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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Portugal
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![]() Alentejo / Blue Coast![]() Alto Alentejo![]() Azores![]() Lisbon Area![]() Northern Portugal
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Monte Velho Dressage Clinics
Alentejo / Blue Coast
Portugal
This package is ideal for those who wish to improve their dressage skills while staying in a comfortable accommodation surrounded by nature.
You will stay in a tastefully decorated eco-resort with wonderful amenities, set in a relaxing environment.
The resort is also home to a renowned stud farm, breeding beautiful Lusitano horses and training them for dressage competitions.
Here, it is possible to take dressage lessons for all riding levels.
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Riding Clinic
Short Getaway
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Arraiolos
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Airport:
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Lisbon Airport
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Transfer:
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Lisbon Airport
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
18 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
18
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2024 | 2025
Rates include*:
Accommodation in standard room, All meals & Riding days according to program
| A | 2024 | 7 day trip (High) | 7d / 6n | €1705 | $1875 |
| 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 | (€650) | ($715) |
| Non rider discount in Premium room | (€560) | ($615) |
| B | 2024 | 7 day trip (Mid) | 7d / 6n | €1490 | $1640 |
| 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 | (€550) | ($605) |
| Non rider discount in Premium room | (€460) | ($505) |
| C | 2024 | 7 day trip (Low) | 7d / 6n | €1280 | $1410 |
| 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 | (€550) | ($605) |
| Non rider discount in Premium room | (€400) | ($440) |
| D | 2024 | 7 day trip - Intensive (High) | 7d / 6n | €2295 | $2525 |
| 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 | (€1240) | ($1365) |
| Non rider discount in Premium room | (€1150) | ($1265) |
| E | 2024 | 7 day trip - Intensive (Mid) | 7d / 6n | €1980 | $2180 |
| 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 | (€1040) | ($1145) |
| Non rider discount in Premium room | (€950) | ($1045) |
| F | 2024 | 7 day trip - Intensive (Low) | 7d / 6n | €1770 | $1950 |
| 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 | (€1040) | ($1145) |
| Non rider discount in Premium room | (€890) | ($980) |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
|
2024
|
Transfers from/to Lisbon airport, one way, per car (up to 4 pax)
- to be paid locally
|
€
180
|
$200
|
Check in is between 4 pm and 6 pm on the arrival day and Check out by noon on the last day. Transfers can be arranged from/to Lisbon Airport for an extra fee.
Tour Dates for 2024 | 2025
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2024
|
09/15
- 09/21
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| D |
2024
|
09/15
- 09/21
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| D |
2024
|
09/22
- 09/28
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| A |
2024
|
09/22
- 09/28
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| A |
2024
|
09/29
- 10/05
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| D |
2024
|
09/29
- 10/05
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| D |
2024
|
10/06
- 10/12
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| A |
2024
|
10/06
- 10/12
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| A |
2024
|
10/13
- 10/19
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| D |
2024
|
10/13
- 10/19
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| D |
2024
|
10/20
- 10/26
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| A |
2024
|
10/20
- 10/26
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| A |
2024
|
10/27
- 11/02
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| D |
2024
|
10/27
- 11/02
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| E |
2024
|
11/03
- 11/09
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (Mid)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| B |
2024
|
11/03
- 11/09
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (Mid)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| B |
2024
|
11/10
- 11/16
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (Mid)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| E |
2024
|
11/10
- 11/16
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (Mid)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| E |
2024
|
11/17
- 11/23
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (Mid)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| B |
2024
|
11/17
- 11/23
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (Mid)
|
1
/18
|
Expired
|
| B |
2024
|
11/24
- 11/30
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (Mid)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| E |
2024
|
11/24
- 11/30
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (Mid)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| F |
2024
|
12/01
- 12/07
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (Low)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2024
|
12/01
- 12/07
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (Low)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2024
|
12/08
- 12/14
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (Low)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| F |
2024
|
12/08
- 12/14
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (Low)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| F |
2024
|
12/15
- 12/21
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (Low)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2024
|
12/15
- 12/21
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (Low)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2024
|
12/22
- 12/28
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2024
|
12/22
- 12/28
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2024
|
12/29
- 01/04
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip - Intensive (High...
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2024
|
12/29
- 01/04
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip (High)
|
1
/18
|
Reserve
|
|
Shorter program (3 nights minimum) available on request
Most 2024 dates are sold with some availability in July, August, September and December
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities & Transfers
We offer 2 different dressage clinic programs:
- Standard option (5 lessons)
- Intensive option (9 lessons + 1 trail ride)
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 riding lesson is 1-hour long and has a maximum of two students per instructor. The lessons can take place in one of the 2 indoor arenas or in the Olympic-sized outdoor arena (60 m x 20 m).
The lessons take place anytime between 9 am and noon for the morning session and between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm for the afternoon session.
All our instructors are engaged in Dressage competitions with our stud farm horses, and have regular training with the world most renowned trainers.
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.
Meeting:
Arraiolos
Airport:
Lisbon Airport
Train station:
Evora
Transfer:
Lisbon Airport
Distance:
140 km
Check in is between 4 pm and 6 pm on the arrival day and Check out by noon on the last day. Transfers can be arranged from/to Lisbon Airport for an extra fee.
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Tack:
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Portuguese & English for trail rides and Dressage saddles for dressage lessons
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|
Horses:
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Pure bred Lusitano horses
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Pace:
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Moderate during trail rides with opportunities to trot and canter
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate to Advanced
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Age:
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Min
10
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs / 90 kg
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
18 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
18
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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* 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.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Passport Note(a) Sufficient fu. more
Arraiolos area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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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
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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.
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 |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| 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 |
|
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| 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 |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
|
..view other reports for different trips
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
can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Portuguese & English for trail rides and Dressage saddles for dressage lessons
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Pure bred Lusitano horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate during trail rides with opportunities to trot and canter
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate to Advanced
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
10
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs / 90 kg
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
18 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
18
|
* 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.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Sufficient funds are required for all except EU nationals. (b) Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/consulate to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
|
|
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Monte Velho Dressage Clinics
Tour Code:
IT-PGMV02
7 days /
6 nights
Dates :
All year round
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
|