Catalonia Coast Trail

Pickup in Barcelona late afternoon ( 5.30 from the airport) and transfer to a Catalan country house which dates back to the 17th century. The rooms are tastefully furnished with views over meadows, forests and the surrounding horse pastures. What a place to start your horse riding holiday

A short vehicle transfer takes you to the farm of Mas Alba, a typical Catalan farm which has been run by the same family for over 500 yrs. Here you will meet the horses and get ready for the ride.

Today’s ride passes through deep stone oak and pine forests as you are leaving the village behind and head 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. You are in Spain but the atmosphere reminds of Costa Rica. At the river a picnic lunch is prepared for your arrival. Enjoy various Catalan delights including fresh salads, Manchego cheese, home-made goat cheese, fruits such as figs, peaches and cherries complete this fantastic lunch. In the afternoon, ride to the outfitters friend Bogi. The South American style garden is a wonderfully relaxing paradise. What a great way to end the first day’s ride.

Lonely paths are winding through the green flood plains along the river and a pleasant tranquillity surrounds you. As you ride through the Catalonian natural stone villages the hooves of the horses echo through the narrow streets and alleys. Enjoy another tasty picnic lunch by a lake and later in the afternoon enjoy a long 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.

Wake up very early this morning to the murmuring sounds of the waves. You can smell the coast, the wind and the salty air. Enjoy the early morning hour as you are galloping along the sandy beach at sunrise. After the beach ride follow the river Fluvia and wind your way through fruit orchards. Ahead is the open expanse of ride fields amid which you find the impressive accommodations for the night at Catalonia’s oldest P.R.E stud. Wonderful horses and charmingly furnished rooms await you. A picnic lunch will be served and you’ll have the afternoon to explore the Stud Farm. In the evening a chef will prepare a delicious paella with seafood and fresh vegetables.

Canter and gallop across sunflower and corn fields until you reach the medieval village of Castello with its magnificent cathedral. From here ride through the marsh of Aiguamolls which is a refuge and hatchery for many birds. Crossing grazing land you ride speedily and pass fields of vines and sunflowers on the way to Perelada where you arrive at the guesthouse of Fina and Pere where you spend the night. The beautiful garden and the swimming pool are perfect for relaxing. Enjoy another delicious picnic lunch before visiting Perelada castle and the local bodega. Learn about Cava and have a tasting of it as well. Salud

Today pass wild cane, cork oaks and intricate stone terraces with age-old olives trees lining the path. The oil from this area plays an important role in the Catalan cuisine. Follow the path of the river Llobregat and ride through the wild landscape at the foot of the Albera Mountains. Cork and stone oak forests are now dominating the landscape and vineyards occasionally interrupt the landscape. Visit a family owned vineyard and taste some of the best wines of the lowlands. Spend the night at Emilia’s country house in the village of Garriguella which lies in the wine growing district. The tasteful furnishings, the whirlpool and a nice ambience are perfect for relaxing. Emilia is well-known for her delicious Mediterranean cuisine which you can enjoy extensively.

Ride along the wild coast to the Gulf of Lion today. Diligently the horses climb over the coastal mountains, the last foothills of the Pyrenees. Having reached the crest, a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Gulf of Lion up to the mysterious mountain Canigo is awaiting you. After a picnic on the beach travel back to Emilia’s country house and enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to Barcelona or Girona.
You will be returned to Barcelona airport at about 1:00PM, or Girona airport at about 11:00 AM, on the last day of the ride. Please make flight arrangements no earlier than mid-afternoon on that day.