Ampurdan and Costa Brava Discovery Ride Catalonia Spain We offer you two options: a long ride (5 riding days) or a short ride (3 riding days). Whatever option you choose, our riding program includes lovely and exciting rides around the Baix Empordà territory: a beautiful place with a temperate climate. You will have the opportunity to discover a land full of historic buildings, exciting civilizations, stunning landscapes, good food, and good wine. An unforgettable experience! Our Spanish horses will make the experience even more authentic and will guide you through the 'Costa Brava'! A lot of canters and gallops through the unspoiled nature, idyllic beaches, green valleys, and beautiful medieval villages await! You will also have the opportunity to bathe with the horses in a river. During this trip, you will be staying in our rural farmhouse full of history, every night, which means that you can fully relax and enjoy your time here. Short Getaway Family Vacation Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Llabià Airport: Girona Transfer: Barcelona airport or Girona airport Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 48 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Group Discounts: 8% OFF for groups of 7+!

 

Rates Note:

** Sunday is non-riding day
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:

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.

Sample Itinerary 2019 - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
In the afternoon, arrival at our rural farmhouse. It is located in the heart of Baix Empordà, in the middle of nature. Before enjoying dinner, we will review the program of the week. We will talk about our horses and have the opportunity to talk one by one to find the perfect horse for each rider (this individual conversation can also take place on the next day in the morning). Then, you can relax and enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner!
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 2: Torroella de Montgrí & Montgrí Natural Park
Today we will leave Llabià and go to Torroella de Montgrí, a town of medieval origin, which currently maintains a balance between modernity and traditional country life. It is guarded by a Castle built in 13th century, perched 322 meters above sea level. We will then continue on our way into the Montgrí Natural Park. The bare limestone that characterizes the massif contrasts with the Continental Dune area, populated by pine trees to fix the sand terraces. Halfway along the route, we will enjoy an exceptional view of the sea and we will take advantage of this idyllic point to replenish energy with a delicious meal.
We will take some rest and go down on foot to Cala Pedrosa, where we can take a bath.
To get back to the horses, we go through paths that are surrounded by scrub and limestone. Once we are back in the saddle, we continue towards farm fields and the Ter River, identifying some masies with guard towers (previously used as protection against pirates) along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 3: Along the Ter River
This morning, the route takes us through cereal and fruit plantations, following the Ter River. This is a very important area for many birds, such as gulls and ducks and many animals can be seen.
Today’s landscape has endless flat trails that will give us the opportunity to enjoy long and exciting canters while enjoying the company of your horse and the silence of nature.
We will walk through narrow streets of small villages chiseled in stone, where the only thing we hear is the sound of the horse's hooves. We will stop to eat in a restaurant with beautiful views and good atmosphere, near the river. Then, we will make our way back to our accommodation among meadows, and beautiful crops. The mountains of Montgrí and its castle will always accompany us on the horizon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 4: Medieval Villages
Our destination for the day is Peratallada. On our way, we will ride through Fontanilles and Palau-Sator, two small villages of ancient Roman origin and medieval history. We will always be surrounded by nature.
Peratallada is one of the most important and best-preserved medieval architectural centers in Catalonia, dating back to the 9th-13th century. The time here seems to have stopped. We will enjoy of a picnic in the village and have some free time to take pictures and walk around. There are many beautiful houses with Gothic and Renaissance windows and arched doorways with carved shields.
Once back at the farmhouse, we will enjoy a relaxing moment in the gardens or in the company of the horses as they wander in the farm’s fields.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 5: Pals
Today we will enjoy long canters among fields of crops and beautiful paths full of olive trees. The landscape is dotted with villages all around us until we reach Pals. If you liked Peratallada and its great history, you will enjoy its sister city: Pals. Pals history dates back to the 9th-15th century and it is one of the stars of the area. A charming stone village with small cobblestone streets and decorated with flowers. It is elevated on a small hill where we can see the sea in the distance. We will stop to eat at a restaurant in the area, enjoying a traditional rice dish. Then, we will savor the sky and the landscape around us, on our ride back to the farm.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 6: Iberian ruins of Ullastret
We will leave after a good breakfast, and having prepared our horses, heading towards Ullastret. We ride through beautiful landscapes, passing through the Gothic town of Ullastret, which preserves a small stone core with sturdy walls that protected it from invasions.
Later on, we will explore the Iberian ruins of Ullastret, the most important and largest ruins in all of Catalonia. We will then continue our journey through the interior of the region, crossing small rural areas, farmhouses and a markedly rural landscape. We will stop to rest and recover strength with a picnic, before riding back to the accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 7: Verges
Today we will have the opportunity to enjoy a longer and more active ride along the Ter River Natural Park. Many birds inhabit the area throughout the year, and the park is surrounded by beautiful fields of fruit trees. This route offers beautiful views of the entire Montgrí mountain range, with its Castle at the top. We will continue on our way to Verges, where we will stop at a local restaurant to eat. Later on, we will make our way back to the farmhouse, where we will have time to rest, talk or continue discovering the area on foot.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 8: L'Empordanet
After a full breakfast, it is time to prepare our four-legged friends and go out to enjoy together the Empordanet (a name that the locals give to the area of small towns from the medieval era, in the interior of the Costa Brava). We can enjoy the freedom of trotting and cantering on flat trails with beautiful views, fresh air and tranquility. We will pass by small villages with stone houses, until we reach our destination of the day: Monells. It is a small town that has been very well conserved, with a lot of charm. We will take a well-deserved time to eat, rest and walk among the quiet cobblestone streets. We will return to our accommodation through Mediterranean pine forests, vineyards, fields and typical Catalan houses.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, end of our services.
Meals included: Breakfast

