Mediterranean Trail

Introduction
Catalonia Spain
Join this diverse riding trail through the north-eastern part of Spain, crossing green hilly landscapes and mountains to the beaches of the Mediterranean (we ride between 4 and 7 hours per day, and on 2 days we ride along the beach). You will sleep in comfortable rustic stone houses and family-run farms and hotels.

Highlights of the trip
- Two beach days with speedy gallops
- Spectacular river crossings
- Long canters through rice fields
- Ride through sand dunes and pine forests
- Picnic on the highest point of the steep coast of Costa Brava
- Ride through charming ancient villages
- Swimming in the sea with view on the cliffs of the Medes Isles

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 & 6: Country House in Terradelles
Night 2: Old Mill near Romanya D'Emporda
Night 3: Mas Joncar near Sant Marti d'Ogassa
Night 4:
Night 5:
Night 6:

Country House in Terradelles


Old Mill near 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.

Mas Joncar near Sant Marti d'Ogassa



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 a 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.

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

Riding


Riding Experience
This trip is suitable for intermediate riders who are safe on a well-trained horse at all paces - including a long rising trot and canter. Equestrian experience in open country is a plus. Fitness and experience make several hours in the saddle possible.

Riding Terrain
Ride through forests and meadows and along paved paths through stone villages with spectacular river crossings. Canters along a sandy beach and panoramic views along the Wild Coast are hard to beat.

Pace
This trail is ridden at all gaits, so it is recommended that you know how to connect with your four-legged partner. It is also perfect for experienced riders who usually just train in the arena and would be interested to experience trail rides. Our sure-footed horses provide the necessary security in this varied terrain. Every day you will spend 4-7 hours in the saddle. 

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 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

Note: This itinerary is a general guideline and in order to offer our customers the best riding holiday experience we often makes changes. Depending on the season, the weather and national holidays, we may make alterations to itineraries at short-notice. Trails can be ridden in both directions. We endeavour to ensure that our high standards of quality are maintained and reflected in the alternatives we choose.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to your first night accommodation, a typical Catalan rustic stone house dating back to the 16th century. From here you overlook green meadows and forests. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting.
Please, note that dinner is served at about 9pm tonight.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Country House in Terradelles

Day 2: Catalan Jungle
We ride through thick oak and pine forests and leave the village towards the mountains. In a hidden valley, we cross a small stream. Some sun rays pierce the deep green of a tropical-looking jungle. Bamboo trees border the path, and high up creepers and vines grow around the trees. We are in Spain, but the atmosphere reminds us of Costa Rica.
The River Fluvia winds through a hilly terrain. We ride through the lovely river valleys and discover a nice place for our first picnic. In the afternoon, we continue on our way trotting and cantering, until we arrive at a beautiful old mill near to the river; our accommodation for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Old Mill near Romanya D'Emporda

Day 3: Wild Costa Brava
The River Fluvia winds its way through the country to the sea. On a small lake, a friendly Catalan named Dani welcomes us with a glass of cava, the Catalan champagne, and a mid day table prepared with love.
After lunch, we follow the river Fluvia. We cross the river and ride through a wild river landscape. At its estuary, we have a spectacular view of the Gulf of Roses. We are at the Mediterranean Sea in Spain!
A palm grove leads us to the cosy country house "Mas Joncar". With a drink on the terrace we let the day end. If you want to, you can have a refreshing bath in the "natural stone pool" before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mas Joncar near Sant Marti d'Ogassa

Day 4: Beach Ride
With the sunrise, we see a kilometer-long sandy beach. The water splashes, the sand flies, we canter along the surf. The horses play with the waves and we try to stay dry. The canter along the beach is an unforgettable experience!
The path gently follows through the continental sand dunes and the Mediterranean pine forest up to the rugged mountain massif Montgri. On top of the cliff, we are rewarded with a fantastic view of the endless sea. Seabirds glide over the coast in the wind. In the scent of lavender, rosemary, and thyme we strengthen ourselves with a delicious saddle bag picnic.
Later we descend into the plain of the River Ter. With long canters through the river dykes we reach again the Mediterranean Sea. We can enjoy the sunset at the beach or in the swimming pool of the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight near Sant Pere Pescador

Day 5: Catalan Coast
Right after breakfast, we are back at the beach! In front of us we see the protected islands of "Medes". A canter through the soft sand of the bay brings us into the rice fields of the wide plain, up to the pine trees near the coast. We pass the pearls of the Catalan coast: Pals, Palau-Sator and Peretallada. Old city walls surround the nested rustic stone houses. On the patterned paving stones of the narrow streets, we can still see the grooves and bursts of the horse-drawn carts of the past days. In this medieval atmosphere, Dolores and Luis await us at their comfortable accommodation. In the evening, the householders offer a delicious barbecue with meat and vegetables from the garden.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight near Palafrugell

Day 6: Last Ride 
The terrain is flat, the ground soft and sandy. At a fast pace, our well-trained horses trot and canter to the river "El Ter". Fruit plantations alternate with grain fields and deep green poplar forests which give us the necessary shade. On a romantic hillside, next to a small church, we see a red-and-white tablecloth shining. We look forward to another, delicious picnic from Dani.
After a siesta, we ride though a softly curved hillside landscape back to our horse farm.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Country House in Terradelles

Day 7: Hasta la vista
Breakfast at 9:00am, then transfer to the airport of Girona or Barcelona.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Mediterranean Trail

Dates Note:

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

Climate:
                                                    Girona area

• Some riding helmets are very lightweight and are vented, which means they are more comfortable in hot weather, we have a limited supply of basic helmets so we advise that you bring your own.

• A pair of comfortable boots with a good grip is very important. There are boots on the market which you can use for riding but are also excellent if the terrain dictates that you walk beside your horse for a while. We recommend an ankle boot with half-leg chaps as they are a favourite for comfort both while riding and walking. In the mountains, you will need to lead your horse downhill on rocky terrain.

• Riding trousers or jodhpurs together with half-leg chaps will ensure you are comfortable for long hours in the saddle. Two pairs of trousers or jodhpurs are usually enough.

• 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.