Explore Canyons, Table Mountains and Volcanoes on horse back

Day 1: Spain/Catalonia, Barcelona, Girona Day 2: High mountains of the Pyrenees Day 3: High plateau Day 4: Canyons and table mountains Day 5: Home of Serrallonga Day 6: Garrotxa, Land of the volcanoes Day 7: Costa Brava Day 8: Hasta la vista!

The horse riding adventure "Trail of Bandits" is based on the biography of the famous "bandolero" Joan Sala Serrallonga, the Catalonian Robin Hood. In north-east Spain, the bandit Serrallonga wandered around the mountains of Guilleries and Garrotxa during the 17th century. The vast pathless area of woodland offered good hiding places to outlaws. Canyons, table mountains and volcanoes rise up in this wild landscape. Rivers, lakes and waterfalls provide pleasant refreshment. In the picturesque villages there are still stories told about the gangs of thieves and the Catalan rebels. Today we find an incredible riding paradise where outlaws once hid. The trail of bandits is an extremely diversified horse riding trek through massive canyons, table mountains and volcanoes.

 

1st Day: Spain/Catalonia, Barcelona, Girona

The transfer brings us into the mountains. Deep in the Spanish Pyrenees, at the foot of the mountain range of Cavallera, there is the small mountain village of St. Joan de Abadeses. This is the starting point of our trail of bandits. During our first meal together we get to know our guide and chat about the upcoming horse riding trek.

 

2nd Day: High mountains of the Pyrenees

The horses are saddled and we mount up. The trail weaves through a marvellous mountain landscape which appears rugged or soft depending on the season.

The air is pleasantly aromatic and there is peacefulness with only the sounds of nature. High above on a mountain range a small roman church enjoys an incomparably beautiful position and invites us for a picnic. In a little mountain village we stay overnight in a cosy guesthouse, where Joan serves us the 'best' Paella.

 

3rt Day: High plateau

We are riding to the high plateau of Collsacabra, where the merging of the north and south, Mediterranean Sea and high mountains is a very special sight.

Lush meadows and dense beech forests cover the land. Ferns spread over, the jungle sprawls and seems to be impermeable. The temperatures are pleasantly cool, with springs and calm brooks refreshing us on the way.

In the heart of the high plateau there is the remote but very cosy riding farm of Jordi. Here we can only hear the wind in the trees, the singing of the cicadas and the splashing of the brook. In the evening we enjoy a bandit's menu and a glass of wine at an old wooden table, while Joan tells Catalonian stories of desperados.

 

4th Day: Canyons and table mountains

Brilliantly our agile "Andalusians" climb over an overwhelming landscape. In Spring and Summer the deep green beech forests blink through grey rock mountains, and on the 'Indian Summer' days of Autumn the forests shimmer like gold, the ambience reminds us of Canada.

Vast cattle meadows give us amazing views over valleys and mountains and we stop for a picnic in the open air 'restaurante Buffalo'.

Speedily in trot and canter we approach the abundant table mountains.

Here we see canyons and waterfalls and hear the calling of birds of prey that sail above.

Like an eagle's nest the small village of Tavertet is located majestically on the edge of a table mountain, where we have a beautiful view looking down at a canyon lake that shines in a deep green below us.

 

5th Day: Home of Serrallonga

High on top of the edge of the table mountains we ride to the mountains of Guilleries, home of the bandit Serrallonga, the catalonian Robin Hood.

The view from the 'roof top of Catalonia' over the green mountains is unique. The evergreen and moist landscape is in contrast to the red, brown and silver grey rocks of the table mountains.

At a clearing we rest and feel like 'Outlaws' from long ago, then we continue our trek through a mystical jungle like area with ferns that cover the path.

At the highest point of the table mountain the monastery 'El Far' rises up majestically. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Catalonia.

We stay here overnight and wake the next morning to the sun rising up over the sea.

 

6th Day: Garrotxa, Land of the volcanoes

We leave the Guilleries and emerge into the land of volcanoes.

The landscape is well cultivated but also has a wilderness about it. The extinct volcanoes lie there resting until the end of time.

The last eruption was some thousand years ago and only the black lava and some craters remind us of the explosions. In the mediaeval village Santa Pau we find cosy accommodation.

 

7th Day: Costa Brava

We trot and canter along the brook "Ser" and leave the area of Garrotxa. The brook leads into the river "Fluvia" which points us towards the Costa Brava.

Stone oaks and pines are the dominant trees here and under their pleasant shade we enjoy our bandit's picnic. After a long and diversified trail we reach our riding farm Mas Alba. During our farewell dinner we discuss the adventures of our horse riding trek.

 

8th Day: Hasta la vista!

After breakfast we say goodbye and transfer to Girona or Barcelona, or continue to a beach trail.

Important! Depending of the time of year, weather conditions and national holidays, the horse riding trek can be ridden in both directions! There may be alterations to this programme. This trail can be combined with all other trails from "Panorama Trails" and if doing so you will receive a reduction of 50 Euros.

Bandolero Serrallonga - Trail of Bandits, photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip

Trail of the four seasons: Spring: the soft green of the deciduous forests Summer: comfortable climate on the high plateau Autumn: colouring of the leaves - "Indian Summer" Winter: Snow rides Accommodation at Jordis cozy horse farm Long gallops on ancient bandite-trails Picnic at the foot of the Table Mountain Accomodation in the village Tavertet at the edge of the Table Mountain Ride through a diverse, fascinating landscape Sunrise at the monastery "El Far", at the highest point of the Table Mountain Picnic with view on extinct volcanoes

Horse riding conditions

Trail of Bandits (6 days riding): At least Intermediate Rider, daily 5-7 hours in the saddle, total distance about 220 km/140 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 4 riding days with 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 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! The BanditsTrail 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.