Catalan Cultural Rides

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Transfer from the airport to a beautiful situated country hotel where you meet your guide and fellow riders.

Day 2 - Pure Nature

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Meet your horse and set off riding past peaceful rural villages and wind your way through the hilly landscape of Emporda. The sandy ground and shady crowns of the Mediterranean pine forest invite long canters. Cross the river and set off at a brisk pace to a pretty village at the base of the Gavarra mountains. Here you spend the night in a beautifully restored guesthouse and can relax in the garden before dinner of local delicacies.

Day 3 - Castle Pubol

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Ride through the magical old villages of the Empordanet as the horses hooves echo off the old paving stones. Upon reaching the village of Pubol you can visit the 14th Century castle of Gala, which Dali gave to his wife Gala as a gift. Have lunch in a restaurant in the village and then ride onto a beautiful village built of natural stone from the Middle Ages.

Day 4 - Dali's Coast

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

This morning you will canter across the plain of Ullastret, which was a large lake during Iberian times. A smooth trail leads through mellow sand dunes and pine forests and up to the rough looking coastal mountain of Montgri. Amongst the sand dunes and majestic pine trees you'll discover a lovingly laid table of delicacies! After lunch and a siesta you ride through lavender, rosemary and thyme to your accommodation at a 17th Century country house near the beach.

Day 5 - Vamos a la Playa!

Riding: 3 hours

You are right by the sea so will be woken by the smell and taste of salt in the air. At sunrise, you set off cantering through the breakwaters and let your horses play with the waves. Cross the Aiguamolls marsh at a brisk pace and watch out for the birdlife, including a flamingo or two if you're lucky. Soon you reach Castello d'Empuries with its cobblestones and imposing basilica. Then the landscape changes again and you can spot the blue of the Mediterranean sparkling through vineyards and olive groves. Your dstination is a restored manor house from 1582, surrounded by picturesque nature and with a view of the Bay of Roses. You can relax here after lunch, refresh in the pool or enjoy a massage.

Day 6 - Coastal Mountains

Riding: 3 hours

This morning you leave the horses behind and visit the famous Salvador Dali museum in Figueres. After the impressions of Dali's legacy there is time to stroll through the town and have a snack in one of the many bars and restaurants. After lunch you get back in the saddle to discover the mountain goat capabilities of your horses. Climb up a rocky and steep mule track into the coastal mountains. At the top of the pass you rest and enjoy the spectacular view. At Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian peninsula, the Pyrenees dip into the sea. To the north you can look over the Gulf of Leon and to the south over the Bay of Roses and Emporda plain. Continue riding through the nature park to the lively fishing village of Port de la Selva.

Day 7 - Wild Coast

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Follow an old trade route through rocky terrain into the natural park of Cap de Creus, home to Salvador Dali. Here the last foothills of the Pyrenees sink into the electric blue sea. Climb over a pass to Cadaques, the pearl of Emporda - the whitewashed fishing village with its old winding streets is considered the most beautiful village in the Costa Brava. The clear colours of the sky and sea, the excavated rock formations, the luminous bays and deep ravines inspired Dali for his works of art. In the midst of this spectacular scenery awaits a lovingly laid table of Catalan specialities.

After lunch, make your way to the impressive Salvador Dali house in Port Lligat with its enchanting garden. The former home and studio of the ingenious surrealist were converted into a museum after his death. A typical dinner in a restaurant in the fishing village rounds off the trail.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Transfer from the airport to your accommodation in a typical Catalan natural stone house. Meet your fellow riders and guide over dinner.

Day 2 - Forest, countryside and river trail

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

After breakfast you're transferred a short distance to the horse farm to meet your companions. Saddle up and set out riding through thick stone oak and pine forests towards the river Fluvia. The suns rays break through the deep green of the seemingly tropical jungle, bamboo borders the path and high up creepers and vines grow around the trees. Around midday you reach a typical village of stone houses and stop at an antique oil meal - whilst enjoying delicious tapas you can taste different olive oils and learn more about their production. In the afternoon you ride back to the same country house as last night for a delicious Catalan dinner.

Day 3 - PRE Andalusian Stud Farm

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Lonely paths wind through the full-green flood plains along the river and a pleasant tranquility surrounds you. Ride through Catalonia stone villages where the horses hooves echo through the narrow streets and alleys. Stop for lunch in the shade of ancient cork oaks where a table is laid with delicacies for you. Time for a siesta!

In the afternoon, surrounded by rice fields, you reach the oldest Andalusian stud farm in Catalonia. With more than 30 broodmares and some excellent stallions the have a decisive influence on the breeding of the Pura Raza Espanola (PRE). The horses bred here are distinguished not only by their beauty but also by their excellent character and rideability. It is not only amazing horses that await you here but also comfortable rooms with tasteful furnishings and a pleasant atmosphere.

