Ride to the Silver Coast

Introduction
Lisbon Area Portugal
This ride takes you from the Tagus valley to the Atlantic Ocean, where you will enjoy magnificent canters on the beach.

Discover some of the wildest Portuguese landscapes, learn about the local culture and enjoy the warm welcome of the Portuguese people. You will ride excellently trained Lusitano horses through nature and enjoy travel off-the beaten paths.

You can expect beautiful views, featuring typical Portuguese villages, hidden places and the real, authentic Portugal that not everyone gets to see!

If you have ever dreamed of riding a highly trained horse on a white beach, matching the rhythm of the Atlantic Ocean with that of your horse's hooves as you gallop, this ride is for you!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.

Description
You are accommodated in different country houses, usually with private bathrooms.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Quinta near Santarem
Night 2: Casas de Sao Jose
Night 3: Quinta do Vale Formoso
Night 4: Quinta da Torre
Night 5: Quinta near Santarem

Quinta near Santarem
The Quinta is beautifully situated in a lovely natural environment. It offers 4 simple and recently renovated guestrooms with private facilities and air conditionning. A cozy dining room and lounge invite you to relax in the evening. Free Wi-Fi access is available.
There is also a pool where riders can freshen up after a long day ride.

Casas de Sao Jose
You are accommodated in a charming house surrounded by olive grove and livestock. The property offers free Wi-Fi and a small outdoor pool.

Quinta do Vale Formoso
The farm offers several cottages where guests can sleep. Each room has its own bathroom and Wi-Fi is available. There is an outdoor pool and a lounge area where everyone can relax in the evening.

Quinta da Torre
This rural house has 6 guestrooms, each with its own bathroom. All the rooms have been tastefully decorated and include air conditioning as well as free Wi-Fi. You can relax by the pool or read a book by the fireplace.

Room Occupancy
In case that we are unable to find you a roommate, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
The package includes all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day as well as drinks during the ride and with meals (coffee, tea, water, beer, wine).

Lunch during the trail consist of delicious picnics in beautiful places.
Dinners are either enjoyed at the Quinta or in typical traditional restaurants.

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

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Riding Experience
The ride consists of small groups, on fit horses capable of long trots and enthusiastic canters. To enjoy this trail you should feel comfortable to ride in all 3 paces, including longer periods of rising trot and canter. Your fitness and experience makes several hours in the saddle possible.
You should have ridden on a regular basis for at least 5 years in order to join this holiday.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Monday): Arrival
Arrive at the airport by 1:30 p.m. and transfer to the Quinta. You will be warmly welcomed and you will be assigned a suitable horse for the trail. You will go on a first, short ride to familiarize yourself with the horses.
Dinner and overnight at the Quinta or in a beautiful guesthouse nearby.
Riding approx. 1.5 hours
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Quinta or in a guest house (5 minutes from the Quinta, depending on the number of participants and availability)

Day 2 (Tuesday): Santarem to Asseiceira
Today, you start your ride from the stables in Santarem to Asseiceira. You will spend several hours in the comfortable saddles and enjoy the wonderful landscapes of Portugal! The Lusitanos are easy to ride and absolutely sure-footed. Feel comfortable and let yourself be carried over hills and mountain landscapes.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casas de Sao Jose

Day 3 (Wednesday): Asseiceira to Santana 
After breakfast, we get back in the saddle, making our way to Santana. You first ride towards Rio Maior, where the sandy paths invite you to canter. Your Lusitanos, who are always hard-working, carry you effortlessly throughout the day. As you ride up the Serra dos Candeeiros you can enjoy wonderful views. After about 3 hours of riding, we stop for lunch in a castle.
In the afternoon, we ride for another hour before we reach our friends' private Quinta. After the horses are taken care of, you will have time to relax or swim in the pool before dinner.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta do Vale Formoso

Day 4 (Thursday): Santana to Obidos
Ride up and down the mountains and marvel at the beautiful views. In the afternoon you reach the town of Obidos. You will spend the night at the beautiful Quinta da Torre and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta da Torre

Day 5 (Friday): Obidos to the Ocean
On your last ride you finally ride to the Silver Coast and reach the Atlantic Ocean. A breathtaking view awaits you! With the salty smell of the sea in your nose, you canter along the soft beach. An unforgettable experience!
You will spend the night at our Quinta, near Santarem.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Quinta or in a guest house (5 minutes from the Quinta, depending on the number of participants and availability)

Day 6 (Saturday): Departure
Transfer to the airport after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non Riders
Non riders are welcome to join this trip. Please contact us for more information about non-riding activities.

Rates and Dates for Ride to the Silver Coast

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Santarem
Airport: Lisbon Airport
Transfer: Lisbon Airport

Climate:
                                             Caldas da Rainha area

Source: NOAA