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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Spain
Intro to Spain
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also:
Hiking in Spain
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Spanish Beaches Adventure
Catalonia
Spain
This trip lets you ride through the Costa Brava from North to South, enjoying the best that it has to offer!
We will ride two loops from our farmhouse; allowing us to discover the beautiful beach of Pals, as well as natural parks and incredibly well-preserved medieval villages. Catalonia is full of spectacular towns and villages, surprisingly untouched by the passing of time, but it is also full of wild and unspoiled landscapes waiting to be discovered.
We will be riding through the typical landscape of Empordà. Our journey starts with the discovery of gorgeous medieval villages, continues with the peaceful mountainous landscape of Las Gavarras, and finally ends with a fantastic ride on the beach.
This beach ride will be without doubt one of the highlights of the trip! Kilometers of golden sandy beach by the Mediterranean Sea are the delight of any rider.
If you do not have a full week for your horseback holidays and you want to enjoy the beach and the mountains: this is the perfect ride for you!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Llabià
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Airport:
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Girona
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Transfer:
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Barcelona airport or Girona airport
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2020
Rates include*:
Accommodations, meals (water and wine included), 3 riding days, tourist tax & free transfer from Girona
Non-riders: breakfast, dinner, and accommodations included, but must bring own car.
| A | 2020 | 5 day trip, AP (high) | 5d / 4n | €865 | $995 |
| B | 2020 | 5 day trip, AP (low) | 5d / 4n | €765 | $880 |
8% OFF for groups of 7+!
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
For single person willing to share: if we are unable to find another person to share the room with you within 15 days of trip departure, you must pay the single supplement fee (to be paid locally).
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2020
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Transfer from Girona airport or train station included at set times
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€
0
|
$0
|
|
2020
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Non-rider rate, pp (half board - sharing room with rider)
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€
380
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$440
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2020
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Small group supplement (3 pax), pp
|
€
105
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$120
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|
2020
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Private transfer from Barcelona, per car (up to 4 pax), one way
|
€
245
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$295
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2020
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Private transfer from Girona, per car (up to 4 pax), one way
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€
85
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$105
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|
2020
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Discount for children from ages 12-17 years- please inquire
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€
0
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$0
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|
2020
|
Discounts for groups from 7 to 12 - please inquire
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2020
|
Extra cost for private groups of less than 7 pax – please inquire
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2020
|
Single supplement (if requested)
- to be paid locally
|
€
120
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$140
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Pick-up from Barcelona airport at 6:00 pm or from Girona airport at 7:30 pm.
Drop off at Girona airport for 10:30 am or at Barcelona airport for noon.
Tour Dates for 2020
Check here for details and availability
|
| B |
2020
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02/19
- 02/23
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (low)
|
4
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
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03/18
- 03/22
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (low)
|
4
/8
|
Reserve
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| A |
2020
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04/29
- 05/03
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (high)
|
4
/8
|
Reserve
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| A |
2020
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05/30
- 06/03
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (high)
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2020
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06/17
- 06/21
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5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP (high)
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2020
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09/30
- 10/04
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (high)
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2020
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10/21
- 10/25
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (high)
|
4
/8
|
Reserve
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| B |
2020
|
11/18
- 11/22
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (low)
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4
/8
|
Reserve
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| B |
2020
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12/02
- 12/06
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (low)
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4
/8
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Reserve
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There is the possibility of expanding your stay before or after the program - inquire for price (to be paid locally)
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Rates do not include:
Non rider rates do not include lunches
Single travellers: No single supplement if willing to share.
Transfers from Barcelona airport,
Extra drinks.
Sample Itinerary: 5-day program - subject to changes
Day 1 (Wednesday): Welcome
You will arrive at our farmhouse. Before dinner, we will go over the week’s program and learn more about the special characteristics of our horses. You will be given an introduction to the week’s program with an opportunity for a one to one conversation designed to find every rider’s perfect horse (this individual conversation could take place on the next day in the morning instead). Then, you will enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner!
