Portugal - Wolves and Wild Horses
The Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north of Portugal is home to the Iberian Wolf and a rare breed of horse called Garrano. The scenery is dominated by granite rocky mountains, dense oak forests, narrow valleys, rivers and groves of birch.
The Wolf is not easily seen although you might see their footprint or hear their howl at night. The wild Garrano horses are much easier spotted and you frequently pass herds of horses. Over the week you have three day rides with picnics and three half-day rides so there is time to go on non-riding excursions and learn more about the area. There are normally a maximum of five riders but can be more on occasions.
The horses are Lusitano purebred and crosses and the Garrano which is about 12hh/13hh but can easily carry an adult across this mountainous terrain. You should be confident at walk trot and canter.
The itinerary includes three half days' riding and three day rides with picnic lunches.
Please note that on this holiday you are involved with the preparation of the horses including collecting them from their fields, grooming, and tacking up prior to the ride. Also at the end of the ride you will help wash down your horse. Help is at hand if needed.
Maximum weight limit 90kgs.
You stay all week in a beautifully restored house in a tiny hamlet. There are six bedrooms. Four of the rooms are twin rooms with en suite bathroom. One is a small room for single occupancy with its bathroom just across the corridor (there is no single supplement charged on this room).
The sixth is a small suite with double bed, sitting room, small kitchen and bathroom.
Dinner is provided for you at the house and lunch is either a picnic at a beautiful spot or at the house. You will have the opportunity for lots of local Portuguese dishes.
Rides run from April to November. The normal arrival day for the week long holiday is a Saturday.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 10 Jun 2023 - 17 Jun 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Full | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 17 Jun 2023 - 24 Jun 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 24 Jun 2023 - 1 Jul 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 1 Jul 2023 - 8 Jul 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 8 Jul 2023 - 15 Jul 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 15 Jul 2023 - 22 Jul 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 22 Jul 2023 - 29 Jul 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 29 Jul 2023 - 5 Aug 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 5 Aug 2023 - 12 Aug 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 12 Aug 2023 - 19 Aug 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 19 Aug 2023 - 26 Aug 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 26 Aug 2023 - 2 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 2 Sep 2023 - 9 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 9 Sep 2023 - 16 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 16 Sep 2023 - 23 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 23 Sep 2023 - 30 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 30 Sep 2023 - 7 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 7 Oct 2023 - 14 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 14 Oct 2023 - 21 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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| Wolves and Wild Horses | 21 Oct 2023 - 28 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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| Wolves and Wild Horses | 28 Oct 2023 - 4 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 4 Nov 2023 - 11 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 11 Nov 2023 - 18 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 18 Nov 2023 - 25 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 25 Nov 2023 - 2 Dec 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book | |
| Wolves and Wild Horses | 18 May 2024 - 25 May 2024 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,975.24 |
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Book |
INCLUDES Accommodation; all meals; riding and non-riding excursions as per itinerary; return transfers from Porto Airport.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT of $31.18 per night to guarantee a single room. There is no charge if willing to share. There is one single room (with private bathroom but not en suite) which is available at no supplement.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Bar bill; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Porto.
TRANSFERS from Porto Airport are included at set times.
NOT INCLUDED Flights to Porto.
Shared transfers are possible from Porto Airport at set times. Your flight should arrive in Porto no later than 14:30. The transfer normally leaves at 15:00. Your return flight should depart after midday 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 you will need to hire a car at the airport.
This ride explores the Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north of Portugal.
This area has good rainfall in the winter months which provides the moisture for interesting flora & fauna, rivers & waterfalls. A visit between April and June will be the best time for spring flowers. July and August are normally the hottest months (highest temperatures in the mid 20°C) and very little rain. In September/October you will be able to enjoy the golden colours of autumn.
This is a highland area and so the temperatures can fluctuate considerably between day and night and throughout the seasons.
A really special place - the horses clearly have a wonderful life in this beautiful place under such great management and as a result are happy, well-mannered and forward-going - a delight to ride. Absolutely wonderful holiday.
Alison ,Reading
Overall rating: 5/5
