Faial Island Trail

Introduction
Azores Portugal
Volcanic forces created inspiring and magnificent islands in the middle of the Atlantic. The unique nature of the Azores enchants its visitors - especially when traveling on horseback. By riding through this marvellous
landscape, you will discover the hospitality and the relaxed lifestyle of the locals. Riding between hydrangea hedges, or through bizarre volcanic landscapes. Natural pools of lava-rock invite you to a refreshing swim.
Discover dreamlike forests and picturesque villages close to the Atlantic ocean.

This week-long riding holiday includes 6 riding days and covers about 150 km total, around the Island of Faial. You sleep at the lodge every night and are transferred back to the horses' paddock on the trail every morning.

Every day, you will enjoy new highlights: old lighthouses, the picturesque sailors town Horta, lonely bays, riding through junglelike forests or on a volcano... One of the highlight of the week is certainly the amazing sight of the old whale spotter outlooks.

Accomodation


Accommodation
This is a stationary ride so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
You can choose your preferred accommodation type for your stationary ride. There is free Wi-Fi access at this property, no matter the room option you choose.



The lodge has been built with natural materials and was designed in order to be in harmony with its environment. Free wi-fi is available in all room types.

You can choose between 3 different rooming options:
- Panorama Apartments
- Lodge Rooms
- Tiny Houses

Panorama Apartments
Each of the 7 apartments have their own entrance with splendid view. They come equipped with one bedroom (double or twin), a spacious bathroom, a small kitchen, a living room and a private terrace.

Lodge Rooms
All 4 rooms feature a sea view, a double or twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with hairdryer.  

Tiny Houses
The 3 tiny houses are located in the garden and offers beautiful ocean view. They have a Queen size bed, a small bathroom and a kitchenette.

Guests can use our spacious saltwater swimming pool, which is operated as a heated indoor pool in winter.
All year-round guests can use the sauna and infrared heat cabin as well as the yoga room. Our yoga instructors offer yoga sessions for advanced and beginners for an additional charge.

Room Occupancy
Solo travelers might be able to share a room with another solo traveler of the same sex in order to waive their single supplement fee - please inquire at time of booking.
This option is currently not available during the pandemic.



Meals
All meals are included in your trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.

We provide our guests with sustainable organic vegetables and flowers, sourced as close as possible. We created also our own organic garden.

The restaurant team, led by our award-winning chef, offers a full continental breakfast buffet in the morning and wonderful picnics and light snacks at lunchtime.
Every evening, the team serves 3-course menus featuring freshly caught fish from the Atlantic, sustainable meat and the best organic vegetables.

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

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
You should be able to ride at all paces in open countryside. We expect support from our guests in feeding and tacking the horses as well as with cleaning the personal trail equipment.

Horses
We have about 20 horses are living as a herd in the meadows around the barn, all year round. Our horses are mostly Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses averaging 7 years old.
Anja, our horse specialist and trainer (Horse Academy of Cologne, Germany) and Victor, Trail-Guide (German Trail-Rider-Academy) are training our horses carefully and permanently. In that way they are becoming cooperative, hard-working and relaxed companions.

Equipment
We use equipment approved by the German Trail-Rider Academy.
Our most important piece of equipment is the Trail-Saddle. We only use the First Class Trekker-Saddle from the Italian saddlery Prestige.
Seating, safety and correct fit are without comparison. All saddles are equipped with a Prestige saddle bag for personal stuff and tension belts for your coat.

Guide
All horse-trail guides are entertaining and passionate. They speak English and mostly a second or third language. Experienced in horsemanship and as well trained horseback riders, they have profound knowledge of the island nature, history, social life and small hidden secrets. Safety of the ride is top priority.

Itinerary

NOTE: All trails itineraries are general guidelines and in order to offer our guests the best-riding holiday experience we may change these. Depending on the number of trails running, the season, the weather and national holidays, we may make alterations to itineraries at short notice, which could affect the number of riding hours per day, the route we take to any given destination or the use of alternative accommodation. Trails can also be ridden in both directions. All changes are at the operator's discretion.


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

You will be driven back to the Lodge every evening while the horses stay in a paddock on the trail.

Note that Whale watching is only available from April to October. Alternative activities will be offered from November to March.

Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from the airport to the lodge and first contact with the horses. Tonight, you will enjoy a welcome dinner. 
Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Whales Ride
This morning, you will learn a lot about whales and their history on the island of Faial. Then you will get to know your horse and your equipment. We start riding on gently rising paths. After a short while, we begin the first trot and canter. We will reach a whale watching point. With a little luck and when the sea is calm, we can see whales and dolphins. We will then head back to the lodge along the coast. A delicious lunch is waiting for us.
In the afternoon we ride to two small whaling harbours. If the weather is good, you can swim. The horse resting place for the night is in a small hamlet. We drive back to the lodge.
Riding approx. 20 km (4-5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Lighthouse Ride
Today you will learn about the impact of the 1998 earthquake on the island. We go to the horses early in the morning. Today's trail begins along the coast through blue hydrangea hedges, to the island's former lighthouse, which was destroyed during the earthquake. The nearby village still has a crumbling church that testifies to the power of the earthquake.
At noon we will appreciate our saddlebag-picnic right at the seaside. Time to go for a swim or to wet your feet. After this nice break we will continue our ride. Wonderful views to the sea and the neighborhood islands São Jorge, Pico and Graciosa.
After a while we reach our paddock for the night. The transfer team is bringing you back to the Ecolodge. Enjoy and relax at the pool.
Riding approx. 20km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Caldeira Ride
Today we start early in order to get to Faial’s crater, the Caldeira, located at an altitude of over 1,000m in the center of the island. 
This is a real challenge for riders and horses. Sometimes we meet farmers on the way. Heather trees along our route look like giant broccoli. The Atlantic Ocean glitters in the sun. We slowly ride our way up to the crater rim via switchback tracks. If you want, you can descend into the depths of the crater with our nature park guide (extra fee - see extension program).
After our picnic, we ride through the lonely and wild landscape of the high mountains. Our trail leads us over farm roads down to a small volcano whose inner crater we can reach on foot through a small tunnel. A very special atmosphere awaits us in this tunnel.
We then arrive at the Jungle Camp in the late afternoon. The transfer to the lodge is already waiting here.
Riding approx. 30 km (6-7 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Cabeço Verde Trail & Whale Watching

Rates and Dates for Faial Island Trail

Dates Note: Custom dates are possible from April to October.

Other Info
Meeting: Cedros
Airport: Horta Airport
Transfer: Horta Airport

Climate:
                                                   Horta area

Source: NOAA