Day 1 - Arrival and first ride
Riding: 2 - 4 hours
Arrive at the stables at 10am. (Accommodation for the previous night is not included, but we can assist if required).
You will meet the horses and be given detailed instructions on how to care for them, saddle them etc. as well as being given your detailed route maps and information. This welcome meeting takes about 2 hours.
You then set off riding through isolated woods, past small farms, through natural stone villages and apple orchards. This is your chance to get to know your horse. Cross the picturesque River Ter and reach your accommodation for the night - a lovely country house where you are served a Catalan picnic. Relax in the beautiful gardens for the rest of the afternoon before dinner.
Day 2 - Lonely Forests and Medieval Villages
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
After feeding and preparing the horses, you set off on a new adventure through the enchanting landscape of Catalonia. Listen to the sound of their hooves as you cross centuries-old cobblestones of the narrow winding alleys of authentic natural stone villages.
Your lunch today is taken in a special place - a restaurant right next to Pubol Castle. The castle was a gift from the famous artist Salvador Dali to his beloved wife Gaia.
In the afternoon you ride between fields towards your destination in Peratallada. Here the horses stay just outside a historic natural stone village that invites you to walk around after a successful day's riding. In the small streets and under ancient archways you can "get lost" without any worries.
Day 3 - Finally - the Sea!
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
After feeding and preparing the horses you ride through an area that was shaped by the Iberians thousands of years ago. Trot and canter across the landscape that used to surround the former lake of Ullastret. Stop for lunch in the small medieval town of Pals which takes you back in time.
In the afternoon, you route leads you on sandy paths through Mediterranean pine woods to the rice fields that are typical of the area, until you finally reach the sea. Just before the beach, a family-run hotel is waiting for you. After settling and feeding the horses you have enough time to stroll along the beach and refresh yourself in the sea.
NB. It is not possible to ride on the beach on the unguided trail.
Day 4 - Sand Dunes and Mediterranean Flair
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
An early start today! By now, you know your horse well and the landscape will change again. Ride across the nature park of Montgri where a majestic pine forest has been planted on the original sand dunes. These are perfect riding conditions - soft ground, pleasant calmness and shade-giving trees.
During the second half of the day you pass ruins dating back to the Greeks and Romans. The route continues off the beaten track through apple orchards of the Costa Brava until you reach your accommodation on the River Fluvia, shortly before the sea. The horses stay in a field in front of a charming country house and your Catalan host will treat you to a tasty dinner.
Day 5 - Aiguamolis and the Bay of Roses
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Today you will cross the swamp area of Aiguamolis. From horseback you are able to see a variety of bird species and if you are lucky - a flamingo! Pass an Andalusian horse stud and reach the town of Castello d'Empuries. Ride past the Santa Maria Basilica which the locals call the Cathedral of the Emporda.
The landscape changes again, and through fields and olive groves you spot the sparkle of the Mediterranean sea in the distance as you ride closer to your destination. Tonight you stay in a restored manor house dating back to 1582, surrounded by picturesque nature and with a view of the Bay of Roses. Spend the afternoon relaxing, cool off in the pool or spoil yourself with a massage.
Day 6 - Breathtaking Views
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Today your horses will impress you with their mountain-goat climbing abilities as you head up a rocky and steep mule path into the coastal mountains. At the top of the pass you let your horses rest and enjoy the spectacular view of Cap de Creus - the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Pyrenees melt into the sea. To the north you can see the Gulf of Leon and to the south, the Bay of Roses and plains of the Emporda.
You then ride through the fascinating landscape of the natural park to reach the lively fishing village of Port de la Selva. Here you say goodbye to your loyal horses.
After an appetising lunch you can spend a tranquil afternoon on the beach and take a dip in the Mediterranean sea.
Day 7 - Departure
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast you are transferred back to your hire car, or to a train station or airport.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
