Wild Coast Wine Trail

Introduction
Catalonia Spain
On horseback in Catalonia along the "Wild Coast", you will find perfect sandy beaches, picturesque bays and intriguing mountains that will fulfill dreams of exploring the Spanish countryside as we bring friends together over fantastic local wines and delicious Catalan cuisine! When we are not cantering on stunning stretches of beach and climbing the mountainside for the best possible views, riders will be introduced to the local wine cellars for wine and cava sampling, stay at rural but luxurious guesthouse and hotel accommodations and be served the best regional cuisine available along this exciting and adventurous trail! A fun and fascinating exploration of the Mediterranean coast that will take you through quiet olive vineyards, lovely wine estates, bright sunflower fields, ancient medieval villages, the Bay of Roses, the 16th C farmstead of Mas Alba. The spectacular geological outcrops here are one of the most significant features - intricate and beautiful, they can vividly stir one's imagination! Created by the wind and sea, the shaping of the rocky peninsula that began thousands of years ago and it continues into present day, has created the imagery of mythical lions, dragons, camels, eagles and cats.

Highlights
- Delicious tasting of wine and cava!
- Visit to the medieval village of Perelada!
- Breathtaking beach gallop!
- Accommodation at the former castle of Espolla
- Accommodations at Catalonia's oldest P.R.E. Andalusian Horse Stud Farm

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will experience a special feeling of Catalonia in our accommodations, which offer you a cozy ambience in carefully chosen country guest houses, pensions, and friendly family-run hotels. Far away from mass tourism you will be spoiled by attentive hosts with local specialties. The rooms, mostly with private bath (1-2 nights' accommodation may be with a shared shower and toilet), are charmingly furnished and you almost feel at home.  
WIFI is available at some accommodations. Laundry is not available for this trip.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Country Hotel in Crespia
Night 2: Country House in Romanyà d'Empordà
Night 3: Guesthouse in Sant Pere Pescador
Night 4: Farmhouse in Castelló d'Empúries
Night 5: Country House in Peralada
Night 6 & 7: Country House in Garriguella

Country Hotel in Crespia
This is a typical Catalonian house built with natural stone. It dates back to the 17th century and is surrounded by woods as well as walnut tree and olive groves. It also has a lovely garden and a pool.
The old building was recently restored to combine modern amenities with traditional charm. Each of the 7 bedroom has its own bathroom, free internet access and a great view of the surrounding scenery.
Guests can relax in the common rooms, reading a book by the fireplace in the living room or watching TV in the play room.

Country House in Romanya d'Emporda
This lovely stonewall country house used to be a water mill (built in the 17th century) and is surrounded by nature. The main house has 3 rooms with private baths and there is an annex with 2 extra rooms and 1 bathroom.
Guests can choose to relax in the reading room or TV room or they can enjoy the beautiful garden.
There is free Wi-Fi access at this property.

Guesthouse in Sant Pere Pescador
Tonight, you sleep in a charming 19th century country house featuring local stone and built in the typical Catalan style. The 5 bedrooms all include central heating, a TV and an ensuite bathroom. There is also a small annex with 2 extra rooms built with sustainable wood from a nearby forest.
The main house has a spacious living room and a beautiful garden with a swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.

Farmhouse in Castelló d'Empúries
You overnight in a beautiful farm that offers accommodation in 5 country houses with a rustic decor. Each house is equipped with heating, a living room with a TV and chimney, free Wi-Fi access and a dining area. Guests can relax in the extensive garden with a pond.

Country House in Peralada
Your accommodation for the night is an old farmhouse from the 14th century with a lot of charm. All rooms have air conditioning / heating and their own bathroom. Guests are welcome to relax in the living room or on the terrace, to admire the beautiful view. There is also a small outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi access throughout the house.

Country House in Garriguella
Your last accommodation on this ride is a beautiful stone house with simply decorated bedrooms. Each room has internet access and a fan.
There is a living room with a TV as well as a small terrace where you can relax.


Room Occupancy
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.
Those booked as 'willing to share' will not have to pay the single supplement fee only if we are able to find a rider of the same gender to share. If we have not found someone to share 60 days prior to the trip start, then the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
Lunches and meals eaten at the restaurant are not included in the base price and an 80 euros fee needs to be paid locally at your first dinner. Please note we only accept Euros!

You will get to know the food culture of the region through the lovingly prepared dishes from fish, game, vegetables and fruits. This experience is refined by the fine wine from the growing areas of the Empordá - your taste buds will not be neglected on this journey!

