Spain, Can Jou-Catalonia Trails 2013 - Ride World Wide Can Jou-Catalonia... · Can Jou-Catalonia Trails 2013 Ride Information Sheet ... The hamlet has been restored, with accommodation

RIDE WORLD WIDE Spain

Can Jou-Catalonia Trails 2013 Ride Information Sheet

These rides are based in North East Spain’s province of Girona. Originally set up by Mick Peters at Can Jou, the team have been running rides in the area for nearly 16 years and have created some super itineraries that successfully combine adventurous, fun riding with a chance to enjoy the local landscapes, culture, food and wine. Ramon Cases has recently taken over, his passion as an endurance rider, and enthusiasm for new routes and improvements adding extra zest to the team. Most rides start or finish at Can Muni, a small medieval hamlet set in the rolling hills above the coastal plains of Emporda. The hamlet has been restored, with accommodation for guests and stables for the horses. With direct flights from many regional UK airports to Barcelona & Girona, this area is easy to get to and the rides offered, although not luxurious, are good value for money. The approach is 'hands on' with guests expected to participate in looking after their horse to a greater extent than on many rides, but the atmosphere is relaxed, fun and informal. For great value riding, in a wonderfully unspoilt area, it is an excellent holiday choice. Dates Rides are for run for 3, 6 or 7 nights from set departure dates between February and November. Please see 2013 dates and full itineraries at the end of this information sheet and call Ride World Wide to check availability.

The Horses The horses used for rides are well schooled crossbred Andalucians and Hispano Arabs. They have all been carefully chosen and most are between 14.2hh and 16hh and are of a medium build. They are fit, good natured, forward going and responsive to ride. Saddles are mostly 'trail saddles', similar to 'Maclellans' which are comfortable for long hours (some general purpose English saddles are also available). Most horses are ridden in snaffles. Saddle bags are provided to carry items required during the day and for picnic lunches. Riders are expected to groom and tack up their own horse each day in preparation for rides and even occasionally to clean their own tack if necessary. There is a maximum rider weight limit of 90kgs.

WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM [email protected]; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179

STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK

[2] Riding Several different ride itineraries are offered - the Costa Brava Discovery Ride is a one-base ride, with each night spent at Can Muni. Riding each day is out from, and back to, Can Muni, exploring the coastal plains and on one day riding to the bay of Roses for a gallop on the beach. The Pyrenees Discovery Ride is based at a hotel in the town of Camprodon, again rides out and back each day, exploring higher country. The Spa & Wine Coast Ride follows a progressive route over the course of the week, starting from Can Muni and heading out towards the coast, eventually ending in the National Park of Cap de Creus. The Mountains to Sea Ride, Two Beaches Ride, Shepherds & Meadows Ride and Royal Path are all circular, progressive routes, spending nights en-route at village hotels. The 3 night Weekend Special Ride is based at Can Muni or Camprodon, with 2 days riding. The progressive rides generally include 5-6 hours riding each day, the one base rides are a little more relaxed with 3-5 hours. The maximum group size on all rides is usually 10, occasionally 11 guests plus guide, although two rides are often run simultaneously so there may be more people staying at the same accommodation at any one time. Pace The riding pace depends on the itinerary you choose, with the Mountains to Sea, Spa & Wine Coast and Two Beaches being the rides that generally involve longer distances at a faster pace. Several days riding on these routes is on lowland coastal plains where much of the going is soft or compacted sand tracks and wide paths that are excellent for horses, allowing a medium to fairly fast pace and lots of opportunities for long trots and canters. The Shepherds & Meadows and Royal Path Rides are a little slower overall, with some quite rocky going in places, but there are always some good opportunities to move on and in general all rides are run at a good, moderate pace. The pace will always depend on a number of factors, including the weather and it can vary from week to week.

