This is a wonderful short trail where you can gallop along a golden sandy beach and enjoy the typical landscape of Emporda on magnificent Spanish horses.  The kilometres of golden sandy beach and the Mediterranean Sea are a delight for any rider. You will be riding through the typical landscapes of  Emporda from inland towards the sea. The Beach ride will begin with a fantastic opportunity to discover the medieval villages where time stands still and you will feel the nature and peace of the inland mountain of Les Gavarres, before finishing off riding on the beach of Pals. Finally, you return to Masos d'en Coll through crop fields and old stone villages.

You can combine this trail with a stay at the farmhouse or maybe a few days in Barcelona so you can enjoy a week in this beautiful area of Catalonia

*Please note that the ride runs Wednesday-Sunday.

Day 1: Welcome to Masos d'en Coll (Wednesday)

You will arrive at Masos d'en Coll which is a typical Catalan farmhouse situated in a wonderful location close to the beach. Before dinner, you will go over the programme and sample some of the full-bodied local wines. You will be told about the special characteristics of their Andalusian trail horses. You will be given an introduction to the programme with an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation to ensure that the right horse has been assigned to you. Then, you can enjoy a fantastic dinner!

Day 2: Medieval Villages (Thursday)

Today set off on your trail ride passing through the most beautifully preserved medieval villages in Spain. You will cross many medieval villages and towns that are mere dots on the map but that become quaint terracotta coloured settlements, the closer you get. The small Palau-Sator and incredible Peratallada are small walled villages of medieval origin that still display well-preserved moats, towers, castles and palaces for you to discover.

You will continue through the afternoon, past oak and pine forests, until you reach your accommodation for the night - a 13th-century farmhouse located in the foothills of the Gavarres national park. The house has a lovely atmosphere and has been loving restored and decorated by its present owners. You will have time in the afternoon to enjoy the pool or relax before a delicious homemade dinner is served in the large dining room.

Day 3:  The Gavarres Park (Friday)

After breakfast, you will begin your ride to the Park of Gavarres. The park has a large network of paths which will allow you to discover the most important Catalonian cork oaks and maritime pine forest. The vegetation here is rich, shaded areas near mountain streams, forests are made up of alders, oak, hazel and chestnuts contrasting with the rest of the predominantly Mediterranean territory. 

After a full picnic lunch, you will continue your ride passing through the Medieval village of Pals and continuing on to your hotel for the evening, just 5 minutes walk from the beach. Here you will have time to rest and relax, perhaps enjoy the pool or take a walk to the beach before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Towards the Beach of Pals (Saturday)

Today you will rise early, have a light breakfast and head out with the horses towards the beach of Pals. The beach is over 3.5 kilometres long and surrounded by dunes and pine trees, it follows the whole rice growing plains area. The sandy beach has some magnificent views of the Illes Medes. After enjoying a wonderful gallop along this lovely beach, you will stop for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you ride to the south through crops and forest, along the river Ter until you return to Masos d'en Coll. You will have some free time to enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Day 5: Adios Amigos

You will depart after breakfast. Hopefully, you will return for another adventure.

This is a circular trail which takes you up the Catalan Pyrenees and down to the Mediterranean sea, where you can enjoy an incredible gallop on the Roses beach. With their magnificent horses, you can ride through the fantastic scenery of the Alt Empordà, their Mediterranean forests, stunning coastline and long sandy beaches. You will discover the little medieval villages, like Báscara  or Crespià.  Pass by wheat fields, poppies and sunflowers. Discover pine forests and cork trees, filled with aromatic herbs to arrive at the end of the Pyrenees, where the mountains meet the sea. You leave the foothills of the Pyrenees and ride through the Alvera wine growing region, olive groves and vineyards, intense natural beauty. You will leave the mountains behind you because the rolling plains of the Empordà region wait for you and at the end, in the long curve of the Bay of Roses, miles of beach to gallop on! You will continue along the coastline, enjoying the sea, the cliffs and the breeze, to return to the farmhouse through fields and orchards.

 Day 1: Arrival

Arrival in Girona (or Barcelona) with transfer to the farmhouse, a typical Catalan farm called Masos d'en Coll located in the middle of Baix Empordà, just a few kilometres from the beach.  You will start your holiday with a delicious dinner, where you will meet your group and your guides and you can talk about your expectations and the horse you are hoping to ride.