During lunch breaks, you will be cared for with your saddle-bag picnics or a three-course meal prepared by our trail assistants in a beautiful setting surrounded by nature with great attention to detail.
We would like to point out that due to the pandemic, three-course table picnics cannot be served at the moment.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This trip is suitable for intermediate riders and above. Riders need to be safe on a well-trained horse at all paces - including a long rising trot and canter. Equestrian experience in open country is also appreciated. Participants should be fit enough to spend several hours in the saddle every day.  
This trail is quite relaxed and without too many difficult sections. The tour is a bit more challenging on the beach ride and there is a short descent into the coastal mountains. Proper footwear (hiking boots and chaps) and suitable clothing (waterproof) for the beach ride would be advisable for this section of the trail.

Pace
Over 6 days, you will spend between 3-5 hours in the saddle every day. The riding pace is moderate.
At lunchtime there is a delicious picnic and you have time to relax and have a siesta after eating.

Horses
Our horses have a good life! They are kept in a natural herd setting.
Our horses are selected for their appropriate temperament and a lot of time is spent on training them, so our happy Spanish horses make absolutely reliable and sure-footed companions for you. Each of our "Spaniards" has a unique character, but they have one thing in common: they are high performance athletes.
A choice of around 40 lovely and reliable Andalusian and Spanish horses is waiting for you, to make your riding holiday a unique experience!

Tack
We ride on high quality trail saddles, specially made for long distance riding! In cooperation with the saddler ‘Hidalgo’ we have developed the perfect trail saddle that is very comfortable and safe for both horse and rider.
Our saddle cloths are also self-produced and hand made with the best materials, such as medical "anti-pressure sore fleece" which offers ideal conditions for our horses’ backs.
During the trails, each rider is provided with a hand crafted saddlebag, which is also made to our specification based on our trail riding experience.

Trail riding without transfers
Travel with your horse. Staying in accommodation close to your horse is our philosophy, so on all trails the horses graze nearby. No annoying transfers along winding roads. After an exciting riding day, horses and riders can rest comfortably.

Age Restriction
Accompanied by an adult, teenagers from 12 years on can join our horse riding holidays. Anyone over 16 years of age can join our horse riding holidays without being accompanied by an adult. The youth should have good riding skills. Prior agreement must be obtained. Approval from the parent or legal guardian must be provided.

Guides
The trails are carefully developed. On remote paths and lanes our friendly trail guides show you a wonderful and unknown Catalonia. The trail leaders are experienced riders and hold a trail leader license. Guides and helpers know the horses, the area and the Catalan/Spanish culture.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Depending on the season, the weather, national holidays and the number of trails running, we may make alterations to itineraries at short-notice. Trails can also be ridden in both directions.

Day 1 (Saturday): Horse riding holidays
Arrival at Barcelona or Girona and transfer to a beautifully situated country hotel, a typical Catalonian house built of natural stone. The location in this idyllic area where silence and tranquillity prevail makes this guest house the ideal place to enjoy nature and to relax. The lovingly designed garden, the pool, the meadows, and forests provide a wonderful atmosphere. What a place to start your horse riding holiday! Dinner around 9:00pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Crespia

Day 2 (Sunday): Forest, countryside & river trail
A delicious breakfast is followed by a short transfer to our horse farm Mas Alba where we meet our proud Spanish four-legged partners. We saddle the horses and start our first riding day that leads us through thick stone oak and pine forests 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. We are in Spain, but the atmosphere reminds of Costa Rica.
At the river, a lunch table prepared with love is waiting for us. We enjoy various Catalan delights. Fresh salad, Manchego cheese, home-made goat cheese, fruits such as figs, peaches and cherries complete the fantastic lunch. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Romanyà d'Empordà

Day 3 (Monday): Natural stone villages – Gulf of Roses
Lonely paths are winding through the full-green flood plains along the river. A pleasant tranquillity surrounds us. Only when we ride through the Catalonian natural stone villages the hooves of our horses echo through the narrow streets and alleys.
At a lake, we regain our strength by a tasty picnic. Later in the afternoon, we canter towards the coast.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Sant Pere Pescador

Day 4 (Tuesday): Gallop on the beach & P.R.E. Horse Stud
In front of us we find a long sandy beach. The water splashes, the sand flies, and we canter into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves while we try to stay dry. An unforgettable experience!
In the middle of the bay the river Fluvia flows into the sea. Behind the river lies the wetland of Aiguamolls. Amid the rice fields we discover our impressive accommodation for the night: Catalonia's oldest P.R.E. (Pura Raza Española) Andalusian horse stud.
The stud owns more than 30 brood mares and excellent stallions, some with a significant impact on the breeding of the Pura Raza Española. The horses, that are bred here, are not only characterized by their beauty, but also by their outstanding attitude and rideability.
Besides wonderful horses and their history, charmingly furnished rooms await us. We have time to have a look around and to relax. And who knows - maybe you will find the horses of your dreams here!
In this wonderful atmosphere, we are spoilt with delicious paella with seafood and fresh vegetables in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Castelló d'Empúries

