For every horse-loving girl or boy, a lifelong dream is a fast ride on a beautiful steed through incredible countryside, along beaches, and over mountains. Panorama Trails makes that dream come true with its many trails in Catalonia. At age 66, it was surely time for me to make this trip, and the choice of the Catalonian Coast Trail was perfect. The horses exceeded my expectations -- steady, forward, totally trustworthy and responsive. Most were Andalusian crosses, with several other breeds, such as French trotters, in the mix. My trekking saddle was fitted with a soft seat pad that made it comfortable for riding three to six hours each day, with much of the ride at a trot, canter or gallop. Our guide, Denise, was unfailingly fun, appropriately concerned with safety, but not a nag, and cared for horses and riders with competence and good humor. Her assistant, Jose, also had a perpetual smile, and clearly loved his equine charges. The value of this ride, with all accommodations and excellent meals, is superior. Your really get a lot for the money, including a stay at an Andalusian stud, cooking by David, chef supreme, at several meals, and gourmet picnics from Nacho, the Panorama Trails cook. The team makes the logistics seamless, which is no easy task, with ten horses and people traveling close to 100 miles in 6 days. This is not a trip for inexperienced riders, as the pace is far faster than that generally experienced on US trail rides. You will care for your horse while on the trail, but the routine allows for plenty of rest for horse and rider. Generally, breakfast is at 9; to horses by ten; ride two or three hours; stop for a picnic and siesta and rest for the horses for a couple of hours; ride again for one to three hours; stop for the night, with dinner around 8 or 8:30. There are other activities, too, including a winery visit, a museum visit, a tour of the stud farm, swimming in a pool or in the sea. I traveled with friends, but would also recommend this trip for the solo traveler. The group connects quickly, and the multi-lingual guide crosses language barriers. We had three friends, a mother/daughter/friend trio, and three solo travelers in our group of five Americans, one Austrian, and three Swiss. Our ages ranged from 16 to 66. All were women, as are about 75--80% of the riders overall. This was an excellent experience and a great value!
Have being riding with Panorama Trails twice a year, every year for the last 16 years and have always had a fantastic time. The horses are always excellent as are the guides and the trails. I have ridden all the available routes and have just ridden the Pirate trail, which is an exciting, adventurous trail, but the sure footed horses mean that is superb.I am 75 years of age and still enjoy joining Rudi and the others for exciting and enjoyable rides, and am already planning my next trip out there. I whole heartedly recommend Panoram Trails and the Pirates Trail to anyone who enjoys horse riding adventures.
I had a amazing time during this absolutely fabulous trail!I was the "green one" in the group but every thing exceeded my expectations and I had a blast! Horses were so well trained and sweet, international group was funny and helpful, and of course the trail it self was the most beautiful with changing landscape from poppy fields to seaside and everything between. Most important thing for the successful trail was our great guide Nacho, who made us feel safe by showing great horsemanship and knowledge of human nature :) I really lived my dream!I'm sure to attend next year again!KInd regardsSusanna
For all horse trail fans ...I've been here before riding the Bandits trail and the Transpirenaica - "Beach to Beach" trail. This time I participated the Barbarossa Pirate trip. It was super. Our funny guide Nacho, a great guy wearing shorts, knee socks and a Gaucho cap gave all his attention to the horses and his guests. Ladies who needed some support to get on the horse were well looked after. Nacho makes a healthy picnic, made with love, decorated with flowers and stacks nicely little stones on the corners of the tablecloth. (do not tell anyone … he does not want to be called a sissy) We had a mixed group , this time all participants aged over 50, very nice people. The ride is relaxed, yet challenging, the scenery changes every day and we were off between 5 and 6 hours a day.We slept in good hotels. The hotels outside the villages are more luxurious and original as I love the old stone-built farmhouses. Picnics go with wine and dinner includes a three-course menu where you can choose from the card.The horses are well cared for, some in the beginning of the trail are quite spicy, but as long as you keep in line no unexpected things will happen. They are very strong in the mountains and they know very well how to place their feet on difficult rocky paths. When the climbing is very steep, I do give relief to the horse, but mostly I trusted my horse Carinyoso.The nice thing about this trip was that it is so varied. Mountains, forest, beach, white villages and vast hilly landscape. The riding is also varied, long gallops, climbing and sometimes hiking. Definitely recommended for people who are good in the saddle and want a relaxed, yet challenging holiday.Nacho: " Digo ... stay in line! "Hope to see you on my next trip,Eva
