Horseback Riding in Spain
CATALONIA COAST TRAIL |
Setting out across the plain in Spain
A Spanish cathedral
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Catalonia is a region of diverse landscapes, mild climate and complex cultural history.
Its wild beauty attracted painters in the mid 19th century who drew inspiration from the spectacular coastline, the intense green fields and forests, the azure sea and sky, and the scorched tones of lava rock.
The Catalonia Coast Trail opens the wild side of this region to you. On the three shorter days, you visit the castle of Perelade, a bodega and cathedral, as well as enjoy a wine tasting.
The pace of this ride is moderate so you can savor the rich sensory impressions and also enjoy the gracious accommodations that await you each evening.
"This ride for me was the best Equitours vacation I have taken so far. Very happy with all aspects - would be eager to go back and bring along some friends. A great ride - somewhat of a challenge - lots of trots, canters, gallops - wonderful well-conditioned horses. Loved it!"
- Pat Koford, May 2009
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to the coastal village where the evening sun illuminates the beautiful silhouette of white painted fishermen’s cottages. Welcome dinner with a sea view. |
| Day 2: | Pass through the coastal mountains of Rodas, which are the last foothills of the Pyrenees. On top of the pass enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the bay of Roses and the fertile and soft plateau of the Alt Emporda. This valley will remind you of an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains, which ends in the Mediterranean Sea. Here among this splendid garden of overwhelming beauty you take a break above a small lake. Spend the night at the farm of Emilia, who is well known for her delicious Mediterranean cuisine, in the little town of Garriguella. |
| Day 3: | Trotting and galloping into the valley of Empordá, you spot the first vineyards. On the edge of the Orlina River you will see many different flowers as your horse passes through the wild landscape towards the village of Espolla. Very old olive plantations, cork oak forests and vineyards mark the landscape. You will stay at the village’s castle which is a beautiful place with a family atmosphere. Here you can sample the local honey and taste the olive oil. |
| Day 4: | Ride deeper and deeper into the nature park of Albera. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. The mountains are covered with cork oak forests and a little further up there are beech, oak and chestnut forests that offer some shade. After a delicious picnic lunch ride to Perelada, the centre of wine growing. In the afternoon you can visit the enormous castle and the private library of the monastery. In the castle’s wine cellars you will be impressed by the quality of the wine and cava. Overnight in the village at Fina´s and Pere´s beautifully renovated farmhouse. |
| Day 5: | Changing between walk, trot and gallop you cross the sunflower and corn fields until you reach the medieval town of Castello with its magnificent cathedral. Leaving the town your horse speedily carries you through the rice fields and the moors of Aiguamolls to the old Catalan farmer’s house of Marta and Juan. In their lovely garden you can relax or refresh yourself in the pool before dinner and overnight. |
| Day 6: | Vamos a la playa! Follow the river Fluvia on its way to the sea where you have a magnificent view of the Gulf of Roses. In front of you there are miles of sandy beaches where the water splashes, the sand leaps and you gallop into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves and you try not to get too wet. At the end of the bay, directly on the beach, is your hotel where you will spend the night. Enjoy Spanish tapas and delicious paella or fish for dinner. |
| Day 7: | Surrounded by deep pine forests and along peaceful farm village paths, you will ride through the hilly landscape of the Emporda region. Quietness surrounds you as you ride through the narrow streets of the Catalan natural stone villages, hearing only the clapping of the horses’ hooves. Stop at a local bar where Manoli will prepare magnificent Catalan pasta. In the afternoon you gallop towards our home base Mas Alba, a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 16th century. Since that time this wonderful farm has been run by the same family. From here you overlook green meadows, forests and horse pastures. What a beautiful place to end your holiday with a wonderful farewell dinner. |
| Day 8: | After breakfast, transfer to Barcelona or Girona. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Blue skies, summer breeze and poppies everywhere
Visiting a wine cellar
A perfect day in the saddle
Knee-deep in wildflowers
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 3-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English trekking saddles |
| Horses | Andalusian and Spanish horses |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | *Feb 26-Mar 4, **Mar 18-25, **Apr 22-29, May 27-June 3, June 17-24, July 1-8, Sep 2-9, Sep 30-Oct 7, *Nov 4-11 |
| 2012 Price | Was $2,055, now reduced to $1,895; **Was $1,875,now reduced to $1,725; *Was $1,635, now reduced to $1,510
10% disount for riders 12-28 |
| Single Supplement | $280 |
| Transfers | Included from and to Barcelona at specific times |
| Additional Information | Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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