Peneda Gerês National Park Ride

Introduction
Northern Portugal Portugal
Close to the northern border between Portugal and Spain lies the Peneda-Geres National Park, a region of varied habitats which range from the high granite mountain landscapes to dense oak forests. Not only is this a beautiful, natural landscape but it is also the territory of a large predator, the magical Iberian Wolf, a species which your hosts have studied closely for several years. In your exploration of this peaceful region you will look for signs of the wolves' passage, visit fojos (ancient stone traps to catch the wolf) and talk about the history and legends surrounding the species. You may also be treated to one of the most enchanting sounds in nature - the howl of the wolf.

In addition to the wolf, the wild Garrano horse also roams this area freely. The rides often pass herds of these horses which is a wonderful sight to behold. Some of the riding horses used are also from the Garrano breed (the others used being Lusitanos, another Portuguese breed). This ride will take you through the oak woods and groves of birch, natural shelter for roe deer and wild boar, as well as patches of chestnut and holly trees which are inhabited by squirrels. Jays and orioles rest along the cliffs where you might also catch a glimpse of an eagle and some rare species of crow.

This riding holiday has been designed for true nature enthusiasts who wish to contemplate the natural jewels of the Iberian peninsula in the company of a good horse. The landscapes feature the natural pools of the Laboreiro river, hot water thermal baths, ancient paths and, of course one of the main peaks in the park, the Peneda Mountain.

Accomodation

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

Description
You will sleep in a traditional mountain house, located in the historic village of Castro Laboreiro in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, and surrounded by pure nature. The house was built in the early 20th century and recently restored. The owners maintained the original features of the house (stonewalls, wooden doors...), but they equipped it with all modern comforts (central heating, fireplace, free WIFI & TV with cable channels) to enable visitors a pleasant stay.
There are 6 bedrooms (all with private bathrooms) featuring homemade toiletries made with local goat milk and lavender.



In the garden, surrounded by a beautiful Oak forest, you will find the ideal place for your morning breakfast or to read a good book.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee does apply.



Meals
The package includes all meals. 
We serve gourmet Portuguese traditional recipes accompanied by an excellent selection of Portuguese wine.

Breakfasts feature our locally produced honey and homemade jams and marmalades as well as many other delicious foods.

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

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Your hosts are both journalists with a passion for the environment and nature conservation. In 1999, they decided to broaden their horizons and began a long-term project to study a family of Iberian Wolves and produce a documentary on the species for Portuguese television. They provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere and look forward to sharing their passion for this magnificent region with their guests.

Itinerary


Note: During your stay there will be a combination of half day and full day rides. It is possible to have additional riding (riding lessons available at an extra cost - payable locally) in place of the non-riding excursions. Please note, the following itinerary description might change due to the weather or other conditions.

Sample Itinerary: 8-day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival 
Transfers from the airport to the village of Castro Laboreiro, where our guesthouse is located. Welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 2 (Sunday): Discover Peneda Gerês National Park
This morning, we match horses and riders and go for our first ride in the beautiful pathways of the Peneda Mountain. We stop for lunch in the gardens of the country house.
In the afternoon, visit of the reception center of the National Park for better knowledge about the region and the biodiversity of this natural area. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riding: 3 hours
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to the Valley of the Wolves
This ride takes us towards the fabulous Valley of the Wolves, one of the most beautiful valleys of the mountain. We will stop for our lunch break in the mountain. Full of biodiversity, the area is rich in rare sightings of wild animals. Last but no less important, we can spot the best Garrano herds of all the region here in the valley.
Dinner at the guest house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riding: 5 to 6 hours
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride to the highest point of the region
Starting in the top of the mountain where the horse stables are located, we will ride in direction of the plateau where Laboreiro River begins. A wild valley in the top that works has a cup and concentrated a lot of small springs and water lines to start the main mountain river. Traveling to reach this valley, we will pass Rodeiro village, the highest and a very typical village in the region.
During this ride we will reach the highest point of the region, meaning 1340 metres of altitude and enjoying breathing 360 degrees views.
Our lunch break will be at the country house.
During the afternoon we will visit the medieval Castle of Castro Laboreiro.
We come back to the guesthouse for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riding: 3 hours
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride to Castro Laboreiro village
Today we will keep following the ancient Transhumance trails and these were also used as a connection to Spain back in the old days. We will leave the winter valley and cross near Barreiro Lake in direction of Castro Laboreiro village. It will be a ride full of amazing views of the mountain and the oak forest.
On these trails, the great difference is the beauty between the high-altitude landscape and the more hidden valleys of Castro Laboreiro that becomes visible and breathtaking.
Picnic lunch in the mountains.
After lunch, we will climb back to the stables where continues presenting you extraordinary landscapes over the mountain. Birds of prey will make company with us on the way.
Dinner at the country house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riding: 3 to 5 hours
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 6 (Thursday): Castle & Sanctuary
During this morning you can choose between a free morning to relax and rest or go with us to visit the Castro Laboreiro Museum and get to know more about their history.
Early lunch at the gardens of the guest house.
We will go riding this afternoon for a sunset ride to track and hopefully find the wild Gerrano horses. The sunset ride is done according to weather conditions.
Dinner at the guest house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riding: 2 to 3 hours
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 7 (Friday): Valley of the Wolves Ride
Today we will ride towards the border in the east of Portugal, looking for the Garrano horses and the amazing megalithic monuments there – these represent the largest Megalithic necropolis in the Iberian Peninsula.
We will stop for our lunch break in the mountain. The ride continues with the possibility of some long canters.
Dinner at the guest house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riding: 5 to 6 hours
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

---

Sample Itinerary: 5-day program - shorter version of the week-long ride, subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival 
Transfers from the airport to the village of Castro Laboreiro.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 2 (Sunday): Discover Peneda Gerês National Park
This morning, we match horses and riders and go for our first ride in the beautiful pathways of the Peneda Mountain. We stop for lunch in a typical local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit of the reception center of the National Park for better knowledge about the region and the biodiversity of this natural area.
In the evening, we will go for a sunset ride to track and follow a wild Garrano horses herd.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to the border
Today, we will ride until we reach the border with Spain, making our way East. We should spot some herds of wild Garrano horses as well as some megalithic monuments which constitute the largest megalithic necropolis of the Iberian Peninsula. We will stop for our lunch break in the mountain. We should have some opportunities for long canters.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 4 (Tuesday): Morning Ride & Sightseeing
We will enjoy some canters in the mountain this morning. Our lunch break will be in a local restaurant.
This afternoon, we visit the historical Melgaço village with its castle and old churches. We will later stop at the Alvarinho presentation center to try out their wonderful fresh local white wine. A typical Portuguese wine, the Alvarinho cast is both one of the most important varieties of the Tart Wine Region and one of the most internationally prized.
We come back to the guesthouse for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 5 (Wednesday): Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Peneda Gerês National Park Ride

Dates Note: * custom tour dates possible by request - please inquire for availability and rate

Other Info
Meeting: Castro Laboreiro
Airport: Porto
Transfer: Porto Airport

Climate:
                                                      Arcos de Valdevez area