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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Portugal
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Faial Island Trail
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.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Cedros
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Airport:
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Horta Airport
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Transfer:
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Horta Airport
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
9 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2021
Rates include*:
Lodge option: Accommodation in standard room or tiny house, All meals, 6 riding days with English speaking guide & Transfers
Camping option: Camping, All meals, 6 riding days with English speaking guide & Transfers
NYE Special: Accommodation in standard room or tiny house, All meals (including NYE special menu in a restaurant), 5 riding days with English speaking guide, Guided tour of Horta Town & Transfers
3-day extension: Accommodation, Breakfasts & Activities as described in the itinerary.
Some helmets available to lend.
| A | 2021 | 8 day trip - Lodge option (High) | 8d / 7n | €1495 | $1780 |
| Single supplement | €315 | $375 |
| Upgrade to apartment (dbl) | €90 | $110 |
| Upgrade to apartment (single) | €490 | $585 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in standard room or tiny house (dbl) | €215 | $260 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in standard room or tiny house (single) | €305 | $365 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in apartment (dbl) | €240 | $290 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in apartment (single) | €355 | $425 |
| B | 2021 | 8 day trip - Lodge option (Low) | 8d / 7n | €1395 | $1660 |
| Single supplement | €230 | $275 |
| Upgrade to apartment (dbl) | €55 | $65 |
| Upgrade to apartment (single) | €335 | $400 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in standard room or tiny house (dbl) | €190 | $230 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in standard room or tiny house (single) | €255 | $305 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in apartment (dbl) | €205 | $245 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in apartment (single) | €285 | $340 |
| C | 2021 | 8 day trip - Camping option | 8d / 7n | €1235 | $1470 |
| Single supplement | €55 | $65 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in camping (dbl) | €155 | $185 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in camping (single) | €175 | $210 |
| Single supplement | €55 | $65 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in camping (dbl) | €155 | $185 |
| 3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano in camping (single) | €175 | $210 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2021
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Transfer from/to Horta airport included at set times
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Tour Dates for 2021
Custom dates are possible from April to October.
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Rates do not include:
Lodge option: Museum entrance, Drinks & Gratuities
Camping option: Museum entrance, Drinks & Gratuities
NYE Special: Museum entrance, Drinks & Gratuities
3-day extension: Lunches & Dinner
For the camping option, please, bring your own sleeping bag!
Note:
Due to COVID-19 Corona virus pandemic and certain travel restrictions we are applying some temporary policy changes to some of our tours.
For Faial Island Trail (IT-PGPAT1):
We advise guests to fly directly with Azores Airlines from Lisbon to Horta (Faial Island).
Guests should arrive with a previous COVID-19 negative test result not older than 72h.
Guests without previous test must do the test at arrival at Faial Island Airport.
Guests can stay at the Lodge in prophylactic self isolation until the results arrive. The estimated waiting time for the results is about 24h.
Guests who arrive on the Azores through the gateways Terceira or Ponta Delgada Airport
showing a negative test not older the 72h can directly continue their trip to Faial Island.
Most of our guests are staying at least 7 days on the Azores. In this case, currently, a second test is necessary. The quick test is free and needs to be done on the sixth day at the public health authorities. We will assist you with this.
Restaurant and Bars are open and our hotel is prepared to receive guests and ensure all clean & safety measures to provide high quality holidays. The Azores Government certified our hotel as ‘Clean & Safe’ in all business areas.
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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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.
