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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Portugal
Intro to Portugal
 Alentejo / Blue CoastAlto Alentejo Azores Lisbon Area
Extensions:
Lisbon City Tour
Spain
France
Italy
Europe Overview
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Green Azores Island Rambler
Azores
Portugal
Welcome to the Azores, a collection of nine green and volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic with a wonderful climate that creates a paradise for orchid lovers (especially on the island of Flores). The Azores are also one of the best
places in the world to see whales and dolphins and among the most sighted
species are the sperm whale, the fin whale, common dolphin, bottlenose
dolphin and Atlantic spotted dolphin. Your horseback adventure with Hidden Trails will be a discovery of the Isle of São Miguel, which has an extensive network of secluded tracks that are perfect for exploring by horseback. These paths have been built throughout the centuries throughout the countryside and most are still used by rural farmers going about their daily routines. Your base for this wonderful
riding holiday is at a rural Quinta (farm) on the south of the island
not far from the main town of Ponta Delgada, home to some beautiful
examples of Portuguese architecture dating back to the 17th Century.
There are five lovely guest rooms, each with en suite facilities as well
as a comfortable dining room and lounge.
The riding week offers a collection of half and full day rides combined with interesting sightseeing trips into towns, craters and hot springs. Experience a different experience and new scenery each and every day. On some days horses and riders are
transported to different trail heads, providing for riders the most variety of
trails possible, different landscapes and riding paces. These unique variations can make it seem almost as if someone has taken small parts from the five continents, blended them all together and tossed it into the ocean to create exotic Sao Miguel. Some people even say this island of the Azores is the sunken Atlantis.
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Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Ponta Delgda, Azores
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Airport:
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Joao Paulo II, Azores
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Transfer:
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Ponta Delgda
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations, meals, wine with dinner, 6 riding days
| A | 2013 | AP Island Rambler - High Season | 8d / 7n | €1225 | $1595 |
| Single supplement | €195 | $255 |
| B | 2013 | AP Island Rambler - Low Season | 8d / 7n | €1120 | $1455 |
| Single supplement | €195 | $255 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Sao Miguel airport included at any time
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There is only one airport on Sao Miguel island - Ponta Delgda (PDL) airport Joao Paulo II. Most common is to arrive via Lisbon with SATA or TAP. There are also some limited direct flights from the US (Boston, Providence) and Canada (Toronto)
Tour Dates for 2013
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| B |
2013
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01/01
- 03/31
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8d / 7n
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AP Island Rambler - Low Seas...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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04/01
- 10/31
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8d / 7n
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AP Island Rambler - High Sea...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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11/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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AP Island Rambler - Low Seas...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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Available all year on request.
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Day 1 Transfer from the airport to the lodge and riding center. Afternoon short ride to get used to horse and tack. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 2
After breakfast we enjoy a half day ride in the area of Remedios. We ride on small roads and over pastures. A large part of the ride is on fields with milking cows. From the green pastures we have nice views over the middle parts of Sao Miguel. After lunch we all go an visit Ponta Delgada, the main city of Sao Miguel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3
After breakfast we get ready for a full day ride. We start in the village of Calhetas on the north coast and end up in Livramento. During the day we will enjoy everything from lush green valleys, admire splendid sea views look at green pastures and ride through villages. Our lunch picnic is out in nature. Dinner and overnight
Day 4
A half day ride in the area of Livramento, before we enjoy an excursion by car to the magic crater of Furnas. Here we see the hot springs "the fumaroles" and enjoy a swim in a natural pool, water temperature is 32 - 37 degrees. Dinner and overnight back at the lodge.
Day 5
Today we have an early breakfast to get ready for another full day ride along the south coast to the village of Varzea. We will admire spectacular nature and beautiful views across the ocean. Lunch is served at a restaurant in the village of Feteiras. Back at the lodge we have dinner and overnight.
Day 6
A half day ever changing ride from the area of Ribeira Grande to Cabuco and Livramento is followed by an afternoon of leisure or side trip go whale & dolphin watching. The trip is a great adventure and has a 90% chance of seeing dolphins and a 50% chance of seeing whales. A small fee is to be paid locally (under Euro 50 pp). Dinner and overnight back at the lodge.
Day 7
Today will be an unforgettable day, this is like riding in a fairytale. The full day ride takes us along the volcano crater rim overlooking the twin lakes on one side and the ocean on the other. The tranquility of the waters and the scent of the Hydrangeas, which border the crater rim, contrast the steep sides of the crater, creating a fascinating sight. Continuing down into the crater to the small and picturesque village of Sete Cidades and the Green and Blue lakes. Picnic on the grass shore of the Green lake. Dinner and overnight back at the lodge.
