Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses

Andalusians, vine, beach gallops, Wild Coast and mountains

1.495 € pp
8 Days / 6 Riding Days

Overview

Short Trail Description

This trail leads you to the sandy beaches, bays and mountains of the Catalonian coast. The highlight is staying overnight in one of the oldest P.R.E. horse studs in Catalonia. A gallop on the beach, vast and diverse landscapes, visiting wine cellars (including a wine and a cava tasting), comfortable and luxurious accommodation and the delicious Catalan cuisine ensure an unforgettable horse riding holiday.

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights / 6 Riding Days

Participants

1 - 10 Riders

Scenery

Coast
Mediterranean Coastal Area

Highlights & Facts

Delicious tasting of wine and cava
Visit to the medieval village of Perelada
Accommodation at the former castle of Espolla
Breathtaking beach gallop at the crack of daw
Accommodation at Catalonia's oldest P.R.E. Andalusian Horse Stud Farm

Riding Level

2 horseshoes or more (Basic)

Recommendation

Maybe you will find the horse of your dreams during this trip! We gladly help you purchasing a P.R.E. Andalusian horse.

Trail Route

Day
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Day 1: Horse riding holidays „Spanish horses“

Arrival at Barcelona or Girona and transfer to a beautifully situated country hotel, a typical Catalonian house built of natural stone. It dates back to the 17th century, and it is surrounded by woods as well as walnut tree and olive groves. The location in this idyllic area where silence and tranquillity prevail makes this guest house the ideal place to enjoy nature and to relax. The lovingly designed garden, the pool, the meadows and forests provide a wonderful atmosphere. What a place to start your horse riding holiday!

Day 2: Forest, countryside & river trail

A delicious breakfast is followed by a short transfer to our horse farm Mas Alba where we meet our proud Spanish four-legged partners. We saddle the horses and start our first riding day that leads us through thick stone oak and pine forests towards the River Fluvia. Sunrays break through the deep green of the seemingly tropical jungle. Bamboo trees border the path, and high up creepers and vines grow around the trees. We are in Spain, but the atmosphere reminds us of Costa Rica.

At the river, a lunch table prepared with love is waiting for us. We enjoy various Catalan delights. Fresh salad, Manchego cheese, home-made goat cheese, fruits such as figs, peaches and cherries complete the fantastic lunch.

In the afternoon, we ride to our friend Bogi. The South American style garden is a wonderfully relaxing paradise. This unique and romantic place is the first accommodation for our well-trained horses and for us.

Day 3: Natural stone villages – Gulf of Roses

Lonely paths are winding through the full-green flood plains along the river. A pleasant tranquillity surrounds us. We ride through the Catalonian stone villages and the hooves of our horses echo through the narrow streets and alleys.

At a lake, we regain our strength with a tasty picnic. Later in the afternoon, we canter towards the coast.

Depending on the season, we spend the night in a beautiful beach hotel by the sea, or in a mill from the 16th century close to the beach.

Andalusian foal horse riding holiday Spain

Day 4: Gallop on the beach & P.R.E. Horse Stud (*)

In front of us we find a long sandy beach. The water splashes, the sand flies, and we canter into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves while we try to stay dry. An unforgettable experience!

In the middle of the bay the River Fluvia flows into the sea. Behind the river lies the wetland of Aiguamolls. Amid the rice fields we discover our impressive accommodation for the night: Catalonia's oldest P.R.E. (Pura Raza Española) Andalusian horse stud.

The stud owns more than 30 brood mares and excellent stallions, some with a significant impact on the breeding of the Pura Raza Española. The horses, that are bred here, are not only characterised by their beauty, but also by their outstanding attitude and rideability.

Besides wonderful horses and their history, charmingly furnished rooms await us. We have time to have a look around and to relax. And who knows - maybe you will find the horses of your dreams here!

In this wonderful atmosphere we are spoilt with delicious paella with seafood and fresh vegetables in the evening.

Day 5: Peralada – A journey to the Middle Ages

Trotting and cantering we reach the medieval Castelló with its impressive cathedral.

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. 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 of the town and the local Bodega (winery), where we will not only learn interesting facts about Cava, but we will have a Cava tasting as well. Salud!

Day 6: Wine tasting & stone oak forests

We follow the path of the River Llobregat and then ride through the wild landscape at the foot of the Albera Mountains. Cork and stone oak forests are now dominating the landscape occasionally interrupted by magical vineyards.

We visit a family-run winery to try one of the best wines of this area and to indulge in Catalan delicacies.

Full of new energy, we ride along laboriously built-up stone terraces, and ancient olive trees line the path. Numerous colourful flowers grow in the flood plains of Orlina. Mystically raised round rock formations and Celtic tombs from pre-Christian times remind us of a great past.

The lowlands of the Ampurdán resemble an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains, whose exit is at the Gulf of Roses.

