Horseback Riding Trip in SPAIN : THE CATALONIA HILLS & BEACH RIDE

INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

Day 1: Arrival in Spain (Barcelona or Girona) and transfer to our first accommodation, an old mill from the 16th century which enchants us with its unique character. The South American style garden is a beautiful relaxing paradise! What a beautiful place to begin your holiday in Spain. 

Day 2: Spain like Costa Rica.
We ride through thick oak and pine forests and leave towards the mountains. In a hidden valley, we cross a small stream. Some sun rays pierce the deep green of a tropical-looking jungle. Bamboo trees border the path, and high up creepers and vines grow around the trees. We are in Spain, but the atmosphere reminds us of Costa Rica. The River Fluvia winds through a hilly terrain. We ride through the lovely river valleys and discover a nice place for our first picnic. In the afternoon, we continue on our way trotting and cantering, until we arrive at a beautiful old mill near to the river; our accommodation for the night. The South American-looking garden is a wonderful, relaxing paradise! In this romantic place, we and our well-trained four-legged friends find a unique place for the night.

Day 3: Wild Coast - Costa Brava.
The River Fluvia winds its way through the country to the sea. On a small lake, a friendly Catalan named Dani welcomes us with a glass of cava, the Catalan champagne, and a mid-day table prepared with love. After lunch, we follow the river Fluvia. We cross the river and ride through a wild river landscape. At its estuary, we have a spectacular view of the Gulf of Roses. We are at the Mediterranean Sea in Spain! A palm grove leads us to the cosy country house "Mas Joncar". With a drink on the terrace, we let the day end. If you want to, you can have a refreshing bath in the "natural stone pool" before dinner.

Day 4: Vamos a la playa !
With the sunrise, we see a kilometre-long sandy beach. A dream comes true: Riding in Spain, riding by the sea! The water splashes, the sand flies, we canter along the surf. The horses play with the waves and we try to stay dry. The canter along the beach is an unforgettable experience!
The path gently follows through the continental sand dunes and the Mediterranean pine forest up to the rugged mountain massif Montgri. On top of the cliff, we are rewarded with a fantastic view of the endless sea. Seabirds glide over the coast in the wind. In the scent of lavender, rosemary, and thyme we strengthen ourselves with a delicious saddle bag picnic. Later we descend into the plain of the River Ter. With long canters through the river dykes, we reach again the Mediterranean Sea. We can enjoy the sunset at the beach or in the swimming pool of the hotel.

Day 5: Spain, sun, beach, and the sea.
Right after breakfast we are back at the beach! In front of us we see the protected islands of "Medes". A canter through the soft sand of the bay brings us into the rice fields of the wide plain, up to the pine trees near the coast. We pass the pearls of the Catalan coast: Pals, Palau-Sator and Peretallada. Old city walls surround the nested rustic stone houses. On the patterned paving stones of the narrow streets, we can still see the grooves and bursts of the horse-drawn carts of the past days. In this medieval atmosphere, Dolores and Luis await us at their comfortable accommodation. In the evening, the householders offer a delicious barbecue with meat and vegetables from the garden.

Day 6: Catalonia.
The terrain is flat, the ground soft and sandy. At a fast pace, our well­ trained horses trot and canter to the river "El Ter". Fruit plantations alternate with grain fields and deep green poplar forests which give us the necessary shade. On a romantic hillside, next to a small church, we see a red-and-white tablecloth shining. We look forward to another, delicious picnic from Dani. After a siesta, we ride though a softly curved hillside landscape back to the horse farm.

Day 7: Transfer to Barcelona or Girona.

* The program is indicative, it may be modified in the event of meteorological or other imponderable circumstances.