Mountain and Sea Ride Catalonia Spain This progressive ride will allow you to explore the Baix Empordà and the Costa Brava: two beautiful natural areas. The mountains and sea will accompany us all along our ride. During this trip, you will learn about the history of the region from the Megalithic era to present times. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Meeting: Llabià Airport: Girona Transfer: Girona train station Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

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:

Pick-up/ drop-off is included from Girona train station at set times.
Pick-up from Girona train station at 7:30pm on Day 1.
Departure from accommodation at 9:30 am on the last day of the trip.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Sometimes changes can be made to the program, due to weather conditions, and / or special situations that are beyond our control; always under the responsibility and trust of our guides.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Pick up at the airport (depending on travel conditions) or by your own means to our rural farmhouse and equestrian center. Once you arrive, you will receive all the information about the routes, points of interest, as well as other points that may have relevance for a good development of your holidays on horseback.
Dinner will be with all the other riders so that everyone has their first contact and we can start feeling like a team.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 2 (Monday): Route of the Pirates & Fortified Masias
It is time to make contact with our companions and become familiar with them. Then we start our ride along a quiet and calm route to the Ter River. We ride towards Montgrí, passing by fortified farmhouses. You will be able to see how theses farmhouses were able to defend their inhabitants when there were pirate attacks. Then, we will continue passing by the bottom of Montgrí, until we get to the beach. Later on, we will cross the river and make our way back to the accommodation. On our way, we will go through apple crops and fields that used to be ponds and wetlands.
Riding time: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 3 (Tuesday): Medieval Villages of Catalonia
Today we are going to make our way to the mountains, getting closer to some medieval villages. In Peratallada, Canapost, Castell d'Empordà, Monells, Cruilles we will see stone constructions from the medieval period. Then, we will arrive at the Mas Masaller accommodation where after setting up the horses, we can rest in a quiet environment. In the evening, we can savor some traditional dishes prepared by Joan and Marta.
Riding time: 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mas Masaller in Cruilles

Day 4 (Wednesday): "Romantic" Mirador of Costa Brava
Today’s route takes us through cork oaks and chestnut trees, passing through St Cebriá de Lladó, "Els Metges" of Romanesque times. We enjoy unbeatable views from the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava. Next, we find the first megalithic vestige, a dolmen at the strategic viewpoint of “Puig d'Arques”. Then, we make our way to our accommodation for tonight. We will go through narrow paths and we will find the hermitage of Sta Llucia d'Arboç, another example of Romanesque construction.
Riding time: 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mas Masaller in Cruilles

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride through History
After a good breakfast, we will head to the beach. On the way, we will be able to see old ice wells (abundant in the vicinity), the Dolmen "Tres Peus" (one of the most well preserved megalithic monuments of the area) and then we will enjoy the wide views over the whole plain with the blue Mediterranean Sea to accompany us. We will stop at some monuments such as the church of Sta. Coloma de Fitor, dating from the 10th century. We ride through forests and Roman trails, surrounding the medieval village of Pals, where we will be accommodated tonight, just a few meters away from the beach. Once the horses have been fed, we can have a nice rest in the cozy accommodation or go for a walk to the fine sand beach of Playa del Racó.
Riding time: 5.5 to 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Pals

Day 6 (Friday): In the Heart of the Costa Brava
Today, we are going to make a circular ride passing through old mines and paths with holm oaks, cork oaks and pines, going to a high viewpoint where we can contemplate this beautiful landscape: Queremany. This viewpoint has splendid views of the beach of Pals, where some historians say that you were able to see the departure of Christopher Columbus’s ships on his first trip to America. With this beautiful scenery surrounding us, we will continue our way to Pals and our accommodation.
Riding time: 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Pals

Day 7 (Saturday): Between the Ter River, the Sea & the Rice Fields
We depart very early. There is the possibility of riding on the beach but we have to keep in mind that we are inside a natural park and there may be restrictions. We follow the entire beach to the mouth of the Ter River and we leave the sea behind, riding through apple trees and rice crops, where, depending on the time of year, we can enjoy magnificent rice fields: the Arrós of Pals. Tonight, we will taste a good rice casserole to close this magnificent trip.
Riding time: 5.5 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
With the memory of having shared amazing times together, everyone will head back home after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast,

Beach Rides are not possible during the high season (July to September)




Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback. 

                                                    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
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night. There is full cell overage along the routes.

Description
the trail during the week you will be accommodated at specially selected small, high quality rural hotels/inns characteristic of the area (at one of the inns, the rooms are not all en-suite) for an authentic Catalonian getaway.
Wi-Fi is available at all accommodations.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1, 2 & 7: Farmhouse in Llabià  
Nights 3 & 4: Mas Massaller in Cruilles
Nights 5 & 6: Hotel in Pals



Farmhouse in Llabià 
Stay in a lovely 17th century stone farmhouse located deep in the heart of the countryside and which has been recently restored to a very high standard, incorporating all the modern conveniences. All rooms are decorated in rural and charming style and they have 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.
There are common spaces with books and magazines to rest, read or chat. The property also has 2 outdoor pools, a gym and free Wi-Fi access.

Mas Massaller in Cruïlles
Reformed in 2010, Mas Masaller has 6 spacious bedrooms, all equipped with en-suite bathroom, heating and fan, TV with USB connection and free Wi-Fi.

Aparthotel Golf Beach in Pals
This hotel is located just outside of Pals, only a few hundred meters away from the beach. The rooms are simply decorated and all feature a TV, private facilities and free Wi-Fi access. There is also an outdoor pool where guests can cool off.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find you a roommate, the single supplement fee will need to be paid locally.



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

Catalonia produces an extraordinary variety of food including wild mushrooms and game meat from the Pyrenees, olives, grapes and wheat from the hilly heartland, all kinds of fruits, vegetables and nuts from the irrigated lowlands, rice and fish from the river deltas and a great variety of fish and shellfish from the coastline. During this trip, we try to make you discover as much local food as possible.

Breakfast is enjoyed at the hotel and is usually buffet style (sausages, cheese, bread, pastries, cereals, juice, tea & coffee...).
We will have a picnic for lunch, including local homemade food and drinks (including wine).
As for dinners, they will be in the hotels and always include a Catalan or Spanish home-made dish with 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 front and back saddlebags.
Horses:		Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds.
Pace:		walk, trot and some long canters. 5-7 hours hrs in the saddle each day. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 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, mainly Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds. They are all kept together as a herd so they have developed a close bond. All our horses live together in semi-freedom, in an area of more than 60,000 m2, featuring different environments (holm oak forest and fields with forage). 
They are 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 5-6 hours on horseback per day. The pace is moderate with plenty of opportunities to canter.

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 the weight limit 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.