In the first, Portlligat, a bare bay north of Cadaques, is a Dalí landscape par excellence: there are slate coastlines covered by wind resistant thickets facing an electrifying blue sea. It was here that Dalí installed himself in 1930, occupying a simple fisherman´s hut. Here he painted numerous canvases, immortalizing his most be loved landscapes. Portlligat was the true home of Dalí who also frequented Paris and New York.
In the second, the Dalí Theatre-Museum of Figueres, opened on the 28th of September 1974, is the accumulation, the plenitude and the totality. It is the theatre of the memory, full of allusions to the artist´s life and work, extremely localised and universal at the same time. As the artist himself states, “The Museum should not be considered as a museum, it is a gigantic surrealist object, everything inside it is coherent, there is nothing that escapes from the webs of my understanding”.
In the third, the castle of Púbol, the fortress and refuge for Gala, the visible wife, is more austere. There are no accumulations, it is more severe and mysterious and it fascinates us. Here we discover a mature Dalí who pays homage to Gala, his muse, and he provides her with a space where she can be free. Nevertheless, the castle is bright, full of symbolism and small ironies that speak to us of a unique couple.
Portlligat, Figueres and Pubol, three angles of a creative idiosyncrasy, that approach us, show us and explain to us an internationally renowned artist with strong local roots. This trail brings us closer to the painter and guides us along some routes that are essential for understanding Dalí´s work as a whole. The light, color, irony and the people. the Empordá region, accompany him and us on this fascinating journey.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: You arrival in Barcelona or Girona and will be transfer to Cadques-Portlligat, the true homeland of Salvador Dali. This barren bay is the Dalianish countryside par excellence: salt stone coasts, grown with wind-resistant bushes near to the electronic-blue sea. In 1930 Dali settled here in a simple fisherman`s cottage. This ideal place is where you will begin your tour by a visit to Dali`s house. Afterwards you will be transfer to hotel and enjoy the evening meal with your guide and other riders.
Day 2: You start your journey through the natural reserve of the Cap de Creus, where the last line of the Pyrenees descend into the sea. You will ride along an old merchandise lane which winds its way through stony terrain, passing steep cliffs and clear-water bays, until you reach the fishing village of Port de la Selva. Once here you will stop for a picnic lunch and if you want to, you and your horse can go for a swim. Your overnight stay will be in the luxurious hotel Porto Christo and your evening meal will be enjoyed on the terrace.
Day 3: Today you and your horse will climb over the hills of Rodes to the fertile and mild plateau of Emporda. Here among this splendid garden of overwhelming beauty you will take a break above a small lake. Then once again mount your steed and gallop through the moors of Aiguamolls to the medieval town of Castello de Empuries with its magnificent cathedral. You will stay overnight in the hotel in the center.
Day 4: This morning your horse will carry you speedily to the vicinity of Figueres, the main town of the old Emporda. You will bring your horse to a small house in the Mediterranean forest and strengthen yourself with a tasty picnic. Today you will have the opportunity to visit the main attraction of the Dali-route, the Theatre Museum Dali. You will also have the opportunity to take a walk through the old town where later the group will enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants. Later that evening you will return to your forest home for the night.
Day 5: From the plateau of the old Emporda you will sink into the magic of the Epordanet. With its rolling hills and harmonic, soft countryside you can see in the distance hundred-year-old villages. These magical villages were built of honey-colored stones with their narrow alleys, gardens and planted fields. Here amongst these villages you will feel the strong inheritance of their farming roots. Tonight you will stay in an old, catalan farmer's house.
Day 6: On this day you will visit the third chain in the Dali-trail, the castle of Pubol which is in the center of the same-named village. Dali, because of a promise, gave this 14th century building to his wife Gala, as a present. The countryside of Pubol is a contrast to the wild coasts. Here you will climb to the chapel of the Angles to admire this hidden area of yellow, brown and green tones. Dali and Gala married in this pilgrim church on the 8th of August 1958. This magical place invites you to enjoy a picnic lunch. You will then head back for another evening at the farmer`s house.
Day 7: Today you will ride across the River Ter, through a mild, hilly and pleasant landscape, until you reach your final destination of the riding stables of Mas Alba.
Day 8: You will be transfered to Barcelona Airport or Girona Train Station where you will either be returning home or go on to your next destination.
2008 Dates: February 24-March 2, March 16-23, April 13-20, May 11-18, September 14-21, October 26-November 2, November 23-30.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,060 per person, shared; $280 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights guest house accommodation
- All meals
- 6 days of guided trail riding
- Horse
- Tack
- Transfers at pre-set time
- Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Spain
Horse Riding
Archeology/History
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