Horseback riding in SPAIN: BETWEEN COSTA BRAVA & SPANISH PYRENEES

HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE IN CATALUNIA
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

Day 1 - Welcome ! You will arrive at your accommodation, located on the Pyrenees’ feet, facing the natural and wild reserve of the Medes Islands, the guesthouse and its camp site, will make you discover the Empordà and his preserved nature, riding trails. The multiples pleasures of the mountain and the country-side holidays. Holiday’s nature close to beach and Figueres, and not far from Girona and Barcelona. The ideal place for a horse-riding holiday and an original way of discovering the region. Before dinner we will go over the week’s program. You will be told about the special characteristics of our Spanish trail horses. You will be given an introduction to the week´s program with an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation designed to find every rider their perfect horse. Then, you can enjoy a fantastic dinner !

Day 2 - Departure of the horseback ride. After preparing your horse, you are ready to start your horseback riding adventure. The horses are fresh and ready. You enjoy long canters through the pine forests of Alt Empordà. Every hour you pass a beautiful village, a castle, a church, arches, tunnels, old wooden doors with wrought iron knockers: the beauty of stone and the past. As the afternoon progresses, you feel the proximity of the coast. You finally arrive to the Mediterranean: the magnificent Gulf of Rosas stretches out before you and your hotel for the night is close to the beach.

Day 3 - Vamos a la playa ! After an early start, you trot 1 km to the beach. The long curve of the Bay of Rosas stretches before you: kilometers of golden sand. You enjoy beautiful gallops on the beach. After the beach walk, you head inland along the Fluvià River, passing a bird sanctuary where you can observe flocks of migratory birds. The land is flat, with numerous rice plantations and peach, pear and apple orchards. Today, the pace is lively and at lunchtime, you enjoy a superb picnic. In the afternoon you can explore Castelló d'Empúries and go shopping. It is a town with a lively cathedral where you can enjoy excellent tapas and cold drinks on one of the pretty terraces. Opportunity to visit the famous Dali museum in Figueres.

Day 4 - Boadella Lake: After an excellent breakfast, you get back in the saddle to continue your journey towards the mountains. Today's ride is spectacular, again at a brisk pace as you trot and gallop across the plains and through Mediterranean fields, meadows and forests, infused with the scents of herbs and wildflowers. In the afternoon, you walk along the cork oaks, olive groves and vineyards. After Lake Boadella, you return to your evening accommodation: a charming farm where you enjoy excellent homemade cuisine using local products.

Day 5 -Wild Emporda: Today, after saddling your horse, you head towards the most intact area of the ride, in terms of flora and fauna: the wild nature of Alt Garrotxa. During the morning you ride through hills and pine and oak forests. Continuing past the charming village of Terrades, you will most likely come across herds of sheep or wild boars. At dusk you arrive at your destination: Sant Martí Saserres, famous for its church, where you let the horses graze and rest. You are transferred by car to the Hotel Masia La Palma in Espinavessa: a country house dedicated to rural tourism that retains its original charm and in which Tonia and Andres are the perfect hosts.

Day 6 - Cantalan architecture and Besalù. You follow the north bank of the Fluvià river and enjoy a spectacular landscape with many different bird species. You cover a long distance in a record time, past sunflower fields, open meadows and forest. You stop in Besalú where you have a delicious picnic by the river. Besalú: fortified medieval village and ancient capital, is a jewel of Romanesque architecture located between two rivers. The squares, carved stone pillars and cool shaded arched passages are a marvel to behold. Without forgetting the stained glass windows of its churches. You have time to walak around and soak up the unique atmosphere of this ancient medieval village with its characteristic bridge. You will sleep at the Masia La Palma hotel, where you spent the previous night. The house dates from the 17th century and has been carefully restored. The swimming pool and lounge are at your disposal and there is the possibility of enjoying a private Spa or a massage. The restaurant: a traditional cuisine based on the best local ingredients and old family recipes.

Day 7: Back home ! In the morning, you leave Vilert and go to the forest and the hills around the village of Ollers, also known for its imposing church. In the region are some majestic farms, built by nobility in the 17th century. With a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees behind you, you enter the historic village of Galliners with some beautiful examples of Catalan architecture. You cross forests full of aromatic herbs and wild flowers and you stop for a pleasant picnic surrounded by rosemary bushes. After lunch, you continue your journey on horseback in the Alt Empordà region and after some good gallops, you slow down the pace to reach your final destination. Sit down, relax in the gardens or swim in the swimming pool and end the day with a comforting house meal for dinner !

* Indicative itinerary that can be modified if necessary.