Mediterranean Trail

Arrive in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to Mas Alba, about 90 minutes from Barcelona, which is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating back to the 16th century. It has been in the same family since that time. From here you can overlook green meadows, forests and horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a beautiful place to start your holiday! The welcome dinner is served at 9PM.

Ride through thick stone oak and pine forests and leave the village towards the mountains. In a hidden valley, cross a small stream. Sun rays may pierce the deep green of a tropical-looking jungle. Bamboo trees border the path, and high up creepers and vines grow around the trees. This feels more like Costa Rica even though you are in Spain. The river Fluvia winds through a hilly terrain. Ride through the lovely river valleys and discover a nice place for the first picnic lunch. In the afternoon, continue trotting and cantering until you arrive at a beautiful old mill near the river, relaxing in paradise. Here horses and riders will spend the night.

The river Fluvia winds its way through the countryside to the sea. By a small lake, a friendly Catalan named Dani welcomes us with a glass of cava, the Catalan champagne, and a mid-day picnic is prepared. After lunch, continue to follow the river, crossing it while riding through the wild landscape. At its estuary enjoy a spectacular view of the Gulf of Roses. A palm grove leads you to the cosy country house “Mas Joncar”. End this lovely day with a drink on the terrace. If you like you can have a refreshing bath in the “natural stone pool” before dinner.

With sunrise you see the kilometre-long sandy beach. A dream comes true: riding by the sea. The water splashes, the sand flies as you canter along the surf. The horses play with the waves so try to stay dry! What an unforgettable experience.
The path gently follows through the sand dunes and the Mediterranean pine forest up to the rugged mountain massif Montgri. On top of the cliff you are rewarded with a view of the endless sea. Seabirds glide over the coast in the wind. Take in the scent of lavender, rosemary and thyme as you enjoy a delicious saddle bag picnic. Later descend into the plain of the river Ter.
With long canters along the river dikes you again reach the sea. Enjoy the sunset at the beach or dip for a refreshing swim into the pool of the hotel.

Right after breakfast you are back on the beach. In front of you you see the protected islands of Medes. A canter through the soft sandof the bay brings you into the rice fields of the wide plain, up to the pine trees near the coast. 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 you can still the grooves and bursts of the horse-drawn carts of the past days. In this medieval atmosphere, Dolores and Luis await you at their comfortable accommodations. In the evening enjoy a delicious barbecue with meat and vegetables from the garden.

The terrain is flat, the ground is soft and sandy which allows for trots and canters to the river “El Ter”. Fruit plantations alternate with grain fields and deep green poplar forests which offer the necessary shade. On a hillside, next to a small church a picnic table with a red and white table cloth comes into view. Lunch time! After a siesta ride along a softly curved hillside back to Mas Alba where you started from. After another long riding day and the adventurous trail enjoy the swimming pool at the farm followed by the farewell dinner.

After a 9AM breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Girona. You will be returned to Barcelona airport at about 1:00PM, or Girona airport at about 11:00 AM, on the last day of the ride. Please make flight arrangements no earlier than mid-afternoon on that day.