Bottlenose Escape

Introduction
Alentejo / Blue Coast Portugal
The Costa Azul or "the Blue Coast" encompasses the stunning southern stretch of Portugal's west coast. It is just as long and beautiful as the Algarve (Portugal's very popular south coast), but while the Algarve is overcrowded with tourists, one finds tranquil deserted beaches and pristine countryside all along the west, even during the peak summer months. The mouth of the resident river Rio Sado is a sanctuary of 57,500 acres where you will find that many dolphins play! From here on south, you'll find 36 miles of secluded beaches only interrupted by lovely and calm lagoons and quaint fishing villages. Discover this traveler's jewel region on the back of a handsome, first class Lusitano horse. Ride from the lush and green coastal mountains of Grandola, overgrown with pine and cork-oak forests, to the inviting beaches and turquoise waters of the Azul. The rides are filled with delicious picnics, swimming, fresh seafood dinners, playful dolphins and of course endless memories!

We offer this ride with different accommodations on specific dates:

The Dolphin Coast Ride offers accommodations in 3 and 4-star accommodations for people who prefer the most comfort, while the Bottlenose Escape departure dates are offered for the more economical traveler, with lodgings in 2-star hotels and country inns. The itinerary otherwise is identical for both riding options. 

Accomodation

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

Description
Accommodations in hotels and guesthouses. Laundry facilities are available on this trip for an extra fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Monte das Faias in Grândola
Nights 2 & 3: Hotel D Nuno in Santiago do Cacém
Nights 4 & 5: Hotel Vila Park near Natural Reserve of the Lagoons of Santo André and Santa Sancha
Night 6 & 7: Monte das Faias in Grândola

Monte das Faias in Grândola
This cottage has been owned by the same family since 1878. In addition to welcoming guests, the family is growing cork oaks (which you can see all around the property). The rooms each have their own decor and all feature air conditioning, a TV and a private bathroom. Guests are welcome to explore the big garden and go for a swim in the indoor or outdoor swimming pool. Other facilities include a pool table and a tennis court. Free Wi-Fi access is available in common areas.

Hotel D Nuno in Santiago do Cacém
This hotel is located on the outskirts of Santiago do Cacém and offers simply decorated air-conditioned bedrooms, each equipped with a TV, a kettle, free Wi-Fi access and an ensuite bathroom. The hotel facilities include a spa, a gym, a game room and an outside swimming pool.

Hotel Vila Park near Natural Reserve of the Lagoons of Santo André and Santa Sancha
This hotel offers modern accommodations only a few steps away from a beautiful natural reserve. The 79 rooms are all fitted a TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom with hairdryer. There is also an outdoor pool where guests can cool off after a long day riding.

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.
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.

Alcoholic drinks are included with lunches only.

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 at Lisbon and transfer at 5:30pm. You travel to the south towards Grândola, approximately 100km. Your hotel has a refined ambience and charming staff, you can unwind in comfortable rooms before the first day on horseback. After dinner you will have your first night of rest in Portugal.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Monte das Faias in Grândola

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Quinta da Ortiga
Today you ride through hilly landscapes to our first destination in Santiago do Cacém. After the first few canters and gallop, you will notice the Lusitanos’ wonderful character and sure-footedness. For lunch, a delicious picnic will be prepared with grilled meats or fish with salad accompanied by fresh bread and local wine. In the afternoon, rested after lunch and perhaps a siesta, you ride through the forests of pines and cork to Quinta da Ortiga where the horses will rest. There is a small transfer to your hotel. Your hotel has a swimming pool in which you can take your first swim. Spoil yourselves with a pleasant dinner in a local restaurant eating typical Portuguese food.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel D. Nuno in Santiago do Cacém

Day 3 (Tuesday): Quinta da Ortiga to Morgavel’s Water Reservoir
Leaving from Quinta da Ortiga we ride through forest of eucalyptus, with their distinctive perfume and the sound of the bark crunching underneath the horses’ hooves. Near Morgavel’s Water Reservoir we stop for a picnic and a relaxing siesta. Afterwards, appreciate the marvellous gallops on sand tracks across the Portuguese countryside.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel D. Nuno in Santiago do Cacém

Day 4 (Wednesday): Dolphin Watching & Ride to St. Andre Lagoon
Today, either in the morning or afternoon, you will have a short transfer about 30 minutes to Sebutal at the Sado River where you will enjoy a 2-hour boat trip to see the dolphins play in the estuary. Dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed but are very likely. Also please note that the boat trip is subject to weather conditions. When you ride today you will explore sandy trails through fields and forests, allowing several long canters. You ride past the St. Andre Lagoon -in this beautiful place you may see flamingos and storks. Ride past the rice fields of the area, which in late summer prior to harvest are an astonishing colour of green.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Vila Park near St. Andre Lagoon

Day 5 (Thursday): Beach Ride
The course of the morning excursion continues in direction of the beach. You will make long gallops on the beach. Ride through the forests of pines and by the hills of the Atlantic coast, close to the Lagoon of St. André, on the coast of Alentejo. This place provides an extraordinary feeling of freedom and tranquility -still waters, flights of birds and the green of the pines make it a very special experience. In the afternoon we arrive at the stables of the St. André Riding Centre. Tonight we have dinner at a local restaurant with traditional Portuguese food.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Vila Park near St. Andre Lagoon

Day 6 (Friday): St. André to Grândola
Many opportunities for wondrous gallops are possible. Our Lusitanos will carry you safely along red ground paths that alternate with those of sand, where we might meet herds of cows or sheep.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Monte das Faias in Grândola

Day 7 (Saturday): Portuguese Villages Ride
Today you ride near the Serra of Grândola through a beautiful landscape of picturesque Portuguese villages. We stop for the last picnic of the trail, horses and riders can take a siesta after lunch. Farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Monte das Faias in Grândola

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
After breakfast, transfer back 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 Bottlenose Escape

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Grandola
Airport: Lisbon
Transfer: From Lisbon airport included at 5:30PM

Climate:
                                    Santiago do Cacém‎‎ area