Beautiful rides with the excitement of a trail
Costa Brava horse riding - based at a Country House and a fantastic Beach House.
Contrasting attractions – Experience the racetrack, swimming in lakes/sea.

Varied scenery and our outdoor 'Cowboy' picnic experience.

Day 1: Mas Alba/La Palma Day 2: Costa Brava - "Costa Rica" Day 3: The Racetrack Day 4:Costa Brava - Gulf of Roses Day 5: Vamos a la playa Day 6: Marvellous Catalonia Day 7: Hasta la vista!

 

Day 1: Mas Alba/La Palma

Arrival in Barcelona or Girona (Costa Brava) and a short transfer (approx. 30 min. from Girona) to the family-run horse riding farm of Mas Alba (or a nearby pretty country hotel, depending on the season). The country houses date back to the 16th century and will welcome you immediately to explore.

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 fantastic place to start your horse riding holiday!

 

Day 2: Costa Brava - "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.

Today's ride takes us into untouched nature, home to numerous birds of prey. After a beautiful canter we reach Galliners and Orfes, two villages built from natural stone dating back to the middle ages.

Bamboo, lianas and creepers grow rampant in these humid areas. Further down we discover a refreshing pool with a waterfall and its peaceful sounds — this atmosphere reminds us of tropical "Costa Rica"! After a delicious picnic we ride back to the country house.

 

Day 3: The Racetrack

We ride through the forests of the old Empordá, the excitement of the race ahead builds as the track comes into view.

Here under the trees we have time to take off the extra weight of our saddle-bags and shorten our stirrups. (Anyone not wishing to race can find a shady viewing spot and take photos from the sidelines). Ready... Set... GO!... and they're off!!! The exhilaration of racing on a professional track is unbelievable, the horses are thrilled by the gallop and you are carried swiftly to the finishing line. Who will be first?

Laughing and getting our breath back, we tie up our horses and give them a well-deserved lunch, leaving them to relax while we stroll to the nearby village plaza restaurant to celebrate and enjoy a traditional Catalonian lunch. After exchanging stories of the race we rejoin our horses and have time for a siesta.

We follow the river Fluvia in the afternoon and arrive at a local farm where the horses stay overnight. We are driven back to our country house.

 

Day 4: Costa Brava - Gulf of Roses

Enjoying the meadows and fields in the morning light, we are invited to relax and breathe the fresh air.

Through majestic pine forests, we are alone on these secluded sandy paths.
We reach the open expanse of beautiful lakes and sit on the banks to enjoy a delicious cowboy picnic of local specialties. The water laps by our feet and tempts us to take a cool dip, or simply to relax and have a siesta.

Along the river we ride to the beach!

Soon we discover our fantastic beach house surrounded by palm trees. From the house we can see our horses through the magnificent large windows and are welcomed by our friendly hosts. We can take a wander to the beach nearby or simply enjoy the comfortable surroundings while a generous dinner of local dishes is being prepared for us.

 

Day 5: Sun, Sea & Beach Ride – Vamos a la playa

Early in the morning we wake to the murmuring sounds of the waves. We smell the coast, the wind and the salty air - we are right by the sea with our horses.

A dream comes true and in front of us we have a long sandy beach. With the sunrise we canter through the break point, our horses playing with the waves - they love the refreshing water.

Crossing the dunes we come back to our beach house for lunch. In the afternoon you can take a swim in the sea, have a stroll or relax in comfort at the beach house.

 

Day 6: Marvellous Catalonia

Following the tracks of the Middle Ages, we discover the little Romanic villages that are embedded in the beautiful landscape.

While riding through the narrow alleys, we marvel at the fascinating architecture and listen to the sound of our horses' hooves. We discover archways, folding shutters that are decorated with flowers and large noble wooden doors with thick iron mountings.

We reach a hill from where we have a fantastic view on the Pyrenees. We have a picnic and a siesta and then strengthened and rested we venture off into a soft rolling hilly landscape.

Fields and forests escort us on the way back to the horse riding farm of Mas Alba.Later we enjoy a final delicious farewell dinner at the country hotel near to the sea and remember the days that have passed.

