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from £1,605 or €1,840
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Included – All riding, full board accommodation, wine with dinner.
Excluded – Flights, transfers, soft drinks & alcohol, coffee at dinner & tips. NOTE There may be some meals that are not included, which we will specify at time of booking, but no more than 3 meals on any one ride and no more than €30 per meal to be paid directly.
Mediterranean Trail: Dates 2023
5 – 11, 12 – 18 & 19 -25 February
5 – 11 & 12 – 18 March
1 – 7 & 23 – 29 April
1 – 7 May
17 – 23 September
1 – 7 & 7 – 13 October
5 – 11, 19 – 25 November & 26 November – 2 December
10 – 16 December
Wild Coast Pirate Trail: Dates 2023
26 March – 1 April
10 – 16 April
11 – 17 September
19 – 25 November
26 November – 2 December
10 – 16 December
Mountain & Sea Trail / Fresh & Salt Water: Dates 2023
25 June – 1 July
16 – 22 July
Mountain & Coast Outlaw Trail – Spain & France: Dates 2023
15 – 22 October
12 – 19 November
Getting There
International flight to Girona or Barcelona.
Transfer
Arrival Barcelona Airport
Group transfer at 5:30 pm. It’s in front of the Café TRAMOYA at the Group Meeting Point North located opposite the “Oficina de Turisme” (after the customs on the right) at Terminal 1. If clients arrive at Terminal T2, there is a shuttle bus every five minutes to Terminal T1.
Departure Barcelona Airport
Book flights to depart from 2:30 pm onwards.
Arrival Girona Airport
Group transfer at 6:30 pm. The meeting point at the airport is in front of Café CAFFRICCIO in the arrival’s hall.
Departure Girona Airport
Book flights to depart from 1:00 pm onwards.
Transfer costs range from €45 – €60 each way per person from Girona airport and €60 – €75 each way per person from Barcelona airport. Exact cost depends on chosen trail.
If the arranged transfer times do not fit, we can easily arrange a private transfer for you. The costs are approximately €80-€120 from Girona, €240-€280 from Barcelona, depending on the trail start/end points.
All our horse riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book one of our horse riding holidays and will refund the difference should you find the same horse riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
This is an amazing collection of 4 different trail rides in the North of Spain for the adventurous rider, from riding along beaches, following the coastline and riding the trails of the Outlaws, crossing the border into France. You will be riding, fit, Andalucian type horses, which have been selected carefully and well handled by owner Rude Sotlz. Along the way, you can expect to stay in guesthouses, hotels, and farmhouses, all chosen for their warm welcome and charm.
In 1993 Rudi Stolz had the idea to create trail rides in Catalonia and over the years the rides have developed from one-week round trips to a variety of different and challenging trail-rides, covering the Catalan countryside from the mountains to the sea.
Rudi’s trails are captivating as he manages to show the rider the stunning beauty of the country, on trails that are varied in speed and terrain (from small hidden paths and tracks to wide open beaches). With his many years of experience, he is able to take you on a riding journey to explore the culture, scenery and cuisine of the local area and people. Rudi’s rides are safe and balanced, which is attributable to his intensive training and the natural handling of the horses.
Catalonia Trails Ride: Horses – Andalusians & Andalusian Crosses, Arabs & Arabs Crosses. Good endurance type of horses, which are forward going, responsive rides. You are expected to tack and untack your horse each day.
Level of Riding & Pace – Intermediate to Advanced.
There are long days in the saddle, and we would advise a certain level of fitness to enjoy this holiday fully.
Tack – English Style riding, with their own specifically designed trekking saddles, saddle cloths and saddlebags for maximum comfort for you and your horses.
Weight Restriction – 14 Stone / 90 kg / 200 lbs. Heavier riders can be accommodated, please tell us at time of booking and we can check and make sure the bigger horses are made available.
Group Size – Minimum 4 – Maximum 12.
All the accommodation is carefully selected, they are charming, clean, comfortable and well run. Please read all the individual itineraries below for each ride to get an idea of the type of overnight stays on the different trails.
