On this beautiful horse riding holiday in the Catalan region of Spain, your accommodation in the same beautiful 16th century country house every night with its own swimming pool and the horse meadows beside the house. The week includes a mini trail where the horses are left en route while you are driven back to your accommodation. This enables you to see a variety of scenery and ride to and on the beach without needing to pack your bag every day. Perfect for a more relaxed holiday or an introdduction to trail rides.
Ride through villages of the Medieval amidst untouched nature. Take a visit to the old town of Girona. Swim in the sea and ride for miles on the beach. Gallop as fast as you wish on beautiful and easy to ride Andalusians.
Barcelona airport at 17:00 (arrival up to 16:00) and departure flight from 2:30pm. Girona airport at 18:30 (arrival up to 18:00) and departure flight from 1pm.
Transfer
2010: included from meeting point at set times
Flight guide
London - Girona from £50 return with Ryanair, or fly to Barcelona.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise: see notes below
SAMPLE ITINERARY - CATALAN WEEK WITH MINI TRAIL
Day 1
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona (Costa Brava) and a short transfer (approx. 30 min. from Girona) to the family-run horseback riding farm (or the pretty country hotel La Palma, depending on the season). Both country houses date back to the 16th century. The rooms are tastefully furnished with views over meadows, forests and the surrounding horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a place to start your horse riding holiday.
Day 2
Costa Rica: Secluded paths run through the hills of the pre-Pyrenees surrounded by deep pine and stone oak forests and in between fertile farmland. Our first ride takes us into untouched nature, home to numerous birds of prey. After a beautiful gallop we reach Galliners and Orfes, two villages built from natural stone dating from the middle ages. Bamboo, lianas and creepers grow rampant in the humid areas. Further down we discover a refreshing pool with a waterfall and its peaceful sounds – this atmosphere reminds us of tropical “Costa Rica”! ‘We ride back to the country house after a delicious picnic.
Day 3
Costa Brava: Through the amazing countryside of the Costa Brava we are riding at a good pace towards the sea. We follow the river Fluvia. Deep forests not only cover the mountains but reach further beyond the borders, meeting the meadows of the valley and flowing towards the bay of Roses. On horseback we discover the lovely medieval villages with their Iberic castles and romantic churches. We admire the beautiful architecture and are followed by the echo of our horses hooves on the narrow streets. We spot window shutters decorated with flowers and huge, noble wooden doors with strong iron handles. The horses stay overnight in a big meadow which belongs to a local farmer. We return to our country house.
Day 4
Costa Brava beach ride – Vamos a la playa!: We ride to the beach! Through continental dunes and majestic pine forests we are riding on sandy trails and reaching the picknic spot. We discover a marvellous view to the sea and the protected island group of Islas Medes – it´s breathtaking! Along the river Ter we could let our horses run once again. After a long and exciting day we reach the sea. We have a refreshing bath in the sea and stay at a hotel on the beach overnight.
Day 5
Sun, Beach and the Sea: Early in the morning we are awakened by the murmuring sounds of the waves. We smell the coast, the wind and the salty air - we are right at the sea with our horses. A dream comes true – in front of us we have long sandy beaches. With the sunrise we gallop through the break point. Our horses play with the waves - they love the refreshing water. Crossing the rice fields we come back to our beach hotel where riders can buy a snack in the hotel restaurant or bar for lunch. Whoever wants to can take a swim in the sea or in the hotel pool in the afternoon.
Day 6
Marvellous Catalonia: We ride into the country on the banks of the river Ter. The soft sand and the shades of the poplar forests invite us to take long gallops. The route is flat and fast until we discover a romantic chapel on a hill. From here we have a fantastic view of the Pyrenees. We have a picnic and a siesta! Strengthened and rested we emerge into a soft rolling hilly landscape. Fields, forests and beautiful villages escort us on the way back to the horse riding farm of Mas Alba. We spend another night in the beach hotel and we have the opportunity to take a swim in the sea after our host has spoiled us with a delicious farewell meal.
Day 7
Hasta la vista! Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Departure or extension for another trail. ***If departing from Girona airport then book departure flights from 1pm, and from Barcelona from 2:30 pm.***
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 WEEK WITH MINI TRAIL
Single supplements are not compulsory should you wish to have a single room this can be paid for on site at €25 per night.
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.
Transfers:
It is also possible to be collected from Barcelona city at 5:30pm. The Meeting Point is the taxi stand at the Statue of Columbus (end of 'The Rambla' at the 'Port Vell').
Another alternative is to get the train to Girona where there is a transfer at 6:45pm. The Meeting Point is infront of the taxi stand outside the exit in the direction of the city.
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 in a double room with shower and toilet, 4 days riding full board including table wine (picnic lunch), 1 day riding half-board (lunch not included), horse riding programme as described, transportation of luggage, free collective transfer from/to airport Girona/Barcelona
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Items of a personal nature, lunch on 1 day, flights to and from Barcelona or Girona, other alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee/tea. Non riders are booked on a half board basis.
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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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