Day 5 (Wednesday): Peralada – A journey to the Middle Ages
Trotting and cantering we reach the medieval Castelló with its impressive cathedral.
Crossing grazing land, we ride speedily and pass fields of vines and sunflowers on our way to Perelada.
Here we arrive at the friendly guesthouse of Fina and Pere. The beautiful garden and the swimming pool are perfect for relaxing! We enjoy our picnic and look forward to the afternoon when we will visit the glorious castle of the town and the local Bodega (winery), where we will not only learn interesting facts about Cava, but we will have a Cava tasting as well. Salud!
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Peralada

Day 6 (Thursday): Wine tasting & stone oak forests
We follow the path of the river Llobregat and then ride through the wild landscape at the foot of the Albera Mountains. Cork and stone oak forests are now dominating the landscape occasionally interrupted by magical vineyards.
We visit a family-run winery to try one of the best wines of this area and to indulge in Catalan delicacies.
Full of new energy, we ride along laboriously built-up stone terraces, and ancient olive trees line the path. Numerous colorful flowers grow in the flood plains of Orlina. Mystically raising round rock formations and 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.
We stay the night at Emilia's country house in the village of Garriguella, which lies in the wine growing district. The tasteful furnishing, the whirlpool and a nice ambience are perfect for relaxing. Emilia is well-known for her delicious Mediterranean cuisine which we can enjoy extensively.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Garriguella

Day 7 (Friday): Gulf of Lion
Diligently our horses climb over the coastal mountains, the last foothills of the Pyrenees. Having reached the crest, a breath-taking panoramic view on the entire Gulf of Lion up to the mysterious mountain Canigó is awaiting us.
After a delicious picnic at the beach, we travel back to Emilia's country house. It's nearly time to say farewell. We enjoy our last dinner together and let a wonderful week come to an end.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Garriguella

Day 8 (Saturday): Hasta la vista!
Breakfast around 9:00am. Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Departure or continue to another trail.
Meals included: Breakfast



Add on a City Tour
Interested in a city tour with a local on your arrival or before coming back?
Our partners "Urban Adventures" offer half day or full day city tours with a difference!
In just a few hours they get under the skin of the city you're visiting - so you know it like a local!
Hidden Trails clients get a 10% Discount off all city tours, just use the promo code "HIDDENTRAILS" when booking your tour.
Please book direct with "Urban Adventures".


Barcelona City Tours

Rates and Dates for Wild Coast Wine Trail

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Mas Alba
Airport: Barcelona, Girona
Transfer: Barcelona airport at 5:30 pm, Girona airport at 6:30 pm

Climate:
                                                    Girona area

• Riding gloves, personal toiletries (towels are usually provided in your accommodation).
• Each rider gets a saddle bag, in which you can stow personal things for the way. For quick access, a hip/ abdominal bag has proven itself useful, in which you can accommodate, for example, your camera. A small zoom lens ensures that the most beautiful impressions also inspire at home. For the camera, you should not forget additional batteries or the charger for the battery.
• A headlamp could be useful, but is not essential.
• Sun protection, this is essential and we recommend that you carry a small tube or stick with you so you can re-apply it throughout the day.
• Plastic bags can protect your personal belongings from water damage caused by rain or river crossings.
• Sun protection is especially important! We recommend that you also have a small bottle of sunscreen during the day so that you can freshen up the protection at any time.
• A remedy for insects is also recommended. It should be noted that some agents have a particularly high proportion of DEET and the handling of a spray or a pen is often more pleasant than is the case with a lotion.

• It is advisable to travel with a small medical kit that includes any basic remedies you may need such as antacids, painkillers, anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, antihistamines and cold remedies. It might be wise to take anti-diarrhoea medication such as Imodium. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses you might want to take some spares.

• You will need long sleeved shirts to protect against the sun as well as a couple of cotton t- shirts.
• Remember that the Spanish (mountain) sun is strong and you can burn quickly. Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps for sun protection at the picnic. Both sunglasses (elastic is useful to keep them in place whilst riding) and a good quality sunscreen (rated SPF15 or higher) should be used including lip salve. For those fair skinned it may be wise to take a complete sun-block.
• A pair of flip flops, swimming costume and shorts for when you get a chance to relax. It may get chilly in the evening even on hot days, so a fleece is a must and a lightweight jacket may be useful.
• You should be prepared for all weather conditions in the mountains as well as during spring, autumn and winter on any trail. A waterproof mac or poncho will not take up much space but may prove very handy.