Riding Experience As with all our rides, to participate in these trips you must be a reasonably competent rider. You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. A good independent seat and balance are very important - sometimes the going can be tricky and rough (especially early in the year when routes can be overgrown or if wet weather means changes to the routes normally used) and 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, and, particularly for the progressive rides, you should be fairly fit and riding regularly. For progressive rides participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go (at least 2 hours a week in the few months before the trip is recommended) to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle. There are places on the rides where you’ll need to dismount and lead your horse for a short way - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day. You are also expected to groom, tack up and un-tack your horse unassisted. Therefore, as well as being riding fit, you need to be comfortable handling a horse from the ground, able to mount up unassisted and to walk leading your horse for up to 15 or 20 minutes at a time. Your guide will go over the week’s program when you first arrive (usually at dinner on the first night), explaining special characteristics of the Andalusian trail horse and of the tack used, then discussing each rider’s ability, experience and their preference as to the kind of horse they would like to ride.



[3] Terrain The area you ride through varies with each different itinerary and changes rapidly from day to day. The region boasts several protected nature reserves and, even as you get towards the coast, the region is unspoilt - in places it is virtually untouched, retaining much of its natural beauty and wildlife. The riding is on mountain tracks, wide paths through wooded valleys, on tracks through low scrub and heather and, in some places, through open fields. There are plenty of opportunities to ride fast, particularly on the Mountains to Sea Ride and the Spa & Wine Coast Ride, with many compacted sand paths that are perfect for long canters. Even in the mountains you often cross open pasture with wonderful distant views, providing a chance to move on. Accommodation Accommodation on all the rides, although not luxurious, is of a reasonably good standard and all rooms have their own bathrooms. Can Muni (where the first and last night of most progressive rides, and all nights on the Costa Brava Discovery Ride, are spent) is an old hamlet in a fairly remote location. It has been re-built and re-furbished and has three cottages, with 9 bedrooms in all, and a further 7 bedrooms and main dining room set to be finished by early 2013. Bedrooms vary in size and are simple but stylish. Can Muni has its own small swimming pool, another place to relax after a day’s riding, and for cooler evenings, each cottage has its own living room. Nights on the Pyrenees Discovery Ride are at the Hotel Camprodon, which is in the town of the same name, surrounded by mountains and famous for its beautiful stone bridges. The hotel is in centre and has a bar, restaurant, terraces and its own garden with swimming pool. Accommodation used on the progressive rides varies and depends on what is available along the route. You will either stay in small hotels - these are usually about a local 3* standard and some have swimming pools, saunas or hydromassage pools - or in the more remote areas, in smaller guesthouses. The latter are simpler but often with plenty of local character. The Spa & Wine Coast Ride has the best standard of accommodation with most nights in comfortable 3* to 4* hotels.

Meals On all rides meals are included - breakfast, lunch (generally a picnic) and dinner each day. Local wine (red) is included with lunch and dinner - other drinks are at your own expense. Breakfast is usually Spanish style - bread, butter and jam with cheese, ham and / or eggs available on some days. Lunch is usually a picnic out riding, either a simple lunch of bread, ham and cheese etc, carried in saddle bags or served on tables and chairs out in the countryside, or perhaps a paella when back at the base. Dinner is generally two or three courses with local specialities often on offer. There is plenty of seafood, particularly on the rides to the coast, and also game such as wild boar.

Weather Average daytime temperatures in the area in February, March and November, December are usually 12 to 15 degrees C. In April, May, June and October daytime temperatures are generally between 15 and 23 degrees C. In summer months, July, August and September, daytime temperatures are generally 24 to 28 degrees C. At night, even in winter, the temperature rarely drops below 5 degrees C, with summer nights around 18 to 20 degrees C. Rain can fall throughout the year.



