Pyrenees mountain to Mediterranean Sea Trail. Rivers, lakes and the sea — horse riding and swimming

Day 1: La Palma Day 2: Mediterranean jungle Day 3: Pyrenees Day 4: Turquoise pool Day 5: Swimming with the horses Day 6: Nature reserve Albera Day 7: Salt water Day 8: Hasta la vista

Refreshing trail along crystal clear streams of the Pyrenees and lakes to the Mediterranean Sea. Swimming with horses on the trail and riding through the Mediterranean mountains and plateaux to the sea. We stop for a beautiful bathe every day!

 

1st Day: La Palma

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!

 

2nd Day: Mediterranean jungle

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.

 

3rd Day: Pyrenees

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.

 

4th Day: Turquoise pool

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.

 

5th Day: Swimming with the horses

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.

 

6th Day: Nature reserve Albera

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.

 

7th Day: Salt water - Mediterranean Sea

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 strong 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.

 

8th Day: Hasta la vista

After breakfast, transfer to the airports or continue to the Catalan Coastal 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 number of trails running, the season, the weather and national holidays, 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.

If you wish to extend your holiday with us, this trail can be combined with other riding trails from "Panorama Trails" and in this case you will receive a reduction of 50 Euros.

Pyrenees mountain to Mediterranean Sea Trail photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Ride through peaceful forests of stone oak and cork trees Wonderful long gallops through the wide lowlands of the river Fluvia A unique experience: swimming with the horses Breathtaking panoramic view on the peaks of the Pyrenees Refreshing bath at the "Gorga Negra"
Horse riding conditions	Fresh & Saltwater Trail (6 days riding): At least Intermediate Rider, daily 4-7 hours in the saddle, total distance about 230 km/145 miles

Travel dates	LS= Low season; MS= Mid season; HS= High season
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	8 days with 7 nights in a double room with shower and toilet, of which 2 nights accommodation may be with a shared shower and toilet 6 riding days full board including wine (lunch: picnic) 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 Drinks / food in bars Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks Coffee at dinner
Note	First day: on arrival dinner is at approx 9pm Last day: before departure breakfast is at approx 9am Program changes possible! The Fresh and Saltwater trail 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.