We stay the night at Emilia's country house in the village of Garriguella, which lies in the wine growing district. The tasteful furnishing, the whirlpool and a nice ambience are perfect for relaxing. Emilia is well-known for her delicious Mediterranean cuisine which we can enjoy extensively.

Day 7: Tag: Gulf of Lion

Diligently our horses climb over the coastal mountains, the last foothills of the Pyrenees.

Having reached the crest, a breath-taking panoramic view on the entire Gulf of Lion up to the mysterious mountain Canigó is awaiting us.

After a delicious picnic at the beach, we travel back to Emilia's country house. It's nearly time to say farewell. We enjoy our last dinner together and let a wonderful week come to an end.

8. Tag: Hasta la vista!

Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Departure or continue to another trail.

> Important notice to all customers!

Information & Services

Character

The Catalonian Coast & Spanish Horses trail is quite relaxed and without too many difficult sections. It is particularly suitable for pleasure riders. This tour also offers ideal conditions for trail riding beginners and less experienced riders. It connects the vineyards of the Catalan countryside with the Wild Coast. The moderate tempo and slightly shorter riding days do not require above average riding skills. The tour is a bit more challenging on the beach ride and there is a short descent into the coastal mountains. Proper footwear (hiking boots and chaps) and suitable clothing (waterproof) for the beach ride would be advisable for this section of the trail. Daily riding between 3-5 hours.

Included services

Riding program as described
8 days with 7 nights in a double room with shower and toilet, of which 1-2 nights' accommodation may be with a shared shower and toilet, 6 riding days
Arrival day dinner included/departure day breakfast included
3 Riding days full board including wine (lunch picnic)
2 Riding day half board (dinner at restaurant not included)
1 Riding day only breakfast
Tax on stays in tourist establishments
Transportation of luggage
Local transfers during the trail

Not included services

Flight or public transport (on arrival and on departure), taxi
Collective airport transfer from/to Girona 30,- Euro/one way; from/to Barcelona 45,- Euro/one way
Entrance fees to Museums and Monuments
Drinks/food in bars
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Coffee at dinner
1 lunch and 3 dinners (at restaurant approx. 15,- Euro/ 20,- Euro)
Tips for the team and other services

Notice

First day: on arrival dinner is at approx. 9 p.m.
Last day: before departure breakfast is at approx. 9 a.m.
Due to local conditions, a route change or amendment may be necessary.
The Catalonian Coast & Spanish Horses Trail can be ridden in both directions.
The tour operator reserves the right to substitute the described accommodations by equivalent if necessary.

Accommodation

Single Room / Double Room / "Half Double Room"

Single rooms cannot always be guaranteed though booked. If a previously confirmed single room is not available, the guest is entitled to a refund of the price paid for those nights surcharge.

Single travellers have the option to book a "Half Double Room".

Half double rooms for bookings 60 days prior to departure can only be booked, if at that time a same-gender customer is also waiting for a roommate. If this is not the case, we will book a single room with the regular, advertised surcharge.

Single room supplement + 30,- Euro/night

Transfer

Airport Barcelona

Collective group transfer at 5:30 p.m., meeting point at the airport is in Terminal T1 in front of the Café LIZZARAN at the Group Meeting Point North located opposite from the "Oficina de Turisme" (after customs on the right).
Notice! If you arrive at Terminal T2 all five minutes a free shuttle bus brings you to Terminal T1!
Flight on departure from 2:30 p.m. onwards!!

Airport Girona

Collective group transfer at 6:30 p.m. The meeting point at the airport is in front of Café CAFFRICCIO in the arrivals hall.
Flight on departure from 1:00 p.m. onwards!!

If the arranged transfer times do not fit with your arrival and departure times, we would be happy to organize a taxi for you (about €80-€120 from Girona, €240-€280 from Barcelona, depending on the trail start/end points). Other arrival and departure destinations provided on request.

Notice: The transfer times can vary depending on flight arrival times/delays from other guests/traffic etc. Please be patient in these cases!

Guaranteed departure

With a small group surcharge in case the minimum number of participants is not reached. (only on demand)

Important notice

Important notice to all customers!

All trail itineraries are general guidelines and in order to offer our customers the best riding holiday experience we make occasional changes.

Depending on the number of concurrent trails, 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 accommodation. 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.

(*) It is specified in the Coastal Law (Law 22/1988, of 28 July) and the regulations surrounding it (Royal Decree 1471/1989, of 1 December), that excursions operated in places of maritime public domain should not be for profit. We would like to advise that we do not charge for riding on any beach and therefore that part of any ride is free of charge.

Presentation, organization, photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Booking

Rideable Months

Event-Dates

From:	to:	Price	Booking
1536444000 Sun, 09.09.2018	1537048800 Sun, 16.09.2018	1.495 €
1538863200 Sun, 07.10.2018	1539468000 Sun, 14.10.2018	1.495 €
1543100400 Sun, 25.11.2018	1543705200 Sun, 02.12.2018	1.495 €

Guest opinions

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
May 2017

Peter and I want to give you a shout-out for a great trip. We rode the Catalonia Coast Trail with Nicki and Danny, and your wonderful horses. The cuisine was positively epicurean. The scenery was amazing and we loved the country inns and village B&B's. Many thanks for a wonderful trip. This is a great way to visit Catalonia.

