MEDITERRANEAN WINE & SPA COASTAL TRAIL - SPAIN

 

DAY 2: THE TRAIL BEGINS
After breakfast and tacking up we depart from the farmhouse following a ridge with spectacular views, forests, rosemary and thyme. We pass by Besalu, a medieval village and the gateway to the Pyrenees, and pass the river Fluviá, out of the rolling hills onto the planes where we will canter and gallop through olive groves and fields of wheat, past country farmhouses and churches and into the Pyrenean foothills.
Your destination for today is Sant Marti de Sesceres, an XII century church and rectory, and after settling the horses for a well earned rest we drive back to the farmhouse. Before dinner sample some of the fine Empurdan wines.

DAY 3: THE WILDERNESS RIDE
The Mediterranean Pyrenean wilderness stretches out before you; foothills heavily forested with oak, cork and beech, the spectacular vastness of the Pyrenees. Marvel at the fitness of the horses as at the end of the days trail they are still enthusiastic about a long gallop.
Picnic by a mountain river, enjoy a swim, a rest and then ride through the ancient medieval village of Sant LLorenc de la Muga with its castle in the background. Tie up the horses and have a drink in the local cafe, and then on to your hotel for the night. “La central”, an art nouveau palace of blue ceramic tiled towers is a haven of peace and tranquillity, an exclusive Spa Hotel, renound for its delicious cuisine, Hydro massage pool and relaxing saunas, which are very welcome after 3 days in the saddle. Now you are on the edge of the Alvera, the oldest wine growing region of the Iberian peninsula...

DAY 4: THE COASTAL VINEYARDS
Today we leave the mountains and ride through the Alvera wine growing region with its olive groves and vineyards and intense natural beauty.
In the morning we stop at Boadella, a lake surrounded by a breathtaking mountainous scenery.
The village of Cantallops, in the heart of the wine region, is our destination for today. Here we will settle the horses and visit one of the famous bodegas for a wine tasting session. You will get the opportunity to taste some of the best local wines (even the French come here to buy it!).
We will then be driven back to hotel “la central” for another comfortable night.

DAY 5: CASTELLONDE EMPURIAS
Heading out across the plains with some long trots and canters. Hard working, responsive horses enjoying the pace. Today you pass some interesting villages, like Peralada famous for it's cava, casino in the castle and big Empurdanees farm houses, follow a beautiful river and enjoy the wide open space. Pause near the lovely town of Peralada for lunch with cava of course!
This evening your destination is Castellon d´Empurias. In ancient times this was the capital of the region, a village dominated by its spectacular cathedral.
Your hotel has an outdoor swimming pool where you can relax on one of the sun beds on the lovely patio or you can do some shopping, enjoy some excellent tapas or cold drinks at one of the nice terraces and the local nightlife.

DAY 6: AIGUAMOLS, THE NATURAL PARK
After an excellent breakfast on the magnificent roof-top terrace of the hotel over-looking the cathedral with the Mediterranean on one side and the gentle curve of the Pyrenees on the other, saddle up again to continue your journey through the Aiguamols. The aiguamols is a natural park, home of flamingos and other exotic birds. 
Ride out of this medieval village through the northern part of the Aiguamols park over a small mountain range and on to the Cap de Creus peninsular. From up here the views are spectacular, kilometres of coast rocks, cliffs and little bays. 
Lunch in a pine forest near a lake where you can swim.
In the afternoon ride down out of the mountains through an idyllic vineyard of beautiful terraced vines.
Your evening destination is Port de la Selva, an active fishing village in the small bay, on the northern side of the peninsular. Your hotel for the night has an excellent spa and is situated right on the edge of the port 
Enjoy a swim in the sea and a delicious fish dinner next to the sea.

DAY 7: RIDING ON THE MOON 
Ride further along the Cap the Creus. This peninsula of sculptured rock full of flowering shrubs, a truly lunar landscape. This is Salvador Dali country, this area inspired many of his paintings. This morning you will have spectacular views on the Mediterranean coast.
Lead your horse down to Talavera Bay a smugglers cove and fantastic beach, where you picnic, swim and enjoy a sunbathe!
Following a lovely afternoon on the beach ride on to the ridge above the village of Cadaques. Before you are driven back, celebrate your arrival with a glass of Cava at a lighthouse overlooking the coast and the terrain you have been riding through.
Tonight you will be back at the farmhouse for a final farewell supper, a glorious end to a wonderful journey.

DAY 8: A 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.

	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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Unicorn Trails

21, The Acorn Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 ORA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
Office hours 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday
Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com
http://www.unicorntrails.com