[4] What to bring We will send you a list suggesting what to take when you make your booking. DATES 2013 Spa & Wine Coast Ride 3rd to 10th March 12th to 19th May** 21st to 28th July* 31st March to 7th April** 2nd to 9th June** 1st to 8th September** 28th April to 5th May** 30th June to 7th July* 22nd to 29th September** 13th to 20th October Mountains to Sea Ride 17th to 24th February 21st to 28th April** 8th to 15th September ** 24th February to 3rd March 5th to 12th May** 15th to 22nd September** 17th to 24th March** 12th to 19th May** 29th September to 6th October** 31st March to 7th April** 9th to 16th June** 6th to 13th October** 14th to 21st April** 16th to 23rd June** Shepherd & Meadows Ride 31st March to 7th April** 7th to 14th July* 25th August to 1st September* 5th to 12th May** 14th to 21st July* 29th September to 6th October** 9th to 16th June** 21st to 28th July* Two Beaches Ride 3rd to 10th March 26th May to 2nd June** 22nd to 29th September** 10th to 17th March 2nd to 9th June** 13th to 20th October 7th to 14th April** 23rd to 30th June** 20th to 27th October 28th April to 5th May** 30th June to 7th July* 27th October to 3rd November 19th to 26th May** 1st to 8th September** 3rd to 10th November 10th to 17th November Royal Path 10th to 16th March 16th to 22nd June** 11th to 17th August* 21st to 27th April** 14th to 20th July* 15th to 21st September** 19th to 25th May** 28th July to 3rd August* 20th to 26th October Transhumance - Cattle Herding 26th May to 2nd June Costa Brava Discovery Ride Sunday to Sunday most weeks from 17th February to 7th July & 1st September to 17th November Pyrenees Discovery Ride Sunday to Sunday most weeks from 7th July to 1st September Weekend Special Rides (3 nights) Thursday to Sunday, most weeks between 21st February and 17th November. High Season 17th March to 30th June & 1st September to 13th October =** Mid Season 1st July to 31st August =*



[5] RATES 2013 Please note that due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, ride rates are now quoted in euros. The sterling price will be the equivalent sterling rate using the euro/sterling exchange rate in force when you book/pay. 2013 Prices - Prices are seasonal Mountains to Sea: Low season Euros 1125; Mid Season Euros 1225; High season Euros 1290 Two Beaches Ride: Low Season Euros 1165; Mid Season Euros 1265; High Season Euros 1330 Spa & Wine Coast Ride: Low season Euros 1335; Mid Season Euros 1435; High Euros 1500 Shepherd & Meadows Ride: Low season Euros 1125; Mid Season Euros 1225; High season Euros 1290 Royal Path (6 nights): Low season Euros 1045; Mid Season Euros 1145; High season Euros 1210 (Single supplement on all above trail rides - Euros 170) Transhumance - Cattle herding: Euros 1455 Discovery Rides: Low season Euros 915; Mid Season Euros 1015; High Season Euros 1080 (Single supplement - Euros 170) Weekend Special: Low Season Euros 540; Mid Season Euros 575; High Season Euros 580 (Single supplement - Euros 100) . NOTES Rates quoted above include all riding and guiding, 7 nights twin bedded accommodation (6 nights for Royal Path or 3 nights for weekend specials) and return transfers by bus from / to Barcelona or Girona airport with the group at set times. Rides include all meals and local wine with lunch and dinner. Rates exclude international flights to Barcelona or Girona, extra drinks, personal medical insurance (compulsory), transfers outside set times and any tips you may wish to leave. Single supplements - Please note that rates quoted above assume shared twin accommodation. If you are travelling alone and would like to guarantee a single room the single supplement is payable. If you are travelling alone and are happy to share with another guest of the same sex, the supplement is not charged. Non-riders - Non-riding companions can join the Discovery Ride programme for Euros 670 per week low season, Euros 770 per week mid season and Euros 835 per week high season. They can also join the 3 night Weekend Special for Euros 420 low season, Euros 455 mid season and Euros 460 high season. Rates are based on twin accommodation (single supplements apply as above).



