Royal Horse Trails

Introduction
Alto Alentejo Portugal

Lazy rivers and babbling creeks meander through the rolling hills and pastures of Portugal's largest breeding area of fighting bulls, providing enough fresh water to make this central region the greenest of Portugal. This is classic horse country with soft trails through a scenic, lush countryside. You will overnight in beautifully renovated private estates, once the homesteads of European nobles. Lots of antique furniture and a very special atmosphere make them a true cultural and historical highlight of the Royal Horse Trails ride. The journey takes you over hilly meadows with no fenceline in sight and follows the quiet roads to Lake Maranhão. The trail will cross over bridges with antiquated stone architecture, most of which built by the Romans long ago, until you reach Altér do Chão and visit one of the two National Stud Farms that has its headquarters in the area. This is certainly a highlight for all lovers of horses- Hundreds of mares and their colts play and graze on the sprawling and verdant meadows! Combined with the delicious Portugese cuisine available en route and well trained Lusitano horses, you will experience Portugal's lush countryside at it's best! 

Accomodation

Accommodations in country inns and private estates.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer around 5 PM from Lisbon to Avis (90 miles). Dinner on the way; spend the night in a stylish estate in Pero Viegas. A large number of manors with original furniture, were renovated over the last years in order to promote tourism in the interior. Visitors are pleasantly surprised by the personal atmosphere and warmth of these private estate homes.

Day 2: You ride over hilly meadows to the lake of Maranhão. This is a large-scale land-holding and the fences between meadows are miles apart. The landowners prevented road construction on their properties and you will seldom run into roads in this part of Alentejo. Most of the stone bridges over the numerous rivers date back to the Romans. The day ends in another manor, the Monte do Padrão. Enjoy an evening in the beautiful garden by the pool.

Day 3: Departure from Monte do Padrão to the town of Altér do Chão and its Horse Breeding Farm, with a ride through meadows where they raise wild bulls. Picnic and more riding, night over at Varandas de Altér.

Day 4: Visit to Altér do Chão’ Horse Breeding Farm, one of the two national stud farms. The horses bred here are so famous that they're traded under the name Altér. The town rises 1,200 ft over sea-level and you can enjoy a panoramic view over the landscape.
After lunch at the Hotel you visit the national stud farm. This is certainly a highlight and not only for horse-lovers. In this idyllic location, hundreds of mares and their colts graze on huge meadows. We then transfer to the town of Altér, for a stroll before dinner. At night, we stay at Varandas de Altér, a modern Hotel right by the Breeding Farm.

Day 5: Through large meadows, past fields, and with only one remote farmhouse that reminds us of the presence of people, you ride to Ribeira da Seda. By the way, this original regional Portuguese cuisine offers you a varied and delicious menu. Overnight in the manor of Monte do Padrao as on the second night.

Day 6: You ride back across large meadows. The plains of the Upper Alentejo abound in water and favor extensive fruit-growing. A blue lake in these lush surroundings invites for a swim. Overnight at the estate Pero Viegas.

Day 7: You ride to the lake of Maranhão. These are the private hunting grounds Calatrava with mixed forests of pine and cork oak and abound in wild game. Farewell dinner at the lake. Overnight as night before.

Day 8: After breakfast transfer to Lisbon and departure.

**subject to change

Rates and Dates for Royal Horse Trails

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Lisbon airport
Airport: Lisbon
Transfer: Lisbon incl 5:30PM

Climate:

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.