Dear Yvonne! Thank you so much for your feedback! As we already mentioned in our previous e-mails to you we are always happy to receive constructive criticism. We want to explain our view of the points you have mentioned.For almost 20 years now we have organised quality and safe horse riding holidays. We have also ridden at many different places all over the world and have gathered a wealth of different experiences. In general we think it is very important to be patient and open to accept different procedures and be keen to adapt to them. Procedures are worked out to guarantee the most important point for everybody: Safety for riders and horses!! Our horses are athletes, walking more than 80.000 kilometres a year. They are extremely well trained in climbing mountains, cantering through the plains and on the beach. Our horses also pass through busy villages and traffic situations. Horses are routine animals and they have learned over the years to do a good job. If we change the procedures abruptly and ride without respecting the established order, horses get confused and unsatisfied. As a possible consequence they might start to kick and bite in order to express their confusion. This brings a lot of unrest into the group and it makes it very difficult to control the horses in slowing down the pace. The result could be that horses end up galloping uncontrolled and this puts riders and horses in an extremely dangerous situation. Our horses are used to and specially trained to go in line. In our wide experience this way has been confirmed to be the safest. Only on a few occasions it can turn out that rider and horse do not connect and then of course we try to find a solution and if necessary we change the horse. In this case it would be helpful if guests are not afraid to ask us to change the horse. We always want the best for our guests and horses. There's a lot of work "behind the scenes" which may not always be perceived by our guests. We really work hard to give a good service and make these holidays unforgettable for all. The fact that we have a lot of returning visitors speaks for itself and it is the best evidence that we are doing things well. Thanks again for your review and we wish you and your friends all the best!
last week i completed my sixth riding holiday .which was the bandit trail led by NACHO who I consider the best trail leader I have had .He was most helpful in helping us to get on being both over sixty.We rode an interesting trail over the escarpements of the southern pyranees through woods and along the cliff edges with wonderful views,staying in small hotels and farm houses enroute.Nacho kept us amused all evening over supper with his wonderful stories of life in spain,One must be fit to lead ones horse down very rocky terrain and gallop along flat sandy roads.when required.In all an excellent holiday where horses welfare and care comes first,
I chose November for a trail ride this time (first time at this time of year) and it was absolutely wonderful. The weather was warm and sunny. The trees were dressed in their autumn colours, reds, yellows, etc.with the sun reflecting the beautiful colours. We stayed in some rustic houses in historical villages with cosy rooms and excellent food. Some were in rural settings on river banks, some with sea views. The horses were all strong and reliable as ever and the beach was quiet at this time of year, meaning it was possible long safe gallops along the edge of the sea. A truly wonderful experience from start to finish that I would recommend to all.
What a Fantastic Holiday - by far the best riding experience I've had! The trail its self was challenging in parts with steep terrain but extremely fun with plenty of opportunities for fast canters. My horse 'Conejo' was awesome - very sweet and a total gentleman, forward going but responsive and I felt safe at all times. All the horses are extremely well looked after and fit. Our guide NACHO was amazing - he made the holiday! - Nacho is extremely experienced and professional with all the horses and always happy to help out - he made us feel safe whilst ensuring we had lots of fun! Nachos assistant - Danny was also great - i looked forward to the lunch picnics nearly as much as the riding! I will definitely be returning soon!
I did the La Pasion Trail, I think it has to rate as one of the most exciting holidays I have ever had. Amazing views and the food "oh the food!!!" fantastic.The people at Panorama couldn't of done more to make sure you have the best holiday. As a novice the riding was challenging but at the same time exciting, but never at the expense of safety.
This was my fifth trail in Catalonia, I keep coming back to this wonderful area. Have done 20 trails so far and I think Rudi and his staff is doing an excellent job organizing the trails. Our guide on the Herdsman trail was Denise, she was very sweet, helpful and polite. The trail started in the lower parts of the terrain slowly moving up in the mountains. We were so lucky with the weather, blu sky with 22-26c the whole week - perfect riding conditions. Being seven riders it was a midsized group that worked very well. The scenery in Pyrenees was amazing I found it hard to believe - what a beautiful place on earth! For those who has been on the Bandido trail, this is your next trail. Accomodation is good to excellent with lots of food. The breakfast was, well, modest compared to a scandinavian meal in the morning but we survived. Have posted my pics at Facebook - search for Tom Oiestad. Next trail in the future, the Transpirenaica trail... :-)