[6] Combination rides - NOTE For those riders wishing to stay longer stay in the area, it is possible to combine a Discovery Ride with any of the four progressive rides; or you can combine two of the progressive rides. There is a discounted rate for 2 week combinations booked together. Flights and Transfers - You need to fly to Barcelona or Girona for these rides. All rates quoted above include transfers from Barcelona or Girona and back at fixed times on the first and last day. The transfer takes approximately 30 minutes each way from Girona; 1 ½ hours from Barcelona (if picking up in Girona on the way there can be delays for loading, parking etc so overall transfer time from Barcelona can be up to 2 ½ hours). The meeting time at Barcelona airport is 18.00 Terminal 1 on Day 1 of the ride (please note it takes about ½ hour to get from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1) - you are advised to have a flight arriving by 16.00 at Barcelona in order to accommodate any delay, and by 17.00 if flying to Girona. Guests arriving in Girona will be collected (by the same bus) a little later at about 19.15. Return flights should be after 12 noon on the final day from Barcelona (or 11.00 from Girona).

British Airways, Iberia, Easy Jet and several other airlines have direct flights to Barcelona from a number of different UK airports. Ryanair also have flights to Girona from various UK regional airports. Flight costs vary from as little as £50 to around £250 per person economy return (fares are seasonal and depend on the airline). We can book British Airways flights for you if you wish - please call if you need any advice on flights, if you would like a quote or help booking (our ATOL number for flight bookings is 6213). If you prefer to hire a car and drive yourself to Can Muni we will supply directions and the car can be left at Can Muni for the week. Arrival at Can Muni should not be before 18.00 on the first day. IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SET TRANSFERS. PLEASE NOTE that bus transfers are organised with an independent transfer company at a heavily subsidised group rate and are at fixed times. Whilst the bus may occasionally wait for late flight arrivals IF a large number of guests are using the delayed flight and / or the company’s schedules allow, it generally will NOT wait for anyone - and if you are not ready at the set meeting time, you will need to make your own way (at your own cost - approx 230 euros from Barcelona / 100 euros from Girona for a taxi). If you wish to make use of the subsidised transfer service, you are therefore advised to make sure you book a flight that arrives in plenty of time (by 16.00 for Barcelona, by 17.00 for Girona) and to take into account the possibility of delays in the time you allow. Please also note that the bus picks up at Barcelona airport Terminal 1 first and then goes on to Girona airport and if there is a delay at Barcelona airport for any reason, those arriving in Girona will have to wait. If you prefer a transfer that is tailored to your own arrival / departure times, taxis from Barcelona / Girona can be organised - please enquire.



[7]

Additional information on the area for before or after the ride Girona province is an area of great contrasts, from the high peaks of the Pyrenees to the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava and there is plenty to explore.

Girona, perched on a hillside and the provincial capital, is a compact, elegant city with a long history. There is much to see including the magnificent Gothic cathedral, the beautifully preserved Banys Arabs (Arab baths) build in the 12th century and an outstanding example of Moorish and Romanesque design, and the Jewish quarter, a town within a town, ‘lost’ following the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. A leisurely walk along the medieval walls which encircle the old city provides wonderful views of the city and surrounding countryside. Barcelona, 60 miles south east of Girona, is the capital of Catalonia region and well worth a visit. The city has a long artistic heritage and is famous for its varied architectural styles, especially Gothic and the modernist art nouveau style exemplified by Antonio Gaudi. There are many fine restaurants and large shops and the seafront promenades are perfect for a relaxing stroll and watching the world go by. General visa and health information (NB this is only a brief outline - further information will be sent to you if you make a confirmed booking.) Visas If you hold a full British passport you do not need a visa for visits to Spain whatever the length of stay, although for visits of over 90 days residence permits are required. NOTE - visa requirements can change without notice and it is your responsibility to check up to date requirements with the Spanish Consulate. Health No vaccinations are legally required by EEC residents to enter Spain. If you have a particular condition equiring special medical treatment, you should carry a letter from your own doctor translated into Spanish describing your condition and the medicine / treatment required in case of emergencies.