You can expect a very high quality of Spanish cuisine, the area is known for fresh vegetables, fruit, game and fish. Breakfasts are continental style, lunches mostly packed in the saddle bags and include local cheeses, hams, salads, bread and wine. Dinners are 3 courses and reflect the local ingredients and style of cooking.
A circular trail through Catalonia, crossing green hilly landscapes and mountains to the beaches of the Mediterranean. Includes 2 days riding along the beaches, 4 to 7 hours riding per day. Medieval towns, accommodation in comfortable natural stone houses and family run farms and hotels.
Day 1: Riding Centre Catalonia – Mas Alba
Arrival in Spain (Barcelona or Girona) and transfer to our horseback riding farm Mas Alba. Mas Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating back to the 16th century. Since then, this wonderful farm has been run by the same family. From here you overlook green meadows, forests, and horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a beautiful place to begin your holiday in Spain.
Day 2: Spain like Costa Rica
We ride through thick stone oak and pine forests and leave the village towards the mountains. In a hidden valley, we cross a small stream. Some sun rays pierce the deep green of a tropical-looking jungle. Bamboo trees border the path, and high up creepers and vines grow around the trees. We are in Spain, but the atmosphere reminds us of
Costa Rica. The river Fluvia winds through the hilly terrain. We ride through the lovely river valleys and discover a nice place for our first picnic. In the afternoon, we continue our way trotting and cantering until we arrive at a beautiful old mill near to the river; our accommodation for this night. The South American-looking garden is a wonderful, relaxing paradise! In this romantic place, we and our well-trained four-legged friends find a unique accommodation.
Day 3: Wild Coast – Costa Brava
The river Fluvia winds its way through the country to the sea. On a small lake, a friendly Catalan named Dani welcomes us with a glass of cava, the Catalan champagne, and a mid-day table prepared with love.
After lunch, we follow the river Fluvia. We cross the river and ride through a wild river landscape. At its estuary, we have a spectacular view of the Gulf of Roses. We are at the Mediterranean Sea in Spain!
A palm grove leads us to the cosy country house “Mas Joncar”. With a drink on the terrace we let the day end. If you want to, you can have a refreshing bath in the “natural stone pool” before dinner.
Day 4: Vamos a la playa! Discover the Mediterranean Sea!
With the sunrise, we see the kilometre-long sandy beach. A dream comes true: Riding in Spain, riding by the sea! The water splashes, the sand flies, we canter along the surge. The horses play with the waves and we try to stay dry. The canter along the beach is an unforgettable experience! The path gently follows through the continental sand dunes and the Mediterranean pine forest up to the rugged mountain massif Montgri. On top of the cliff, we are rewarded with a fantastic view of the endless sea. Seabirds glide over the coast in the wind. In the scent of lavender, rosemary, and thyme we strengthen ourselves with a delicious saddle bag picnic.
Later we descend into the plain of the river Ter. With long canters through the river beds we reach again the Mediterranean Sea. We can enjoy the sunset at the beach or in the swimming pool of the hotel.
Day 5: Spain, sun, beach, and the sea
Right after breakfast we are back at the beach! In front of us we see the protected islands of “Medes”. A canter through the soft sand of the bay brings us into the rice fields of the wide plain, up to the pine trees near the coast. We pass the pearls of the Catalan coast: Pals, Palau-Sator and Peretallada. Old city walls surround the nested natural stone houses. On the patterned paving stones of the narrow streets, we can still see the grooves and bursts of the horse-drawn carts of the past days. In this medieval atmosphere, Dolores and Luis await us at their comfortable accommodation. In the evening, the householders offer a delicious barbecue with meat and vegetables from the garden.
Day 6: Catalonia
The terrain is flat, the ground soft and sandy. In a fast pace, our well-trained horses trot and canter to the river “El Ter”. Fruit plantations alternate with grain fields and deep green poplar forests which give us the necessary shade. On a romantic hillside, next to a small church, we see a red-and-white tablecloth shining. We look forward to another, delicious picnic from Dani. After a siesta, we ride though a softly curved hillside landscape back to our horse farm Mas Alba. After this long riding day and an adventurous trail, we let the weekend come to an end in
the swimming pool of the farm.
