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 though the typical landscapes of  Emporda from inland towards the sea. The Beach ride will begin with a fantastic ride on the beach and after that you will discover the medieval villages where time stands still and you will feel the nature and peace of the inland mountain of Les Gavarres. 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 One: 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: Towards the Beach (Thursday)

Today you will ride away from Masos d'en Coll 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 will ride to the south through crops and forest. You will leave your horses in the stables here and you will be driven to Calella de Palafrugell where you will spend the night. Originally the town of Callella was made up of fishermen's cottages, but its a really peaceful place where you can enjoy a lovely afternoon relaxing.

Day 3: The Gavarres Park (Friday)

After breakfast you will ride inland 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. Vegetation here is that of wet, shady areas near mountain stores, forests are made up of alders, hazel and chestnuts contrasting with the rest of the predominantly Mediterranean territory. At the hotel, a beautiful rural guesthouse, you will be able to relax for the rest of the afternoon and enjoy a typical home made Catalan dinner.

Day 4: Medieval Villages (Saturday)

Today, the trail leads you back to Masos d'en Coll passing through the best preserved medieval villages of Spain where time has stood still. Peratallada and Ullastret are worth a visit. In the afternoon you will arrive at Can Masos d'en Coll and have time to relax before joining the group for  a delicious traditional dinner cooked with fresh local ingredients.

Day 5: Adios (Sunday)

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 there farmhouse through fields and orchards.

 Day 1: Arrival

Arrival in Barcelona or Girona 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 Muni

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 Muni - 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 Vilanat. 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 the route follows the Pyrenees where the mountains meet the sea, there is a spectacular landscape which will show you step by step, the beauty of the Empordà. Today the pace will be much slower 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, You will pass by the castle of Recasens,, an impressive fortress dating from the 11th century and 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.

This exciting trail sees you enjoying some excellent canters and gallops on two different Mediterranean beaches. You will ride two loops from Masos d'en Coll that will allow you not only to discover the Sant Pere Pescador beach and the Pals beach, but natural parks, well preserved medieval villages, fantastic rivers and some incredible spots like the fisherman's village of Calella de Palafrugell. Your ride will take you from North to South of the Costa Brava so enjoying the best of the area. Of course, we cannot fail to mention the two opportunities you will have to gallop along two long beaches, enjoying the sands and the waves.  A fulfilling, exciting and unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome (Sunday)

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 week's 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 week's 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: Galloping (Monday)

You will leave Masos d'en Coll and head to the Montgri Mountain. This first day will allow you to get to know your horse and your guide. Your next destination is the fantastic village of San Martin d'Empuries  - your ride here passing next to the l'Escala. This is a village of great interest and history. The hotel is very close to the beach so you can also enjoy a swim at dusk.

Day 3: The First Beach(Tuesday)

Today you will start a little earlier to enjoy a peaceful gallop along the beach.  Six kilometers of beach is ahead to enjoy a gallop and a swim with your horse. You will then take a break at the village of Sant Per Pescador and you will be able to clean up your  horse and have a well deserved coffee. You still have three hours riding left. This is a quite long active morning that enables you to see rice fields and apple tree orchards.  You will arrive at Can Muni where you can relax.

Day 4: Baix Emporda (Wednesday)

Today, the trail leads you back to Masos d'en Coll passing through orchards filled will fruit trees near the Ter River as you  will follow the riverbed You will ride  between meadows and rice fields accompanied by ducks and migratory birds coming from the Medes Islands. You will enjoy an active day and last gallop along the riverbed. In the afternoon you will arrive at Can Masos d'en Coll and have time to relax before joining the group for  a delicious traditional dinner cooked with fresh local ingredients.

Day 5: Towards the Beach of Pals (Thursday)

Today you will ride away from Masos d'en Coll 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 afternoons, you will ride to the south through crops and forest You will leave your horses in the stables here and you will be driven to Calella de Palafrugell where you will spend the night. Originally the town of Callella was made up of fishermen's cottages, but its a really peaceful place where you can enjoy a lovely afternoon relaxing.

