LANDSCAPEDIVE / olfactory experience
Why. Along with discovering one of the most oddly beautiful and best-kept corners of the Alt Empordà, dotted with menhirs, dolmens and megalithic constructions, you will learn about the surprising uses and properties of the plants that give the region its olfactory personality. While there you will use them to prepare your own, personal off-road fragrance. All this guided by the creator of BRAVANARIZ, who will be your host during the day, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. A unique way to learn more about the landscape and people-scape of our region, and find out in first person how we do what we do at BRAVANARIZ.
Who for. For all those who are seeking a transformative experience where they will see (and smell) life in a different way. Yet without rushing, with all the time you need to savour the moment, in an immensely pleasant and enjoyable way.For those who appreciate the details and look for the exclusive.
Includes. We begin with a lovely walk to gather plants lasting two hours in the reserve of La Albera, in Els Vilars d’Espolla. Upon arriving at the camp, in the same vineyards, we will do a wine tasking with products naturally produced on the domain, hosted by the owners (Celler Carriel dels Vilars) and accompanied by fine cheeses and other delicious local products as aperitifs. Through them you will see the landscape from another point of view, enriching your general conception and going down a few meters more in your immersion.
While the plants we have collected are distilled in our mobile distillation device, we will have lunch or dinner in a charming natural setting, enjoying traditional recipes and quality ingredients all proceeding from local production.
When it’s time for coffee, in a relaxed ambience, you will prepare tinctures, infusions and hydrolates. You will learn about the traditional processes and techniques we employ while we share stories and other oddities related to the brand’s creation and our products themselves. Right there, with the distilled fragrances obtained, you will bottle your day’s experience in a flask, heading home transformed, with the fragrance corresponding to your walk and a gift pack of our products in hand.
Where. Finca Carriel dels Vilars, in Els Vilars d’Espolla (Alt Empordà-Girona).
Duration. 7h
Route. Circular route arriving to one of the most beautiful megalithic remains on the area. Low difficulty. First 15-20 minutes of ascent but then the rest is downhill.
Meeting Point. We meet directly at the route’s starting point, in the Carriel dels Vilars vineyards.
When we start. At 10.30 am, distribution of material and brief explanation. At 11 am we get on our way (in the hot, summer months we will begin at 6 pm).
What you need. Curiosity and a good attitude, along with a sun hat, sunscreen and comfortable footwear. The rest is on us: a basket and pruning shears, gloves, fresh water, homemade lemonade, wine, food, coffees and other delights. Oh, and an important recommendation: don’t come wearing perfume or cologne. This may seem obvious, but it is worth reminding you. Keep in mind that some shampoos, conditioners and deodorants that have been synthetically scented are so ‘effective’ that the cloud of falsely-derived pleasant scent surrounding you will not let you and the others truly enjoy the experience.
Group size. From 8 to 12 people.
Once the group has been closed and the date set, 20% of the total cost is covered as a down payment by bank transfer to the account indicated below. From then on, your reservation has been confirmed.
Weather factors should always be taken into consideration. 48 hours before your visit is to begin, and if conditions are favourable (that is, if they are not clearly unfavourable, such as with hard rain or high winds) we will confirm that the route will take place.
Before beginning the activity, we request that the balance be paid in full by bank transfer.
In case of cancellation
If weather conditions forecast mean we will not be able to enjoy the route in adequate conditions to be able to enjoy the landscape, the group will agree together to an alternative date for the activity to take place.
If it has to be cancelled definitively, BRAVANARIZ will immediately return the quantity corresponding to the down payment.
If you cancel for causes unrelated to BRAVANARIZ
If your party cannot do the route once participation has been confirmed 48 hours previous to the starting time, BRAVANARIZ will not be able to refund the down payment. The reason for this is that we will have already purchased all products necessary for your unforgettable experience.
A small group
Protecting and respecting our natural environment is of vital importance for us. Crossing the landscape already means transforming it. The last thing we wish to do is fill these spaces with large groups of walkers. For you as well, the experience is much more intense if you don’t have the feeling of being in a herd. For this reason, we will go in a small group (maximum 12 people) and our calendar of activities will be spread out and limited. This means that if you are interested in any of the routes we offer, write soon and make a reservation, as we fill up quickly.
Don’t wear perfume or cologne
This is important if you wish to submerge yourself in olfactory terms into the landscape and have an authentically wild experience. This may seem obvious, but it is worth reminding you. Keep in mind that some shampoos, conditioners and deodorants have been synthetically scented, with their ‘effectivity’ based on a cloud of falsely-derived pleasant scent. This will not only leave you without the chance of experiencing the route authentically, but will also disturb the olfactory experience of the others in the group. Nature has a subtlety and an elegance that is not very compatible with strident expressions. If you wish to fully appreciate this simplicity, do not mask your own aroma while doing so. Nature has its own smell, and we do too.
Be careful with the sun
-Remember to bring a hat, cap or scarf to protect you from the sun. It hits hard in these areas and can be especially deceptive when there is wind and you think you will be fine. We also recommend biological sunscreen with no scent.
Footwear
Wear proper footwear. We are not going to climb Annapurna, but it is important that you are comfortable enough to walk all day (even though it ends up being a few hours). Boots are recommended, but older running shoes or well-worn shoes could also work. Elegance, like luxury, is an attitude.
Scratches
Unless you like to show off your ‘scars’ from an outdoor long trek, it is preferable to wear long trousers and socks. Especially in summer, certain chards and dry plants can mark your legs with scratches and insects will find your ankles an easy prey. For anything worse, we will always have a first-aid kit on hand to help.
