SALVADOR DALI TRAIL - SPAIN
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The base of the Salvador Dali trail encompasses the so-called Dali-triangle of the villages Cadaques, Figueres and Pubol. This famous artist will be brought closer to us through a wonderful ride which explores the diverse countryside surrounding these villages. You will feel the strong local roots of the artist clearly and understand the source of his inspiration all the while enjoying excellent riding, historic villages and delicous local food. An ideal combination for a fabulous horse riding holiday.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - SALVADOR DALI TRAIL
Day 1
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and short transfer (approximately 30 minutes from Girona) to our horseback riding farm Mas Alba. Mas Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 14th century. Since then, this wonderful farm has been run by the same family. From here you overlook green meadows, forests and horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a beautiful place to begin your holiday.
Day 2
From Mas Alba you will sink into the magic of the Empordanet. You can see hundred-year-old villages in the distance, from its rolling hills and harmonic countryside. These magical villages were built of honey-coloured stones. In their narrow alleys, their gardens and their planted fields in the area, we feel the strong inheritance of their farming roots. You will have a picnic near a romantic church. In the afternoon you will cross the river Ter and canter through the Mediterranean pine forest towards the village la Pera. Here we stay in an old, Catalan farmhouse.
Day 3
After the ride to the village Pubol you will have a short stop at the castle of Pubol which is in the centre of the same-named village. In front of the castle you will tie up your horse and enjoy your visit. Dali, because of a promise, gave this 14th century building to his wife Gala, as a present. The countryside of Pubol is soft and green and your horse will carry you to Madremanya, where an old town wall embraces the lovely, built into one another, natural stone houses. Mosaic paving stones in the narrow streets show scratches of horse carriages from the olden days. You will stay at the farmhouse and close the day with a stroll through the village.
Day 4
This morning you will canter through the plain of Ullastred, which was a big lake in the Iberian times. A smooth trail leads you through mellow sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, up to the rough looking mountain of Montgri. On top of the cliffs you have a magnificent view overlooking the endless sea. To the west, you will discover the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees. Seabirds glide with thermal winds over the coast and the lovely fragrance of rosemary, thyme and lavender are in the air as you sit down to have a “Cowboy´s Picnic”. After lunch you will descend into the valley of the river Fluvia which flows into the gulf of Rosas. After a long and exciting day you will reach the beach. Here you will stay at the hotel Rio Mar.
DAY 5
Vamos a la playa - a dream comes true! Early in the morning you will smell the coast, the wind and the salty air. You are right at the sea with your horse. In front of you, you will find miles of sandy beaches. With the sunrise you will canter through the break point. Your horse plays with the waves, it loves the refreshing water. After this exciting ride you leave your horse on a meadow. You will have a second breakfast in a local bar of the charming fishing village Sant Pere de Pescador. Well relaxed, you will follow the river Fluvia riding fast until after some hours we reach the Marta´s and Juan´s finca. While the family is preparing the dinner you can refresh yourself at the pool in the lovely garden.
In the afternoon you will go to Figueres and visit the theatre-museum of Dali. According to the painter, anyone who wanted to be up to date with the latest culture must come to Figueres. Dali built his museum over the charred remains of the city´s old main theatre. His idea was to convert it into a centre of Western and European spirituality. Going shopping in the late afternoon or just window- shopping was a common activity for Salvador Dali. After the visit to the museum you can enjoy the city.
DAY 6
Changing between walking, trotting and cantering, you will cross the sunflower and rice fields. Through the moors of the Aiguamolls, you will reach the medieval town of Castello with its magnificent cathedral. Your horse will pass you speedily through the northern plain of the Aiguamolls. After this nature reserve your horse will climb up the hills of Rodas and into the Cap de Creus. Here the last line of the Pyrenees descend into the sea. Overnight you will stay in the comfortable hotel in the centre of the fishing village Port de la Selva.
Day 7
You will ride along an old merchand lane which winds its way through stony terrain, until you reach the home of Salvador Dali. It is a paradise beautifully located in the bay of Port Lligat. Here you have your lunch, you can go swimming in the Mediterranean sea and visit the unique house of Salvador Dali. Back on the trail you will return to your luxurious hotel Porto Christo. You can enjoy your farewell meal on the terrace with a beautiful view over the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 8
You will be transferred to Barcelona or Girona Airport where you will either be returning home or go on to your next destination.
Important: Depending on the time of the year and national holidays the trail can be ridden in both directions and accommodation can be changed.
NOTES - SALVADOR DALI TRAIL
During this 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 described, guiding, luggage transfer, all meals, table wine and accommodation starting with dinner on day one and ending after breakfast on the last day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Items of a personal nature, other alcoholic and soft drinks, entrance fees to museum and castle, flights to and from Barcelona, transfers from either Girona or Barcelona airport. The return transfer is payable on site.
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.
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