Andorra, France, Spain – 3 countries in 11 days

Andorra Trail

Andorra, France, Spain – 3 countries in 11 days

3.690 € p.p
+ servicios adicionales

Resumen

Descripción resumida

Andorra, France, Spain – 3 countries in 11 days – along a 350 km trail the Andorra Trails offers probably the most challenging horse riding adventure in Europe. This outdoor packed trip goes from the Mediterranean coast to the central Pyrenees. It is an impressive trip for adventurous nature enthusiasts. You will sleep out in the wild for 4 out of 12 nights. It is not only the longest trail we offer, but at the same time one of the toughest trail rides worldwide. An altitude difference of 11,000 metres is covered during the trip – a number that is hard to beat on horseback!

Duración

  • 13 días / 12 noches / 11 días de equitación

Personas

  • 6 - 10 Personas

Paisaje

  • Montaña y Mar
  • Pirineos

Puntos destacados y hechos

  • sleeping under the stars
  • wonderful evenings with candlelight/campfire
  • spectacular views on the Pyrenees of Spain, France and Andorra
  • back to the roots – an unforgettable experience in untouched nature
  • swimming in a mountain lake at 2500 m

Nivel de equitación

  • 4 herraduras o mas (Experimentado)

Itinerario

Day 1: Mediterranean coast – Andorra packing trip trail ride

Transfer from the airport and spend the first night in a hotel on the Mediterranean coast. The salty smell of the Mediterranean Sea gives you a first impression of the days to come. If you like you can have a swim in the refreshing water. Enjoy your dinner with a sea view and get to know your fellow adventurers.

Day 2: Trail ride between two bays

After an extensive breakfast, we get to know our horses and get ready to start our adventure! Leaving from the coast, we ride towards the Albera Mountains enjoying fantastic views over the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava. Underneath shady trees our first picnic is waiting for us.

The afternoon brings breath-taking views of the French and Catalan coasts. Like an amphitheatre, a bizarre mountain backdrop surrounds the plain lying ahead of us. Pine forests, vineyards and olive groves characterise the Mediterranean landscape. After some gallops, we reach a small mountain village. Here, we spend the night in an old castle. For dinner, we visit a local bar with delicious Catalan cuisine and “vino tinto” from a Bodega nearby.

Day 3: Alt Empordà – a touch of Africa

We begin our day with a hearty breakfast before taking time to enjoy a relaxing swim in the beautiful natural silver pool in one of the river gorges.

Refreshed, we get ready for our journey inland with the horses and pass through the beautiful landscape of Alt Emporda with an atmosphere that reminds us of Africa. Cork oak forests and vineyards accompany us on our way until we eventually discover a gorgeous lake. Before we have lunch, we enjoy a bath in the bright green water of the lake.

Our afternoon ride takes us along the lake, through the forested hilly landscape of the lower Pyrenees. In the evening, we arrive at the ‘Hostal del Aigua’ where a hot shower and a delicious dinner prepared by our chef de cuisine David is waiting for us.

Day 4: The Garrotxa Mountains, wild and fearless

In the morning, we follow the river upstream and then head along the mountain tracks at a fast pace with some long relaxed gallops.

We stop in a wonderful river valley for a ‘cowboy picnic’ – the horses enjoy the ‘picnic’ as well. And that is not all: The beautiful turquoise water pools of the mountain stream invite us to swim, jump and dive. The murmur of the stream relaxes us and we have a siesta.

Now we are ready to climb uphill step by step! We cross a Roman bridge with our horses. Via a ‘jungle trail’ we immerse ourselves in the loneliness of the Garrotxa Mountains.

We make our camp for the night at a beautiful and atmospheric chapel. The acoustics, the solitude and the magnificent panorama provides a feeling of happiness. Before dinner we watch our horses in their meadow and look back on the high points of the day.

Day 5: Red canyon like in Arizona

The mountain landscape now subtly changes as we travel into the area of Alt Garrotxa with its deep valleys, craggy rock faces and thick oak forests.

As we cross a small high plateau we pass into France! The red volcanic earth (‘Terre rouge’) gives an amazing atmosphere to the landscape.

After some fast gallops we arrive in a typical French Pyrenean village. Under a Roman bridge, we find two splendid water basins for our refreshment.

The afternoon takes us further into France. We pass through beech groves and later follow a mountain track evolving from the trees. This track leads us to our accommodation for tonight. We admire the splendid view on the surrounding peaks of the Pyrenees and look forward to a warm shower. With a cosy dinner we let this day come to an end.

With a cosy campfire and a dinner in the refuge, we let this day come to an end.

