rd season with Darío Vallano. Great team from the office to the field with some of the most brilliant and challenging birds, in a beautiful estate. We adored it and couldn’t recommend it more highly to anyone…without any doubt one of the best driven shooting I have ever been and I have shot at many places in all corners of the UK and Spain.




Charlie

This is our first time shooting at El Despeñadero. We did two days in a row and have to say the shoot was excellent, far exceeding my expectations. Thank you boys for your excellent hospitality. Looking forward joining you next season.

Alex

Can't wait for more. February comes soon please!! Very serious birds as always and no words for your fantastic hospitality. One more time a big pleasure to shoot at El Despeñadero.

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