Portugal - Alentejo Trails
Ride well schooled Lusitano horses on two different trail rides on the Alentejo coastline.
Each trail is well planned to include a variety of terrain. You ride through cork-oak plantations, wheat-fields, vineyards and groves of olive trees; through eucalyptus and pine forests; rice fields and estuarine wetlands, onto deserted wild Atlantic beaches and alongside lakes and reservoirs.
The Dolphin Trail is a circular route which includes a half day boat trip looking for dolphins in the estuary. You will spend your nights at a number of local guesthouses and hotels, some with swimming pools.
The Alentejo Coastal Trail is a linear trail which journeys south along the coast and inland to the mountains, returning the following week. As on the Dolphin Trail, you stay in local guesthouses and hotels, some with swimming pools.
Your horses are the beautiful and calm Lusitano. 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 tack and riding is English style.
The accommodation varies from renovated former farm houses to small comfortable hotels. Almost all have swimming pools to enjoy a cooling swim after a day in the saddle. Please note that the swimming pools may not be open early or late in the season.
The rooms all have private shower / toilet, 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.
INCLUDES Accommodation; full board; wine with lunch; all riding; excursions as per itinerary.
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.
HIGH SEASON: 15 June - 5 September.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT the single supplements are as follows: Dolphin Trail low season £492.75; Dolphin Trail high season £527.95; Coastal Trail £510.35.
Single rooms are subject to availability. If you are willing to share and we find a sharer for you, then no supplement is charged.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Drinks; tips; airport transfers.
NEAREST AIRPORT Lisbon.
TRANSFERS The shared airport transfers cost an extra €100 payable locally.
Shared transfers from Lisbon airport (payable locally) are at 17:30 and so your flight should be scheduled to arrive into Lisbon no later than 17:00. The journey from the airport takes about one and a half to two hours.
Your return flight should depart after 12 noon on the day of departure.
If you book flights outside of these guidelines then you will need to pay for a private taxi or have a rental car.
In the Alentejo region of Portugal south of Lisbon. The Dolphin trail is a circular trail whilst the Coastal trail is a linear trail - both are near the coast. Nearest airport is Lisbon.
Pleasant nearly all year round, with coastal breezes ensuring it is never too hot.
This was one of the best holidays I have ever been, very well organized, amazing guide, lovely horses, variety of activities and amazing country with awesome wine and food!
I came back re-charged!
Lucia
Overall rating: 4/5
