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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Spain
Intro to Spain
Catalonia Central Spain Galicia Mallorca/Menorca Southern Spain
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also:
Hiking in Spain
Cycling in Spain
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Island Monasteries and History Ride
Mallorca/Menorca
Spain
Mallorca, renowned for its climate, beaches and fields, possesses all the
natural conditions for an enjoyable and adventurous riding vacation. The beautiful, wide open countryside of Mallorca
is perfect for exploring on horseback. From the towering mountains to the lush
olive groves there is a place in Mallorca to suit all tastes. Add to this equation hundreds of years of history and
culture and you’ve got a truly memorable experience.
Over five wonderful riding days we visit five acclaimed monasteries, each
which play an important role in Mallorca’s historical island heritage. Spend
these days riding along sandy paths and through great Mallorcan plantations
while admiring the large estate manor houses – locals have planted crops and
vines to grow some of the best wines in the region.
The rides are varied from flat, open areas to rolling hills and steep
ascents to the monasteries – usually built on top of a hill and ensuring beautiful
vistas from each monastery. Along the ride, an experienced equestrian guide
will introduce riders to the history and culture of Mallorca – there are many
interesting stories to tell! A support vehicle is always on hand to meet the
riders for lunch on long day treks.
Highlights
Monastery of Bon Any (near Petra)
Monastery of Betle and Son Serra Beaches (Arta)
Monastery of Montision (Porreras)
Monastery of Randa (Lluchmayor)
Monastery of Sant Salvador (Felantix)
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Progressive Ride (no camping) Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Felanitx
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Airport:
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Palma de Mallorca
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Transfer:
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from Palma de Mallorca airport included between 2 and 5 PM
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
7 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodations, meals, 6 riding days.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €1270 | $1650 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Palma Airport - return
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
95
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$125
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Tour Dates for 2013
Arrival on Sunday.
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Rates do not include:
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Non rider rates do not include lunches and dinners.
Day 1 - Pick up from the airport up and transfer to the estate and riding center. Check in, visit the stables, meet your guide with a welcome cocktail.
Day 2 - In the morning we get acquainted with the horses during a morning lesson in the arena. In the afternoon everyone joins in on a first trail ride.
Day 3 Monastery of BON ANY (Petra)
Son Vaquer, Son Ramonet , Es Pagos, Villafranca, Bonany, Sa Franquesa, Son Vaquer.
Leaving from Son Vaquer, we´ll head towards “Es Rafalet”, an area which is made up of a series of farms and located on the plains of Mallorca. There we´ll have the opportunity to canter over its wide and flat fields towards the town of Villafranca, renown for its farm products as melons, watermelons, garlic...
After we ride past the town, we start the climb through the pine covered mountains toward the Bonany Santuery, built in 1606, where we meet our support vehicle.
After a quick snack, we visit the monastery and then start the descent through very narrow paths until we reach the plain. On our way we pass near an old and abandoned clay mine where the local artisans got their raw materials to make pottery. We ride past different farms on the way to our final destination of Son Vaquer.
Approximately 7 hours.
Day 4 Son Serra Beaches and Betlem
Son Serra, Son Serra de Marina, S´Estanyol, Cala de S´Estret, Colonia de Sant Pere, Caló d´es Cans, Ermita de Betlem, Caló d´es Cans, Colonia de Sant Pere, “Ravena”, Son Serra.
We prepare our horses at Son Serra and then ride by the sea through sand dunes and pine woods until we reach S´Estanyol. Keeping by the water, we ride through Cala S´Estret, and the fisherman's town of Colonia de Sant Pere, following the coast we cross over to Es Caló d´es Cans. From Es Caló d´es Cans by way of an old path carved in the mountain itself we ride up to the monastery until we reach Betlem´s Hermitage (founded in 1805), located in an unpopulated and wild area, a haven of peace and meditation, set in the old Muslim settlement of Binialgorfa. From this point we can enjoy a spectacular view of the Alcudia Bay and “Sierra de Llevant”. After our visit to the monastery we start the descent to the beach were we can stop for a swim and snack.Finally we ride through the Ravena forest and giant dunes till we arrive at the starting point, where our ground team will meet up with us and assist in our return trip. Approximately 6.5 hours
Day 5 MONTISSION
Es Pagos, Porreras, Montission, Porreras.
Leaving from the antique “Es Pagos” farm which dates back to the year 1664, we will canter over the plains until arriving at a wooded area. On our way we will pass by an abandoned cement factory and cross through the ancient narrow streets of the town of Porreras from which we start the ascent to Montission.
The support vehicle will be waiting for us at the Monastery, which was built in 1339. After visiting the site and having our morning brunch we head back down the mountain, passing through the town of Porreras by way of alternate trails enjoying the surroundings fields. We finish our excursion upon arriving at the “Es Pagos” farm.