---

Sample Itinerary 2020 - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
In the afternoon, arrival at our rural farmhouse. It is located in the heart of Baix Empordà, in the middle of nature. Before enjoying dinner, we will review the program of the week. We will talk about our horses and have the opportunity to talk one by one to find the perfect horse for each rider (this individual conversation can also take place on the next day in the morning). Then, you can relax and enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner!
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 2: Torroella de Montgrí & Montgrí Natural Park
Today we will leave Llabià and go to Torroella de Montgrí, a town of medieval origin, which currently maintains a balance between modernity and traditional country life. It is guarded by a Castle built in 13th century, perched 322 meters above sea level. We will then continue on our way into the Montgrí Natural Park. The bare limestone that characterizes the massif contrasts with the Continental Dune area, populated by pine trees to fix the sand terraces. Halfway along the route, we will enjoy an exceptional view of the sea and we will take advantage of this idyllic point to replenish energy with a delicious meal.
We will take some rest and go down on foot to Cala Pedrosa, where we can take a bath.
To get back to the horses, we go through paths that are surrounded by scrub and limestone. Once we are back in the saddle, we continue towards farm fields and the Ter River, identifying some masies with guard towers (previously used as protection against pirates) along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 3: Medieval Villages
Today’s route will have us passing through Fontanilles and Palau-Sator, two small towns of ancient Roman origin and medieval history (9th century). However, we will always be surrounded by nature. This region is famous for its flat and natural terrain as well as its beautiful light. We will also visit Peratallada, one of the most important and best preserved centers of medieval architecture in Catalonia (from the 9th to the 13th centuries). Here, time seems to have stopped. We will take time to visit and enjoy the architecture of the houses with Gothic and Renaissance windows and arched doors with carved shields. We will stop for a drink, before making our way to Els Clots de Sant Julià, where we will have lunch.
Once back at the farmhouse, we will enjoy a relaxing moment in the gardens or in the company of the horses as they wander in the farm’s fields.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 4: Along the Ter River
This morning, we make our way places to Torroella, in order to cross the Ter River. Fields of apple trees, corn and cereals (depending on the season) will escort us. The terrain is practically flat throughout the whole route, which will make it easier for us to increase the pace.
We will arrive in Verges, cradle of the Catalan singer-songwriter Lluis Llach, and continue among fields. This region is highly productive thanks to the proximity of the Ter River. When we arrive in Colomers, we will have lunch to regain strength. Under the shadow of the poplars and with the singing of the water, we will relax to soon make our way back to the farmhouse.
We will pass through Sant Romà de Sidilla an abandoned medieval town where there are remains of a church and also Sant Iscle d'Empordà, an example of how the inhabitants of past eras built the settlements in high elevation to prevent flooding caused by the Ter River.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 5: L'Empordanet
After a complete breakfast, it is time to prepare our four-legged friends and go out to enjoy together the so-called Empordanet (name that the locals give to the area of small towns of medieval origins, located in the interior of the Costa Brava). Our first stop will be at Monells: a small town very well preserved, with a lot of charm (the walls of the old castle are preserved). We will take a well-deserved lunch, rest and stroll through the quiet cobbled streets. On the way back to our farmhouse, we will pass near Catalan masies and the Castell d'Empordà. We will also discover the Iberian ruins of Ullastret, the most important and largest ruins in all of Catalonia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 6: Ride to Pals
Our destination for the day is Pals. Following different sections of the Daró River, we reach El Molí de Pals (15th century), a symbol of the rice culture in the area. When approaching Pals, we must set foot and visit its historic center, taking the opportunity to eat, relax and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of its cobbled streets.
We will pass through Sant Feliu, Sant Julia de Boada and Sant Pau de Fontclara (a former Benedictine monastery with original paintings dating from the 11th century).
Just before going back to the farmhouse, we go up to the Mirador de la Font Pascuala, yo enjoy a spectacular view over the Montgrí, the Mediterranean Sea, the Medes Islands, Pals and Begur. At the viewpoint, we can also see the remains of an Iberian settlement. In the past, this was a prime location due to the elevation (giving good visibility) and the presence of water.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 7: Ride to the Mediterranean Sea
Today, we start early as a long day awaits us. On our way to the beach, we visit two medieval towns and explore a Mediterranean forest. Our ride follows the Playa Grande until the mouth of the river Ter "La Gola" to the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we have an excellent view over the Medes Islands. On the way back, we follow the Ter River.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 8: Departure day
Breakfast and departure.... We hope to see you soon again! (Or why not continue with another week trail in the mountains?)
Meals included: Breakfast

