In the Land of the Lusitano

Introduction
Lisbon Area Portugal
Come to Portugal and enjoy the best unspoiled locations, riding noble and loyal Lusitano horses!  
 
This ride is completely dedicated to the Lusitano horses and includes a visit and stay at the famous Veiga stud farm. Another highlight of this trip is, without doubt, the visit of the city of Golegã, also known as the "capital of horses".
Ride on excellently trained Lusitanos and discover the unspoilt landscape of Portugal. This ride lets you wander through beautiful trails surrounded by grapevines, past cattle herds and along hilly cork oak forests.

During your holiday, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about Portuguese culture, food and its people.

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 (1 of the accommodations used might have shared facilities).

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Quinta near Santarem
Night 2: Quinta Boa Vista
Night 3: Quinta da Brôa
Night 4: Accommodation in Golegã (varies depending on group size and availability)
Night 5: Quinta Mata Rural
Night 6: Quinta near Santarem



Quinta near Santarem
The Quinta is beautifully situated in a beautiful 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.

Quinta Boa Vista
This beautiful property is built in typical Portuguese style.

Quinta da Brôa
In 2009, the Veiga family decided to renovate the old houses of previous farmworkers in order to welcome guest on their beautiful property. There are now 9 individually decorated apartments, all equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom, a TV and free Wi-Fi access. Guests are also welcome to relax in the garden or take a dip in the swimming pool.


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.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
After your transfer from Lisbon airport, you are warmly welcomed by the owners of the Quinta. This afternoon, we go on a first introductory ride to familiarize ourselves with the horses. On that ride, you will get a first taste of the beautiful Portuguese landscape with wonderful pine and cork oak forests. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner together.
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 (Monday): Ride to Quinta Boa Vista
Today you make your way on horseback to a winery (Quinta da Ribeirinha) located in Povoa de Santarém. A visit awaits you here and of course a fine wine tasting, accompanied by a delicious lunch.
Afterwards you will ride through vineyards and hilly terrain to your first accommodation. This private farm on a hill directly overlooks the Tagus River and is home to some splendid Lusitano horses. 
In case there are less than 4 participants, we will go on a longer ride without wine tasting, but with a picnic on the way.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta Boa Vista

Day 3 (Tuesday): Quinta Boa Vista to Quinta da Brôa (Veiga Stud)
Today you enjoy the Tej valley and experience the charm of the Ribatejo region. Again and again you have the opportunity to trot or gallop as you ride along the Alviela River, before reaching the Tagus with its beautiful sand banks. Passing some old farmhouses you reach a beautiful, special place with a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, where you can relax and enjoy your picnic and the wonderful nature around you.
In the afternoon, the trail takes you through huge grain fields on winding paths by the Tagus River, until you arrive in Azinhaga, an excellent representation of typical Portuguese villages. After crossing the village, ride along some fields and meadows with grazing mares. Your goal for the day is Quinta da Brôa, the home of the famous Veiga Stud. You will be welcomed to the traditional courtyard, called the cradle of the Lusitano. The Veiga family has been breeding Lusitano horses for several hundred years. In the evening you meet for dinner in Golegã.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta da Brôa

Day 4 (Wednesday): Veiga Stud and Ride to Golegã
In the morning, after breakfast, you will get a guided tour of the Veiga Stud. If you are lucky, you can see Manuel Veiga (international dressage rider) training one of the horses. After a small snack, get back in the saddle and ride across the meadows of the stud, where you can always see mares with their foals. Then, continue along the Boquilobo nature reserve. In the afternoon, you will reach Golegã, the "capital of horses", where you will spend the night today.
Golegã has a very long tradition and is famous for its annual large horse fair held in November. You have the opportunity to go for a little walk, to explore the small streets and hidden traditional shops and coffee bars or to visit Sabine Marciniak: an artist who has dedicated her life to her passion, painting Lusitano horses and riding. In the evening you will meet up in the main square of Golegã for dinner.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Golegã

Day 5 (Thursday): Golegã to Quinta Mata Rural
After breakfast, saddle your horses again and, ride through the beautiful alleys, leaving Golegã to ride along the Tagus River. On this ride, you will learn more about the region that bears the name "Garden of Lisbon". The very fertile soil next to the river-rich fields produces tomatoes, potatoes, corn, sunflowers, etc. For lunch, you stop in the restaurant of a small village and enjoy the authentic Portuguese cuisine. Rested, you get back on your horse and ride past eucalyptus trees, cork oaks and herds of cows before arriving at Quinta Mata Rural where you spend the night. It is a charming, family-run farm that produces olive oil and farmed cattle.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta Mata Rural

Day 6 (Friday): Ride back to Quinta
Today we ride back to the first Quinta. Gentle hills and large cattle farms surround us with magnificent views past olive trees and cork oaks. We stop for lunch at the picnic area where Antonio is already waiting for us with delicious food. Afterwards, we continue riding through grapevines and ride by a small lake where the horses can have a drink. The horses already feel that you are approaching the stable. Once there, say goodbye to your loyal four-legged companions get ready for the farewell dinner.
Riding approx. 5 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 7 (Saturday): Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport and departure.
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 In the Land of the Lusitano

Dates Note:

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

Climate:
                                             Caldas da Rainha area

Source: NOAA