Approximately 6-7 hours
Day 6 RANDA
Son Coll Nou-Castellitx de la Pau-Font de Castellitx-Sa Coma-Can Moll-Can Monjo-Son Segui-Son Saleta-Es Camí de Ses voltes-Gracia Monastery and Nuestra señora de Cura Sanctuary. Son Pons-Binilegant Vell- Son Lleo- Can Galluso and Can Mas.
We leave from a farm in Algaida and head towards a field in Castellitx de la Pau, which is a farm that dates back to XIII century.
After passing by various farms, we will be able to see the great bolder of Galdent, which is over 420 m high. We will then travel up to the hills of Randa using mountains trails which meander through pine woods. The hills of Randa, which rise up to 500m over sea level is the highest point in the hills; the lowest point being the Sanctuary of Nuestra señora de Gracia, which is known for its special surroundings, almost incrusted in the mountain and surrounded by woods, flowers and mountain nesting birds.
A few minutes higher up the trail we find the Sanctuary of Sant Honorat, which is the smallest and most picturesque of the three, with its small pastoral church, walled and a Victorian garden. At the top of the mountain will find the biggest Sanctuary of Nuestra señora de Cura, founded in 1275. When we arrive we tie up the horses, let them drink and eat and then we enjoy the spectacular Monastery, which is actually inhabited by monks that keep the buildings and surrounding in excellent conditions. We will be able to buy original gifts such as artisan liquors and elaborated with antique recipes. After the visit we will enjoy a brunch.
After we have prepared the horses again we return coming down the mountain by way of twisting trails through the woods, which pass by the fields of Son Pons and Can Galluso, and then we canter down the trail between fields of flowers.
Once we arrive at our departing point we find the mini-bus and the horse trailer which will bring us back in about 25 minutes, and at that time it will possible to use the SPA before dinner.
Approximately 6 hours
Day 7 Monastery of San Salvador (Felanitx)
A four hour ride will take us up to the Monastery of Sant Salvador. Returning back by mid afternoon.
Day 8 Departure
Departure after breakfast and transfer to the airport.
Meeting:
Felanitx
Airport:
Palma de Mallorca
Transfer:
from Palma de Mallorca airport included between 2 and 5 PM
Distance:
50 miles
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Andalusian, Spanish Cross
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Pace:
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Moderately slow with trots and some controlled canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
7 riders
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Additional private dressage instructions (on Andalusian stallions or geldings) can be arranged with prior notice.
Riders take care of their own horses (brush, saddle, unsaddle ...)
On two of the days you and your horses will transfer to the northern part of the island for your riding excursions.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
The beautiful island of Mallorca boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine each year.
Mallorca is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers in the high 20°s (low 80°Fs) and mild winters, with the temperatures roughly half that of summer.
The sea regulates extreme temperatures and pleasant sea breezes also keep hot days from becoming too unpleasant.
Mallorca experiences irregular rainfall, mostly tending to fall between autumn and winter.
Untitled 2
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This list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Normal riding gear, no rubber boots, please |
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Light pants without any strong seams |
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Ankle-high solid shoes with flat heels |
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Long sleeved cotton shirts (sun protection) |
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
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Light gloves, if wanted |
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Lightweight jacket or vest |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear and socks |
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Pyjama |
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Bag for dirty clothes |
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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Swimsuit |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS
TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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..view other reports for different trips
There is a comfortable and
rustic-style country farmhouse (finca) with a swimming pool, each room
or small cabin has a mini-bar, phone, satellite TV, a safe, a fan, air
conditioning, central heating and is designed to reflect the local
culture.
The on-site spa offers a range of treatments to riders and is a great
way to relax at the end of the day. The finca is about 20 minute drive
away from the beach (rental car needed).
Restaurant:
The restaurant serves Mediterranean food and local dishes. During the
summer, meals are served on the terrace. Also barbecues in the garden.
Vegetarian menus are available with prior notice. We have not included
lunches and dinners, but you can order them locally or venture out and
sample some of the excellent restaurants in the area.
Breakfast is included in your stay. Daily dinners are available for approx Euro 17 each.
Facilities
The swimming pool is surrounded by a typical Mallorcan terrace with sun
beds to relax in. The new small Spa facility is well done and offers
many options from massages, wraps, manicures, facials etc.
Body massage
Facial Treatment
Seaweed bath
Body Wrap
Equestrian: Dressage and jumping arenas, excellent stables, clubhouse.
As well as the trail center, the finca also houses a thriving Andalusian
stud and you are welcome to walk around the paddocks of the mares and
foals, the yearlings and two year old.
The surrounding landscape and the quality of the horses allows pleasant
and exciting excursions. The instructors are very experienced and speak
several languages.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Andalusian, Spanish Cross
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Pace:
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Moderately slow with trots and some controlled canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
7 riders
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Additional private dressage instructions (on Andalusian stallions or geldings) can be arranged with prior notice.
Riders take care of their own horses (brush, saddle, unsaddle ...)
On two of the days you and your horses will transfer to the northern part of the island for your riding excursions.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Island Monasteries and History Ride
Tour Code:
PG-SMM8
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,650.00
Dates :
Jan to Oct
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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