Royal Horse Trails

Introduction
Alto Alentejo Portugal
Lazy rivers and babbling creeks meander through the rolling hills and pastures of Portugal's largest breeding area of fighting bulls, providing enough fresh water to make this central region the greenest of Portugal. This is classic horse country with soft trails through a scenic, lush countryside. You will overnight in beautifully renovated private estates, once the homesteads of European nobles. Lots of antique furniture and a very special atmosphere make them a true cultural and historical highlight of the Royal Horse Trails ride.

The journey takes you over hilly meadows without fences or roads to the Maranhão Lagoon. You cross several bridges, most of which had been built by the old Romans until you reach Alter 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, but the view from the farm over the surrounding countryside is no less impressive. Hundreds of mares and their colts graze on huge meadows. Travel through meadows and fields, where only a few remote farmhouses remind you of the presence of people.

No doubt - this is one of the best rides in Europe!
 

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different accommodations.

Description
The accommodations throughout the trip are in country inns and private estates.
Laundry facilities are available in Alter do Chão (nights 3 & 4) for an extra fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Monte do Padrão in Figueira e Barros
Night 2: Monte Dos Aroeirais in Fronteira
Nights 3 & 4: Varandas de Alter in Alter do Chão
Night 5, 6, & 7: Monte Dos Aroeirais in Fronteira

Monte do Padrão in Figueira e Barros
This recently renovated farmhouse is surrounded by a 1300-hectare park. It has 7 double rooms.

Monte Dos Aroeirais in Fronteira
This charming property offers elegantly decorated bedrooms, that all come fitted with a TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access. The property is surrounded by olive groves and offers a small outdoor swimming pool. Guests are also welcome to relax on the terrace or to read a book in the lounge, by the fireplace.

Varandas de Alter in Alter do Chão
This small hotel offers simply decorated bedrooms fitted with a TV and an ensuite bathroom. The hotel amenities include an outdoor pool and a sauna (extra charge). Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee does apply.



Meals
The package includes all meals and drinks at lunch time.
The meals are usually traditional Portuguese food.

Lunches are eaten on the trail and usually included grilled food.
The dinners are eaten in local restaurants or in the hotels' restaurants.

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

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
You will be riding pure-bred and part-bred Lusitano Horses. The Lusitanos, which come from the same origin as the famous Andalusians, can be considered as some of the finest horses in Europe. Together with their Spanish brothers, the Lusitanos were the first horses which were brought to the New World and thus became ancestors of all American breeds. They are known for their splendid abilities and glamour performing the collected movements. You can indeed look forward to getting a mount which is not only well tempered and of a docile character but who will allow you to explore the great feeling of riding a well-trained horse.

Tack
The saddles that you will be using are mostly Portuguese Army saddles covered with sheep skin which are very comfortable and well-suited for the purpose of long distance rides. English style bridles are used.
We do not provide saddle bags. There is a bottle holder provided with each saddle.

Weight Limit
The weight limit for this ride is 85 kg / 190 lbs, but we can accept riders exceeding this weight if they are experienced (under confirmation).

Itinerary


Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Note: This is a sample itinerary only and subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion. Riding times and distances are subject to change due to group dynamic and rider levels.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival in Lisbon and transfer at 5:30pm. You will travel north‐east to the town of Fronteira, approximately 200 kms. For your first night you stay in a traditional farmhouse, renovated farmhouse, Monte dos Aroeirais. This is lovely historic accommodation with a very welcoming host who’ll let you discover typical Portuguese cuisine and wine. Overnight and dinner at Monte dos Aroeirais – our horses sleep at the same location!
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Monte do Padrão

Day 2 (Monday): Meet your horses
Meet your horses and ride in the area of Fronteira town. Our destination for today is Herdade Grande, where we will stop for lunch. The landscape consists of pine and cork trees, with scenic views and flowers and birds all around. The day ends at Monte dos Aroeirais where you can spend the evening and dinner in the beautiful garden by the pool. Dinner and overnight at Monte dos Aroeirais.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Monte dos Aroeirais

Day 3 (Tuesday): Monte dos Aroeirais to Alter do Chão
Today you ride from Monte dos Aroeirais to the town of Alter do Chão, through meadows where they raise wild bulls. After a picnic lunch and siesta you arrive at the comfortable 4‐star Estalagem ‐ Varandas de Alter. The lovely owner of the hotel lets our horses stay in the hotel garden! Dinner and overnight at Varandas de Alter.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Varandas de Alter

Day 4 (Wednesday): Alter do Chão Horse Breeding Farm
Today in the morning you will ride on a long country lane. The ride allows horses and riders to loosen the muscles after the long ride yesterday. Left and right you’ll see fields with cattle, maybe horses and a lot of olive trees and blooming wildflowers. After lunch at the hotel, you will visit Alter do Chão, the stud and breeding farm. Horses bred here are very famous and traded under the name Alter. This is often a highlight and not only for horse‐lovers. In this idyllic location, hundreds of mares and their colts graze on large meadows filled with flowers. You should also get the opportunity to see some of the stallions and young horses. Dinner and overnight at Varandas de Alter.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Varandas de Alter

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Ribeira da Seda
Today, leaving Alter do Chão behind, you ride to Ribeira da Seda through large meadows with only one remote farmhouse to remind you of the presence of people. We’ll enjoy views of the picturesque towns of Alter Pedroso and Cabeço de Vide. Horses and riders will once again both stay at Monte dos Aroeirais. Dinner and overnight at Monte dos Aroeirais.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Monte dos Aroeirais

Day 6 (Friday): Authentic Alentejo
Today you’ll make a loop starting from and returning to Monte dos Aroeirais. Upon leaving you’ll see the old train station – not in use anymore – with the typical Portuguese tiles or ‘azulejos’. You’ll ride past authentic farms where they still work hard at making traditional Alentejo food and drinks. We expect to see fields full of wildflowers, where cattle grazes peacefully. The kind of place that makes you lose track of time. You’ll have lunch next to the water at Catarina Velha. Afterwards you return to Monte dos Aroeirais. Dinner and overnight at Monte dos Aroeirais.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Monte dos Aroeirais

Day 7 (Saturday): Exploring History
Today you ride towards Herdade dos Atoleiros. You’ll see one of the most authentic landscapes of this area, the Alto Alentejo. Open fields, oak trees and farmlands are today’s decor. This ride is also filled with history, because in the 14th century this area served as the battlefield for an important historical battle which the Portuguese army won, thanks to innovative battlefield tactics. There’s a monument that reminds us still today about this episode in history. Riders and horses return to Monte dos Aroeirais for a goodbye dinner and last overnight in this comfortable traditional house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Monte dos Aroeirais

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
After breakfast transfer to Lisbon and departure.
Meals included: Breakfast




Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.

Rates and Dates for Royal Horse Trails

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Padrao
Airport: Lisbon
Transfer: Lisbon airport incl 5:30PM

Climate:
                                            Fronteira area