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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 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.
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.