CATALAN CASTLE TO COAST TRAIL - SPAIN
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This is a one way trail, a horse riding holiday taking you from the mountainous interior to the coast with luggage transfer every day, comfortable and luxurious accommodation and diverse landscape. We start in the wealthy and varied landscape of Catalonia with its castles and rice fields and follow the trails of Spanish vineyards to the sandy beaches and bays of the wild coast. Along the way we enjoy wine and cava tasting, delicious Catalan cuisine, and swimming with horses. 2700 years ago the Greeks built commercial colonies along the Mediterranean coast. With the arrival of the Greeks, wine came to this region, which they called God's nectar. The Empordán developed out of this Greek emporium. The far reaching valley therefore belongs to one of the oldest and most important vineyard regions of Spain. The wild coast of Cap de Creus builds a big contrast to the enormous valley of Empordán.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - CATALAN CASTLE TO COAST TRAIL
DAY 1:
Arrival at Barcelona or Girona and Transfer to the coastal village of Port de la Selva. The evening sun illuminates the beautiful silhouette of white painted fishermen`s cottages. Dinner together with seaview, overnight stay in the luxurious hotel Porto Christo. A great place in which to start your horse riding holiday.
DAY 2:
You will climb through the coastal mountains of Rodas, which are the last foothills of the Pyrenees. On top of the pass you will have a spectacular panoramic view over the bay of Rosas and the fertile and mild Plateaux of the Alt Emporda. This valley will remind you of an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains, which ends in the Mediteranean sea. Here among this splendid garden of overwhelming beauty you will take a break above a small lake. In the little town of Garriguella you will spend the night at the farm of Emilia. She is well known for her delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
DAY 3:
Trotting and cantering into the valley of Empordá, you will spot the first vineyards. On the riverside of the Orlina river you will enjoy many different flowers. Your horse passes through the wild landscape towards the village of Espolla. You will see very old olive plantations and cork oak forests, and vineyards dot the landscape. In the castle of the village you will stay at a beautiful place with a family atmosphere. Here you can taste the local honey and the olive oil.
DAY 4:
Deeper and deeper you ride into the nature park of Albera. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. The mountains are covered with cork oaks forests and a little further up beech, oak and chestnut forests cast some shadows. After a delicious picnic lunch you will ride to Perelada, the center 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 of the quality of the wine and cava. You will stay overnight in the village at a beautiful renovated farm house owned by Fina and Pere.
DAY 5:
Changing between walking, trotting and cantering, you will cross the sunflower and corn fields until you reach the medieval town of Castello with its magnificent cathedral. After the town your horse will carry you speedily 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 at the pool.
DAY 6:
Vamos a la playa! You will follow the river Fluvia on its way to the sea where you will have a magnificent view of the Gulf of Rosas. In front of you will lay miles of sandy beaches as 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 rest for the evening. For dinner, the „Mama of the hotel“ will prepare Spanish tapas and a delicious paella.
DAY 7:
Surrounded by deep pine forests and along peaceful farm village paths you will ride through the hilly landscape of the Emporda region. A quietness surrounds you as you ride through the narrow streets of the Catalan natural stone villages hearing the clapping of the horses hooves. You will stop at a local bar for the picnic lunch. Manoli prepares magnificant Catalan nudles. In the afternoon you will gallop towards our home base - a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 14th century. Since then, 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:
Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Or, extension for another trail.
Important: Depending of the time of the year and national holidays the trail can be ridden in both directions!
NOTES - CATALAN CASTLE TO COAST TRAIL
During this riding holiday, you will need to dismount and walk next to your horse over short distances so good walking boots are required.
GETTING TO the Ride
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
The price includes all riding as decribed, guiding, luggage transfer, all meals and accommodation starting with dinner on day one and ending after breakfast on the last day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Items of a personal nature, drinks, flights to and from Barcelona, transfers from either Girona (€30/€40 return 2007/2008) or Barcelona airport (€60/€80 2007/2008 return). The return transfer is payable on site for 2007 and 2008.
CLIENTS WHO BOOKED THIS RIDE ALSO ENJOYED :-
- Carcassonne Pyrenean Trail
- Atlantic Coast Trek
- Dolphin Coast Trail
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