Bandalero Trail

Introduction
Catalonia Spain
The "Bandalero Trail" is a horse riding adventure based on the biography of the famous "Bandalero" Joan Sala Serrallonga, the Catalonian Robin Hood. In north-east Spain, the bandit Serrallonga 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 in this wild landscape. Rivers, lakes, and waterfalls provide pleasant refreshment. In the picturesque villages, there are still sties told about the gangs of thieves and the Catalan rebels. Today, we find an incredible riding paradise where outlaws once hid. This is an extremely diversified horse riding trek through massive canyons, table mountains, and volcanoes. The trails weave through a marvelous mountain landscapes which appears rugged or soft depending on the season. The air is usually pleasantly aromatic, and there is peacefulness with only the sounds of nature. On our ride, we explore the high plateau of Collsacabra, where the merging of the north and south, Mediterranean Sea and high mountains is a very special sight. Lush meadows and dense beech forests cover the land. Ferns spread over; the jungle sprawls and seems to be impermeable. The temperatures are pleasantly cool, with springs and calm brooks refreshing us on the way. In Spring and Summer the deep green beech forests blink through grey rock mountains, and on the 'Indian Summer' days of Autumn the forests shimmer like gold, the ambiance reminds us of landscapes in Canada. High on top of the edge of the table mountains, we ride to the mountains of Guilleries, home of the bandit Serrallonga, the Catalonian Robin Hood. The view from the 'rooftop of Catalonia' over the green mountains is unique. The evergreen and moist landscapes are in contrast to the red, brown and silver grey rocks of the table mountains. We then leave the Guilleries and emerge into the land of volcanoes. The extinct volcanoes lie there resting until the end of time. Finally, trots and canters take us along the brook "Ser" into the river "Fluvia" which points us towards the Costa Brava.

Highlights
- Spring: the soft green of the deciduous forests. 
- Summer: comfortable climate on the high plateau. 
- Fall:  "Indian Summer". 
- Picnic at the foot of the Table Mountain.
- Sunrise at the monastery "El Far", at the highest point of the Table Mountain. 

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so night 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 House in Sant Joan de les Abadesses
Night 2: Hotel in Vidrà
Night 3: Country House in Sant Pere de Torello
Night 4: Guesthouse in Tavertet
Night 5: Monastery El Far
Night 6: Country Hotel in Santa Pau
Night 7: Hotel in Besalú

Country House in Sant Joan de les Abadesses
This hold farmhouse was renovated in order to mix modern comfort with charm from the past. All bedrooms come equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi access and heating. Facilities might be shared.
Guest can relax in the garden or go for a swim in the pool.

Hotel in Vidrà
This small family hotel offers simply furnished bedrooms featuring a TV, ensuite bathroom, internet access and heating. There is also a living room where you can relax.

Country House in Sant Pere de Torello
Tonight, you sleep in a recently renovated farmhouse built during the 15th century. Special attention was given to keeping the original charm of the house with its stonewalls and wooden furniture. The house has 2 cozy living rooms and 4 comfortable bedrooms with free Wi-Fi access. Facilities are shared.

Guesthouse in Tavertet
This charming stonewall house dating back to the 12th century benefits from amazing views over the surrounding mountains. The 8 bedrooms are all equipped with heating, free Wi-Fi and ensuite bathrooms. There is also a living room and a terrace.

Monastery El Far
Located about 1,00m above sea level, this monastery from the 11th century has 16 rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, private facilities and a TV. Guests are welcome to relax in the living room or enjoy the stunning view from the terrace.

Country Hotel in Santa Pau
This small hotel with beautiful stonewalls offers comfortable accommodation with ensuite bathroom, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and heating.

Hotel in Besalú
This unique hotel offers modern accommodation with air conditioning, ensuite facilities and a TV. There is a beautiful living room with a library and a fireplace: ideal for relaxation. The hotel also benefits from a large garden with direct access to the river.


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 strong 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.  

Riding Terrain
This trail takes you into a fabulous "robber landscape" and will reward you on the "Table Mountains" with overwhelming panoramic views. On rare occasions, we have to lead our horses, so you need suitable footwear. Steep passages can be avoided for any riders with vertigo.