Day 6: Sierra Cavallera – Sierra of horses

Above the clouds, we leave France and come back to Catalonia, passing through green mountain pastures and shady forests. We pause in a picturesque mountain village for a cold drink before climbing high into open mountain meadows, getting the feel of the High Pyrenees for the first time. We pass herds of cattle and mountain horses, enjoying some gallops as we climb.

We cross an elongate mountain ridge to ride on lonely paths through this beautiful mountain paradise to the small town Camprodon. During a walk in the evening, one of the bars might invite us to have a drink...

Day 7: Endless alms – a feeling of Mongolia

Today we have some spectacular climbs up on endless mountain meadows! We see large herds of mountain horses as well as cattle, who watch us curiously as we listen to the sound of their bells.

Above us, the vultures and eagles soar and they show us their incredible wingspan. We can enjoy some long and exciting gallops as we climb through the fields.

For lunch, we make a little detour back to civilization and visit a restaurant in a little town.

In the afternoon we pass fabulous forests; the moss covering the ground swallows the sound of our horses’ hooves so that we climb further in a peaceful quietness. In the evening we reach our campsite for the night. The shepherd’s refuge provides space to make a fire and cook a well-deserved barbecue.

Day 8: Chamois in the Mongrony Massif

Setting off, we once again emerge from the forests into the open mountain meadows.

If we are lucky we will see chamois silhouetted on the skyline, jumping from rock to rock at a breath-taking pace.

Today we will have many opportunities to trot and canter uphill, culminating in a breath-taking sprint that takes us to the ridge. What a view we have from here!

Tonight, we stay in a guest house for hikers. We can have a hot shower and go to bed in the dormitory, after having a hearty dinner prepared by our innkeepers.

Day 9: Sierra Cadí – vest plateau of Cerdanya

We leave the dormitory before sunrise and get prepared for the day. In the special spirit of the early morning, we climb through the pine forest into the stunning Parc Natural de Cadi Moixero. We get to a retreat where we stop off for a snack and a cold (or hot) drink.

As we descend we catch a glimpse of the impressive Plains of Cerdanya before an exciting gallop takes us to our picnic site overlooking the plain.

Tonight we are accommodated ‘extravagantly’. We reach a village built of natural stone, where a farmhouse with cosy rooms and a hot shower is waiting for us. Dinner is being served in the garden of this wonderful place.

Day 10: Land of the Cathars

Quickly we cross the fertile plane of the Cerdanya. Lots of meadows and fields allow us to trot and canter.

When passing the River Ter, our horses have to fight the water current.

We enter the land of the Cathar. In a glamorous valley of the Pyrenees, we make our camp. The turquoise water basins of a wild river become our ‘bath tubs’ for tonight.

Up high on a rock, the remains of a Cathar castle remind us of days gone by. Our horses peacefully enjoy the nourishing, mellow green grass of the high mountains. In this ambience we get to rest and watch the starry sky before falling sleep.

Day 11: Andorra Beach – Trail riding in Andorra

Today we set out for a short but challenging climb into Andorra. It is an exciting day, as we are carrying with us all that we will need for the next two days!

We are rewarded with the sight of a stunning lake that could be something from the Caribbean – but at 2500 m!

Here we are – beach to beach and three countries in just 10 days on horseback!

The horses have a beautiful field overlooking the lake while we enjoy our picnic at the lake and relax on the beach. Of course, we also enjoy a swim and take a siesta!

Refreshed and relaxed, we get back on our horses after the siesta and rejoice at the sight of the many streams along our way.

Right in the middle of the High Pyrenees, we arrive at a wonderful place in the evening where we make our camp for the night.

There is a river close by where we can bath and refresh. From our saddle bags, we conjure up a rich meal and get to rest with full bellies, while the air around us is filled with the calming sound of the cattle bells.

Day 12: High Pyrenees of Andorra

We keep a look out for marmots as we pass through beautiful mountain meadows and river valleys.

After some challenging climbs, we reach our picnic spot at a hidden mountain lake.

Here we can swim and relax before the afternoon takes us to the highest point of the route at 2600 m.

From here we enjoy the spectacular views of the Serra de Cadi and the Aneto, the highest mountain of the Pyrenees. Carefully, we make our way down through this magical landscape until we get to a shining mountain lake. We have reached our destination! We are back in Catalonia.

In a guest house nearby we enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and our farewell dinner, where we review our adventure. What a wonderful time we had!

Day 13: Hasta la vista, Pyrenees!

After breakfast we say farewell and transfer to Barcelona.

> Important notice to all customers!

Información & Servicios

Character

This route is an incredible and unforgettable experience. However, to get the most from this unique adventure trail ride, you must be aware of a number of factors and come prepared and able to comply with some important conditions.