 Day 2: Trail to Can Sort

The first day of riding gives you the opportunity to make any adjustments to the tack and you can get to know the horse and your guide as well. You will pass orchards in the Ter area following the river. The landscape is inviting and there is the opportunity to enjoy some fast paced canters through this unspoilt peaceful countryside. Tonight you will stay at Can Sort - a lovely traditional Catalan farmhouse nestled in a small hamlet.

Day 3: To the mountains

You will start today's journey from here and ride through the countryside where you will pass many small traditional villages as well as pine woods and oak forests. Today you will alternate the pace between trot and canter. You will arrive at Pontos at the "Tower of the Angel" for a sit down picnic lunch. After lunch and a rest you will continue your journey to Vilanant. You will spend the night in a history building that once belonged to the Count Rocaberti.

Day 4:  Crossing the Pyrenees

Today your route follows across the Mediterranean Pyrenees to where the mountains meet the sea. Firstly there are opportunities for some fast canters and gallops. The route takes you through a region of ancient wine growing orchards, olive groves and rustic buildings. You will continue the journey by following the trail of the Muga river discovering forests by the banks as well as flood plains. Next to the river, you will enjoy a picnic and, if the weather is kind, it might be possible to take a refreshing dip and perhaps an afternoon siesta. Later on you will proceed to the mountains crossing many regions of fabulous landscape marked by small villages. Finally you will arrive at Cantallops which is located in the Mediterranean Pyrenees. Here you will be staying at one of the finest hotels in the area.

 Day 5:  Alt Empordà

Today is a pure mountain route - a spectacular landscape which will show you step by step, the beauty of the Empordà. The pace will be much slower as dictated by the terrain. You will slowly make your way through the mountains until you get to see the sea. The cork oaks will surround you and you will pass by the castle of Recasens, an impressive fortress dating from the 11th century which has been renovated over the years. At the peak of the mountain you will enjoy another picnic and afterwards you will descend to the most oriental part of the Pyrenees. From here you will have one of the most beautiful views across the the coast of Cap de Greus. You will spend the night in a small traditional hotel where you will have a delicious dinner.

Day 6: The Beach

Today you will leave the mountains and move to the beautiful plain of Empordà because today's programme will lead you to the beach. You will gallop across vineyards and olive groves and pass small towns like Garriguella, Perelada and Valanova de la Muga. You will enjoy a lunch break in the Castello de Empuries, a small city that used the be the old capital of Empordà . The city has a rich medieval past that you will will be able to explore and appreciate in every single small corner and  in the square of this town. Later on you will ride at a  fast pace to Mas de Mer, a historic house at the beach of Sant Pere Pescador.  

Day 7: Baix Emporda

As your horses gallop along the beach, you will hear the roaring of the waves in your ears. Later you will arrive at La Escala and continue your journey to Montgri Massif, a mountainous zone which separates Alt Emporda from Baix Emporda, two areas that remain very well protected. Here you will have picnic stop at the entrance of the protected area of the dunes and the Medes Islands.  Here you will discover a rocky reef that sinks into the Mediterranean, creating a spectacular landscape. The vast horizon will spread out in front of you, over the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to its protected location, some very rare types of plants are able to grow in this landscape. In the afternoon, you will descend again in order to get to Masos d'en Coll where you began your wonderful week.

Day 8:  Good bye / Hasta pronto

After you have enjoyed a wonderful holiday together with your horses the time has come to say goodbye.

Due to local circumstances, the programme may occasionally vary.

The Catalan Coast and Culture trail will see you riding through two of the Baix Emporda's best known natural parks, Gavarres and Montgri, as well as along the breathtaking Costa Brava coastline. Explore the beautiful natural landscapes and ever changing terrain of the region, whilst also learning about the area's historical medieval past and more recent culture too. The ultimate trail for lovers of history, culture and nature!

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival in Girona (or Barcelona) with transfer to the farmhouse, a typical Catalan farm called Masos d'en Coll located in the middle of Baix Empordà, just a few kilometres from the beach.  You will start your holiday with a delicious dinner, where you will meet your group and your guides and you can talk about your expectations and the horse you are hoping to ride.

