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Rivers and creeks meander through
rolling hills and pastures of Portugal's largest
breeding area for fighting bulls, providing enough
water to make this central region the greenest of
Portugal. This is horse-country with soft trails
through a scenic countryside.
You will overnight
in beautifully renovated private estates that used
to be the homes of nobles. Lots of antique furniture
and a very special atmosphere make them a highlight
of the ride. The ride takes you over hilly meadows
without any fences or roads to the lake Maranhão.
You cross several bridges, most of which had been
built by the old Romans, until you reach Altér do
Chão and visit one of the two National Stud Farms
that has its headquarters here. This is certainly a
highlight for all lovers of Portuguese horses
Hundreds of mares and their colts graze on huge
meadows.
 PG-PATA
Rates include:
Accommodations in country inns and private estates,
all meals, wine with lunch, English speaking guide,
6 riding days
8 day/ 7 nights $ 2,195
Single: + $455
-- based
on € 1,540/ € 320
Non Riders $
1,270
(€ 890)
2008 Dates:
03/16-03/23
03/23-03/30 04/27-05/04
05/04-05/11 05/11-05/18
see availability
Meeting: Lisbon at 5:30 p.m.
Transfer: included
Level:
Intermediate
Tack:
English
with sheepskin
Horses:
Lusitanos
Pace : Moderate
with great canters
Min/Max Riders: 6-10
Note: Max
weight 190 lbs.
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer around 5 PM from Lisbon to Avis
(90 miles). Dinner on the way; spend the night in a
stylish estate in Pero Viegas. A large number of
manors with original furniture, were renovated over
the last years in order to promote tourism in the
interior. Visitors are pleasantly surprised by the
personal atmosphere and warmth of these private
estate homes.
Day 2: You ride over hilly
meadows to the lake of Maranhão. This is a
large-scale land-holding and the fences between
meadows are miles apart. The landowners prevented
road construction on their properties and you will
seldom run into roads in this part of Alentejo. Most
of the stone bridges over the numerous rivers date
back to the Romans. The day ends in another manor,
the Monte do Padrão. Enjoy an evening in the
beautiful garden by the pool.
Day 3: Departure from Monte do Padrão to
the town of Altér do Chão and its Horse Breeding
Farm, with a ride through meadows where they raise
wild bulls. Picnic and more riding, night over at
Varandas de Altér.
Day 4: Visit to Altér do
Chão’ Horse Breeding Farm, one of the two national
stud farms. The horses bred here are so famous that
they're traded under the name Altér. The town rises
1,200 ft over sea-level and you can enjoy a
panoramic view over the landscape.
After lunch at
the Hotel you visit the national stud farm. This is
certainly a highlight and not only for horse-lovers.
In this idyllic location, hundreds of mares and
their colts graze on huge meadows. We then transfer
to the town of Altér, for a stroll before dinner. At
night, we stay at Varandas de Altér, a modern Hotel
right by the Breeding Farm.
Day 5: Through large meadows, past
fields, and with only one remote farmhouse that
reminds us of the presence of people, you ride to
Ribeira da Seda. By the way, this original regional
Portuguese cuisine offers you a varied and delicious
menu. Overnight in the manor of Monte do Padrao as
on the second night.
Day 6: You ride back
across large meadows. The plains of the Upper
Alentejo abound in water and favor extensive
fruit-growing. A blue lake in these lush
surroundings invites for a swim. Overnight at the
estate Pero Viegas.
Day 7: You ride to the
lake of Maranhão. These are the private hunting
grounds Calatrava with mixed forests of pine and
cork oak and abound in wild game. Farewell dinner at
the lake. Overnight as night before.
Day 8:
After breakfast transfer to Lisbon and
departure.
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