Day 4 - Ride along the Beach

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

An early start to discover the long sandy beach. The water splashes and the sand flies as you ride into the sunrise. The horses play in the waves whilst you try to stay dry. After this wonderful experience you stop for breakfast at a bar in the village and then ride back to the stud farm. In the garden your chef prepares a delicious lunch whilst you have a wonderful view over the horses in their green pastures. Afterwards a guided tour awaits where you can learn many interesting facts about the history of the PRE horses as well as look around and relax - you may even find your next horse!

Day 5 - Peralada - a journey to the Middle Ages

Riding: 3 hours

With lots of trots and canters you reach the medieval Castello d'Empuries with its impressive cathedral. Crossing grazing land you ride speedily past fields of vines and sunflowers on your way to a historic wine village. Your chef has already prepared a delicious lunch at your accommodation.

This afternoon is for a cultural visit to the towns magnificent castle and cathedral which you take the time to visit, followed by a tour of the local bodega where you'll learn lots of interesting facts about wine production.

Day 6 - Vineyards and Olive groves

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Follow the path of the river Llobregat and then ride through the wild landscape at the foot of the Albera mountains. Olive groves and cork oak forests are now dominating the landscape, occasionally interrupted by magical vineyards. Visit a family-run winery to try the best wines of the area and indulge in Catalan delicacies prepared by the winery owners.

Full of new energy you ride along laboriously built stone terraces and ancient olive trees. Numerous colourful flowers grow in the flood plains of Orlina and celtic tombs from pre-Christian times remind you of a great past. The lowlands of the Ampurdan resemble an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains whose exit is at the Gulf of Roses. Spend the night at Emilia's cottage in the village of Garriguella, which lies in the wine growing district. The tasteful furnishings and whirlpool are the perfect ambience for relaxing before dinner.

Day 7 - Gulf of Lion

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Your horses climb steadily up and over the coastal mountains, the last foothills of the Pyrenees to reach a crest with panoramic views of the entire Gulf of Lion up to the mountain Canigo. Gently nestled in the coastal mountains lies a bay and upon its beach is your richly laid lunch table with chilled cava. This is the end of your riding adventure. Those who wish to can cool off in the Mediterranean after lunch, before you all head back to the guesthouse for a final dinner.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Transfer from the airport to a typical Catalan stone house in the countryside where you meet your fellow riders and guide over dinner.

Day 2 - Hinterland of the Wild Coast

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Meet your horses and set off riding over fields and through dense forests into the lonely outback of the Wild Coast. In this beautiful setting you'll discover hidden natural stone villages before reaching an old but enchanting oil mill. A hearty meal has already been prepared and you can sample the oils alongside the tapas. Well rested, you continue your ride in the afternoon to reach your accommodation. After caring for your horse you round off the day with a tasty dinner.

Day 3 - PRE Andalusian Stud Farm

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Ride alongside the river Fluvia towards the sea. At some points you cross the river safely and pass through beautiful Catalan villages with resounding hoof clatter. Under old cork trees you discover your lunch table already laid out. In the afternoon, surrounded by rice fields you arrive at your impressive home for the night - the oldest PRE (Pure Spanish Breed) Stud of Catalonia. The friendly owner will proudly present his horses and you'll learn interesting facts about the history of the breed - perhaps you may also find your dream horse here!

Day 4 - The plains of the Emporda

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Leave the stud farm through the rice fields and ride across the plains of Emporda to Castello de Empuries with its mighty cathedral. Cross the northern marsh of the Aiguamolls with its diverse birdlife. The Mediterranean Pyrenees frame the vast plain like an amphitheatre. Near the Bay of Roses you reach your luxurious guesthouse with a swimming pool and spa.

Day 5 - Cap de Creus

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Like mountain goats, your horses will climb into the mountainous Cap de Creus. High on the pass you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views - the Gulf of Roses stretches to the south whilst the Golf del Lleo lies to the north. As you ride along, herbs and flowers line the path and occasional cork oak groves add a touch of Mediterranean charm. Descend into a peaceful valley framed by rolling hills before passing through a picturesque village with winding alleys and traditional houses. Here a delicious lunch awaits in a popular restaurant known for its warm hospitality.

After a refreshing break, continue through the stunning landscapes of the nature park, eventually arriving at the bustling fishing village of Port de la Selva and your accommodation in an elegant hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore, either relaxing on the beach or wandering through the villages charming streets.

Day 6 - Magical Land of the Wild Coast

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Follow an old trade route which winds through the rocky terrain of the natural park of Cap de Creus, where the last foothills of the Pyrenees sink into the electric-blue sea. In a beautiful bay you stop for a picnic and can go for a swim if you wish.

Spend your last night at Cadaques, a jewel of the Costa Brava. The whitewashed fishing village with its old, winding streets is considered the most beautiful village on the Wild Coast. The best paella in the village is a worthy final dinner.

Day 7 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred back to the airport for your flight home.