Day 2: The Pirate Coast

Following a delicious breakfast at the farmhouse, you will head out to meet your horses and enjoy your first day of riding. The morning will be a relaxed one allowing you the chance to become accustomed to your mount (and he to you!). You will follow quiet trails along the edge of the Ter river which winds its way through the Baix Emporda region. as you make your way towards the mountain of Montgri, you will pass old fortified farmhouse - fortifications that once defended these coastal inhabitants from marauding pirate attacks! Through the afternoon you will continue the ride passing cider apple orchards, ponds and wetlands until you return to Els Masos for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Medieval Villages

Today set off on your trail ride passing through the most beautifully preserved medieval villages in Spain. You will cross this fertile region, dotted with vineyards and apple orchards, contemplating the fact that this was all once under a vast ocean. Your route will take you through the fortified villages of Peratallada, Canapost, Castell d'Emporda, Monells and Cruilles. In each you will take time to visit the walled villages of medieval origin that still display well-preserved moats, towers, castles and palaces for you to discover.

You will continue through the afternoon until you reach your accommodation for the night - a 13th-century farmhouse located in the foothills of the Gavarres national park. The house has a lovely atmosphere and has been restored and decorated by its present owners, Joan and Marta. You will have time in the afternoon to enjoy the pool or relax before a delicious homemade dinner is served in the large dining room.

Day 4: The Romantic Costa Brava

On today's route you will move on from the Medieval times and discover some of the region's Roman influences instead. Passing through ancient forests of cork oaks and chestnut trees, you will head to the roman outpost of St Cebria de Llado. From the view point at Els Metges, you will have unbeatable views expanding right the way from the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava coastline. Next on your journey will be a brief stop at the first Romanesque megalith dolmen located at the top of Puig D'Arques mountain. Again, you will witness some phenomenal views from this point before rejoining your horses and descending through the Gavarres mountain range to your accommodation for the night. An early stop today will see you enjoying plenty of rest before the long day of riding tomorrow.

Day 5: From the Mountains to the Sea

Today is a long day. Along your route you will see old ice wells which are abundant here and also the Dolmen Tres Peus which is one of the best preserved megalithic monuments in the area. There are wide views over the plains to the blue Mediterranean as you drop downhill through forests and along Roman trails, stopping at some monuments such as the Church of Sta. Coloma de Fitor. Eventually you reach your accommodation which is only a few metres from the beach. After settling the horses you can take a short walk on the find sand of Pals Beach.

Day 6: Costa Brava's heart

Today you ride a circular route passing old mines and following paths through holm oaks, cork oaks and pines to reach a high point from where you can contemplate this beautiful landscape. This viewpoint - Queremany - has splendid views of the Pals beach, where some historians claim you could see the departure of Christopher Columbus' ships on his first trip to America. Continue back to your hotel beside the beach to rest for your early start tomorrow.

Day 7: Between the River, Sea and Rice Fields

An early start today as there is the possibility of riding on the beach (this depends on dates as there can be restrictions within the natural park). Follow the entire beach to the mouth of the Ter river where you turn inland and leave the sea behind you to ride past apple orchards and cultivated fields - at certain times of year there are magnificent rice fields. Upon arrival back at Masos d'En Coll you'll enjoy a rice casserole to celebrate your adventure.

Day 8: Adios Amigos

You will depart after breakfast. 

A lovely based programme which caters for all your families wants and needs! Choose to explore the beautiful scenery of the Catalonian mountains from the back of a well mannered and sure-footed horse.

Each day you will ride out from the farm, enjoying a delicious picnic in a specially selected destination. All the horse riding trails will be lead by an enthusiastic and helpful guide.

Each evening, tired riders will return to the farmhouse to enjoy a delicious evening meal. Or you may wish to enjoy some down time, maybe relaxing by the swimming pool, or taking a visit to some of the nearby beaches. This is the perfect time to create some wonderful holiday memories with your family or friends; memories you will never want to forget.