Day 7: Hasta la vista, Catalonia!
Transfer to Barcelona or Girona or extension to another trail.
The pirate trail is a spectacular ride along the coast which combines steep cliffs, hidden coves, and lovely beaches in an unforgettable top-class riding experience. Every day this marvellous trail leads us through the sensational Mediterranean landscape along the Costa Brava.
Day 1: Coastal trail ride by the sea
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to the starting point of our adventure trail, a little fishing village near the French border. At our first dinner, we meet our fellow riders and our guide.
Day 2: Wild coast and pirates
After breakfast on a lovely wooden terrace we prepare our horses. Right at the beginning of the day our “new friends” climb safely over rocks and stones. Three mountain ranges make this route an adventurous experience. Shortly before picnic we discover the Benedictine monastery Sant Pere de Rhodes. Nestling between the Rhodes mountains the monastery is located in 500 meters altitude safe from pirates and with a stunning view of the shiny blue sea.
In serpentines, the path twists down to the village Selva de Mar which was built in a valley hidden from pirates. The tower over the village bears testimony to the age of piracy. The terrain is demanding we lead our four legged and sure-footed friends by the reins.
We spend the night in a lovely hotel in the small romantic fishing town Port de la Selva nearby. Tiny white houses huddle against each other as if they were collectively seeking protection from the pirates.
Day 3: Trail ride to paradise!
Cove trail to the Cap trail ride to paradise! Cap de Creus the name itself evokes images of unspoiled nature. The craggy peninsula descends into the Mediterranean. The sea gnaws at the Cap, has eaten into it and torn chunks out of it. Countless rocky bays remain in which the pirates found good hideouts.
Like mountain goats our Andalusians negotiate the rocky terrain. In a beautiful bay, we have our picnic and go swimming – paradise!
The subsequent trek also has a lot of excitement to offer. High above the sea our trail ride leads us through an untamed cliff top landscape. Due to erosion caused by the strong Tramontana winds mystical and bizarre rock formations adorn the Cap de Creus like ornaments.
We spend the night in Cadaques, the jewel of the Costa Brava. The whitewashed fishing village with its old crooked alleys is rightfully considered the most beautiful place on the wild coast. The village’s seclusion led to its inhabitants having to constantly defend it from pirates and their pillaging over the centuries. In the 16th century, the church Santa Maria was sacked by the pirate Barbarossa and completely burned down.
Day 4: Great pleasure at Cap de Creus
On horseback, we ride through Cadaques. Where the village ends, a wonderful, wild coastal mountain landscape begins, covered with bushes and flowers. Ancient stone walls show us the way. We rest in a beautiful bay with fine sandy beach and have a swim in the refreshing sea.
In steep turns the trail twists over a pass. Wild flowers decorate our path and spectacular views of the bay of Roses open up, whilst pines and cork oaks radiate Mediterranean flair. Through an old trading trail, we lead our horses down into the plain on a demanding terrain and stay overnight in a small, family wellness oasis with a heated whirlpool.
Day 5: Trail ride to the bay of Roses
Silvery green olive groves dazzle from the terraced slopes. We head towards Roses and visit the mighty citadel “La Cuitadella”. This big fort was built to protect the region from pirate attacks. Behind the impressive walls we find important archaeological artefacts and the remains of the old monastery church. Behind the battlements we walk across green fields, and amongst the impressive setting of the ruins framed by the mountains and the sea, we feel transported back through the centuries. With a little luck, we might catch a view of the flaming
os, storks, and little egrets, which are native to the wetlands we ride through. On the boundary of the national park “Aiguamolls” our next lodge awaits us; a comfortable 19th century country cottage. The pool and the beautiful and ample garden invite us to relax after a long and adventurous day.
