CATALAN WEEK WITH MINI TRAIL - SPAIN

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This trail makes a beautiful horse riding holiday in the Catalan region of Spain. 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. Accommodation is in lovely natural stone houses dating from the 13th century with own pool, horse meadows next to the house.

Trip length 7 days / 6 nights Ride only price 2009: Low season - £595 High season - £689 Non rider sharing - £449 both seasons Departure dates 2009: Low season - 9, 23 Feb; 2, 16, 30 Mar; 19 Oct; 9, 16, 30 Nov. High season - 13, 27 Apr; 11, 25 May; 8, 15, 29 Jun; 21, 28 Sep; 12 Oct. Approximate riding time per day approximately 4- 6 hours in the saddle daily Riding ability required Must be able to walk, trot and canter confidently and mount and dismount unaided. Group size 2 to 12 Meeting point (getting there) 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 €40 from Girona airport return in 2008 and 2009; €80 from Barcelona airport return for 2008 and 2009. Payable on site. Times as above. Flight guide London - Girona from £50 return with Ryanair, or fly to Barcelona. Single supplement 2009 - £139 high season £119 low season

SAMPLE ITINERARY - CATALAN WEEK WITH MINI TRAIL

Day 1
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and short transfer (approx. 30 min. from Girona), to our horseback riding farm Mas Alba, a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 18th century. Since then this wonderful farm has been run by the family. From here you can overlook meadows, forests and the surrounding horse meadows. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a beautiful place to start your horse riding holiday.

Day 2
Costa Rica: Surrounded by deep pine- and stone oak forests and inbetween fertile farmland secluded paths run through the hills of the pre-Pyrenees. 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 stones dating from the middle ages. Bamboo, lianas and creepers grow rampant in the humid areas. Far 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
Racing Track: Who is riding the fastest horse? Through the forests of the Alt Emporda we trot and gallop to the racing track of the neighbouring village. What great fun – those who want to, can let their horse run as much as they want! The winner has to pay for a refreshing drink while we have a snack at a local bar. Having rested well, we follow the river Fluvia. Deep forests not only cover the mountains but reach further beyond the borders, meet the meadows of the valley and flow towards the bay of Rosas. The horses stay overnight on a big meadow which belongs to an acquainted farmer. We return to our chosen country house.

Day 4
Vamos a la playa: We ride to the beach! On horseback we discover the lovely situated medieval villages with their Iberic castles and romanic churches. While we ride through the narrow streets, admiring the beautiful architecture, we listen with fascination to the clapping of the hooves. We spot arcades, window shutters decorated with flowers and huge, noble wooden doors with strong iron furnishings. After a long and exciting day we reach the sea.We have a refreshing bathe in the sea and stay at the hotel on the beach overnight.


Day 5
Sun, Beach and the Sea: Early in the morning we get wakened 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 - infront of us we have kilometres of 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 We enjoy a delicious picnic together with our four-footed friends. Who 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 romanic 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 horseback riding farm Mas Alba. We spend the night in the beach hotel. 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.***

NOTES - CATALAN WEEK WITH MINI TRAIL

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.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
The price includes all riding as decribed, guiding, luggage transfer, all meals and table wine and accommodation starting with dinner on day one and ending after breakfast on the last day. Breakfast and dinners for non riders.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Items of a personal nature, extra drinks, flights to and from Barcelona, transfers from either Girona or Barcelona airport, other alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee/tea. The return transfer is payable on site. Non riders are booked on a half board basis.

FURTHER DETAILS
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