[8] Itineraries These are summaries of the different itineraries offered - also see below for day by day detailed itineraries of the Spa & Wine Coast and the Costa Brava Discovery itineraries. Please enquire for full itineraries of the other rides. Please note that itineraries are only examples of what is planned and the day-by-day arrangements and routes may be varied if the weather or other local conditions require. Mountains to Sea Ride - A circular progressive ride of over 200km, around 5-6 hours riding every day covering 30-35 km each day. The route takes you from the hills down to the coast and back in a large loop taking in cork oak forests, scenic villages and some good beach gallops. A wide variety of scenery and a good active ride for intermediate and above riders who are fit and used to plenty of cantering. The Spa & Wine Coast Ride - A linear progressive ride with around 5 hours riding a day, covering between 25 to 35km each day. Highlights include vineyards, wine tasting, coastal cliffs and 3 nights in spa hotels. A wide variety of scenery and a good active ride for intermediate and above riders who are fit and used to plenty of cantering.

Shepherds & Meadows Ride - A circular progressive route with between 4-6 hours riding and 20 - 25km per day as you head into the mountains taking in two distinct landscapes: the mighty peaks of the Pyrenees and the warm wooded hills of the Garrotxa. Friendly family hotels, river swimming and spectacular scenery. A steady ride, fairly active, with some walking on foot, for intermediate riders and above who are relatively fit. Two Beaches Ride - A progressive route, riding a figure of "8", first north to the Fluvia river estuary and beaches, then back to Can Muni and continue south to the mouth of the Ter river. 6 days lively and varied riding at different paces, between 4 to 6 hours per day covering 25 to 35 km per day. Accommodation local inns small hotels specially selected for their character and comfort as well as for their cuisine. For intermediate riders and above who are relatively fit. Royal Path - A circular progressive route, starting at stables in San Fruitos, 40 minutes drive north of Barcelona. Much of the ride is within the Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt with the famous monastery of Montserrat, perched on its rocky mountain, often visible. Covering 170 km in the course of 5 days, there is between 4 to 6 hours of varied riding at different paces each day. The first nights accommodation is at the Hotel Mons, by monastery of Sant Benet (there is a Michelin star restaurant - optional extra to dine here) and the last night in the centre of Barcelona. For intermediate riders and above who are relatively fit. Transhumance - Cattle Herding A once a year opportunity to join the cattle herders of the Pyrenean foothills as they move their cattle from Terrades, on the edge of the Emporda plains, through the mountains to Camprodon, at an altitude of just over 3,000ft. A progressive linear ride, for the fit and hardy, with 2 nights basic camping.



[9] Discovery Rides - Based at Can Muni or Caprodon, returning each night to the same accommodation, both with swimming pools, so you only need to unpack once. You have the opportunity to ride through widely varying landscape during the week covering 150km in all, riding about 4 hours a day, with a day ride to the beach at the bay of Roses. Includes a half day visit to nearby Girona or Ripoll for sightseeing (alternatively you can remain at Can Muni or Camprodon, by the pool or exploring on foot). Good for confident novices and above. Weekend Special - A 3 night stay (Thursday to Sunday), two full days riding out from the base (about 10 hours in all) covering around 20-30km per day. A taste of the area, varied riding at a fairly relaxed pace. Good for confident novices and above. The Spa & Wine Coast Ride - Example Itinerary This ride takes you from the mountains of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean coast. Initially riding at a fairly slow pace through mountain scenery, you will then pass through the Alvera wine growing region and the coastal plains, before ending with two days riding along the rocky coast of the Cap de Creus peninsula. Accommodation is in local inns and small hotels selected for their character and comfort as well as their cuisine. The pace is lively and varied and the route offers a chance to discover unknown parts of the Catalán countryside. NB The ride may be run in reverse, starting at Cadaques and ending at Can Muni.

