Portugal - Kingdom of the Lusitano
Ride well schooled Lusitano horses on this trail ride through the interior of the Alentejo region of Portugal.
The Alentejo is the hottest, driest region of inland Portugal. Without the rivers and streams that exist within this province, it would be a desert. Hot in summer, lush in spring and enduring subzero temperatures in winter, it is one of the least polluted areas in Europe.
The Alentejo is a very important region for horse breeding and this trail includes a visit to one of the famous Alter-Real studs to see the mares and foals.
You ride over a variety of terrain; through cork-oak plantations, wheat-fields, vineyards and groves of olive trees; through eucalyptus and pine forests; through meadows full of spring flowers.
Accommodation on the trail is at local guesthouses and hotels, some with swimming pools.
Your horses are Lusitanos. They are well schooled and comfortable to ride with an enthusiastic walk and easy collected canter.
You should be a confident rider at walk, trot and canter.
It is important to be fit enough for the long canters in the heat of the Portuguese sunshine.
The accommodation varies from renovated former farm houses to the modern hotel Caminhos de Santiago.
Almost all have swimming pools to enjoy a cooling swim after a day in the saddle.
The rooms all have private shower / loo, and some have a bath. The rooms mostly have two beds which are made up separately but pushed together, so you can separate as you need.
This ride runs on set dates in May when the flowers and landscape should be looking their best. For other times of year please see the Dolphin and Alentejo Coastal Trails.
INCLUDES Accommodation; full board; wine with lunch; all riding; excursions as per itinerary; transfers (at set time) from Lisbon airport.
SMALL GROUP SUPPLEMENTS apply which depend on the total number of people booked
25% (if 3 in the group)
10% (if 4 in the group)
NON-RIDER discounts are available. Please call for prices.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $691.86. There are a very limited number of single rooms. If you are willing to share and we find a sharer for you then no supplement is charged.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Drinks; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Lisbon.
TRANSFERS Included at set times from Lisbon airport.
Transfers are included from Lisbon airport at set times.
Your flight should be scheduled to arrive in Lisbon no later than 17:00. The transfer normally leaves at 17:30 for the journey to the start of the ride.
Your return flight should depart after 12 noon on the day of departure.
Please note that these transfers are at pre-set times. If you choose to book flights outside of these guidelines then an additional transfer fee of EUR 150 each way may be applicable; or you may wish to hire a car at the airport. The journey from the airport takes about two hours.
In the Alentejo region of Portugal east of Lisbon. Nearest airport is Lisbon.
Warm and pleasant during the spring months when the ride takes place.
Horse was lovely, perfect match
Carrie-Ann ,Hertfordshire
Overall rating: 5/5
