Whilst enjoying the comfort of one comfortable inn with onsite swimming pool, we ride in a different direction each day with a 2 days trail to the beach. But while the horses stay out, we return to our comfortable inn. Andalucian horses will adeptly guide you on this discovery trail deep into the heart of Catalonia where the riding is as varied as the ever changing landscapes of the region. There are plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop along the planes and meadows, over river valleys and through the winding forest trails.
Ride to medieval cobbled and walled villages and enjoy the famous Catalan cuisine and wines from the Ampurdan region which are savoured throughout the ride. The diverse range of dishes, tapas and picnics making this a truly gourmet experience.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
Low season 2012: £145/€165/$229
SAMPLE ITINERARY - CATALAN BASED WITH MINI TRAIL
Day 1:
Arrival In the evening upon your arrival in the town of Sant Jaume de Llierca you will be driven up a winding track to your destination, an 11th century Farmhouse perched high up on a ridge overlooking the Pyrenees.
Here you will meet the family, the guide and the team.
At dinner we will go over the week’s program, you will be told about the special characteristics of our Andalucian trail horses. After dinner you will be given an introduction to the weeks programme with an opportunity for a one to one conversation designed to find every rider their perfect horse.
Finally you will discover how to play the ‘Champagne rules’ which is anyone found guilty of holding up the ride at any point having to buy a bottle of local cava for the group that evening, making for lively dinners!
Day 2:
Sant Ferriol the Name of the Rose Today the pace is varied. You will enjoy the canters and the pretty mountain tracks. Today’s destination is a beautiful monastery dating from the 16th century, a jewel of Romanesque architecture built by Cistercian monks, that conjures up scenes and the spirit of the book ”The Name of the Rose”. From here there are panoramic views over the Ampurdan region out to the Mediterranean coast. After a delicious picnic lunch, a pleasant ride along the ridge and back to the farmhouse.
Day 3
To the Sadernas Gorge Ride through the picturesque villages of Argelaguer and Tortella with its magnificent church dominating the village square. Now the landscape really opens up, perfect for some more long canters and gallops to Sadernas. This is the entrance to a rocky gorge, that leads high up into the Pyrenees, the beginning of one of the most famous smuggling routes between Spain and France, an area famous for its bandit stories.
Amidst this dramatic mountain scenery there is an immense Romanesque bridge over a large river pool. This is perfect for a refreshing swim before the picnic lunch.
Day 4:
The Santa Magdelena Ridge Ride – GIRONA – TAPAS and WINE Ride along the ridge of the Santa Magdalena chapel with its medieval watch tower overlooking the Llierca valley. Meander through the forest where it is not unusual to disturb a resting eagle and to be able to watch it soar gracefully beneath you in the valley.
Arrive at the farmhouse for a late Spanish lunch, a delicious paella. After lunch you will be driven to visit Girona. The capital of the region, this little medieval city has wonderful shady streets, beautiful architecture, the widest cathedral in Europe and great shopping. Or you can take it easy and relax by the pool.
Tonight you are going to discover the typical Spanish tapas and some great local wines....!
Day 5 & 6:
The Two Day Trail Ride– follow the river Fluvia to medieval Besalu This is a circular ride that covers over 60kms in two days. A morning ride through the valleys of La miana passing the spectacular church of Sant Frutós. You will now leave the mountains. Coming across the Fluvia, one of Catalonia’s biggest rivers, travel along the south bank and pause for a picnic.
Continue through scenery of rolling hills and pine forests were you are likely to meet herds of sheep or wild boar. At dusk you arrive at our destination, the charming village of Vilert, where the horses are left to graze and rest. You will be driven back to the farmhouse for a welcome meal with the popular house wine.
The next day ride through walnut groves to the lovely village of Crespia. Follow the north bank of the fluvia and enjoy the spectacular fluvial scenery with many different species of bird. Cover many miles in a short time through sunflower fields, open meadows and forest.
We stop in Besalu where we have a delicious picnic lunch by the river. Besalu, the ancient capital, is a jewel of Romanesque architecture set between two rivers. The squares, stone cut pillars and cool shady arched passageways are a wonder to behold. Not to mention the stained glass of its churches. You have some time to wander around and absorb the unique atmosphere of this ancient medieval village with its spectacular bridge and Romanesque architecture.
In the afternoon ride through the scented oak forests above beautiful ravines that so characterise this mountainous region known as the Garrotxa. The views are superb with the Pyrenees in the distance to the north and the Meditranean coast to the south.
After some long canters you see your base a welcome sight as we arrive in the late afternoon..
A glass or two of Cava on the terrace overlooking the mountains followed by a delicious meal is a perfect end to a marvellous journey.
Day 7:
Coguleras, The Hidden Valley Your destination is Coguleras, a mountain valley that reaches almost up to the heights of Sant Juliá del Mont at 1.000 m. Ride quietly down through a forest alongside a mountain stream, to the flood plains by the little village of Sant Jaume de Llierca where we have coffee or a sherry in the local bar. Here there are some majestic farm houses built by the nobility in the 12th century.
Today you will really appreciate the strength, agility and stamina of your horse in this varied terrain. They climb like mountain goats, and fly across the the flood plains like gazelles. For lunch we climb up to the ridge of Sant Julia. Here we eat a delicious picnic in a meadow beneath a shady tree, before riding home.
Day 8:
Goodbye Breakfast Adios Amigos!
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
NOTES - CATALAN BASED WITH MINI TRAIL
Special taxi transfers can be arranged and paid on site. if you are not catching the group transfer. In 2012 from Girona airport (one way per vehicle) €100. From Barcelona airport (one way per vehicle) €230.
We think our hosts in Catalonia are some of the best in the business! They have been operating for 2 generations and are supremely professional. They offer a range of rides and in the unusual event of a ride not confirming ie. there are 3 or less riders, an alternative rail or based ride will be offered and the difference in price refunded so you can book your flights with confidence.
On this horse riding holiday, you will need to dismount and walk next to your horse over short distances so good walking boots are required.
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, riding and meals as per the itinerary. A reasonable amount of alchohol with meals when at the farmhouse.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights, transfers, drinks outside of mealtimes and at other locations en-route, items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities. "Introduction to Natural Horsemanship" course.
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What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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