Horseback Riding in Spain
DALI COAST TRAIL |
Catalonia is a region of diverse landscapes, a mild climate and it is rich in culture and 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 deep blue Mediterranean Sea and sky, and the reddish brown and black tones of the lava stones.
The base of the Dali Coast Trail is built around the so-called Dali-triangle that consists of the villages Cadaques, Figueres and Pubol. The trail connects the charm of the Empordanet region with the long sandy beaches of the Bay of Roses and the wild coast of the Cap de Creus. It will bring you closer to this wonderful artist; through its diverse countryside where you will begin to feel his strong, local roots.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to Mas Alba, which is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating back to the 16th century and has been in the same family since that time. From here you can overlook green meadows, forests and horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a beautiful place to begin your holiday. |
| Day 2: | From Mas Alba you will sink into the magic of the Empordanet. From its rolling hills and soft countryside you can see hundred-year-old villages in the distance. These magical villages were built of honey-coloured stones. Their narrow alleys, gardens and planted fields give you an idea of the strong inheritance of farming roots in the area. Enjoy a picnic near the river Ter. In the afternoon you gallop through the Mediterranean forest towards a nice village at the foot of the Gavarra mountains where you will overnight in lovely restored guest house. |
| Day 3: | This hidden area of yellow, brown and green tones with centuries old villages is magical to ride through. In their narrow streets you can hear the clattering of hoofs rebounding off the walls as you ride through. Visit Gala’s castle of Pubol. Dali gave this 14th century building to his wife, Gala, as a gift. Stop for lunch in the village and afterwards continue to the beautiful village of Peratallada. |
| Day 4: | This morning enjoy a brisk canter through the plains of Ullastred, which was a large lake in the Iberian times. A sandy trail leads you through undulating sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, up to the rough looking mountain of Montgri. On top of the cliffs enjoy the magnificent view overlooking the endless sea. To the west, you discover the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees. Sea birds glide with thermal winds over the coast and the lovely fragrance of rosemary, thyme and lavender are in the air as you sit down to have a “Cowboy Picnic”. After lunch follow the path leading through sand dunes to the sea. Overnight at a hotel right on the Playa Grande. |
| Day 5: | Vamos a la playa - a dream comes true! Early in the morning you can smell the coast, the wind and the salty air. You are right next to the sea with your horse, and in front of you are miles of sandy beaches. With the sunrise you will gallop through the breakwater and your horse may play with the waves - they love the refreshing water. Through the rice fields of the nature park situated offshore you reach Castello de Empuries with its magnificent cathedral and have lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon you will go to Figueres and visit the theatre-museum of Dali. According to the painter, anyone who wanted to be up to date with the latest culture must come to Figueres. Dali built his museum over the charred remains of the city’s old main theatre. His idea was to convert it into a centre of Western and European spirituality. Going shopping (or just window shopping) in the late afternoon was a common activity for Salvador Dali. After the visit to the museum you can enjoy the city too. |
| Day 6: | Changing between walk, trot and canter, you will cross sunflower and rice fields. Canter through the marshland of the Aiguamolls, Enjoy lunch at the base of the hills of Rodas and afterwards climb up and into the Cap de Creus. Here the last mountains of the Pyrenees descend into the sea. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in the centre of the fishing village, Port de la Selva. |
| Day 7: | Ride along an old merchant lane which winds its way through stony terrain, until you reach the home of Salvador Dali, located in the bay of Port Lligat. Here you have lunch, and enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean Sea if you like, before visiting the unique house of Salvador Dali. Back on the trail you will return to your luxurious hotel, Porto Christo. Enjoy your farewell meal on the terrace with a beautiful view over the Mediterranean Sea. |
| Day 8: | Transfer to Barcelona Girona after breakfast. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 3-7 hours |
| Pace | Moderate to fast |
| Tack | English trekking saddles |
| Horses | Andalusian and Spanish horses |
| Weight Limit | 200lbs |
| 2010 Dates | *March 7-14, March 28-April 4, May 9-16, June 20-27, Sept 5-12, Sept 26-Oct 3, *Oct 24-31, *Nov 14-21 |
| 2010 Price | $2,130
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $1,880
*1,825 low season
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $1,610 |
| Single Supplement | $335 NEW PRICE: $300 |
| Transfers | Included from and to Barcelona and Girona at specifc times |
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