Pure horseback riding ... A diverse round trail through the North Eastern part of Spain, crossing green hilly landscapes and mountains to the beaches of the Mediterranean (on 2 days we ride to the beach). Medieval towns, accommodation in comfortable natural stone houses and family run farms and hotels.

Day 1: Mas Alba Day 2: Marvellous Catalonia Day 3: The Mediterranean - horseback riding along the beach! Day 4: Wild Coast - Costa Brava Day 5: Vamos a la playa Day 6: Costa Rica Day 7: Hasta la vista

 

1st day: Mas Alba

Arrival in Spain (Barcelona or Girona) and transfer to our horseback riding farm Mas Alba. Mas Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating back to the 16th 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 in Spain.



 

2nd Day: Marvellous Catalonia

We will pass through deep stone oak and pine forests, leaving the horseback riding farm Mas Alba behind us and heading towards the south. A pleasant silence and the perfume of pines, rosemary and thyme accompany us on our way.



On the side of a 2000 year old Roman road we are welcomed by Joan with Cava, Vino tinto and Catalan specialities in the 'open air restaurante Buffalo'. Well relaxed we continue to ride along the banks of the river Ter.



With gentle canters we reach one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava - Peratallada. The old town wall embraces the lovely natural stone houses. Mosaic paving stones on narrow streets show marks of horse carriages from long ago. In this lovely setting the friendly landlady presents her cosy accommodation and we end the day with a stroll through the village.




 

3rd Day: The Mediterranean-horseback riding along the beach!

At the start of the riding day we pass another "pearl" of the Catalan coast — Palau Sator. The ride then leads through rice fields to the medieval village of Pals with its stone houses and cobbled streets. The name Pals comes from the Latin word palus and means marsh land, as Pals was once surrounded by marshes and lakes.



We pass craftsmen and artists selling their goods and have lunch in a typical village restaurant. We ride in the shade through sand dunes under the roof of a Mediterranean pine forest, trotting and cantering on the soft sand to the bay of Pals. The rocks of the Islas Medes stick out of the water majestically. Here we can have a swim in the Mediterranean sea and we spend the night in the family run Hotel Picasso.



 

4th Day: Wild Coast - Costa Brava

In high spirits we manage to ascend the mountains of Montgri Massif and we are rewarded at the top of the cliffs with a magnificent view overlooking the endless sea.

 

Seabirds glide with thermal winds over the coast and the lovely fragrances of rosemary, thyme and lavender are in the air as we sit down to a delicious "Cowboy's Picnic".

With long canters we cross the high plateau of the coastal mountains and dive into the silence of the Mediterranean sand dunes. In the Bay of Roses we overnight in the hotel on the beach (depending on the season, the overnight stay may be in a beautiful 16th century mill).

 

5th Day: Vamos a la playa

 

In front of us are miles of sandy beaches. We have an early canter through the breaks which wakes the horses and riders. The water splashes, the sand leaps and we gallop into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves and we try not to get too wet.

After an adventurous beach ride we have a "second breakfast" in the fishing village of Sant Pere and then follow the river Fluvia inland until we reach the little paradise of a friend, Bogi, who owns a house beautifully situated by the river. The garden, which has a South American atmosphere, gives both horse and rider a romantic setting to end their day. The horses enjoy the big meadow next to the house.

 

6th Day: Costa Rica

Sunlight breaks through the deep green of a tropical, jungle like area.



Bamboo narrows the paths and the atmosphere reminds us of Costa Rica.



The trail leads us along a river, then winds through forests, meadows and pretty villages of natural stone, then its back to the horseback riding farm Mas Alba.



We sit by the pool with a cool drink and discuss the week's trail before having dinner together.



 

7th Day: Hasta la vista

Transfer to Barcelona or Girona or extension to another trail at Mas Alba.

 

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.

Mediterranean Trail — horseback riding Spain information and photos by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Long gallops through the lowlands of the river Ter Ride through sand dunes and pine forests Picnic on the highest point of the steep coast of Costa Brava Ride through charming ancient villages Two beach days with speedy gallops Swimming in the sea with view on the cliffs of the Medes Isles
Horse riding conditions	Mediterranean Trail (5 days riding): At least Intermediate Rider, daily 4-7 hours in the saddle; total distance about 180 km/110 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	7 days with 6 nights in a double room with shower and toilet, of which 1-2 nights accommodation may be with a shared shower and toilet, 5 riding days 4 riding days with full board including wine (lunch: picnic) 1 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 1 day (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 Mediterranean 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.