The Bandit Trail is based on the biography of the famous “bandolero” Joan Sala Serrallonga, the Catalonia Robin Hood. In north-east Spain, the bandit wandered around the mountains of Guilleries and Garrotxa during the 17th century. The vast pathless area of woodland offered good hiding places to outlaws. Canyons, table mountains and volcanoes rise up in this wild landscape. Rivers, lakes, and waterfalls provide pleasant refreshment. In picturesque villages, there are still stories told about the gangs of thieves and the Catalan rebels. Today we find an incredible riding paradise where outlaws once hid. The Bandit Trail is a diversified trek through an ever-changing landscape.
Meet at the airports either in Barcelona (at 5.30PM) or in Girona (at 6.30PM) on the first day takes you to your first accommodation, a beautiful Catalan country house. Your host is already looking forward to welcoming you. This remote place is a wonderful paradise to relax. Over dinner together, get to know the riding guide and chat about the upcoming riding tour.
In the morning meet your four-legged companions for the week ahead. The horses are saddled and off you go. The trail winds through enchanted forests; Holm oaks and pines are the dominant trees. As the forest thins out you reach the river Fluvià. Here the horses can quench their thirst and you feast on a delicious
picnic. After a siesta ride at a brisk pace to the medieval town of Besalú. The hotel is right next to the beautiful Romanesque bridge overlooking the river Fluvià and the town. Enjoy dinner in a quaint restaurant right on the Plaza Mayor.
Leave the enchanted forests and dive into the land of volcanoes. A landscape that is sweetly cultivated, but at the same time entices us with its wildness. The extinct volcanoes lie there as if they wanted to rest until the end of time. The most recent eruption was a few thousand years ago. Only the black lava and a few
volcanic craters remind us of the fireworks of days gone by. In the river at the edge of a hidden village you can cool your feet and unpack your picnic. Then it’s time for a long siesta.
In the afternoon set off at a trot and gallop to a medieval village. Your cosy accommodation is right on the market square.
On horseback you continue your ride through the million-year-old volcanic landscape of Garrotxa. The earth now turns ochre-brown and black. The dark lava rock contrasts with the bright green deciduous forests of this area. A nice bar invites you to lunch in a typical Catalan village. The village fountain gurgles and plane
trees provide pleasant shade.
Brilliantly, our Andalusians climb in the afternoon into an overwhelming landscape. In spring and summer, grey rocky mountains wink through the deep green beech forest, in golden autumn the forest glows in all
colors – “Indian Summer”, the ambience is reminiscent of Canada. Open meadows give you great views over valleys and mountains and a majestic monastery rises at the highest point of the mesa. You are at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Catalonia. It is a privilege to spend the night here and you wake up the next morning to the sunrise over the sea.
Over lush cattle pastures descend into the valleys between the mighty table mountains; canyons like in Arizona and waterfalls that plunge steeply into dark gorges. Hear the cries of large birds of prey soaring above towering rock formations. The evergreen and humid forest you cross used to be the outlaws’ hideout. It contrasts with the reddish-brown and silver-grey rocks of the Table Mountains. In the midst of this fascinating mountain world, discover a lonely chapel where a delicious lunch awaits you.
Afer the relaxing break, your faithful four-legged friends carry you to the end of the Table Mountains. What a spectacular view as you ride along the steep cliffs. Above you vultures soar into the depths in a swoop. Like an eagle’s nest, a small village lies majestically on the edge of the mountain. Below you the Canyon Lake
glows in deep green. Spend two nights in this idyllic place.
Today make your way adventurously through an ancient beech forest like robbers. The horses master every challenge with sure-footedness. While our four-legged companions graze peacefully next to a herd of
cattle, explore a rock formation with breathtaking panoramic view sof the entire Table Mountains – the home of Serrallonga! Here enjoy a picnic lunch out of your saddle bags followed by a siesta. After the restful break you begin the descent into the valley below. Spectacular rock formations accompany you on the way back to the remote village. From the terrace of your accommodation look out over the horse pasture during dinner. Another unforgettable trail day comes to an end.
After breakfast ride up to a high plateau with spectacular views. Lush meadows and dense beech forests cover the land. Ferns spread out, the primeval forest proliferates and appears impenetrable. The temperatures are pleasantly cool, many springs and quiet streams refresh you along the trail.
In the heart of the high plateau lies the remote and cosy horse farm of Jordi’s. Enjoy listening to the wind in the trees, the singing of the cicadas and the babbling of the stream, such a tranquil setting. In the evening, a robber’s menu is served
at an old wooden table and Catalan rogue stories are told over a glass of wine as you exchange stories from your adventures of the past week.
After a 9AM breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Girona. You will be returned to Barcelona airport at about 1:00PM, or Girona airport at about 11:00AM, on the last day of the ride. Please make flight arrangements no earlier than mid-afternoon on that day.
This itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, as determined by the guide.
Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.
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Not only was the riding above and beyond what I could have ever imagined... I felt genuinely welcomed info a family of the most wonderful and hospitable people... the host and his staff really connected to everyone in such a personal way.
Paula Hyman
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