Pace
This trip includes 6 riding days. Every day you spend 4-6 hours in the saddle. 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 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 forboth 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

Note: Depending of the time of year, weather conditions and national holidays, the horse riding trek can be ridden in both directions! There may be alterations to this program.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
We will meet the riders in Barcelona or Girona in the afternoon. The transfer brings us into the mountains. Deep in the Spanish Pyrenees, at the foot of the mountain range of Cavallera, there is the small mountain village of St. Joan de Abadeses. This is the starting point of our trail of bandits. During our first meal together (around 9 pm) we get to know our guide and chat about the upcoming horse riding trek.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Sant Joan de les Abadesses

Day 2 (Monday): High mountains of the Pyrenees
The horses are saddled and we mount up. The trail weaves through a marvelous mountain landscape which appears rugged or soft depending on the season. The air is pleasantly aromatic and there is peacefulness with only the sounds of nature. High above on a mountain range a small roman church enjoys an incomparably beautiful position and invites us for a picnic. In a little mountain village we stay overnight in a cozy hotel, where Joan serves us the 'best' Paella.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Vidrà

Day 3 (Tuesday): High plateau
We are riding to the high plateau of Collsacabra, where the merging of the north and south, Mediterranean Sea and high mountains is a very special sight. Lush meadows and dense beech forests cover the land. Ferns spread over, the jungle sprawls and seems to be impermeable. The temperatures are pleasantly cool, with springs and calm brooks refreshing us on the way. In the heart of the high plateau there is the remote but very cozy farm of Jordi. Here we can only hear the wind in the trees, the singing of the cicadas and the splashing of the brook. In the evening we enjoy a bandit's menu and a glass of wine at an old wooden table, while Joan tells Catalonian stories of desperadoes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Collsacabra

Day 4 (Wednesday): Canyons and table mountains
Brilliantly our agile "Andalusians" climb over an overwhelming landscape. In spring and summer the deep green beech forests blink through grey rock mountains, and on the 'Indian Summer' days of Autumn the forests shimmer like gold, the ambiance reminds us of landscapes in Canada. Vast cattle meadows give us amazing views over valleys and mountains and we stop for a picnic in the open air.
After lunch speedily in trot and canter we approach the abundant table mountains. Here we see canyons and waterfalls and hear the calling of birds of prey that sail above. Like an eagle's nest the small village of Tavertet is located majestically on the edge of a table mountain, where we have a beautiful view looking down at a canyon lake that shines in a deep green below us.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 
Overnight in Tavertet

Day 5 (Thursday): Home of Serrallonga
High on top of the edge of the table mountains we ride to the mountains of Guilleries, home of the bandit Serrallonga, the Catalonian Robin Hood.The view from the 'roof top of Catalonia' over the green mountains is unique. The evergreen and moist landscape is in contrast to the red, brown and silver grey rocks of the table mountains. At a clearing we rest and feel like 'Outlaws' from long ago, then we continue our trek through a mystical jungle like area with ferns that cover the path. At the highest point of the table mountain the monastery 'El Far' rises up majestically. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Catalonia. We stay here overnight and wake the next morning to the sun rising up over the sea.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in El Far

Day 6 (Friday): Garrotxa, Land of the volcanoes
We leave the Guilleries and emerge into the land of volcanoes. The landscape is well cultivated but also has a wildness about it. The extinct volcanoes lie there resting until the end of time. The last eruption was some thousand years ago and only the black lava and some craters remind us of the explosions. In the medieval village Santa Pau we find cozy accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Santa Pau

Day 7 (Saturday): Costa Brava
We trot and canter along the brook "Ser" and leave the area of Garrotxa. The brook leads into the river "Fluvia" which points us towards the Costa Brava. Stone oaks and pines are the dominant trees here and under their pleasant shade we enjoy our "Bandalero" picnic. After a siesta, we ride at good speed towards the medieval town Besalú. Our accommodation for the last night is a hotel right next to the beautiful romantic bridge with a view over the river Fluvià and the town. Before having dinner in the enchanting garden of the restaurant, we have the possibility to stroll through the alleys of Besalú. During our farewell dinner, we discuss the adventures of our horse riding trek.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Besalú

Day 8 (Sunday): Hasta la vista!
After breakfast (approx 9 am) we say goodbye and transfer to Girona or Barcelona.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Bandalero Trail

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Sant Joan de les Abadesses
Airport: Barcelona
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.

• For trails where the weather is inclement, it is vital that you pack correct clothing to keep you warm and dry. Silk vests and thermal underwear will be a good base followed by layers of warm clothes. A good waterproof/windproof coat will prove a good investment. Waterproof trousers and waterproof gloves are light to pack and will be invaluable if it is really wet. Plenty of socks and a spare pair of boots are a good idea.