Day 1: Spain/Catalonia - Barcelona, Girona
A collective transfer takes us to our first accommodation. In the heart of the high plateau lies Jordi's private and cosy horse farm. We only hear the wind in the trees, the singing of the cicadas and the babbling of the stream. The horses graze peacefully in the pasture right next to the house. During dinner we meet our guide and chat about the upcoming riding tour.
Day 2: High plateau
In the morning we meet our four-legged companions for the next few days. The horses are saddled and off we go! We ride up to a high plateau with spectacular views. Here north and south, Mediterranean and high mountains merge in a very special way. Lush meadows and dense beech forests cover the land. Ferns spread out, the primeval forest proliferates and appears impenetrable. The temperatures are pleasantly cool, many springs and quiet streams refresh us on our way.
Today's destination is the cliffs of the Table Mountains. Like an eagle's nest, a small village lies majestically on the edge of the mountain. Below us, the Canyon Lake glows in deep green. We spend two nights in this idyllic place.
Day 3: Panorama of the Table Mountains
Today we make our way adventurously through an ancient beech forest like bandits. The horses master every challenge with surefootedness. While our four-legged companions graze peacefully next to a herd of cattle, we discover a rock with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Table Mountains - the home of Serrallonga! Here we enjoy a saddle bag picnic.
Well rested, we then begin the descent. Spectacular rock formations accompany us on the way back to the remote village. From the terrace of our accommodation, we look out over the horse pasture during dinner. Another unforgettable trail day comes to an end.
Day 4: Canyons and table mountains
We start the day with a spectacular view! While the horses balance along the steep cliffs, vultures swoop down overhead. What an experience! We descend over lush pastures into the valleys between the mighty Table Mountains. In the midst of this fascinating mountain world, we discover a lonely chapel where a delicious lunch awaits us.
After the relaxing break, our faithful four-legged friends carry us through canyons, much like in Arizona, passing waterfalls that plunge steeply into dark gorges. We hear the cries of large birds of prey soaring above towering rock formations. The evergreen and humid forest we cross used to be the outlaws' hideout. A majestic monastery rises at the highest point of the Table Mountain. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Catalonia. We are allowed to spend the night here and are woken up the next morning with the sun rising over the sea!
Day 5: Garrotxa, land of volcanoes
Brilliantly, our Andalusians climb through an overwhelming landscape. In spring and summer, grey rocky mountains wink through the deep green beech forest, in golden autumn the forest glows in all colours - "Indian Summer", the ambience is reminiscent of Canada. Open cattle pastures give us great views over valleys and mountains. We descend further into the valley. A nice bar invites you to have lunch in a typical Catalan village. The village fountain gurgles and plane trees provide pleasant shade.
In the afternoon, we continue our ride through the million-year-old volcanic landscape of Garrotxa. The earth now turns ochre-brown and black. The dark lava rock contrasts with the bright green deciduous forests of this area. Eventually, we arrive in a medieval village. Our cosy accommodation is right on the market square.Day 6: Besalú - A pearl from the Middle Ages
We dive deeper and deeper into the land of volcanoes. A landscape that is sweetly cultivated, but at the same time entices us with its wildness. The extinct volcanoes lie there as if they want to rest until the end of time. The most recent eruption was a few thousand years ago. Only the black lava and a few volcanic craters remind us of the fireworks of days gone by.
We leave the volcanoes behind us and climb down into a valley. The horses refresh themselves in the fresh water of the river Fluvia right next to a picturesque Roman bridge. It leads to the medieval town of Besalú. This is also where our accommodation is located, where a delicious lunch is already waiting for us.
In the afternoon, we have time to explore the narrow streets and small shops of the village. We look forward to dinner in a cosy restaurant right on the Plaza Mayor.
Day 7: Off to Costa Rica
In the morning, wide paths invite us to trot and canter. The route climbs steeply until we have an impressive view of the Fluvia river flowing far below us. We approach the picnic area at a brisk pace. The forest around us becomes denser. The branches hang lower and lower. We dismount and lead the horses through the Catalan jungle. At a hidden waterfall, we have a delicious lunch from our saddlebags. We feel as if we are in Costa Rica!
After a relaxing siesta, we continue on. The trail winds its way through enchanted forests. Holm oaks and pines are the dominant trees. The horses enjoy a long canter. Happy and satisfied, we reach the Panorama-Trails riding centre and say goodbye to our faithful companions. A transfer takes us to a beautiful Catalan country house. Our host is already eagerly awaiting us. This secluded place is a wonderful paradise to relax in! We reminisce about the week's experiences over a final dinner together.Day 8: Adiós y hasta la vista!
After breakfast transfer to the airports or extension to one of the coastal trails.