Packages and Options

Day 1:  Meeting at Lisbon's airport and departure to the south at 5:30 PM in the direction of Stº André (150 kms).
Arrival at the end of the afternoon to the Hotel Vila Park, one of the most recent hotel units of the region with a refined environment where you will be able to relax or swim in the pool if the temperature allows it. Dinner and the first night of rest.
Day 2:  The ride takes us along the coast where we have long stretches on the wide open beaches. Here, we are close to the Lagoon of Sto André, an area of great silence and tranquility. As we pass through rice fields we continue in the direction of the riding center Hípico de Sto André. We have dinner in a special restaurant, Tower of Santiago do Cacém from where we have views of the area spanning 360 degrees. We stay the night in Hotel Vila Park.
Day 3: Today we head inland while enjoying many canters through eucalyptus and pine forests. At lunch our driver greets us at a shady place in the woods. We are served grilled meats and salad accompanied by fresh bread and local wines. After lunch we head towards the magnificent Pousada de Portugal – Quinta da Ortiga where the group dines and spends the night. This Pousada, complete with a chapel and a swimming pool, is situated in a typical quinta alentejana and is only a few minutes from Santiago of the Cacém and beaches of the Vicentina Coast. For those interested, we are also near some cultural attractions including the Castle of Santiago and Roman ruins of Miróbriga.

Day 4: After large breakfast, we continue further into the interior towards Cercal, leaving the sea behind us. After a long ascend we reach a nature park where we enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards we continue in the direction of the House of Verdemar, located 5 miles before Cercal. The tavern of this house, managed by Christine Nijoff since 1989, is nicely decorated with fine restored antiques. During dinner on the terrace you taste some very old and authentic recipes with natural products of the region. The accommodations of Verdemar have a nice rural ambiance. The spacious exterior with a garden, swimming pool, fruit trees, and olive trees offers pleasant places to sit and relax.
Day 5: We ride through the mountains of Cercal near the dam of Campilhas where we stop for lunch. The afternoon is free to visit Vila Nova de Milfontes, a fishing village close to the sea. This is a great destination if you like to swim in the open ocean.
Day 6: After breakfast we leave for our next destination, which is still in the mountains of Cercal. After some nice trots and canters and a fine lunch we arrive at the Monte das Pedras Negras. A short stop in Alentejo Sao Luis is one of the many highlights of the day. Shortly thereafter we reach the beaches of Porto Covo, Almograve, V.N. de Milfontes, and Zambujeira do. Each of these sights is surrounded by a breathtaking scenery. Relax and enjoy the quiet of Monte Alentejano after a dip in the pool.
Day 7: Our last riding day will see the Monte das Pedras Negras. We ride in the direction of the lagoon of Pego das Pias, a tributary of the river Mira. After lunch we return to the comforts of Monte das Pedras Negras. A farewell dinner completes the ride.
Day 8: Departure to Lisbon after breakfast.
subject to change

The temperature along the coast is very pleasant for riding. However, be prepared for quick showers, which may occasionally occur. The main rainy season in Portugal is from November to April.

During the ride informal attire prevails. Either English or Western riding gear is acceptable, although since tack is English style, we feel that breeches and high boots are most comfortable for the long hours in the saddle. And even though it is not required, we recommend a riding helmet. For those of you who wish to ride in jeans we highly recommend chaps or leggings.

Casual sportswear is appropriate for the evenings. Do bring a sweater and jacket for the cooler evenings. There are no saddle bags available but the riders will be met at picnic time every day by the car transporting the luggage. We do recommend that you obtain a belt pack to carry your valuables and other small items during the ride. Regular film can be obtained locally but special sizes may not be available, so bring plenty. Do not forget swimsuit and towel. When traveling in Europe it is always a good idea to bring a bar of soap since not all hotels supply it. We also like to carry along some leather thongs for tying things to the saddle.

We recommend that you take two different suitcases/bags in order to leave all clothes which are not being used during the trail at the starting point of the trek; and only take the absolutely necessary equipment, while on the ride. This bag will be transported by the jeep from one stopover to the next.

Accomodations in 3 and 4-star lodging. Three nights at the Poussada Quinta da Ortega. Excellent country hotels with fine cuisine. Wine with lunch.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

The Horses

You will be riding pure-bred and part-bred Lusitano Horses. The Lusitanos, which come from the same origin as the famous Andalusians, can be considered as some of the finest horses in Europe. Together with their Spanish brothers, the Lusitanos were the first horses which were brought to the New World and thus became ancestors of all American breeds. The Lusitano horses were at their full grandeur when the classical dressage of 'Haute école' was having its era throughout the last centuries, before the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) requested the performance of extension in modern dressage. This is a movement, which can only be performed in a limited way by Lusitanos as these horses have never been chosen for being great movers in respect to long strides. They are instead known for their splendid abilities and glamour performing the collected movements. You can indeed look forward to getting a mount which is not only well-tempered and of a docile character but who will allow you to explore the great feeling of riding a well-trained horse. The saddles that you will be using are mostly Portuguese Army saddles covered with sheep skin which are very comfortable and well-suited for the purpose of long distance rides. English style bridles are used.

Tack:		Portugese cavalry saddle like English Endurance with sheepskin
Horses:		Lusitanos
Pace:		4-6 hrs Pace Moderate, long canters
Level:		(3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 190 lbs
Riders:		Min 6	Max 10

The Horses

You will be riding pure-bred and part-bred Lusitano Horses. The Lusitanos, which come from the same origin as the famous Andalusians, can be considered as some of the finest horses in Europe. Together with their Spanish brothers, the Lusitanos were the first horses which were brought to the New World and thus became ancestors of all American breeds. The Lusitano horses were at their full grandeur when the classical dressage of 'Haute école' was having its era throughout the last centuries, before the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) requested the performance of extension in modern dressage. This is a movement, which can only be performed in a limited way by Lusitanos as these horses have never been chosen for being great movers in respect to long strides. They are instead known for their splendid abilities and glamour performing the collected movements. You can indeed look forward to getting a mount which is not only well-tempered and of a docile character but who will allow you to explore the great feeling of riding a well-trained horse. The saddles that you will be using are mostly Portuguese Army saddles covered with sheep skin which are very comfortable and well-suited for the purpose of long distance rides. English style bridles are used.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Sufficient funds are required for all except EU nationals. (b) Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/consulate to check visa requirements