Day 1. Welcome to Els Masos d'en Coll

You will arrive at the rural village of Els Masos d'en Coll (Llabià) in the afternoon. It is located in the heart of the Baix Empordà and here you will find the welcoming traditional stone built farmhouse. Here you will meet the family and your guides. At dinner, you will talk through the week’s programme, you will be told about the special characteristics of their horses. After dinner, you will have an opportunity for a one to one conversation to make sure you will be riding the perfect horse to suit you.

Day 2. Medieval Villages

Today's ride will offer an opportunity to discover some of the history of this region, as you ride through Fontanilles and Palau-Sator - two small villages of Roman and medieval origin, first established in the 9th century. Between villages, you'll be able to take advantage of the flat landscape once more, immersing into the green nature of the region and enviable good climate. Finally, you will arrive at the medieval village of Peratallada, one of the most important and best preserved historical centres in Catalonia, originally built between the 9th and 13th century. Time will seemingly have stopped in this small village, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch followed by some free time to take pictures and have a look around. You'll spot houses with Gothic and Renaissance influences, as well as intricately carved arched doorways mounted with shields.

You will take lunch in a secluded spot at Els Clots de Sant Julie - a peaceful place steeped in history. On the way back, a brief stop at Canapost to view the well preserved necropolis located here. Once safely returned to the farmhouse you will be able to enjoy some time to relax in the gardens at Els Masos d’en Coll or perhaps by the pool with a cool glass of Catalonian wine!

Day 3. Montgrí

Today you will set out from the farmhouse and begin your trail riding day by heading to the village of Torroella de Montgrí. This yet busy little town is watched over by the imposing outline of the Castle of Montgrí, built atop the Montgri Massif in around the 13th century. 

The area surrounding the mountain is a well preserved natural park and where you will be spending the majority of your day today. You will ride first through an area of coastal pine forest interspersed with sandy tracks, perfect for long trots and canters. From the top of the Massif, you will be able to enjoy magnificent views over the cliffs to the Costa Brava and the Mediterranean Sea. This is also the perfect spot to stop for a tasty picnic lunch and a rest with the sounds of the sea all around you! The afternoon will see you continue your way back to Els Masos d'en Coll, with perhaps a little free time to spend by the pool in the late afternoon.

Day 4.  Ter River

Today your ride will take you past fruit orchards along the river banks of the Ter. A chance to spot an array of local wildlife in this verdant area along the banks of the river, including many species of birds and waterfowl as well as beautiful plants and flowers. The flat landscape will offer up many opportunities to enjoy exciting canters and gallops, while also relishing nature’s silence. You will wind your way through the narrow streets of some small villages, including Verges - the home of well-known Catalan singer-songwriter, Lluis Llach - and finally arrive in the village of Colomers where you will stop for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Sant Romà de Sidilla - now abandoned, this village is a very good example of how the original medieval settlers of this area built their homes on high ground to avoid the Ter river in flood. You will return to the farmhouse through the meadows; a landscape with blue skies, ripening crops and the imposing outline of the massif of Montgrí and its Castle on the horizon.

Day 5. Empodanet Landscape

Following breakfast this morning you will set out with the horses to discover the so-called "Empordanet". This is the name that locals give to the collection of small medieval towns in the interior of the Costa Brava. You will enjoy ample trots and canters along the flat trails of the area which offers beautiful views, fresh air and tranquillity. Passing through the little villages which show the typical Catalan architecture of the region, you'll finally arrive at the small town of Monells. Here you will have time to eat, rest and take a walk around the quiet cobblestone streets.

In the afternoon, you will return to the farmhouse via a pearl of the region, the ancient ruins of the fortified Iberian city of Ullastret. These are some of the most important and largest ruins in all of Spain. The Iberian people remain somewhat of a mystery as they did not leave much to document their day to day life. The settlement at Ullastret dates from the 6th century BC and remained until the Romans invaded the area several centuries later during the Second Punic War (between the years 218-201 BC). Return the farmhouse in the afternoon, through Mediterranean pine forests, vineyards and fields.

