Catalonia Coast Trail

Pickup in Barcelona late afternoon ( 5.30 from the airport) and transfer to a Catalan stone house. The rooms are tastefully furnished with views over meadows, forests and the surrounding horse pastures. This secluded place is just right for unwinding after your journey. Get to know the group and your guide over welcome dinner.

A short vehicle transfer takes you to the horse farm where 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.

Around midday reach a typical village of stone houses and have a break in an antique oil mill. While enjoying delicious tapas, you will have the opportunity to taste different olive oils and learn more about their production.

In the afternoon you ride back to the country house you stayed in the night before. Chef Toni will surprise you with a delicious Catalan dinner.

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.

Surrounded by rice fields, our impressive overnight accommodation for tonight is the oldest Andalusian stud farm in Catalonia, P.R.E. (P.R.E. = Pura Raza Española).

The stud has more than 30 broodmares and excellent stallions that have a decisive influence on the breeding of the Pura Raza Española. The horses bred here are distinguished not only by their beauty, but also by their excellent character and rideability. It is not only the amazing Spanish horses and their history that await you here, but also comfortable rooms. The tasteful furnishings and pleasant atmosphere are just right for relaxing after a full riding day. For dinner Toni, the chef,  once again treats you to culinary delights at this wonderful place.

Today start out early to enjoy sunrise on the beach! A long stretch of a sandy beach. The water splashes, the sand flies, while you ride into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves while you try to stay dry.

Afterwards, stop for breakfast in a bar in the village and then  ride back to the Andalusian stud farm. In the garden of the P.R.E. stud, Toni prepares a delicious lunch for us. Enjoy the wonderful views over the beautiful chestnut Andalusian horses grazing peacefully in the lush green pastures.

Afterwards, a guided tour of the stud farm awaits and you learn many interesting facts about the history of the P.R.E. horses. Take a look around at your leisure and relax. And who knows: maybe you will find your dream horse here!

In the evening Toni will cook for you again! What delicacies will he have prepared for today?

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.

Toni has already prepared a tasty 3-course meal for you at your accommodations. After riding and culinary delights, culture is now in the program. Head to the town’s magnificent castle and cathedral, and take the time to visit. This is followed by a tour of the local bodega, where you learn lots of interesting facts about traditional wine production. Learn about Cava and have a testing of it as well. Salud! To complete this impressive day, look forward to another delicious dinner prepared by your chef.

Today pass wild cane, cork oaks and intricate stone terraces with age-old olives trees lining the path. Ancient olive trees line 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.

With renewed energy ride along laboriously built-up stone terraces.  Numerous colorful flowers grow in the flood plains of Orlina. Celtic tombs from pre-Christian times remind us of a great past. The lowlands of the Ampurdán resemble an amphitheater surrounded by mountains, whose exit is at the Gulf of Roses.

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. Tonight, Toni once again creates delicacies to delight your palates.

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. On  the beach Toni awaits you with a richly laid table and cooled cava.  Those who want to can reward themselves with a swim in the luminous Mediterranean Sea. Afterwards 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.