Alentejo Trails

Alentejo / Blue Coast Portugal: (IT-PGMV03)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/portugal_alentejo_trails.aspx

Introduction
Alentejo / Blue Coast Portugal
Come ride through the 250 hectares of land surrounding this beautiful stud farm, in the heart of Alentejo.

You will ride on varied trails, across landscapes that have been classified as a National Ecological Reserve. Here, you can ride for several hours without crossing any paved roads. The region is dotted with lakes as well as cork trees and holm trees. You will also come across several cattle herds while riding.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights are spent at the same accommodation.

Description
You will be staying in a beautiful Eco-Resort that blends with the surrounding countryside.

Each room opens to a furnished balcony with an amazing view to the dam. The rooms all offer modern conveniences, including air conditioning, wireless internet, a multi-channel television, and a Nespresso coffee machine. The ensuite bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a glass wall and features a modern shower cabin.

Your package includes accommodation in a Standard room (20 square meters) but it is possible to upgrade to a Premium room (25 square meters) for an extra fee. The Premium rooms offer the same amenities as the standard rooms but they also feature a balcony.

The rooftop pool offers amazing panoramic views. There are few seating areas around the pool with umbrellas and sunbeds, where guests can relax.
The resort also features a Jacuzzi and a Sauna, that guests can enjoy at no extra fee. It is possible to book massages for an extra cost (please, inquire for rates).

Room Occupancy
Single travelers must pay a single room supplement.


Meals
The package includes all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

The meals are served buffet style. We offer an alleged version of Portuguese cuisine.
Our buffet always includes some bread and cheese as well as cold meats, salads, vegetables, one meat of fish course and a desert. We try to vary the options during the week.


Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with advance notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

* Please note that anyone who is over the weight limit will not be allowed to ride onsite in order to protect our horses.

The Eco-Resort features its own Stud Farm. The owners have been dedicated to horse breeding of Lusitanos since 1994. Our Stud Farm, was originally formed by a group of five Alter Real mares, which were crossed initially with the stallion Xaquiro, with the goal of creating well conformed horses morphologically and especially with very good gaits.
Most of our horses show a great aptitude for dressage which is the main objective of the Stud Farm. Please, note that none of the horses used on this program are able to perform at Grand Prix level.

Children
We are able to provide riding lessons and trail rides to kids 10 and older, with a good riding level. Younger kids or those with less experience might be able to attend riding lessons on request.

Weight Limit
Our Lusitano horses are amazing and very fun to ride but they tend to be a little more fragile than other breeds. In order to protect our horses, we will not allow riders weighing over 200 lbs (90kg). Riders who are over the weight limit will not be allowed to ride on site and no refund will be issued. Please, be truthful about your weight to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Itinerary

We offer 2 different programs:
- Standard option (5 trail rides)
- Intensive option (10 trail rides)

Please, note that Sunday is a rest day for horses and the instructors. Because of this, we recommend that guests arrive at the resort on a Sunday.

Each trail ride lasts for about 1.5 hour. Riding groups during trail rides are no bigger than 6 riders (5 guests + 1 guide). The trails are organized in groups with similar riding levels, and are mostly done at a walk, but there is always the possibility of some trotting and cantering in flat areas, if the rider feels comfortable with the horse.
During the summer months (July and August), we ask not to book 2 trail rides on the same day as the afternoons can be really hot.


Non Riding Activities
The resort offers several non-riding activities at no surcharge.

Fishing
The resort has a small lake where many 'axigan' fish live.

Canoeing
Two canoes are available for guests to use on the dam. Each canoe can fit up to 3 people.

Biking
There are 6 bikes that can be borrowed to explore the beautiful surrounding landscape.


Rates and Dates for Alentejo Trails

Rates include:

Accommodation in standard room, All meals & Riding days according to program

Packages and Options



  • SeasonYearDescriptionEUR ~US$
    A
    20247 day trip (High)€1405$1545
    • single supplement in standard room€270$300
      Upgrade to Premium room (dbl), pp€90$100
      Upgrade to Premium room (sgl)€570$630
      Non rider discount in standard room(€350)($385)
      Non rider discount in Premium room(€260)($285)
  • B
    20247 day trip (Mid)€1190$1310
    • single supplement in standard room€210$230
      Upgrade to Premium room (dbl), pp€90$100
      Upgrade to Premium room (sgl)€450$495
      Non rider discount in standard room(€250)($275)
      Non rider discount in Premium room(€160)($175)
  • C
    20247 day trip (Low)€980$1080
    • single supplement in standard room - no extra fee€0$0
      Upgrade to Premium room (dbl), pp€150$165
      Upgrade to Premium room (sgl)€420$460
      Non rider discount in standard room(€250)($275)
      Non rider discount in Premium room(€100)($110)
  • D
    20247 day trip - Intensive (High)€1755$1930
    • single supplement in standard room€270$300
      Upgrade to Premium room (dbl), pp€90$100
      Upgrade to Premium room (sgl)€570$630
      Non rider discount in standard room(€700)($770)
      Non rider discount in Premium room(€610)($670)
  • E
    20247 day trip - Intensive (Mid)€1440$1585
    • single supplement in standard room€210$230
      Upgrade to Premium room (dbl), pp€90$100
      Upgrade to Premium room (sgl)€450$495
      Non rider discount in standard room(€500)($550)
      Non rider discount in Premium room(€410)($450)
  • F
    20247 day trip - Intensive (Low)€1230$1355
    • single supplement in standard room - no extra fee€0$0
      Upgrade to Premium room (dbl), pp€150$165
      Upgrade to Premium room (sgl)€420$460
      Non rider discount in standard room(€500)($550)
      Non rider discount in Premium room(€350)($385)
The US Dollar Rate is Based on Exchange Rate of 1.1

* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy

Transfer and Other Charges:



 DescriptionEUR~US$
2024 Transfers from/to Lisbon airport, one way, per car (up to 4 pax)
- to be paid locally
180 $200

Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 09/22 - 09/28 7d / 6n 7 day trip (High) 1 /18 Expired
D 2024 09/22 - 09/28 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (High... 1 /18 Expired
D 2024 09/29 - 10/05 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (High... 1 /18 Expired
A 2024 09/29 - 10/05 7d / 6n 7 day trip (High) 1 /18 Expired
A 2024 10/06 - 10/12 7d / 6n 7 day trip (High) 1 /18 Expired
D 2024 10/06 - 10/12 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (High... 1 /18 Expired
D 2024 10/13 - 10/19 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (High... 1 /18 Expired
A 2024 10/13 - 10/19 7d / 6n 7 day trip (High) 1 /18 Expired
A 2024 10/20 - 10/26 7d / 6n 7 day trip (High) 1 /18 Expired
D 2024 10/20 - 10/26 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (High... 1 /18 Expired
D 2024 10/27 - 11/02 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (High... 1 /18 Expired
A 2024 10/27 - 11/02 7d / 6n 7 day trip (High) 1 /18 Expired
B 2024 11/03 - 11/09 7d / 6n 7 day trip (Mid) 1 /18 Expired
E 2024 11/03 - 11/09 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (Mid) 1 /18 Expired
E 2024 11/10 - 11/16 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (Mid) 1 /18 Expired
B 2024 11/10 - 11/16 7d / 6n 7 day trip (Mid) 1 /18 Expired
B 2024 11/17 - 11/23 7d / 6n 7 day trip (Mid) 1 /18 Expired
E 2024 11/17 - 11/23 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (Mid) 1 /18 Expired
E 2024 11/24 - 11/30 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (Mid) 1 /18 Reserve
B 2024 11/24 - 11/30 7d / 6n 7 day trip (Mid) 1 /18 Reserve
C 2024 12/01 - 12/07 7d / 6n 7 day trip (Low) 1 /18 Reserve
F 2024 12/01 - 12/07 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (Low) 1 /18 Reserve
F 2024 12/08 - 12/14 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (Low) 1 /18 Reserve
C 2024 12/08 - 12/14 7d / 6n 7 day trip (Low) 1 /18 Reserve
C 2024 12/15 - 12/21 7d / 6n 7 day trip (Low) 1 /18 Reserve
F 2024 12/15 - 12/21 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (Low) 1 /18 Reserve
D 2024 12/22 - 12/28 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (High... 1 /18 Reserve
A 2024 12/22 - 12/28 7d / 6n 7 day trip (High) 1 /18 Reserve
A 2024 12/29 - 01/04 7d / 6n 7 day trip (High) 1 /18 Reserve
D 2024 12/29 - 01/04 7d / 6n 7 day trip - Intensive (High... 1 /18 Reserve

Dates Note: Shorter program (3 nights minimum) available on request
Most 2024 dates are sold with some availability in July, August, September and December

Rates do not include:

Gratuities & Transfers

Other Info
Meeting: Arraiolos
Airport: Lisbon Airport
Transfer: Lisbon Airport

Climate:
                                               Arraiolos area


Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average High Temperature (°F)

54

56

60

63

70

79

85

85

81

70

61

56

Average Low Temperature (°F)

43

44

46

47

51

57

60

61

61

54

49

45

Average High Temperature (°C)

12

13

16

17

21

26

30

30

27

21

16

13

Average Low Temperature (°C)

6

7

8

9

11

14

16

16

16

12

9

7

Source: NOAA
 

Seasons 
In summer the Alentejo region is sunny, warm and quite dry. Temperatures can rise to 90F or 33C inland, but sea breezes keep the coast in the high 70Fs or 20Cs. However, there are three things to consider: there is no humidity; the big open blue sky is often clear of all clouds, which means that as soon as the sun goes down so does the air temperature; and it rarely rains. Night time temps can drop as much as 30 degrees in summer.

What To Bring:
We have some helmets that guests can borrow (M and L sizes) but we highly recommend to bring your own for a better fit.

This list is only a guideline for you

 

Travel documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)

 

RIDING GEAR
Cotton shirts with long sleeves (protection against the sun!)
Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
Riding boots + Minichaps
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection
Rain coat

 

PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Jogging suit / Pyjama
Light summer jacket
Comfortable shoes/sneakers
Swimsuit and towel
 
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
Personal Toiletries
Insect protection
Personal medications
Sore cream (for an emergency)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for electric appliances
Camera and enough extra films or memory cards and batteries
Small bag to buckle on (for small items needed during the ride)
Spur straps (to tie sweater or parka onto the saddle)
Sun glasses with strap
Sun tan lotion and lip balm
Flash light