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse
Day 2 (Thursday): Medieval Villages
The ride takes us through the best preserved medieval towns in Spain. You will cross beautiful medieval villages and the cities that will become quaint terracotta colored settlements the closer you get to them. The small Palau-Sator and incredible Peratallada, are villages of medieval origin completely walled in order to preserve the defensive pit, tower, castle and palace. We will then continue our ride through fields of oaks and pines until we reach our accommodation. It is a country house dating back to the 18th century, located at the foot of the hills of Gavarres. Here, we can enjoy the pool and the pleasant atmosphere of a good homemade dinner with local products.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mas Masaller in Cruilles
Day 3 (Friday): The Gavarres Park
Today we will cross the mountains of the Gavarres towards the beach of Pals. The Gavarres Park has an extensive network of trails that will allow you to discover the most important cork oaks and pine forests of Catalonia. The vegetation here is rich, shaded by mountain streams, and the forests are made up of oak, hazel and chestnut trees, in contrast to the rest of the predominantly Mediterranean territory. We will have time for a complete meal and be able to recover strength. Then, we will continue the trail passing through the beautiful medieval village of Pals, with history dating back to the 9th-15th century. It is one of the stars of the area with charming stone houses and small cobblestone streets decorated with flowers. It sits on the top of a small hill where we can see the sea in the distance, offering spectacular views. We will continue a little further, until we reach our hotel, just 5 minutes walk from the beach, where we can relax, rest or walk along the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Aparthotel Gold Beach in Pals Beach
Day 4 (Saturday): Beach of Pals
Today we will start early. Shortly after sunrise, after taking breakfast at the hotel, we will prepare our horses and we will go to the beach along a flat territory made out of wetlands and rice plantations. We will arrive at the long beach of Pals, surrounded by dunes and pines. This beach has magnificent views over the Medes Islands, one of the most photographed panoramas of the Costa Brava. We will prepare for the gallop, and together with our four-legged friends, we will play with the waves and the foam. We will continue all the way back to the farmhouse, with the Ter River as a companion and through paths of crops.
Before going back to our accommodation, we will climb the hill to say goodbye with the best possible panorama: the sea in the distance with the three Medes Islands. In the evening, we will have time to relax, talk, sunbathe or swim in the pool.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse
Day 5 (Sunday): Departure
Departure after breakfast. We hope to see you soon in another adventure!
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: Beach rides are not possible during the high season (July to September)
Meeting:
Llabià
Airport:
Girona
Train station:
Girona
Transfer:
Barcelona airport or Girona airport
Distance:
45 km / 28 miles
Pick-up from Barcelona airport at 6:00 pm or from Girona airport at 7:30 pm.
Drop off at Girona airport for 10:30 am or at Barcelona airport for noon.
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Tack:
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English with saddlebags.
Some Western saddles available.
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Horses:
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Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds.
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Pace:
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Trail with long gallops, canters, and trots. 4-6 hours per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
90kg
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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Riding Experience
You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain. All the rides are aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also fairly fit and riding regularly.
Participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle. There are also places on the rides where you will need to dismount and lead your horse - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day.
Riders are expected to tack up their own horses. Our guides will show you how if you are unfamiliar and will double check that tack is properly placed every day before you ride.
Horses
We currently have 21 horses. They are all kept together as a herd so have developed a close bond. They are Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds, well-trained and cared for. We work with them daily by techniques of natural dressage and Parelli to improve horse-rider communication and thus ensure a good development of the trail.
The horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water. A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders.
Pace
We spend on average 4-6 hours on horseback per day (6 or 3 riding days total – depending on the program chosen). The pace is moderate with plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop.
Weight Limit
Max 90 kg (~200lbs). We reserve the right to exceptionally check on riders weigh. Riders far over this weigh will not be able to ride.
Guides
We have 4 guides (1 per every 8 riders) who have the necessary qualifications and experience guiding groups and horses. Guides are first aid trained and always carry a first aid kit with them. Our guides are all fluent in English. If you are interested in another language, do not hesitate to ask. We may have a German or French speaking guide available.
Guides always carry a mobile phone while riding and coverage is available throughout the route.
Note: A travel insurance is required to take part in this trip!
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
Torroella de Montgrí area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
|
57
|
59
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63
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67
|
73
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81
|
87
|
87
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80
|
72
|
63
|
58
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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35
|
36
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40
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44
|
51
|
59
|
63
|
64
|
58
|
51
|
42
|
37
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|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
14
|
15
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
27
|
30
|
30
|
27
|
22
|
17
|
14
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|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
2
|
2
|
5
|
7
|
11
|
15
|
17
|
18
|
15
|
11
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6
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3
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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4
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4
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5
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6
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7
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5
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3
|
4
|
5
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5
|
4
|
3
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The overall climate of Catalonia is similar to Southern California. It enjoys a balmy, year-round climate; not too steamy in summer and with a few cold days in winter. July and August are the warmest months and December, January and February are the coldest months.
*Send us a copy your travel insurance policy - with your reservation (or shortly after). All non-insured riders will not be allowed on the trail -- bring along a copy as well
- Helmets are mandatory and available to borrow but we highly recommend bringing your own if possible; there is no guarantee otherwise for your fit and comfort!
- We recommend wearing jodhpurs, as these protect your legs from soreness of jean seams, and you will find a light-weight, cotton pair the most comfortable during the summer months. You may want to bring two pairs.
