Rutas de los Bandoleros

Day 2: Besalú - A pearl from the Middle Ages

In the morning we meet our four-legged companions for the next few days. The horses are saddled and off we go! The trail winds through enchanted forests. Holm oaks and pines are the dominant trees. The forest thins out and we reach the river Fluvià. Here the horses can quench their thirst and we enjoy a delicious picnic.

After a siesta, we ride at a brisk pace to the medieval town of Besalú. Our accommodation for tonight is a hotel right next to the beautiful Romanesque bridge overlooking the river Fluvià and the town. We look forward to dinner in a quaint restaurant right on the Plaza Mayor.

Day 3: Garrotxa, land of volcanoes

We leave the enchanted forests and dive into the land of volcanoes. A landscape that is sweetly cultivated, but at the same time entices us with its wildness. The extinct volcanoes lie there as if they wanted to rest until the end of time. The most recent eruption was a few thousand years ago. Only the black lava and a few volcanic craters remind us of the fireworks of days gone by. In the river at the edge of a hidden village we cool our feet and unpack our picnic. Then it's time for a long siesta!

In the afternoon we set off at a trot and gallop to a medieval village. Our cosy accommodation is right on the market square.

Day 4: The home of the Serrallonga

On horseback we continue our hike through the million-year-old volcanic landscape of Garrotxa. The earth now turns ochre-brown and black. The dark lava rock contrasts with the bright green deciduous forests of this area. A nice bar invites you to lunch in a typical Catalan village. The village fountain gurgles and plane trees provide pleasant shade.

Brilliantly, our Andalusians climb in the afternoon into an overwhelming landscape. In spring and summer, grey rocky mountains wink through the deep green beech forest, in golden autumn the forest glows in all colours - "Indian Summer", the ambience is reminiscent of Canada. Open cattle pastures give us great views over valleys and mountains. A majestic monastery rises at the highest point of the mesa. We are at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Catalonia. We are allowed to spend the night here and are woken up the next morning with the sun rising over the sea!

Day 5: Canyons and table mountains

Over lush cattle pastures we descend into the valleys between the mighty table mountains: canyons like in Arizona and waterfalls that plunge steeply into dark gorges. We hear the cries of large birds of prey soaring above towering rock formations. The evergreen and humid forest we cross used to be the outlaws' hideout. It contrasts with the reddish-brown and silver-grey rocks of the Table Mountains. In the midst of this fascinating mountain world, we discover a lonely chapel where a delicious lunch awaits us.

After the relaxing break, our faithful four-legged friends carry us to the end of the Table Mountains. What a spectacular view as we ride along the steep cliffs! Above us, vultures soar into the depths in a swoop. Like an eagle's nest, a small village lies majestically on the edge of the mountain. Below us, the Canyon Lake glows in deep green. We spend two nights in this idyllic place.

Day 6: Panorama of the Table Mountains

Today we make our way adventurously through an ancient beech forest like robbers. The horses master every challenge with surefootedness. While our four-legged companions graze peacefully next to a herd of cattle, we discover a rock with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Table Mountains - the home of Serrallonga! Here we enjoy a saddle bag picnic.

Well rested, we then begin the descent. Spectacular rock formations accompany us on the way back to the remote village. From the terrace of our accommodation, we look out over the horse pasture during dinner. Another unforgettable trail day comes to an end.

Day 7: High plateau

We ride up to a high plateau with spectacular views. Here north and south, Mediterranean and high mountains merge in a very special way.

Lush meadows and dense beech forests cover the land. Ferns spread out, the primeval forest proliferates and appears impenetrable. The temperatures are pleasantly cool, many springs and quiet streams refresh us on our way.

In the heart of the high plateau lies the lonely and cosy Jordi's horse farm. We only hear the wind in the trees, the singing of the cicadas and the babbling of the stream. In the evening, a robber's menu is served at an old wooden table and Catalan rogue stories are told over a glass of wine.

Day 8: Adiós y hasta la vista!

After breakfast we say goodbye. Transfer to Girona or Barcelona, or continue to a coast trail.

Important! We usually ride the Bandit Trail in a clockwise direction. You can find the detailed trail description under Bandit Trail Version 2. Another alternative is the Bandit Trail Version 3. We reserve the right to make changes to the programme (season/weather/holidays).

> Important notice to all customers!