LANDSCAPEPLUNGE / olfactory experience
What. 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. What is more, you will enjoy a wine tasting with products made ecologically in those very vineyards, listening to a thousand stories about the wine from the producers themselves.
Who For. For all those who would like to have the experience of gathering plants with us, your hands alive with the scents of our most emblematic varieties, yet without getting tired or spending an entire day. For anyone from 8 to 88 years old.
Includes. A pleasant walk to gather plants lasting almost an hour and a half in the Gutina reserve, the habitual working area of Bravanariz. Afterwards, we will do the wine tasking with the owners of Celler la Gutina hosting us amongst their vineyards, complemented by a selection of cheeses and other delicious local products. Then we will distil the plants and make a off road capture Clearing Mist (Hydrosol) of the experience.
Where. Finca Can Torras ( Celler La Gutina), Vilartulí (Sant Climent de Sescebes)
Duration. 3-4h
Route. Circular route covering the most important megalithic remains on the property (5 km). Low difficulty, negligible slope.
Meeting point. We meet directly at the route’s starting point, in the manor house of Can Torras (Celler la Gutina).
When we start. At 9 am, distribution of material and brief explanation. At 9.30 am we get on our way.
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, wine 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 6 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.
