CATALAN SMUGGLERS TRAIL - SPAIN

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Forget everything you think you know about mountain riding - on this horse riding holiday you'll ride through the heartland of Catalonia where the red and yellow flag flies proudly and see the Pyrenean Mountains as you could in no other way along old smugglers routes. You will discover two distinct landscapes: the mighty peaks of the Pyrenees and the warm wooded hills of the Garrotxa, an interesting mixture with plenty of gallops and at times leading your horse on foot.The lower reaches are inundated with architectural heritage, churches, castles and monuments aplenty.
Onwards and upwards to the mountain peaks riding through beech forests and meadows. Gallops galore as you ride past gushing mountain streams with opportunities to swim with your horses. Horses graze, herds of cows doze and eagles circle above. 

This trail is also a gastronomic experience - food in the mountain hotels is of a high culinary standard and many different typically Catalan dishes are served.  Comfortable accommodation completes the picture to make up an adventure with comfort.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride price detailed prices price promise 2012: double pp £1,075/€1,269/$1,725 Departure dates 2012: 6, 27 May; 10, 24 Jun; 2, 30 Sep; 14 Oct Approximate riding time per day Approximately 4 to 6 hours in the saddle daily Riding ability required Must be able to walk, trot and canter confidently and mount and dismount unaided. Some walking on foot is required on this trail Group size 4 - 11 Meeting point (getting there) Barcelona (BCN) or Girona (GRO) Airport Pick up at 18:30/19:30 Departure flight should not be before 12.00 Transfer Included at set times from Barcelona/Girona Airport. Transfer time is approx 2 hours from Barcelona and 1 hour from Girona Flight guide London - Girona or Barcelona from £50 return Single supplement detailed prices No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:

SAMPLE ITINERARY - CATALAN SMUGGLERS 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 base, 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 you will go over the week’s program and discuss the special characteristics of the 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: THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Having tacked up you will set off down into the valley of the river Fluvia, Girona´s largest river, and following a gushing stream you canter across the plains and into the spectacular gorge of Sant Aniol. This is the beginning of an historic smuggling trail between France and Spain. Stop for a picnic next to a big river pool, underneath an impressive Romanesque bridge. Excellent for a refreshing swim before lunch...
This spectacular scenery is the gateway to the region of the Alta Garrotxa, one of the regions most beautiful natural parks.
High up in the mountains surrounded by huge oaks, you will stable the horses and return to the farmhouse for a delicious dinner and a well earned rest.

DAY 3: BEGET
In the morning you leave the gorge with its sculptured rock formations and ascend higher into the mountains. Ride through Talaxa, a typical mountain village with an impressive Romanesque church.
From here you have spectacular views of "La Costa Bona", your goal for this journey, Queen of the Pyrenean peaks that you can make out in the far distance.
After a walk down into the next valley settle down for a delicious picnic next to a little river. This is an ideal spot to swim with your horse.
In the evening arrive at Beget, a beautiful mountain village, nestled amidst the gentle mountain scenery. This village maintains all of its original charm, famous for its Romanesque church, original tower and its Black Madonna, a gem of Romanesque architecture
The hotel for the night is El Forn, it was the village bakery and now it is a well known restaurant in the region. Famous for the nouvelle cuisine of the local Catalan dishes and the local mountain wine is excellent.

DAY 4: UP TO THE HIGHEST PEAKS
Today after the best breakfast you have ever had you continue your journey riding through beech forests, meadows carpeted in wild flowers. The local farmhouses are huge constructions build by the local aristocracy and wealthy Barcelona merchants in the 16th century. Again Catalonians Romanesque architecture is ever present in the arches, doors, windows and churches of this region, making for wonderful photography.
Your destination is the village of Espinavell, another small smugglers village untouched by the passing of time, just 5 kilometres from the French border. Bed down for the night in a family run mountain hotel with the beautiful presence of "La Costa Bona" in the background.
The speciality of this restaurant is its delicious Jamon Serrano and Ratafia, the home made local liquor.

DAY 5: WHERE THE EAGLES FLY
Today you will be riding up into the highest mountains of our journey.
After an early start you begin to climb a winding track alongside a river. 
Leaving the track behind, up here it is only rolling mountain meadows and wild flowers, enjoy some prolonged canters and gallops.
The views are immense and breathtaking, the light is that of the Pyrenees. Pass herds of cows and horses grazing up here for the summer. Up here it is very common to see eagles, vultures and herds of wild goats and deer.
After days of riding in the countryside it is nice to arrive in Camprodon, a lively market town, favoured by the Catalan aristocracy in the past. A great opportunity to do some shopping and visit the local bars. The hotel is situated right in the centre and the restaurant is famous for its meat and fish dishes. The best paella you have ever eaten, a wonderful mixture of mountains and sea, meat and fish together.

DAY 6: THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF OIX
The journey continues leaving Camprodon with its lovely squares and art nouveau buildings. Following a river you pass by the local textile factories, that have seen former days of glory, and up onto the ridges. Climb onto spectacular mountain plateaus, where the views are immense and the terrain is good for galloping. On a good day you can see kilometres of coast,
In the evening, you will arrive in the village of Oix, another charming mountain village with a magnificent castle, narrow winding streets and lovely cafes.
Here you will settle the horses for a well deserved rest after a long and rewarding day. Travel by car to the farmhouse for another delicious diner.

DAY 7: RETURN TO THE FARMHOUSE
The peaks of the Alta Garrotxa are all around you. The air is poignant with the smell of wild herbs and Mediterranean fragrances. In the far distance we can make out your base, our final destination of this journey.
Today the riding is lively. The strong Andalucian horses are still full of stamina. The gallops are long and steady as we ride out across the plains, dotted with small local villages, leaving the Pyrenees behind us.
Today we are happy to see our base again after 6 days of adventure and excellent riding and good company. Finally you will enjoy a delicious farewell diner and toast our faithful horses and new found friends and say ¨hasta la proxima¨
DAY 8: ADIOS AMIGOS
Breakfast and departure and we hope to see each other again soon
(Or why not continue for another week trail down to the sea?)

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 SMUGGLERS 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 alcohol with meals when at the farmhouse.
For price details click here

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights, transfers, drinks outside of mealtimes and at other locations en-route, items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities.

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