Day 1 - Arrive Barcelona or Girona airport. You will be met at the airport and driven with the group to Can Muni in Pins, north east Catalonia, a wild and beautiful area in the foothills of the Pyrenees, yet only a few miles from the coast. On arrival you will be shown to your room before a welcome dinner, during which your guide will go over the programme for your stay. Night at Can Muni. (D)

Day 2 - After breakfast and tacking up, leave Can Muní and ride along a ridge covered in rosemary and thyme with spectacular views of the forests. Ride to the River Fluvia and onto the plains, cantering through olive groves and fields of wheat, past farmhouses and churches and into the foothills of the Empordà to arrive at Esponella where you stay at the comfortable spa hotel Masia La Palma. Dinner and the night at the hotel. (B,L,D) Day 3 - Today the scenery and pace is varied passing beautiful villages, castles, churches, chapels, arches, old wooden doors with wrought iron knockers, the beauty of the stonework of the past. Stop for a drink at a bar in the middle of the pine forest and listen to the crickets. The ride continues through the coastal mountains. You are heading for Avinyonet de Puigventós and Hotel Mas Falgarona, which is about 4km from the town of Figueras. In the afternoon, you may like to visit Figueres and the Salvador Dalí museum. Return to the Hotel Mas Falgarona for dinner and the night. (B,L,D) Day 4 - Breakfast and set off riding, leaving the mountains and riding through the Alvera wine growing region, an area of intense natural beauty, towards the village of Cantallops (singing wolves). Settle the horses and visit one of the famous bodegas for a wine tasting session. The night at Can Xiquet hotel with spectacular views over the plain of the Empordà and the Mediterranean Sea. (B,L,D)



[10] Day 5 - After breakfast, ride out across the plains, passing through some interesting villages, such as Peralada, famous for its cava, casino in the castle and big Empordà farmhouses. There are plenty of opportunities for long canters as you follow the river and enjoy the wide open space. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant where you can sample the cava and Empordà wines. In the evening arrive at Castelló d'Empúries. In ancient times this was the capital of the region, a village dominated by its spectacular cathedral. Relax at the hotel or time for some shopping, excellent tapas or cold drinks on one of the terraces. Dinner and night at Hotel Canet. (B,L,D) Day 6 - After breakfast, perhaps on the roof-top terrace of the hotel overlooking the cathedral, with the Mediterranean on one side and the gentle curve of the Pyrenees on the other, saddle up again to continue your journey through the Aiguamolls, a natural park, home to flamingos and other exotic birds. Ride through the northern part of the Aiguamolls park, over a small mountain range, and on to the Cap de Creus peninsula. Stop for a picnic lunch in a pine forest near a lake where you can swim. In the afternoon ride down out of the mountains through an idyllic vineyard of beautiful terraced vines. Arrive at Port de la Selva, an active fishing village in a small bay on the northern side of the peninsular. Your hotel for the night has an excellent spa and is situated right on the edge of the port. Time for a swim in the sea then a delicious fish dinner. Night at Hotel Porto Cristo (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Today the ride continues along the Cap-de-Creus, a peninsula of sculptured rock full of flowering shrubs, a truly lunar landscape with spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast. This is Salvador Dali country, the area that inspired many of his paintings. Lead the horses down to Talavera Bay, a smugglers cove and lovely beach, where you stop for a picnic lunch and a swim (without the horses!) Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach before riding on to the ridge above the town of Cadaques, where the night is spent. This town has in its time attracted Picasso, Man Ray, Thomas Mann and Salvador Dali. Dali and his wife lived nearby at Port Lligat where his house has been opened to the public. The Casa-Museu Salvador Dali is open from March to December. (B,L,D) Day 8 - Breakfast and then transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B) Costa Brava Discovery Ride - Example itinerary This is a week of active riding with riders staying at Can Muni each night. Daily routes vary and include rides along river valleys as well as winding forest trails, with opportunities to canter along plains and meadows but also some steep narrow tracks which are quite arduous for both horse & rider. Sometimes you start early and return to Can Muni for lunch: on other days you will stop for a picnic lunch along the way. The different rides have been carefully chosen to introduce you to the local area, its history and culture and the trip is a wonderful way to get to know this little known part of rural Catalonia. During the week there is one shorter morning ride with an afternoon excursion to Girona, historic capital of the region, where you can visit an art gallery, go shopping and have an aperitif by the river. There is also a ride to the bay of Roses with an opportunity for a good gallop on the beach. Day 1 - Arrive Barcelona or Girona airport. You will be met at the airport and driven with the group to Can Muni in Pins, north east Catalonia, a wild and beautiful area in the foothills of the Pyrenees, yet only a few miles from the coast. On arrival you will be shown to your room before a welcome dinner, during which your guide will go over the programme for your stay. Night at Can Muni. (D)



