This horse riding holiday is a point to point trail with water as its focal point. Starting in the Pyrenees we follow clear streams into big lakes and then rivers until we reach the sea. Every day we stop for a swim, including swimming with our hroses in some places. This is a fantastic chance to swim with your horses and enjoy a trail for fit riders who like to cool down.
The riding is at an above average pace on beautiful and totally reliable Andalusian horses. Comfortable accommodation in B&B's and small inns along the way means there is no hardship on this trail, just lots of fun.
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 at set times from meeting point
Flight guide
London - Girona from £50 return with Ryanair, or fly to Barcelona. See below for flight info.
No single rooms available. Riders must be prepared to share. see notes below.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - SWEET AND SALT WATER TRAIL
Day 1
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to our base, La Palma, a country hotel with a large pool situated beautifully at the riverside. A delicious evening meal and overnight stay with views of the surrounding horse meadows and forests. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting!
Day 2
From the horse riding farm Mas Alba we pass through deep stone oak and pine forests on secluded paths. A lovely quietness surrounds us-now our holiday can start! Unexpectedly, we find our first pool deep within the Mediterranean forest where a waterfall splashes from high above. The atmosphere reminds us of Costa Rica-we have a bathe and then a picnic. In the afternoon we reach the small paradise "La Palma". Those who want to can go for a refreshing bathe in the pool.
Day 3
With long canters we pass through the broad valley of the river Fluvia up to the foot hills of the Pyrenees. Here we enter deep into a mixed forest providing shade. At the mountain stream Manol we discover a huge pool, where we have a picnic and swimming! Afterwards our Spanish horses climb safely and diligently over a pass with a fantastic panoramic view of the high peaks of the Pyrenees. We stay overnight close to a beautiful mountain village on the edge of the river Muga. David´s style of cooking will impress you.
Day 4
Deeper and deeper we ride into the nature reserve of Garrotxa. We stop in front of impressive looking lime rocks. We descend to the most beautiful natural pool in the Pre-Pyrenees, with turquoise and crystal clear river water where we have swimming and a picnic! On the high paths there are beautiful views of the Mediterranean and we come to a new vegetation zone - chestnut and cork oak forests cover the mountains here. In the middle of the Pyrenees we stay overnight in the pretty wooden houses of Can Roquet. We take a dip in the pool and while we are having our evening meal on the terrace, we have a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Day 5
Today we want to bathe in the lake. We pass through a cork oak forest which gives out a silver, shimmering light. The sandy ground invites us to lively canters and soon we have reached our bathing place. It's a dream comes true - we can go for a swim with the horses. After a picnic and a siesta we follow the lake until we come to our comfortable accommodation. Only the sounds of the crickets and the splashing of the stream interrupt the relaxing peacefulness of the forest.
Day 6
We quickly trot through a soft hilly landscape with its broad forests and meadows. The sweet smelling pine forest and the soil with a tinge of red remind us of Arizona. In front of us, the plateau of the Alt Emporda opens. We ride quickly to the nature reserve of the Albera mountains and discover the "Gorga negra", a dark pool with lovely cool water, where we have swimming and a cowboy's picnic. Through countryside with large round stones, which resembles Africa, we arrive at the village Espolla. We stay overnight in the old castle of the village.
Day 7
Ancient olive trees and vineyards dominate the countryside this morning and we come near to the coastal mountains of Rodas, where the light in this wild and fascinating countryside is impressive. We look at the proud formation of the Pyreneean peaks and onto the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Our strengthened Andalusian horses manage the mountains easily and in the afternoon we descend to the picturesque fishermen's bay. We have reached salt water and can have a swim in the sea! On the terrace of the hotel we conclude the wonderful trail with good wine and a delicious meal.
Day 8
Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Or, extension for another trail.
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.
Important: Depending of the time of the year and national holidays the trail can be ridden in both directions!
NOTES - SWEET AND SALT WATER 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.
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.
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
The price includes all riding as described, guiding, luggage transfer, all meals and accommodation starting with dinner on day one and ending after breakfast on the last day, table wine. Airport transfer in 2010.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Items of a personal nature, alcoholic and soft drinks, single supplement (payable on site in 2010), flights to and from Barcelona, transfers from either Girona or Barcelona airport. The return transfer is payable on site in 2009.
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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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