Day 6. Historic Wetlands

Today we will follow the course of the Daró river, past seemingly endless olive groves, as well as scenic paths between low lying pastures and paddy fields with their crops of rice. The landscape in a patchwork of fields, dotted with small rural settlements where you will have opportunities to enjoy trots and canters along the open paths. Eventually, you will reach the historic village of Pals, where you will dismount your horses and enjoy the opportunity to wander through the village's historic centre.  Pals will offer a flavour of the 9th to the 15th century, with cobblestone streets decorated with flowers. From its high vantage point, you will be able to appreciate some incredible views of the territory you have been riding through this morning. Lunch will be taken in a traditional restaurant in Pals. 

The afternoon will see you riding through several lesser historic villages, including Sant Feliu, Sant Julia de Boada, Fontclara with its Benedictine monastery. The monastery's church still contains frescos and paintings dating from the 11th century. Once safely returned to the farmhouse, you will be able to take a drive to the Mirador de la Font Pascuala to watch the sun set. This is a seemingly innocuous raised ridge which overlooks and offers speculator views of Montgri, Pals, the Medes islands and the Mediterranean sea beyond. 

Day 7. Goodbye friends

Breakfast and departure... Hopefully, you will want to come back again soon! (Or why not continue with another ride - perhaps a week trail in the mountains?)

* Please note that is is possible to enjoy the Discovery Programme for a minimum of three nights and riders will join the programme of riding at that time.

** During the summer months of July and August the daily schedule will be altered due to the intense heat. You will usually ride out early, when the day is cooler, and finish before lunch with the afternoon free to enjoy the pool or explore the local beaches.

This special weekend programme has been designed to offer a taste of the beautiful scenery of the Catalonian mountains. Each day you will ride out in a different direction from the farmhouse base, to discover a new area of this region each time.

You will enjoy tasty picnic lunches on each ride and in the evening, will return tired to the farmhouse to enjoy a delicious evening meal. This is the perfect time to create some wonderful holiday memories in a short space of time.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Welcome to Els Masos d'en Coll

You will arrive at the rural village of Els Masos d'en Coll (Llabià) in the afternoon. It is located in the heart of the Baix Empordà and here you will find the welcoming traditional stone built farmhouse. Here you will meet the family and your guides. At dinner, you will talk through the week’s programme, you will be told about the special characteristics of their horses. After dinner, you will have an opportunity for a one to one conversation to make sure you will be riding the perfect horse to suit you.

Day 2. Empodanet Landscape

Following breakfast this morning you will set out with the horses to discover the so-called "Empordanet". This is the name that locals give to the collection of small medieval towns in the interior of the Costa Brava. You will enjoy ample trots and canters along the flat trails of the area which offers beautiful views, fresh air and tranquillity. Passing through the little villages which show the typical Catalan architecture of the region, you'll finally arrive at the small town of Monells. Here you will have time to eat, rest and take a walk around the quiet cobblestone streets.

In the afternoon, you will return to the farmhouse via a pearl of the region, the ancient ruins of the fortified Iberian city of Ullastret. These are some of the most important and largest ruins in all of Spain. The Iberian people remain somewhat of a mystery as they did not leave much to document their day to day life. The settlement at Ullastret dates from the 6th century BC and remained until the Romans invaded the area several centuries later during the Second Punic War (between the years 218-201 BC). Return the farmhouse in the afternoon, through Mediterranean pine forests, vineyards and fields.

Day 3. Historic Wetlands

Today we will follow the course of the Daró river, past seemingly endless olive groves, as well as scenic paths between low lying pastures and paddy fields with their crops of rice. The landscape in a patchwork of fields, dotted with small rural settlements where you will have opportunities to enjoy trots and canters along the open paths. Eventually, you will reach the historic village of Pals, where you will dismount your horses and enjoy the opportunity to wander through the village's historic centre.  Pals will offer a flavour of the 9th to the 15th century, with cobblestone streets decorated with flowers. From its high vantage point, you will be able to appreciate some incredible views of the territory you have been riding through this morning. Lunch will be taken in a traditional restaurant in Pals. 

The afternoon will see you riding through several lesser historic villages, including Sant Feliu, Sant Julia de Boada, Fontclara with its Benedictine monastery. The monastery's church still contains frescos and paintings dating from the 11th century. Once safely returned to the farmhouse, you will be able to take a drive to the Mirador de la Font Pascuala to watch the sun set. This is a seemingly innocuous raised ridge which overlooks and offers speculator views of Montgri, Pals, the Medes islands and the Mediterranean sea beyond. 

