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
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Sample Itinerary 2021 - 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
It is time to meet our equine companion and to get acquainted with him or
her. Today our route takes us to the sea, we will have an active morning and
afternoon, with many trots and gallops.
We will start crossing cultivated fields, until we find the Ter river, the longest
river in Catalonia that starts in the Pyrenees, we will ride in the last section
until its mouth in the Mediterranean Sea, a very flat area, which will allow us
to enjoy good gallops until you reach the fine sandy beach, where just 2
kilometers inland, are the famous Medes Islands, 7 islands, one of the best
Marine Reserves in the Mediterranean.
From here we will return, passing through the Empordà Wetlands, a coastal
natural reserve of marshes and dunes, with areas for bird watching, it is an
important refuge for migratory birds especially in spring and autumn.
We will continue our route through the agricultural flat where we will stop to
eat and rest; Along the way, we will cross some of the imposing fortified
“Masías” farmhouses, typical houses of this area that served to defend its
inhabitants from pirate attacks in the late Middle Ages.
Once back at our accommodation, we can relax on the terrace with a drink.
Day 2: Pirates & Fortified Farmhouses
It is time to meet our equine companion and to get acquainted with them. Today, our route takes us to the sea. We will have an active morning and afternoon, with many trot and canter opportunities.
We will start by crossing cultivated fields, until we reach the Ter river, the longest river in Catalonia. We will follow it until we reach its mouth, by the Mediterranean Sea, a very flat area, which will allow us to enjoy good canters before arriving at the fine sandy beach. From there, you can spot the Medes Islands, one of the best Marine Reserves in the Mediterranean.
From here, we will return to the stables, passing through the Empordà Wetlands, a coastal natural reserve of marshes and dunes, well known for bird watching. It is an important refuge for migratory birds, especially in spring and autumn. We will continue our route through the agricultural flat where we will stop to eat and rest. Along the way, we will cross some of the imposing fortified “Masías”, typical farmhouses of the area, that served to defend its inhabitants from pirate attacks in the late Middle Ages.
Once back at our accommodation, we can relax on the terrace with a drink.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 3: Discover the Montgrí
Today we will discover the town of Torroella de Montgrí, a town of medieval origin, which currently maintains a balance between modernity and traditional rural life. The pace of today's route will be calm, allowing to enjoy the great scenery. Throughout the day, we will be guarded by the Montgrí Castle (12th century), seating 315m high at the top of the mountain, a unique castle, which is the identity symbol of the Montgrí territory.
We will continue our way entering the Montgrí Natural Park and the lower Ter River. The bare limestone that characterizes the massif contrasts with the Continental Dune forest, a dune-shaped forest up to 30 meters deep. We will ride under the shade of the Mediterranean pine forest. To get closer to the sea, we will take the central path of Montgrí and we wil get closer to the cliffs. From this point, at the eastern end of the natural park, we will have an exceptional view of the sea and the Medes Islands. We will take advantage of this idyllic point to replenish energy with a delicious meal. Then, we will take a break and take the opportunity to walk down to the intimate Cala Pedrosa, where we can take a bath.
After the break, we continue along trails surrounded by scrub and limestone. We will pass by small dry stone buildings that used to shelter shepherds and their flocks. Our route then goes down to the cultivation fields and the river. Along the way, we will identify some “masías” farmhouses with watchtowers, previously used as protection against Pirates.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 4: Medieval Villages
Today's goal is to discover places with history and a lot of charm. We start the day by passing through Fontanilles and Palau-Sator, two small towns of ancient Roman origin and medieval history from the 9th century. We will also visit the village of Peratallada and enjoy some trots and canters between fields and olive groves. Peratallada is one of the most important and best preserved village of medieval Catalan architecture, from the 8th to the 13th centuries. It has beautiful streets carved in stones and the city is totally walled. Here, time seems to have stopped. We will have the possibility to stop for a drink and walk through the streets.
Once back in the saddle, we will continue to Els Clots de Sant Juliá, a truly mysterious place. It is a very emblematic and mysterious ancient quarry that dates back to the pre-Romanesque period. This place is off the beaten path and is the perfect setting for our lunch break. On the way back home, we will make a stop in the village of Canapost, to see the very well preserved necropolis.
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 horses and go out to explore the so-called "Empordanet". This is the name that the locals give to the area of small villages in the interior of the Costa Brava. Today, we will enjoy long trots and canters, with an active morning and a more relaxed afternoon. We will ride through flat agricultural areas and forests, giving us a great feeling of freedom.
We will stop somewhere in the countryside to enjoy our lunch.
We will eventually reach Monells, a small town very well preserved, with a lot of charm, well preserved castle walls and a spectacular square. We will have time to stroll through the quiet cobbled streets.
Them, we get back in the saddle and pass by the Castell d’Empordà, a small nucleus where an impressive 13th century castle-palace is preserved (today converted into a luxurious hotel).
On our way back home, we will find the pearl of the region: the Iberian ruins of Ullastret, the most important and biggest ruins in all of Catalonia (from the 6th century B.C.). The Iberian civilization remains a mystery since no writings are preserved.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 6: River & Beach Ride
Today the route takes us to the beach. This is a very long ride, so we will start early. We will have an active morning enjoying long canters, followed by a more relaxed afternoon.
We will ride along the entire bank of the River Ter until we reach the sea at a place called "La Gola del Ter", a beautiful beach of fine sand. The combination of fresh and salt water and the small marshes and wetlands offer a very rich environment for fauna and flora. We will have time to enjoy and feel this privileged natural setting. From there, our route continues along agricultural pathways to Les Bases d'en Coll, a protected area formed by the mouth of another smaller river, the Daró River, with wetlands creating rice paddies that make up an area of great natural interest.
We will make a stop to eat and rest, before continuing our way through pine forests. We will then go inland, leaving the coast and changing landscape, passing through the foot of the Quermany mountain, until we reach the impressive village of Pals, This is one of the jewels of the area. Located on top of a hill, it was built around to a fortress and has managed to preserve its splendid medieval spirit.
On our way back, we ride through orchards and we might stop in some apple fields where the Mooma cider house is located (we can taste a cider or apple juice). Shortly after we will arrive at our accommodation, where we can rest until dinner time served by our hosts.
This route can also be reversed.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 7: River Ter
On today's ride, we will discover the area on the left and right banks of the Ter River along agricultural roads. The landscape is dotted by small towns, such as Gualta and its medieval bridge from the XVI-XVII century, and Torroella de Montgrí, where we will cross the river, by one of the few bridges in the region.
We will then head west, towards Canet de la Tallada, where we will find a republican anti-aircraft bunker from the Spanish civil war. A little further, along the river, we will find Canet Island, a lock where the water accumulates. It has become a protected reserve for wildlife, especially seabirds.
We will continue until we reach the village of Verges, famous for the Catalan singer-songwriter Lluis Llach and for the procession of "The Dance of Death" for Easter Week. From here, we will ride a wide path to Colomers, a small town surrounded by forest. At this point, we will stop for lunch under the shade of the poplars. Another bridge will allow us to cross the river again; gifting us with one of the best
view of the Ter.
On the other side of the river, we will continue discovering small charming villages such as Sant Romá de Sidilla, an abandoned medieval village where there are remains of a Church and some houses. We will also come across Sant Iscle d'Empordá, a great example of how the inhabitants of past times built the settlements in high areas to avoid flooding caused by the Ter river.
Once back at the farmhouse, we enjoy a farewell dinner with local products.
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.
No riding on Sundays!