 

Day 7: Hasta la vista!

Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Departure or continue to another trail.

 

Important notice to all customers! All trail itineraries are general guidelines and in order to offer our customers the best riding holiday experience we often makes changes.
Depending on the season, the weather, national holidays and the number of trails running, we may make alterations to itineraries at short-notice, which could affect the number of riding hours per day, the route we take to any given destination or the use of alternative accommodations. Trails can also be ridden in both directions. All changes are at our discretion but when changes are made, we endeavour to ensure that our high standards of quality are maintained and reflected in the alternatives we choose.

Costa Brava horse riding information and photos by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Long gallops through untouched nature Beautiful architecture from the Middle Ages Beach gallop at the crack of dawn Fantastic view on the Pyrenees Canter on the race course
Horse riding conditions	Costa Brava Beach & Discovery Ride (5 days riding): At least Novice Rider, daily 3-5 hours in the saddle, total distance about 160 km/100 miles

Travel dates	LS= Low season; MS= Mid season; HS= High season A=Mas Alba; P=La Palma
Special offers	Free bus transfer from / to Girona / Barcelona Young Rider discount (up to and including 28 years): 10% discount Non-rider discount (for each person over two years, half board): 20% discount €50 discount on Trans-Catalonia combination (2 weeks)
Services	7 days with 6 nights in a double room with shower and toilet, of which 3 nights accommodation may be with a shared shower and toilet, 5 riding days 3 riding days full board including wine (lunch: picnic) 2 riding days with half board (lunch not included) Riding program as described Transportation of luggage Free bus transfer from / to Girona / Barcelona
Not included in price	Flight or public transport (on arrival and on departure), taxi Entrance fees to Museums and Monuments, Vineyards and Wine/Cava cellars (Bodegas) Drinks / food in bars Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks Coffee at dinner Lunch on 2 days (cost of restaurant approx €10 - €20)
Note	First day: on arrival dinner is at approx 9pm Last day: before departure breakfast is at approx 9am Program changes possible! Costa Brava Beach & Discovery Ride can be ridden in both directions
Accommodation	Double room Shared double room booked at no extra charge (subject to availability) Single room supplement is an extra €25 per night, if available
Transfers	Barcelona Airport transfer at 17.00. Meeting point at Terminal T1 (new) in the arrivals hall in front of the Cafe Jamaica - Group Meeting Point South (after customs control on the left)! Return flights from Barcelona Airport from 14:30! Barcelona City Centre: Shared Transfer at 17:30, meeting point at the taxi stand at the statue of Columbus (below the "Rambla" at Port Vell). Girona Airport: Shuttle bus to 18.30, meeting point at the airport outside the Café Caffriccio in arrivals! Return flights from Girona Airport from 13:00! Girona Train station: Shared Transfer at 18:45, meeting point at the station exit towards the city (before the taxi rank). Pick up times in Barcelona City Centre and in Girona can vary depending on flight arrival times / delays from other guests / traffic etc. Please be patient in these cases! If the arranged transfer times do not fit with your arrival and departure times, we will organize a taxi for you (about €80-€120 from Girona, €200-€250 from Barcelona, depending on the trail start / end points). Other arrival and departure destinations provided on request.
Number of participants	4-12 people

	Riding levels (Horseshoe - )
1 Horseshoe	Beginner: If "fresh" in the saddle, has little experience (for example, has had at least 3 months regular riding lessons).
2 Horseshoes	Novice Rider: Is familiar with at all basic aids. Does not shy away from being on a well-trained horse in walk, trot and easy canter on short routes on the trail. Rides primarily in the paddock.
3 Horseshoes	Intermediate Rider: safe on a well trained horse at all paces - including a long rising trot and canter. Equestrian experience also in open country. Fitness and experience make several hours in the saddle possible.
4 Horseshoes	Experienced Rider: Confident and relaxed on horseback, rides regularly and is fit. Has a good seat and soft hands and is capable of handling a spirited horse at canter in open country. May own/share a horse or have previously owned/shared a horse and will be happy with long gallops. Can lead a horse even in difficult terrain.