Day 6: Hoof marks in the sand & cliff line
The waves wash over the fine sand, the horses are wide awake and want to pick up speed. Vamos Galope! The hooves splash into the water and we draw a fresh trail across the sand. The beach gallop on “Playa Grande” is a dream for every rider. Then suddenly all is silent. We disappear in the continental sand-dunes. The Mediterranean pine forest and its soft sandy floor absorb every hoof beat. Leaving the woods, we encounter the most impressive cliffs on the Costa Brava. In a hidden cove we have our picnic, go swimming, and have a relaxing siesta. Sometimes on stony, root-strewn paths, sometimes on narrow ridges high above the sea our route winds its way through the wild coastal landscape. This is the end of our trail and after a short transfer to Mas Alba (depending on the time of the year to an equivalent accommodation). During the dinner, we remember the events of the last
days.
Day 7: Adéu Coast of the pirates
Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Departure or continue to another trail.
Refreshing trail along crystal clear streams of the Pyrenees and lakes to the Mediterranean Sea. Swimming with horses on the trail and riding through the Mediterranean mountains and plateaux to the sea. We stop for a beautiful bathe every day!
Day 1: Catalan country house Spain
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to our first accommodation, the country hotel Hostal Nou. Depending on the season we will be accommodated at a hotel nearby with similar standard. A delicious evening meal and overnight stay with views of the surrounding horse meadows and forests. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting!
Day 2: Horseback riding in the Catalan jungle
From the Mas Alba horse farm, we ride along secluded paths through dense peaks and pine forests. A soothing peace surrounds us – our trail riding holiday can begin! Deep in the forest we discover tropical vegetation, like in a jungle. The atmosphere reminds us of Costa Rica. In the floodplains of the river Fluvia, we discover under shady trees a lovely prepared lunch table with Catalan delicacies. Cold Cava is served and afterwards you can relax during a siesta. Our way takes us through the wide valley of the river Fluvia with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains of Catalonia. In the afternoon, we reach a nice schoolhouse, a small paradise at the foot of the Catalan Pyrenees. Who wants to jump into the swimming pool?
Day 3: Spain – Pyrenees
Along the Catalan Pyrenean coast, we dive deep into a shady mixed forest. In a lonely valley, a small mountain stream splatters peacefully. We have a bathe! – A jump into the luminous water pool refreshes us and after the from the Mediterranean sun heated rocks warm us up. We have a delicious saddle bag picnic near to the wild river!
Our Spanish horses climb hard and confidently over a pass with a magnificent panorama view on the high peaks of the Pyrenees. We stay near a pretty mountain village on the edge of the river Muga. You will be impressed by David’s culinary art!
Day 4: Turquoise water basin
We ride deeper and deeper into the Natural Park of Garrotxa. Impressively, huge limestone rocks rise before us. We descend to the most beautiful natural water basins of the pre-Pyrenees. We have a bathe in the turquoise and crystal-clear shiny river and afterwards we enjoy another delicious lunch.
On the mountain path with a great view of the Mediterranean we reach a new vegetation zone. Chestnut and cork oak forests cover the mountains here. We return to Sant Llorenç de la Muga where David is waiting for us with a delicious dinner. On the terrace, we enjoy a magnificent panorama view of the surrounding mountains.
Day 5: Swimming with the horses
Today we want to swim in the lake! We ride through a cork oak forest that spreads a silvery shimmering light. The sandy ground invites to a fast canter and soon we have reached the bathing place. A dream comes true: We can swim with the horses! After the picnic and a siesta we trot and canter into the wide plain of the Empordà. In a charming medieval village, we find our accommodation for tonight, a cosy and familiar guest house.
Day 6: Salt water on the skin
Today we get up early and we ride to the sea! Ancient olive trees and vineyards determine the landscape at sunrise. We approach the coastal mountains of Rodas. The most impressive is the light in this wild and fascinating landscape. We look at the proud formations of the Pyrenean peaks and the Mediterranean in its deep blue. Our Andalusians master the mountain path confidently. We ride down into a picturesque bay of the “Wild Coast”. We arrived our destination, we are at the sea! We bathe in the salt water and taste the salt on the skin! On the terrace of our hotel we end this wonderful trail with good wine and a tasty fish dish.
Day 7: Tag: Hasta la vista Catalonia!