Joanne McLachla

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
October 2014

For every horse-loving girl or boy, a lifelong dream is a fast ride on a beautiful steed through incredible countryside, along beaches, and over mountains. Panorama Trails makes that dream come true with its many trails in Catalonia. At age 66, it was surely time for me to make this trip, and the choice of the Catalonian Coast Trail was perfect. The horses exceeded my expectations -- steady, forward, totally trustworthy and responsive. Most were Andalusian crosses, with several other breeds, such as French trotters, in the mix. My trekking saddle was fitted with a soft seat pad that made it comfortable for riding three to six hours each day, with much of the ride at a trot, canter or gallop. Our guide, Denise, was unfailingly fun, appropriately concerned with safety, but not a nag, and cared for horses and riders with competence and good humor. Her assistant, Jose, also had a perpetual smile, and clearly loved his equine charges. The value of this ride, with all accommodations and excellent meals, is superior. Your really get a lot for the money, including a stay at an Andalusian stud, cooking by David, chef supreme, at several meals, and gourmet picnics from Nacho, the Panorama Trails cook. The team makes the logistics seamless, which is no easy task, with ten horses and people traveling close to 100 miles in 6 days. You will care for your horse while on the trail, but the routine allows for plenty of rest for horse and rider. There are other activities, too, including a winery visit, a museum visit, a tour of the stud farm, swimming in a pool or in the sea. I traveled with friends, but would also recommend this trip for the solo traveler. The group connects quickly, and the multi-lingual guide crosses language barriers. This was an excellent experience and a great value!

Ruth

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
July 2013

I would like to thank Panorama-Trails for an amazing and relaxing riding holiday. All your arrangements, accommodation, food, picnics, dinners etc were superb and very well organized. The route that we rode during the week was amazingly beautiful and it never got boring or monotonous.
The horses were well-kept, and my horse Ufano was wonderful and a perfect companion for me. A special thanks to our guide Nacho who was very helpful, safety-minded and took good care of us and the horses. Also, a special thanks to Dani who always helped out with everything.
As a group we had a lot of fun and laughed a lot. I will definitely come back.

Many thanks,

Kathrine Jensen

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
May 2011

Many thanks for a wonderful week! All of us are very pleased with everything, the guide Nacho, the tempo, the horses, the food, the hotels and of course Buffalo. Plus the luck of having real good weather. It's like a dream those trips to you in Catalonia.......and now back on reality again with the tough tempo at work and business as usual.
I hope to attend another dream soon again.

Thanks from me and all my friends!

Annika

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
March 2011

This is the first chance I have had to write and tell you what a wonderful time we all had and the accommodations and food were excellent. All the wonderful homes we stayed in and the owners were all so friendly and helpful. I as everyone else will highly recommend Panorama Trails to everyone. We loved Denise and Paola. They made the whole trip even more enjoyable. Thank you for our wonderful adventure in Spain. Did you have anything to do with the rain waiting until the very last minute of our trip? ;-)

Shayna Rockwell

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
October 2009

Christina, thanks again for everything. It was AWESOME! Please tell Buffalo I said Hi and give Maruano a big hug from me!

On Friday I’ll have my next riding class. I am very curious what my teacher will say about my new Spanish riding style! Vamos Galope! :-)

Take care.

Susan

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
October 2008

Great guide — Rudi
Excellent horses, nice long days on Trail and lots of trotting and canters. Beautiful and varied accommodations. Rudi's horsmanship was excellent and the horses were very well cared for. Rudi is very organized and had dinner with us each night which was very nice and appreciated.

Lynn and Rick

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
October 2007

Rudi,
We want send a Big Hug and Thank you to you for such a life time experience!!! Keith and I have gone over every day of our trip, reliving every happy moment with great joy. What you add to a person's life is very special. Everything was perfect, the people, horses, food, accommodations and of course the CAVA. The only bad part is that you are 4000 miles away. It took us 28 hours to get home because our first flight took off late and we missed our connections. We still hope we make it back someday!
Juanito, Anne and Annette were fantastic. A great asset to your adventures. We just loved all of you ! I will always remember the look in your eyes.

Thanks,

Barbara L. and Keith A.

Catalan Coast & Spanish Horses
March 2007

Muchas Gracias to you all for making my vacation in November a most memorable one. I absolutely fell in love with Spain and Catalonia-the scenery is very beautiful, the people are very friendly, the food was delicious and of course, the cava! I had a lot of adventures to share with my friends at home, who are all envious. I do hope to return to your beautiful country and horses. Again, special thanks for your hospitality.

a guest

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