Spain's Paths of the Herdsmen Inn-to-Inn Trail
Great variety between the sea, Mediterranean valleys and alpine mountains – comfortable and family-run accommodation, delicious Catalan cuisine
Still today shepherds pass through the north eastern part of Catalonia. In wintertime the herds stay in the mild coastal areas and in summertime they make their way up towards the Pyrenees. Round polished, soft, high mountain hills build a contrast to the wild and bizarre rock formations. Rough coastal mountains, deep forests and Mediterranean meadows determine the landscape. This diverse trip through quiet and remote shepherds land is an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
1st day: Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and Transfer to the coastal village of Port de la Selva. The evening sun illuminates the beautiful silhouette of white painted fishermen`s cottages. Dinner together with seaview, overnight stay in the luxurious hotel Porto Christo.
2nd day: You will pass through the coastal mountains of Rodas. The horses climb over two passes where you have a panoramic view of the Alt Emporda and of the mysterious mountain Canigo. This valley will remind you of an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains, which ends in the bay of Rosas. In the wine growing region of Garriguella you spend the night at the farm of Emilia. She is well known for her delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
3rd day: Riding on soft sandy soil the group will quickly reach the meadows of the valley. On the riverside of Llobregat you will enjoy many different flowers and in a wine cellar with the opportunity to taste wine and cava. Galloping through far reaching meadows you will reach the mountain village Cantallops (where the wolves cry). Here the horses are kept in a secure place. You will stay at Emilias place for another night.
4th day: Deeper and deeper you ride into the nature park of Albera. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. The mountains are covered with cork oaks forests and a little further up beech, oak and chestnut forests cast some shadows. Here the small Pyrenean cows live peacefully. The endangered species is protected in the park. Right in the middle of this nature park you will discover the enormous castle Requesens. The natural basins of the wild river nearby invite you for a refreshing bathe. After a delicious picnic lunch at the castle you return to the olive and wine hills and stay overnight in the beautiful village of Espolla.
5th day: Today you enter the far reaching land of the shepherds. In wintertime the shepherd “Payaso” stays here with his cows and moves to the higher mountains of the Pyrenees later during the year. You follow the shepherd’s path and pass through a wonderful landscape, full of small meadows, cork and pine forests. On the river Muga, Montse and her husband have created a lovely small holiday place. Only the sounds of the crickets and the splashing of the stream can be heard.
6th day: Following the mountain river Boadella you ride to the picturesque mountain village St. Lorenz de la Muga. After a coffee at the bar “Loro” an old donkey path leads you up towards the mountains of Garrotxa. Right at the top, with a view of the French mountains of Canigo, the shepherd Pedro invites the group for a picnic. During the descent you will discover the water basin of the mountain river Manol, and after a bathe you ride to the stables of Seguero where you stay overnight.
7th day: Riders leave the mountains behind and trot into the soft hilly landscape with its far reaching forests and meadows. The beautiful villages are witnesses of a great past. You have a break at a chapel which is built into a mountain right above the river Fluvia and reach the stables at Mas Alba in the afternoon. You have a farewell dinner at the finca to end this trip.
8th day: After breakfast transfer to the airport.
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