Europe > Spain

Medieval Villages of Catalonia

Step back in time on this horseback holiday in Catalonia, where every day showcases this region’s medieval history. On this short break, ride through sun-kissed hills along the Fluvià River, discovering Romanesque churches, ancient farmsteads and quaint towns including Besalú, one of Catalonia’s best‑preserved medieval villages.

Evenings are spent in welcoming rural masias and small country hotels, where you can relax by the garden or pool before gathering around the table to enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine.

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Trail Riding
5 days (3 days riding)
From £1,206
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia

Itinerary

Highlights

- Enjoy a five‑day escape into rural Spain – perfect for those seeking a shorter break.
- Visit the medieval village of Besalú, renowned for its well-preserved bridge and Jewish quarter.

- Discover ancient churches and traditional farmsteads, timeless symbols of Catalonia’s rural heritage.

- Spend your nights in authentic rural masias and charming country hotels, known for their warm hospitality.

- Ride along the Fluvià River valley and through the hills north of Girona, framed by the distant Pyrenees.
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  • Day 1 1: Arrival day

    Masia Can Grau
    Fly to Barcelona or Girona airport. Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request. Please make sure to book a flight landing before 5pm (if flying to Barcelona), or before 6:30pm (if flying to Girona).

    Upon arrival, will be transferred from the airport to the masia - please note that you may need to wait for other participants to arrive.

    In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner with your hosts and other riders, while going over the plans for the days ahead.

    Overnight at the masia.

  • Day 2 2: Vilademuls & Fluvia River - 4-6h riding

    Masia La Palma
    After a hearty breakfast and a short briefing with your guide, you'll prepare your horses and set off from the masia. Riding through the village of Vilafreser, you'll pass its Romanesque church of Sant Sadurní before continuing through oak groves. Country lanes wind past traditional Catalan farmhouses, leading you deeper into the beautiful Vilademuls region - a sprawling municipality of 12 small villages and countless masias that reflect centuries of rural tradition.
    You will ride by stone villages and ancient Romanesque churches before stopping for a picnic lunch.

    In the afternoon, you'll ride through Mediterranean forests towards your accommodation for the night – Masia la Palma.
    Upon arrival, you're free to unwind by the pool or explore the gardens before dinner.

  • Day 3 3: Besalú - 4-6h riding

    Hotel La Martana
    After breakfast, you will leave the masia behind and continue exploring the Catalonian landscapes. Following the course of the Fluvià River, the tracks wind through Mediterranean forests and gentle hills. Along the trail you’ll spot traces of traditional rural life: shepherds’ shelters tucked into the landscape and low stone walls marking the boundaries of old pastures.

    After stopping for a picnic lunch, you’ll ride past the church of Sant Bartomeu de Portell. This Gothic church, dramatically built against a rocky cliff, offers sweeping views of the Fluvià River below.
    In the distance you can also see your next stop - the medieval village of Besalú, known for its remarkably preserved Jewish quarter.

    Tonight, you will have dinner in one of the village’s restaurants.

    Overnight in Hotel Jardins de la Martana.

  • Day 4 4: Empordá Region - 4-6h riding

    Masia Can Grau
    Today’s trail will lead you into the heart of the Alta Garrotxa. Along the winding paths between quaint country cottages, each ascent rewards you with sweeping views of the Pyrenees.
    While riding back towards Vilafreser, you will stop at the Hermitage of Ollers to enjoy your picnic.

    In the afternoon, the terrain turns a little hillier as you ride through the hamlets of Sant Mer and Les Serres.
    Upon arrival at the masia, you will have time to free to unwind by the pool or explore the gardens before enjoying a traditional Catalan dinner.

  • Day 5 5: Departure day

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Barcelona or Girona airport. Please make sure to book a flight departing after 1:30pm (if flying from Girona), or after 2:30pm (if flying to Barcelona).