After breakfast, transfer to the airports or continue to another trail.
The Trail of Outlaws is a border-crossing Catalonia-trail, between France and Spain, from the peaks of High Pyrenees to the Mediterranean.
Day 1: Border-crossing mountain and coast trail
We start our Catalonia trail in the foreland of the Pyrenees, 150 km north from the capital Barcelona. When arriving at the horse riding farm, we can rest after our travels. At dinner, we meet our guide who tells us about the horses and the trail.
Day 2: Trail to the Mountains
We get to know our horses and set off. The path soon gets lost in a thick forest. Mind your head! Some branches are pretty low here in the Catalan jungle. The foreland of the Pyrenees with its vast extent is a wonderful destination for our trip in the saddle. The trail moves in loops through the hills, circling fields and leading us to lovely villages built of natural stone. The crossing of a river turns our ride into an adventure! In a cosy schoolhouse, Clara and Jordis family await us. They offer us a lovely accommodation with a pool.
Day 3: Garrotxa – the impassable Highland
Mountains of the Garrotxa: The trail changes from rocky and steep to downhill and soft. Next to freshwater is a perfect place for a break. The water runs like silver-coloured fibres, flowing over the marginal flat rocks where we can sit down. We jump in this natural pool. The pool bar is open!
We enter a silent mountain landscape. After a steep descent, we reach a medieval village. Our friend and gourmet chef de cuisine welcomes us in his little hostel at the river.
Day 4: Catalonia Trail between France and Spain
Durmast oaks and cork oaks determine the vegetation on our ride to the lake. The climb is serene, but we are rewarded at the lake!
Just one more gallop, until we discover the picnic. Every hoof print brings us closer to France. A rustic path takes us over the border. This pass was used as an escape route both by the outlaws and the Catalan Republicans in the Spanish Civil War in the 19th century. A thick forest of beech trees and chestnuts cover the mountains. The Hostal de Trabucaires was once a meeting point for the outlaws. Today we stay in this simple but cosey hospice.
Day 5: The Albera Mountains – a transnational natural park
With 2700 m, the Canigo massif is the highest point in the North. The peak of Canigo is considered sacred in Catalonia. With the calming sound of the horses hooves, we pass the Albera Mountains and get back to Spain. Between mountains and valleys covered with woods, a powerful castle rises from inside the natural park. Even today the former use of the castle remains a mystery. Mesmerised we feel as if we are in the land of knights while we have lunch in a rustic restaurant. At the foot of the Albera mountains, the lowlands of the Emporda open up. From the African-like grasslands, we glance to impressive rocks of sandstone until we catch sight of the Mediterranean coast with its shiny, blue water. After a very long riding day, our horses look forward to their delicious food.
Day 6: The Emporda – lowlands between Mountains and Sea
With our horses, we trek through a landscape of grasslands. Later, large estates and rich medieval villages built of natural stone are waiting for us.
Goods originating here were often stolen during transportation to France by the Trabucaires in the 19th century. Further in the South, we get to a wetland. With a jaunty gallop through the paddy fields, we reach the coast. We find cosy accommodation for the night at the country house of Anna and Miguel close to the sea, as well as good Catalan cuisine.
Day 7: Trail riding on the beach!
We just cant get up early enough today to go to the beach on horseback. With the first rays of sunlight we get to the sea. The surf crashes on the fine sandy beach and we let our horses fall into a wonderful gallop. Miles of sandy beach are ahead of us! The back country awaits us with a lovely landscape of hills and fields. Impressive Castillos and villages of natural stone line our path back to the horse riding farm, the starting point of our journey.
Day 8:
Adéu France and Catalonia
After breakfast, our stay in Catalonia comes to an end but the memories of this adventurous trail will stay on our minds for a long time!
Transfer to Barcelona or Girona.
All our horse riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book one of our horse riding holidays and will refund the difference should you find the same horse riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
If you are having trouble finding exactly the right horse riding holiday for you from our horse riding holidays collection, please contact us directly using the form below and tell us in your own words what you would like to do and we will use our extensive knowledge to make sure we find that perfect horse riding holiday.
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