Spain's Costa Brava Inn-to-Inn Trail
2008 Itinerary
Day 1 Pick up at the Barcelona Airport or the Girona train station for your transfer to the horseback riding farm, Mas Alba. Mas Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 14th century. Since then, this wonderful farm has been run by the same family. From the guesthouse you overlook green meadows, forests and horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting.
Day 2 After meeting your Andalusian horse, you will ride through deep stone oak and pine forest and leave the village behind, heading towards the mountains. Deep in the forest, you will reach a waterfall with its natural basin. This atmosphere reminds one of Costa Rica and is a pleasant place to have a picnic lunch. In the afternoon you will reach a little slice of paradise, a village house that sits beautifully on the river, where you will spend the night. The garden, which has a South American atmosphere, gives both horse and rider a romantic setting to end their day.
Day 3 Vamos a la playa! You will follow the River Fluvia on its way to the sea where you will have a magnificent view of the Gulf of Rosas. In front of you will be miles of sandy beaches as the water splashes, the sand beckons and you gallop into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves as you try not to get too wet. At the end of the bay, directly on the beach is the Playa Grande Hotel where you will rest for the evening (depending on the season, the overnight stay may be at a beautiful old mill from the 16th century).
Day 4 On a smooth trail which leads you through sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, you will reach the rough looking mountain of Montgri. On top of the cliffs you have a magnificent view overlooking the endless sea. To the west, you will discover the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees. Seabirds glide with thermal winds over the coast and the lovely fragrance of rosemary, thyme and lavender are in the air as you sit down to have a “Cowboy Picnic”. After lunch you will descend into the valley of the River Ter which flows into the Bay of Pals. You ride to Peratallada, where an old town wall embraces the lovely natural stone houses, built into one another. Mosaic stones which pave the narrow streets show marks of the horse carriages from olden days. You will stay at the farmhouse Cal Aliu and end the day with a stroll through the village.
Day 5 This morning you will ride through the highlights of the Catalan coast villages and towns of Palau-Sator and Pals. You can enjoy the ancient atmosphere of medieval scenery which surrounds you. Energized, you will continue through the rice fields of the valley until you reach the coastal pine forests. With some fun gallops you will head for the beach hotel Picasso, where you stay for the night. Before you enjoy Juan’s delicious food, you can partake of a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 6 Today you will follow the River Ter. Surrounded by the river forests and along peaceful farmers’ villages of Verges, Jafre and Colomers, paths run through the hilly landscape of Empordan. The view is of a harmonic and soft countryside. The soil is soft and sandy as well so you will ride quickly, changing from trot to gallop until you reach the farm of Mas Alba. As this exciting tour comes to an end you will relax at the pool and enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner.
Day 7 Transfer to Barcelona Airport or Girona train station.
Note: depending on the time of year the trail can be ridden in both directions.
|
