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Day 1: Riding and gourmet: country house Mas Roca
Individual arrival in Barcelona or Girona and free transfer to Mas Roca. Our friend Bogi welcomes us to his home, an old mill from the 16th century which enchants us with its unique character. We get to know our guide and our gourmet cook David, who will inspire us with the traditional cuisine of the Empordá region for the week ahead.
Delicious dishes of lamb, goat or beef are part of David's repertoire, as well as sole, gilthead and prawns. You will get to know and enjoy tapas and paellas. The tasty olive oil of the region will be part of your daily dishes, as well as homemade cheese specialties. David creates our first meal that we enjoy with a wonderful wine from the region.
Day 2: Gourmet ride Costa Brava
Our first riding day leads us away from the Panorama-Trails horse ranch, through forests of pine and stone-oak. In a hidden valley we pass a small creek. Sunbeams break through the deep green of a tropical forest. Shrubs of bamboo line the path and lianas and climbers surround the trees above. We are in Catalonia but the ambience reminds us of Costa Rica.
At the flood plains of the River Fluvia our head chef David awaits with a glass of sparkling Catalan Cava, which we enjoy while admiring the delightfully set table full of delicacies. Fresh bread, Manchego, homemade goat's cheese and fruits such as figs, peaches and cherries make this a perfect lunch.
In the evening we ride to Bogi's place, where we spend another night. The garden with its South American feel is a beautiful spot to relax! This romantic place offers unique accommodation both for us and our horses. And, of course, another Gourmet dinner created by David is waiting for us.
Day 3: Andalusian horse P.R.E. stud in Catalonia!
Today's morning is dedicated to the river Fluvia that curls through the countryside. We follow it to the Gulf of Roses where the river flows into the ocean.
David awaits us with a delicious picnic under old cork trees. What a great place to enjoy local delicacies! With renewed energy we mount our horses once again.
Amid paddy fields we reach our impressive accommodation for the night: Catalonia's oldest P.R.E. (Pura Rasa Española) Andalusian horse stud.
Wonderful horses and charmingly furnished rooms await us. Tasteful furnishings and a great ambience are perfect for relaxing after a day's riding. In this wonderful atmosphere we are spoiled with delicious paella with seafood and fresh vegetables.
Day 4: The history of the Spanish horse! (*)
Miles of a sandy beach are ahead of us. A dream comes true: pure horse riding!
The water splashes, sand is everywhere and we gallop through the surf. Our horses play with the waves while we try to stay dry.
After this great experience we enjoy a gourmet picnic in the garden of the P.R.E Andalusian horse stud. We have a great view of the gorgeous brown Andalusian horses, grazing on the luscious green grass. We enjoy today's gourmet picnic with the beautiful scenery. After lunch, those who want to can enjoy some relaxation with a massage from our masseuse Cerrie.
Later we watch a horse presentation at the stud and get to know the history of the P.R.E. Andalusian horse. We have enough time to look around and relax. Who knows, maybe this is the place where you find your dream horse!
We spend another evening at the noble stud and discuss the memories of the day while of course we are served another wonderful gourmet dinner! What culinary experience is waiting for us today?
Will David conjure up something with Boletus and Chanterelle, or create a dish with wild boar or deer? Let yourself be surprised!
Day 5: Medieval village Perelada – Castle and Cava
We canter and gallop past the village of Castelló with its impressive cathedral. From there we get to the marsh of Aiguamolls which is a refuge and breeding ground for many birds. Crossing grazing land, we ride speedily and pass fields of vines and sunflowers on our way to Perelada.
Here we arrive at the friendly guesthouse of Fina and Pere where we spend the night. The beautiful garden and the swimming pool are perfect for relaxing! We enjoy our picnic and look forward to the afternoon when we will visit the glorious castle and its Bodega. Here we not only learn a lot about Cava but we also have a cava tasting. Salud!
Your body needs a little more wellness? No problem: if you like we can arrange a spa and wellness treat for you at the golf hotel in Perelada. Their specialities are treatments with wine, whether a body peel, a massage or a beauty treatment: wine can be used in several ways to refresh your body. If you like more "classical" treatments, there are many offers to choose from!
After another eventful day, David is waiting for us with a terrific meal sweetened by tasty almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts of the region - what a great way to end a perfect day! Another highlight of our day is a tasting of the delicious local wines! We let the evening come to a comfortable end.
Day 6: Wine fields and Bodega visit
The flood plains of the River Llobregat are not only home to a variety of flowers, but also mushrooms like Chanterelle, Boletus and Borel grow here very well.
Our picnic break today includes visiting a bodega. During the wine tasting we get to know the grapes of the region and learn a little more about how their delicious taste ripens and develops.
After this tasty and interesting break we mount our horses again. We pass intricate stone terraces and age-old olive trees line the path.
This is where the regional olive oil comes from, that plays an important role in the Catalan cuisine. On the outskirts of the lovely village Gariguella, our horses arrive at their spacious accommodation. We stay at Emilia's cozy house, where we let the day come to an end. Those who want to can relax in Emilia's Jacuzzi-Spa or enjoy a massage.
For dinner David creates another great menu. This time - of course - with the special olive oil and honey from the village!
Day 7: Natural Park Albera - Mediterranean Sea
Age-old olive trees and vineyards influence the landscape in the morning. We get closer to the coastal mountains of Rodas. The light in this wild and fascinating landscape is impressive.
We admire the proud formations of the Pyrenees' summits and the deep blue colour of the Mediterranean Sea. Our Andalusian horses climb the mountains brilliantly.
In the afternoon, we get to a picturesque bay of the Wild Coast where David is waiting for us with a mouth-watering picnic on the beach.
In the evening, we return to Emilia's place. For our last dinner David has come up with a very special idea: a menu with 5 courses that we will remember for a lifetime!
We enjoy the delicious food and celebrate the end of our gourmet trail with local cava and vino tinto. Visca Catalunya!
Day 8: Hasta la Vista!
Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Departure or continue to another trail along the Wild Coast or to the Pyrenees.