The riding is through challenging terrain and the days are long – often with up to 8 hours in the saddle, covering up to 50 kilometers in one day. The Andorra packing trip is known as the most challenging trail ride in Europe! Only experienced riders will be able to enjoy this route and you must be comfortable and safe at all paces. Furthermore, you should be able to mount and dismount on both sides of your horse without assistance in difficult terrain.

Where the route is particularly challenging, we have to dismount and lead the horses. You should therefore be fit and able to hike both up and downhill in mountainous terrain. In addition, you should not attempt this route if you are afraid of heights.

Being in the mountains means that conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. You should therefore come willing to be patient, flexible and understanding when plans change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Sleeping outside in the mountains allows you to really experience the freedom and nature of this beautiful area. However, you must understand that most nights are spent at campsites without facilities such as toilets and hot showers. Instead you should be prepared to pitch your own tent, help with the food and live in more basic conditions. You will be rewarded with tranquillity below a starry sky.

This route has a maximum rider weight limit of 85kg.

Included services

  • Riding program as described
  • 13 days, 12 nights, 11 riding days:
    • 5 nights in double rooms with shower and toilet (see accommodation)
    • 3 nights in multi bed rooms with shared facilities (see accommodation)
    • 4 nights accommodation at basic refuges/tent (see accommodation)
  • 11 Riding days half board (lunch picnic including water and wine)
  • Arrival day dinner included/departure day breakfast included
  • 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 Barcelona
  • Restaurant & Catering services during the ride: payable locally at the first dinner
  • Drinks/food in bars
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Coffee/Tea, etc. at dinner
  • Single tent supplement for the whole stay + 75,- Euro (see accommodation)
  • Single room supplement 30,- Euro/night (see accommodation)
  • Tips for the team and other services
Traslados y catering

Notice

  • First day: on arrival dinner is at approx. 9:00 p.m.
  • Last day: before departure breakfast is at approx. 9:00 a.m.
  • Due to local conditions, a route change or amendment may be necessary.
  • The Andorra Trail can be ridden in both directions.
  • The tour operator reserves the right to substitute the described accommodations by equivalent if necessary.
  • In order to perform the trail safely, there may be changes to the program due to unforeseen natural and weather conditions. The resulting extra cost for accommodations deviating to the program (cottages, mountain inns, hotels) are not included in the price and will be charged separately on site.

Accommodation

Double Room/Double Tent/ "Half Double Room"/Half Double Tent

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

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.

  • 5 overnights in shared double rooms/multi bed rooms
  • 3 overnights in double tent
  • 1 overnight in multi persons tent
  • 3 overnights at refuges, etc. (multi bed rooms)
Single Room/Single Tent

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.

  • 5 overnights in single room (depending on demand and room availability)
  • 3 overnights in single tent
  • 1 overnight is only available in multi persons tent
  • 3 overnights are only available in multi bed room (refuges, etc.)

Single room supplement + 40,- Euro/night (8 nights x 40,- Euro = 320,- Euro)

Single tent supplement for the whole stay 75,- Euro

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 TRAMOYA at the Group Meeting Point North located opposite from the "Oficina de Turisme" (after customs on the right).
  • Please Note! If you arrive at Terminal T2 all five minutes a free shuttle bus brings you to Terminal T1!
  • Please book your flight on the day of departure from 2:30 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 (240-350,- Euro from Barcelona, depending on the trail start/end points). Other arrival and departure destinations provided on request.

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

Due to the large distance between trail starting point and ending point, arrival with own car directly to the starting point is not possible. We would be happy to help with the booking of a parking place for your car near to the Airport of Barcelona.

Traslados y catering

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.

Presentation, organization, photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Reserva

Disponible los meses

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Calendario/Fechas

Desde: hasta: Precio Reservar ahora
lun, 12.06.2023 sáb, 24.06.2023 3.690 € *
lun, 24.07.2023 sáb, 05.08.2023 3.690 € *
lun, 28.08.2023 sáb, 09.09.2023 3.690 € *
* Precios más servicios no incluidos

Libro de visitas

Andorra Trail

Agosto 2020

For one week I'm back now from the 14-day Andorra-Trail: An unforgettable, great riding tour, which can hardly be topped - and I've already done many beautiful riding tours! The fascinating, unbelievably beautiful mountain scenery, which became more and more impressive from day to day, the siesta and overnight places selected with a lot of feeling for the special, the unbelievably efficient, spirited, sure-footed and motivated, nevertheless calm, super trained and always well manageable horses - I could list still more, what makes this tour so unique. It is surely THE tour for everyone who is looking for the extraordinary, who loves nature, the mountains and a little bit of adventure, who is willing to take the strain, who has endurance and is not only safe on the horse but also good on foot. A big thank you to Rudi, to Anais and Nacho, to Daniela in the background, to all the horses and to all the participants who all contributed to the success of the tour! It will probably not be my last tour with Panorama-Trails!

Barbara S.

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