Horseback Riding in Spain
MEDITERRANEAN 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. Enjoy this ride on beautiful Andalusian horses in the land where the mountains meet the sea and where you can fulfill your dream of galloping on beaches.
The Mediterranean Trail offers a fast ride with long hours in the saddle and many opportunities for trots, canters and gallops through farmland and beautiful and ancient villages. You will enjoy comfortable accommodations en-route in natural stone houses and family-run farms and hotels.
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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. It 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 start your holiday! |
| Day 2: | Ride through deep stone oak and pine forests, leaving the village behind as you head towards the south. Enjoy the silence and smell of pines and herbs underfoot. Stop at the side of a 2,000 year old Roman road for lunch with cava and vino tinto. After lunch continue on the plains of the river Ter. Ride to Peratallada, one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava, where the old town wall embraces the lovely natural stone houses. Mosaic paving stones of narrow streets show marks of horse carriages from the old days. You stay at a comfortable farmhouse and end the day with a stroll through the village. |
| Day 3: | This morning you ride through the best Catalan Coastal villages and towns of Palau-Sator and Pals, and enjoy the atmosphere of medieval scenery which surrounds you. Lunch will be in a typical village restaurant. Continue to reach the coastal pine forests where you ride in the shade. Canter on soft sand to reach the white sand of the Bay of Pals, and on to the family-run hotel Picasso where you will stay for the night. Before you enjoy Juan´s delicious food, you have time for a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea. |
| Day 4: | On a smooth trail which leads you through sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, you reach the rough looking mountain of Montgri. Climb to reach the top of the cliffs where you have a magnificent view overlooking the endless sea. To the west, you may see the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees.
Seabirds 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’s picnic’. Canter across the high plateau of the coastal mountains, then down into the sand dunes of the Bay of Roses. Overnight in a beach hotel or a beautiful 16th century mill.
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| Day 5: | In front of you are miles of sandy beaches. Canter through the breakers with water splashing as you gallop into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves as you try not to get wet. After an adventurous beach ride a second breakfast awaits you in the fishing village of Sant Pere. Follow the river Fluvia inland to reach the little paradise of a friend, Bogi, who owns a house beautifully situated by the river. The garden, which has a South American atmosphere, has a romantic setting to end your day. |
| Day 6: | Sunlight breaks through the deep green of the tropical appearing jungle. Bamboo narrows the trail and high above sprawl lianes – the atmosphere reminds one of Costa Rica. Follow along a river and wind through forests, meadows and charming villages made of natural stone, returning to Mas Albas. As this long and exciting tour comes to an end you can relax by the pool before enjoying a wonderful farewell dinner. |
| Day 7: | 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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| Pricing and Dates |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 5 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-7 hours |
| Pace | moderate to fast |
| Tack | English trekking saddles |
| Horses | Andalusian and Spanish horses |
| Weight Limit | 200lbs |
| 2010 Dates | *Feb 21-27, *March 7-13, March 21-27, April 11-17, April 25-May 1, May 2-8, May 23-29, June 6-12, June 13-19, July 4-10, Aug 29-Sept 4, Sept 12-18, Sept 19-25, Oct 3-9, Oct 17-23, *Nov 7-13, *Nov 28-Dec 4, *Dec 12-18 |
| 2010 Price | $1,840
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $1,630
*$1,630 low season
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $1,440 |
| Single Supplement | $335 NEW PRICE: $300 |
| Transfers | Included from and to Barcelona at specific times |
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