Day 8 Departure after breakfast and transfer to the airport.
... this is just a suggested itinerary and is subject to changes ... some of the order of rides may vary.
Meeting:
Ponta Delgda, Azores
Airport:
Joao Paulo II, Azores
Transfer:
Ponta Delgda
Distance:
6 miles
There is only one airport on Sao Miguel island - Ponta Delgda (PDL) airport Joao Paulo II. Most common is to arrive via Lisbon with SATA or TAP. There are also some limited direct flights from the US (Boston, Providence) and Canada (Toronto)
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Lusitano, Lusitano/Arab cross
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Pace:
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At all paced according to riding level. 3 to 6 hrs per riding day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
11
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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There are stables with pure & cross bred Lusitano horses, a covered riding arena (picadeiro) with a large open fireplace and a bar, built in the same beautiful old Portuguese style as the manor house.The riding center has some 20 much loved horses. They are all well-schooled and a pleasure to ride, whether in the arena or out on the trail.
You should be a competent rider in control of your horse at walk, trot and canter across sometimes rugged terrain. For private groups the riding level can be adjusted.
Riding lessons are available on request.
Other activities:
Golf - there are two beautiful golf course on São Miguel - Batalha und Furnas.
Water sports: Windsurfing, Sailing, Snorkeling, Diving, Deep Sea Fishing,
Whale and Dolphin watching
Riding on the beaches is not allowed in the Azores.
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
The Azores have a mild and temperate type climate with average temperatures ranging from 14ºC to 22ºC - normally quite comfortable for riding.
However, be aware that the weather is can be quick to change and it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day! Pack and dress in layers to be prepared for all types!
During the ride informal attire prevails.
Either English or Western riding gear is acceptable. For those of you who wish to ride in jeans we highly recommend the use of chaps or leggings underneath.
And even though it is not required, we do recommend a riding helmet.
Casual sportswear is appropriate for the evenings. Do bring a sweater, jacket and rain-proof riding gear to be prepared for any cooler evenings and some rain showers.
We do recommend that you obtain a belt pack to carry small items during the ride.
Regular film can be obtained locally but special sizes may not be available, so bring plenty of your own.
Do not forget swimsuit and beach towel. Make sure you bring proof of insurance with you ... just in case you need it.
| 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 |
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| 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 |
| 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.
..view other reports for different trips
The
historic house of the Quinta (farm) is one of the oldest homes on the
island and dates from the 17th Century. There are five lovely guest
rooms, each with en suite facilities as well as a comfortable dining
room and lounge.
Each guest room has been individually furnished and decorated to give our guests a feeling of being at home - all with private bathrooms (with hair dryer), accessories and cable TV. Each bed has 2 single
duvets- so you do not have to fight over the duvet at night.
Meals
The food is
a real highlight of the holiday. Christina's home cooked food is delicious!
Soup to start, different every night, followed by, for example, fresh tuna or chicken in a creamy herby sauce, concluded with the best chocolate mousse.
Each night 3 different courses! Christina will take into account guest preferences and dietary requirements.
The breakfast is a delight every morning and there is a big selection of fresh fruit, usually pineapple and a minimum of 3 varieties of melon, kiwi, pomegranate etc. There is also a selection of breads and jams and meat and cheese, every taste catered for and all fresh. An array of seasonal fruit and vegetables will appear in all the wonderful
breakfasts, lunches and dinners consisting of local produce, allowing you to experience the different flavors from the Azores.
If you want to stay in a fancy hotel room which could be in any hotel anywhere in the world, this is not the place for you. It is a special place, where Cluade and Christina will make your stay personalized and unforgettable.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Lusitano, Lusitano/Arab cross
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Pace:
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At all paced according to riding level. 3 to 6 hrs per riding day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
11
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
10 riders
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There are stables with pure & cross bred Lusitano horses, a covered riding arena (picadeiro) with a large open fireplace and a bar, built in the same beautiful old Portuguese style as the manor house.The riding center has some 20 much loved horses. They are all well-schooled and a pleasure to ride, whether in the arena or out on the trail.
You should be a competent rider in control of your horse at walk, trot and canter across sometimes rugged terrain. For private groups the riding level can be adjusted.
Riding lessons are available on request.
Other activities:
Golf - there are two beautiful golf course on São Miguel - Batalha und Furnas.
Water sports: Windsurfing, Sailing, Snorkeling, Diving, Deep Sea Fishing,
Whale and Dolphin watching
Riding on the beaches is not allowed in the Azores.
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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Green Azores Island Rambler
Tour Code:
IT-PGSRAZ
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,595.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
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. |
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