Day 4: The Mediterranean Sea

Today's ride will begin early in order to allow you time to ride all the way to the beach. You will pass through several small medieval towns before riding through miles of Mediterranean pine forests which are crossed by wide sandy tracks. This gentle undulating landscape will invite plenty of long trots and canters as you follow the course of the Ter river to its mouth at La Gola and the Mediterranean sea beyond. You will enjoy a picnic lunch near the ebach and the chance to ride along the sand before picking up the river course once more and returning back to the famrhouse in the afternoon.

NB: please note that during the summer months between June and September it is prohibited by Spanish law to take the horses onto the beach. During these months you will enjoy riding in the forest and areas directly behind the beach and will be able to access the beach itself on foot.

Day 5. Goodbye friends

Breakfast and departure... Hopefully, you will want to come back again soon! (Or why not continue with another ride - perhaps a week trail in the mountains?)

* During the summer months of July and August the daily schedule will be altered due to the intense heat. You will usually ride out early, when the day is cooler, and finish before lunch with the afternoon free to enjoy the pool or explore the local beaches.

This programme has been designed specifically to introduce beginner and learner riders to the wonders of horse riding whilst also enjoying the wonderful scenery of Catalonia. Guests will be able to learn in a safe and controlled environment, each day perfecting a new technique before embarking on a short trail ride in the local area to put these newly found skills in to practice. 

Outline itinerary:

Day 1 : 

You will arrive at the rural farmhouse of Els Masos d'en Coll (Llabià) in the afternoon. The farm is located in the heart of the Baix Empordà and you will be welcomed as a friend to this traditional stone built farmhouse. On arrival, you will be able to meet your host family and your guide for the next week. You will have some time to settle in to your room and then decide what you would like to do for dinner this evening. The farmhouse is always happy to provide meals by prior arrangement or for those who have a car, you may wish to head to one of the small villages nearby to try out a local restaurant.

Day 2 : 

Following breakfast today you will meet your horses at the yard and begin your first lesson, to learn the basics of riding including; general care, handling, preparation for riding and saddling. Once you have gotten your horse and yourself ready, you will head to the riding arena to begin your tuition on the rider's position, the basic aids to move forward and stop, maintaining balance in the saddle and turning whilst walking. This will be followed by a short ride in the countryside (walk only).

c. 2.5-3 hours of riding. 

Day 3 : 

After breakfast today, you will have a re-cap of your session on handling, grooming and saddling your horse in preparation for riding. Your lesson in the arena will include the starting point for learning how to ride to the trot. This will again be followed by a short ride out (usually walk only).

c. 2.5-3 hours of riding.

Day 4 : 

Today's arena lesson will include a session on improving your techniques whilst trotting, practicing turning at the increased pace and performing changes of direction across the arena space. Once this skill ahs been achieved, you may also have the opportunity to test your balance in the saddle by practicing standing in your stirrup whilst trotting. This is an essential skill for riding out on the trail as it helps your horse to be able to negotiate difficult terrain more easily. This will be followed by a short ride out (walk only).

c. 2.5-3 hours of riding. 

Day 5 : 

You'll want a good and hearty breakfast this morning! Your arena lesson today will including more opportunities to practice your turning and control of balance whilst trotting, as well as the introduction of canter. This speedy yet comfortable pace can often feel daunting for new riders, but the past few days will have given you a great foundation on which to build up to this moment. A gentle ride in the countryside will see your riding session come to an end for the day (walk only)

c. 2.5-3 hours of riding.

Day 6 :

Today will be your last day of the programme and to celebrate you will head out for a longer trail to explore some of the pretty medieval villages of the area. You will follow ancient routes that were once travelled by Iberian or Roman armies and their horses several thousand years ago. The trail will lead you eventually to the beautiful walled town of Peratallada, riding through fields, past dry stone walls and with spectacular views of the sea, the Medes islands, the natural park of Montgri, Pals and Ullastret. You will be able to enjoy quality time spent with your horse who will have shown you the wonders of the equine/human partnership over these past few days.

c. 3 hours of riding.

Day 7 :

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Girona airport for your flight home.