- Your riding boots should have a sole with a safe tread and be comfortable for walking, as you are certain to lead your horse on some occasions. Paddock boots and half-chaps are the most flexible combination for comfort and leg protection than tall riding boots.
- A long-sleeved shirt for protection against the sun and against scratches when riding through undergrowth.
- A light cotton scarf can help to avoid breathing in too much dust in dry areas.
- Bring sunglasses, also to protect your eyes from dust.
- We strongly recommend bringing a water-bottle which can be refilled en-route; these can be carried in the saddle-bags provided.
- Rain gear suitable for riding should be carried along, particularly during the months from November through April. It is essential that you bring good wet weather gear. Although it rains very little, when it does it is normally a heavy downpour, consequently a jacket or cape and waterproof trousers are a good idea.
- Good sun protection - gloves, sunscreen, and hat with a chin strap, sunglasses with straps!
- A swimsuit, towel, shorts, and a windbreaker should also be taken.
- A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.
- Attire on the ride daytime and evening, is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring dressier evening clothing.
- Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available - bring plenty. And make sure you have plentiful batteries.
- It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all the hotels supply it.
Don’t forget your Passport!
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
| |
| RIDING GEAR |
| Normal riding gear, no rubber boots, please |
| Light pants without any strong seams |
| Ankle-high solid shoes with flat heels |
| Long sleeved cotton shirts (sun protection) |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Light gloves, if wanted |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| |
| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Lightweight jacket or vest |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
| |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| 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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
|
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night. There is full cell overage along the routes.
Description
On the trail during the week you will be accommodated at specially selected small, high quality rural hotels/inns characteristic of the area (note: at one of the inns, the rooms are not all en-suite) for a most authentic Catalonian trip.
5-day trip Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 4: Farmhouse in Llabià
Night 2: Mas Masaller in Cruilles
Night 3: Aparthotel Gold Beach in Pals Beach
Farmhouse in Llabià
This charming farmhouse is over 200 years old and provides comfortable rooms, uniquely decorated with objects from the farm. The rooms all come equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, heating, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with bath. It is possible to add extra beds for children with an extra charge. There are common areas where guests can relax, have a chat or read a book. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a garden.
Mas Masaller in Cruilles
Recently renovated (2010), this rural accommodation provides tastefully decorated bedrooms, featuring antiques, en-suite bathroom, heating and fan, a TV and free Wi-Fi. The old vegetable garden is now home to a children’s playground, a Ping-Pong table and an outdoor pool. Guests are also welcome to relax in the shared areas.
Aparthotel Golf Beach in Pals Beach
This hotel is surrounded by a forest and is only meters away from Pals beach. The rooms all come equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, a kettle, a private bathroom and a small terrace or balcony. The hotel also has an outdoor free Wi-Fi access, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a mini golf.
Room Occupancy
We do not charge a single supplement if you are willing to share.
Meals
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day are included.
Breakfast is enjoyed at the hotel.
We will have a picnic for lunch, including local homemade food and drinks (including wine).
As for dinners, they will be in the hotels where we sleep and always include a Catalan or Spanish home-made food including water and wine.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
English with saddlebags.
Some Western saddles available.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds.
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Trail with long gallops, canters, and trots. 4-6 hours per day.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
16
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
90kg
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
Riding Experience
You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain. All the rides are aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also fairly fit and riding regularly.
Participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle. There are also places on the rides where you will need to dismount and lead your horse - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day.
Riders are expected to tack up their own horses. Our guides will show you how if you are unfamiliar and will double check that tack is properly placed every day before you ride.
Horses
We currently have 21 horses. They are all kept together as a herd so have developed a close bond. They are Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds, well-trained and cared for. We work with them daily by techniques of natural dressage and Parelli to improve horse-rider communication and thus ensure a good development of the trail.
The horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water. A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders.
Pace
We spend on average 4-6 hours on horseback per day (6 or 3 riding days total – depending on the program chosen). The pace is moderate with plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop.
Weight Limit
Max 90 kg (~200lbs). We reserve the right to exceptionally check on riders weigh. Riders far over this weigh will not be able to ride.
Guides
We have 4 guides (1 per every 8 riders) who have the necessary qualifications and experience guiding groups and horses. Guides are first aid trained and always carry a first aid kit with them. Our guides are all fluent in English. If you are interested in another language, do not hesitate to ask. We may have a German or French speaking guide available.
Guides always carry a mobile phone while riding and coverage is available throughout the route.
Note: A travel insurance is required to take part in this trip!
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.
|
|
|
|
Spanish Beaches Adventure
Tour Code:
HT-SPCA06
5 days /
4 nights
~$995.00
Dates :
Mar- May, Oct- Nov
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. |
|