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The Costa Azul, also known as the Blue Coast - the southern stretch of
Portugal’s west coast, is as long and beautiful as the Algarve. However, on the
Costa Azul is one of deserted beaches; a place where you do not have to worry
about running into mobs of tourites. The pristine countryside of the Costa Azul
stretches up the west coast of Portugal. Nearby, at the mouth of the nearby Rio
Sado, dolphins play in the water and a sanctuary of 57, 500 acres envelopes the
area. To the south you find 36 miles of uninterrupted beaches, lagoons and
fishing villages. Throughout this immaculate area you have great chances to see
local schools of dolphins. If you want to go to Portugal and avoid the crowds of
the Algarve, the Blue Coast is your destination.
Ride across old paths through the virgin landscape of southwest Portugal -
through vast valleys to the Atlantic shore with rocks and dunes, inviting for a
refreshing canter. Overnights are in the famous Poussada Quinta da Ortega and
excellent country hotels with fine cuisine. Enjoy the enchanting backcountry and
the isolated beaches of the Costa Azul.
Experience empty sand dunes and beautiful landscape of the Blue Coast on
horseback.  PG-PAAC
Rates include: Accommodations in 3- and
4-star lodgings, all meals, wine with lunch, 6 riding days
8 days/ 7 nights $1,825
Single:+ $270
-- based on € 1275
Single €190
2008 Dates:
05/25-06/01 (S)
06/01-06/08 (N)
09/14-09/21 (N) 09/21-09/28 (S)
see availability
Meeting: Lisbon
Transfer: included - pick up ~5:30 PM
Level:
Intermediate
Tack:
English
Horses:
Lusitanos
Pace: Moderate with long canters
Min/Max: 6-10 riders
Note: Max weight 185 lbs.
Itinerary
Day 1: Meeting at Lisbon's airport and
departure to the south at 5:30 PM in the direction
of Stº André (150 kms).
Arrival at the end of the afternoon to the Hotel
Vila Park, one of the most recent hotel units of the
region with a refined environment where you will be
able to relax or swim in the pool if the temperature
allows it. Dinner and the first night of rest.
Day 2: The ride takes us along the
coast where we have long stretches on the wide open
beaches. Here, we are close to the Lagoon of Sto
André, an area of great silence and tranquility. As
we pass through rice fields we continue in the
direction of the riding center Hípico de Sto André.
We have dinner in a special restaurant, Tower of
Santiago do Cacém from where we have views of the
area spanning 360 degrees. We stay the night in
Hotel Vila Park.
Day 3: Today we head inland while enjoying
many canters through eucalyptus and pine forests. At
lunch our driver greets us at a shady place in the
woods. We are served grilled meats and salad
accompanied by fresh bread and local wines. After
lunch we head towards the magnificent Pousada de
Portugal – Quinta da Ortiga where the group dines
and spends the night. This Pousada, complete with a
chapel and a swimming pool, is situated in a typical
quinta alentejana and is only a few minutes from
Santiago of the Cacém and beaches of the Vicentina
Coast. For those interested, we are also near some
cultural attractions including the Castle of
Santiago and Roman ruins of Miróbriga.
Day 4: After large breakfast, we continue
further into the interior towards Cercal, leaving
the sea behind us. After a long ascend we reach a
nature park where we enjoy a picnic lunch.
Afterwards we continue in the direction of the House
of Verdemar, located 5 miles before Cercal. The
tavern of this house, managed by Christine Nijoff
since 1989, is nicely decorated with fine restored
antiques. During dinner on the terrace you taste
some very old and authentic recipes with natural
products of the region. The accommodations of
Verdemar have a nice rural ambiance. The spacious
exterior with a garden, swimming pool, fruit trees,
and olive trees offers pleasant places to sit and
relax.
Day 5: We ride through the mountains of
Cercal near the dam of Campilhas where we stop for
lunch. The afternoon is free to visit Vila Nova de
Milfontes, a fishing village close to the sea. This
is a great destination if you like to swim in the
open ocean.
Day 6: After breakfast we leave for our next
destination, which is still in the mountains of
Cercal. After some nice trots and canters and a fine
lunch we arrive at the Monte das Pedras Negras. A
short stop in Alentejo Sao Luis is one of the many
highlights of the day. Shortly thereafter we reach
the beaches of Porto Covo, Almograve, V.N. de
Milfontes, and Zambujeira do. Each of these sights
is surrounded by a breathtaking scenery. Relax and
enjoy the quiet of Monte Alentejano after a dip in
the pool.
Day 7: Our last riding day will see the Monte
das Pedras Negras. We ride in the direction of the
lagoon of Pego das Pias, a tributary of the river
Mira. After lunch we return to the comforts of Monte
das Pedras Negras. A farewell dinner completes the
ride.
Day 8: Departure to Lisbon after breakfast.
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