NOTE: Beach rides are not possible during the high season (July to September). However, we can always enjoy ocean views on our horse, and we can walk on the beach without the horses.

                                                    Girona area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	57	59	63	67	73	81	87	87	80	72	63	58
Average Low Temperature (°F)	35	36	40	44	51	59	63	64	58	51	42	37
Average High Temperature (°C)	14	15	17	19	23	27	30	30	27	22	17	14
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	5	7	11	15	17	18	15	11	6	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	4	5	6	7	5	3	4	5	5	4	3

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

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

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
During the stationary ride, all nights are spent at the same location: a beautiful farmhouse near Llabià. 

Description
Our property is a corner of peace in the heart of the Empordà, on the Costa Brava. From here discover its medieval villages between fields of sunflowers and the beautiful beaches and coves of crystalline waters only 9 kilometers away. Our property is a set of two farmhouses (dating back to the 18th century) with a lot of family history - over 6 generations cultivating the land.
Enjoy your time on the terrace, in one of the two swimming pools, at the gym, or visiting our beloved farm. You will always have free WiFi, tourist information in the area, and most importantly, a friendly and close service. There is full cell overage along the routes. Laundry is available for an additional cost.

The rooms are decorated in rural and charming style with a private bathroom with bathtub and hair dryer, TV, air conditioning, heating, and comfortable 150×200 beds. Extra beds are possible for children with an extra charge. Rooms are cleaned daily. The rooms have common spaces with books and magazines.

We also have an apartment that can accommodate up to 4 people. On the ground floor you will find the well-equipped kitchen-dining room with a hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, coffee maker and all the necessary storage. Living room with TV, sofa, wood stove, plus the entire apartment has heating and air conditioning. On the top floor a practical bathroom with shower and hair dryer, two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two single beds, ideal for traveling with children. At the back and with a view to the field there is a private terrace with barbecue, table and chairs.

Room Occupancy
We only charge a single supplement fee for solo riders who wish to have their own private room.



Meals
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day are included.

Breakfast is enjoyed at the farm.
For lunch, we will have a picnic or go to a local restaurant.
As for dinners, they will be at the farmhouse and always include a Catalan or Spanish home-made food including water and wine, with ecological products, celebrating our farmers and their dedicated work.

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 adapted to the riders. It has walk, trot, canter and gallop. 4-6 hours per day. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 48

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. 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. Experienced riders over this weight might be able to ride (please inquire).

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 

 

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.