[11] Day 2 - Today’s ride takes you to the small medieval neighbourhood of Gaüses, noted for the church of St. Mary's Romanesque, renovated in the seventeenth century and houses with Gothic and Renaissance windows, and arched doorways with carved shields. From there, ride into the Terraprim forests with far reaching views of the Girona region to the Gavarres mountains. After a delicious picnic lunch, ride back along a different route to Can Muní for dinner and the night. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - After breakfast set off riding through small villages to the plain and then to the Greco Roman city of Emporion and the medieval village of Sant Marti d'Empuries, both on the coast. The long curve of the bay of Roses stretches before you, kilometers of golden sand, ideal for a long gallop. Then head back inland following the route of the ancient Greeks and through the plains of the Empordà back to the woods and to Can Muní. (B,L,D) Day 4 - Today the ride follows the route of notorious 19th C local bandits who robbed and killed the king’s tax collector, then hid in the woods around Mas Vinardell, where they were eventually captured and taken to Girona to be executed. The ride then continues through the medieval village of Saus and Sant Mori, where you can walk around the hamlet and visit the castle. Return to Can Muní for a late Spanish lunch, a delicious paella. After lunch you will be driven to Girona, the capital of the region, and a charming small city with shady streets, beautiful architecture, the widest cathedral in Europe and some great shopping. If you prefer, you can spend the afternoon at Can Muni relaxing by the pool. Dinner and the night at Can Muni. (B,L,D) Day 5 - In the morning, leave the hills behind, and ride through the valley of Pins past the quiet towns of Vilopriu and Colomers. Arrive at the river Ter, one of Catalonia's biggest rivers and continue along the north bank of the river before stopping for a delicious picnic. Then after lunch, follow the towpath to the medieval town of Torroella de Montgrí. The layout of the old section of town reflects Roman design, with four streets converging to a hub in the Plaça de la Vila and several buildings dating back to the seventeenth century. In the afternoon, cross the open plain, where there are opportunities for long canters before reaching the hills and forests that surround Can Muní. (B,L,D)



[12] Day 6 - The ride today heads down to the river Ter and follows the route of the old Roman road before arriving at Foxià with its imposing castle dominating the centre of this settlement. Continue into the mountains with views of the plains of Baix Empordà, the Costa Brava and the Medes Islands in the background. Ride along the ridge back to Can Muní for dinner and the night. (B,L,D) Day 7 - Today’s destination is Vilahur in Alt Empordà, a charming village with a well preserved medieval wall, where you will enter into the square through the East gate. Then ride on through woods and streams, stopping for a picnic lunch and to rest the horses. Head back to Can Muni, riding along the ridges to Camallera and then through the hills of Empordà in the heart of the Costa Brava. A farewell dinner at Can Muni. (B,L,D) Day 8 - Breakfast and transfer with the group to the airport for your flight home. (B) (Updated 21/11/12)



Spain, Can Jou-Catalonia Trails 2013 - Ride World Wide Can Jou-Catalonia... · Can Jou-Catalonia Trails 2013 Ride Information Sheet ... The hamlet has been restored, with accommodation

Documents