Day 6:  The Gavarres Park (Friday)

After breakfast you will ride inland 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. Vegetation here is that of wet, shady areas near mountain stores, forests are made up of alders, hazel and chestnuts contrasting with the rest of the predominantly Mediterranean territory. At the hotel, a beautiful rural guesthouse, you will be able to relax for the rest of the afternoon and enjoy a typical home made Catalan dinner.

Day 7: Medieval Villages (Saturday)

The trail leads us back to Masos d'en Coll, 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. Peratallada and Ullastret are worth exploring. You will be back at Masos d'en Coll in the afternoon and will have some free time to enjoy the rest of you afternoon.

Day 8: Adios Amigos

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

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 Can Muni (Sunday)

You will arrive at the rural village of Can Muni (Pins) 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 (Monday)

Today's destination is the Baix Empordà region, passing through Gauses, a small medieval village with its church built in the XV century.  Then, you continue to Llampies galloping through the beech forests, to arrive at San Jordi crossing a vineyard.  It takes about three hours to reach Sant Jordi Desvalls on horseback, where you will stop for a delicious picnic. On the way back to Can Muni you pass the villages of Vilopriu and Colomers and see houses with Gothic and Renaissance windows and arched doorways with carved shields. Upon your arrival, you will enjoy some relaxing time in the gardens of Can Muni, or in the company of the horses as they wander in the farm’s fields.

Day 3.  The Mediterranean Sea (Tuesday)

Today you will get ready to go to Sant Martí d’Empuries, a village by the coast where you will enjoy fantastic views over the Mediterranean. In order to get there by noon, you begin your journey on gently descending roads surrounded by woods and crop fields, through small medieval villages such as Les Olives. Here you will see the open plain of the Alt Empordà with the large Bay of Roses enclosed by the Pyrenees to the north and Montgrí to the south. You arrive at Sant Marti de Empuries,a small medieval village overlooking the Greco-Roman ruins of Empuries. You will take a meal on a terrace in the middle of the village with views of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon you return to Pins, alternating trotting and galloping and following the path of one of the eldest medieval roads, which follows the GR2 crossing Vilademat and Palauborrell villages.

Day 4. Dali’s landscapes (Wednesday)

Today is a long day in the saddle, with lots of long canters and gallops through Baix Empordà pine forest. You leave Pins to Flaçà through the forests and plains that surround this town, to enter the old Royal Path from Girona to La Bisbal, very well used in past times. You arrive at La Pera, from where you can see the castle of Pubol. Dalí bought this castle for the enjoyment of his wife (Gala). From here, you ride to Foixa, one of the main sites on the ancient medieval map, which preserves a spectacular castle in the middle of the plain Baix Empordà dominating the lands belonging to the Earl of Empuries. Here, you take a break for lunch in the shade of centuries-old olive trees. After lunch, you lead your horses along a winding forest track. 

Day 5. Let’s Gallop! (Thursday)

Today you start your ride towards Saus and Vilaur, two medieval villages that retain the old structure, with their fortified churches and winding streets. You ride through the forests of the area to get to Calabuig. This small town has an imposing appearance due to the site of the ancient castle and the fortified church. You arrive at Báscara, another medieval village, where you are going to have lunch. After lunch, you are going to visit the racecourse, where your riding skills will be tested, galloping as much as you can!!! To return to Can Muni, you ride through paths between rolling hills, wooded landscapes and open fields.

Day 6. Swimming with horses! (Friday)

Today, you leave Pins to reach Fluvià River, which you will follow to arrive at Valveralla Lake. This small lake is formed by a bend in the river that creates a very serene place hidden from prying eyes. It is time to swim with the horses!!! An unforgettable experience! After the swim, you have lunch near the lake. In the afternoon, you return through one of the most charming villages of the region, Sant Mori, which retains an inhabited castle since the twelfth century and that was renovated in the fifteenth century to become a lovely Renaissance castle. You continue riding through the forests to return to the farm from an easterly direction. 

Day 7. Gallop through cornfields (Saturday)

You leave from Can Muni towards Vilopriu and Colomers. You will cross cornfields and fruit tree fields. You will get to Jafre and Verges where you will stop for the picnic. You will have some really nice and fast canters in the afternoon along the pine tree woods. You will get to Les Olives, a nice little typical Catalan village and you will head back home. 

Day  8. Goodbye friends (Sunday)

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.