Fun camp based rides through the Mediterranean Pyrenees and rivers. Beach day and swimming with the horses

Day 1: Pyrenees Summer Camp Day 2: River Trail Day 3: Macanet and Salinas Mountains Day 4: Natural pools and ride to the French border Day 5: Catalonia beach day and night ride Day 6: The mountain calls! Day 7: Lake - Swimming with the Horses Day 8: Hasta la vista!

Camp based rides along crystal clear streams to a refreshing lake and natural pools. Swimming with your horse and riding through the Mediterranean mountains. A day on the beach and a ride to the French border!
Our base is the camp ground of Macanet de Cabrenys in the Alt Empordà on the border region of Spain and France. It's a magnificent place for nature lovers and those who enjoy peace and quiet.

 

1st Day: Pyrenees Summer Camp

Arrival at Barcelona or Girona and transfer to the camp ground in the Pre-Pyrenees Mountains. The camp is beautifully situated on a plateau with a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and Mediterranean forests. The camp swimming pool is in the middle of all this natural beauty. During our first dinner together we get to know our guide and chat about the riding week ahead of us.

 

2nd Day: River Trail

Today we discover the surrounding area and make friends with the horses. We ride into the forest and along the rivers of the Alt Emporda Mountains, including the river Arnera which has crystal-clear waters and is teeming with trout. We have a cowboy's picnic and a siesta - only the sounds of the crickets and the splashing of the stream interrupt the relaxing peacefulness of the forest.

 

3rt Day: Macanet and Salinas Mountains

Today our riding adventure leads us towards the Salinas Mountains. This is a lovely mountain range near Macanet de Cabrenys. We ride through the centre of the beautiful old village and we may stop for a coffee. Afterwards we follow the paths into the forests and view the "Puig de les Salines". If we are in luck we may find mushrooms that are famous in the area.

 

4th Day: Natural pools and ride to the French border

We descend to the most beautiful natural pool in the Pre-Pyrenees, with turquoise and crystal clear river water — here we will have a swim and a picnic! Afterwards we continue to ride to Tapis, the last village before the French border.

 

5th Day: Catalonia beach day and night ride

Vamos a la playa. Today we go to the beach of the Gulf of Roses. We will visit Roses which is a famous beach town with long sandy beaches situated on the Costa Brava. The old town has over 3000 years of history and there is the possibility to go souvenir shopping. Back in the camp we prepare for our exciting night ride through the Mediterranean mountains where we will stop for a barbecue. What an adventure!

 

6th Day: The mountain calls!

Carefully our horses master the ascent up the mountain.

Up here we are at 1000 meters and the vegetation changes as we reach a lonely chapel surrounded by fantastic views over the Garrotxa region and beyond to the Mediterranean. Inspired by the silence and refreshed by the mountain air we have picnic and a siesta. Alternatively if it's too hot we may ride down to the edge of the lake Panta de Boadella for a cool swim.

 

7th Day: Lake - Swimming with the Horses

Today we will bathe in the lake, but first we pass through a cork oak forest which gives out a silver, shimmering light. Then sandy ground invites us to have lively canters which take us speedily to our destination.

It's a dream come true - we can swim with the horses! After a picnic and a siesta we follow the lake back to our camp.

 

8th Day: Adios y hasta la vista amigos!

Transfer to the airports or continue to another trail.

Important! Depending on weather conditions the programme can change! There may be alterations to this programme. This week can be combined with all other trails from "Panorama Trails" and in doing so you will receive a reduction of 50 Euros.

Pyrenees Easter and Summer camp - photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Camping right next to the horses Swimming-experience with the horses Ride to the border of France Swimming opportunity in crystal clear natural pools Moonlight Ride to the Mediterranean mountains A day at the beach - swimming in the sea Ride through shady cork oak and chestnut forests
Horse riding conditions	Pyrenees Summer-Camp (6 days riding): At least beginner, daily 2-5 hours in the saddle, total distance about 150 km/90 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 camping 6 days riding 5 riding days with full board including wine (lunch: picnic) 1 riding day with half board (dinner 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), taxis Entrance fees to Museums and Monuments Drinks / food in Bars Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks Coffee at dinner Dinner 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!
Accommodation	In a shared tent Single tent supplement is an extra €70, 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.