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included but can be booked upon request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin/double room.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 11 international riders, plus guides.

- Please note: the ride will also confirm for 2-3 riders on payment of a supplement of €350/£305/$405 per person. Once the group has reached 4 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €160/£140/$185. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- Transfers from/to Barcelona or Girona airport are not included. The rates below are per person (return rate), and are payable locally in cash.

-- Barcelona airport – €140/£120/$160
You should plan to arrive before 5pm and depart after 2:30pm on the last day.

-- Girona airport – €70/£60/$80
You should plan to arrive before 6:30pm and depart after 1:30pm on the last day.

- It is possible to book massages during your stay at the masia. A massage costs around €70 (payable locally in cash).

- Younger riders aged 14+ are welcome to join but they must be accompanied by an adult and meet the riding requirements.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 vehicle and driver
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Accommodation

Double/Twin room in rural masias (countryside houses)

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 5
Drinks, including wine

Extras

Tourist tax

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

International flights
Return airport transfers

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement - see above for the details
Park, museum and other site entry fees
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    15/04/2026 19/04/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    13/05/2026 17/05/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
    Guaranteed departure
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    24/05/2026 28/05/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
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    24/06/2026 28/06/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    07/09/2026 11/09/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
    Guaranteed departure
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    21/09/2026 25/09/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
    Open
    		Book now
    07/10/2026 11/10/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
    Open
    		Book now
    21/10/2026 25/10/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
    Guaranteed departure
    		Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    09/12/2026 13/12/2026 £1,206 €1,375 $1,556
    Open
    		Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The herd is made up of around 50 horses and foals, living year-round in large pastures. About 25 of them take part in the trail rides.
Most of the horses are Arabian or Arabian crosses (with Spanish or Thoroughbred horses), which means they are forward going and responsive.

Their heights range between 14.3hh and 15.3hh.

Guide & local team

Most departures are led by Lucie. She’s a qualified equestrian guide who loves active and lively rides!
Having worked with our local partner for many years, Lucie knows the terrain exceptionally well. She is friendly, professional, and always attentive, ensuring that everyone enjoys their riding experience to the fullest.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This holiday is suitable for strong intermediate riders and above. You need to be an independent rider and comfortable at all three paces in outdoor settings.

Rider weight limit: 90kg / 198lb / 14st.

Pace

The pace is mostly walk, with regular trots and canters whenever the terrain allows.

Tacking ability and participation

All riders are expected to tack and untack their own horses, however help is always on hand if needed.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

A good fitness level is required for this trip.

Equestrian equipment

English saddles with saddle bags.
It is possible to request Western tack - please make sure to inform your travel advisor in advance.

Hard hats are mandatory. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Throughout the holiday riders will stay in renovated masias our hotels. The rooms are ensuite and wifi is available every night.

Meals

Breakfast usually includes fresh bread, pastries, cheese, cold cuts, jam, and fruit.
Lunch is a picnic featuring a variety of dishes such as pizzas, quiches, tabbouleh, cold salads, tortilla, cured meats, and fruit. On certain days, the picnic will be carried in the saddlebags.
Dinners consist of a starter, a main course, and a dessert.
Anne takes great care in selecting local, seasonal produce and personally prepares your picnics.

Dietary requests can usually be accommodated if mentioned in advance - please inform your travel advisor upon booking.

Climate

This part of Catalonia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild, sunny weather during spring and autumn (15-25°C) and warm, dry summers (25-30°C). The rainiest period is in autumn, especially October and November.

Tips

Tips are welcome but not expected. You should tip what you feel is appropriate and you are comfortable with.

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. This list should be adapted depending on the season and individual needs.

Head
- Helmet
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Waterproof jacket (Spring/Fall)

Lower body
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Swimming costume
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Riding gloves

Other useful items
- Water bottle (the team can lend you one, if necessary)
- Ear plugs and sleep masks for light sleepers

Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhea medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy on your mobile phone.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.