Day 1 (Sunday): 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 (Monday): Lighthouse Ride
Today’s ride passes through lonely countryside. We might occasionally see farmers on their way to their cattle. The Atlantic Ocean sparkles in the sunlight. We will enjoy a picnic at the Cabouco Forest
Park. After cantering past hedges of hydrangea bushes, we reach the old Lighthouse “Farol da Ribeirinha” with impressive views on the volcano Pico
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 (Tuesday): Horta Bay Ride
Today, we go on a relaxing ride along the east coast of the island. The giant heather bushes alongside the trail look a bit like gigantic broccoli plants. We take our lunch break at the black lava beach of Praia Almoxarife. The afternoon’s ride takes us to the historic Quinta São Lourenço. The farm is located close to the island’s beautiful town, Horta. You have enough time to take a stroll around the town - visiting the colourful harbour and taking a break at the most famous bar between Europe and America, Peter Café Sport. This bar offers the best gin tonic in the Atlantic Ocean.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 (Wednesday): Going West
Our journey continues through the beautiful green valley of Flamengos. A steep track leads us up into the valley, where the air smells of thyme and mint. Long straight trails through the forest are perfect for cantering. After a picnic in the countryside, we arrive in the village of Varadouro, full of orchards and vineyards surrounded by old black stone walls. After riding through the jungle, we reach our horses’ accommodation for the evening
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 (Thursday): Capelinhos Volcano Trail
Today’s trail leads us to the impressive and bizarre volcanic desert landscape of Capelinhos. We pass ruins of old houses buried with ash from the volcano’s last eruption, in 1957. The highly awarded Volcano Center is located underneath the lighthouse, buried with ash from the eruption. We ride over volcanic ash and enjoy a break at a small volcanic cave. A long canter around the green volcano Cabeço Verde takes us back to our horses’ paddock.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 (Friday): Fajã Bay Ride
Today we arrive at the black beach located on the tip of Fajã Bay. After a beautiful canter in a wonderful eucalyptus forest, we follow the steep trail down to Fajã Bay. This uniquely beautiful location is home of vineyards, gardens and wildly romantic places. Today’s ride is a little shorter, and gives us time for an individual relaxing, like a swim in the Atlantic or a stroll along the coast in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 (Saturday): Whale Watcher Ride
We cross the island from the dry south to the green north, enjoying views over terraced meadows down to the blue ocean. At lunchtime we arrive at Faial’s highest located village, Ribeira Funda, where we enjoy a picnic at the viewpoint. Seated on sun-warmed stone benches we can listen to the wind and the wild cries of the buzzards. We move closer and closer to our final destination. We pass the old whale watching point, Vigia dos Cedros, and complete our circular trail of the island, returning to the Lodge with our horses. This evening we enjoy a farewell banquet at the Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
Departure after breakfast (around 8:30am) and transfer to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano
To make the most out of your stay on the island, extend your holidays with our 3-day extension program before or after your Horse Trail. It is also possible to extend your stay at the Lodge without the following program, in case you just want to relax (inquire for night rates).
This extension program is also perfect for accompanying non-riders (longer program available, please inquire).
Day 1: Relax
Relaxing feels so good after one week on horseback. Enjoy your time in the Lodge Garden, on small hikes or go for a swim at nearby rock-pools.
Day 2: Whale-Watching (only available during high season) or Island Van Tour & Volcano Trail (available all year)
Whale-watching option: Morning transfer to Whale Watching Station, in Horta. You spend the morning on the sea and observe the whales with a Marine Biologist Team. Then individual lunch. Free afternoon and transfer to the Lodge for overnight stay.
Island Van Tour & Volcano Trail option: In the morning you start your Faial Island Van Tour. Together with your guide you visit old whaling bays and explore the city of Horta. You will se the old whaling factory. Individual lunch. Our Nature Park Guide picks you up and drives you to the highest point of Faial, the huge caldeira of the volcano. Depending on your condition, you hike around the caldeira or descend 400m deep into it (2.5h hike). In cloudy weather, we will alternatively hike on the volcano of Capelinhos.
Day 3: Departure
After breakfast at 8:30 AM transfer for departure.
Non-Riders
Non-riders are welcome to join this trip (inquire for rates).
Non riding activities include: hiking, jeep tour, whale watching, swimming with dolphins & scuba diving.
Meeting:
Cedros
Airport:
Horta Airport
Transfer:
Horta Airport
Distance:
20 km
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Tack:
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Trail saddle with saddle bag
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Horses:
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Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses
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Pace:
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4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day
Approx 20% canter, 10% trot and 70% walk
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Max
99
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Weight:
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Max
198 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
9 riders
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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.
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
Horta area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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62
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62
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62
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64
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67
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71
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76
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78
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76
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71
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67
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64
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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55
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54
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55
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56
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58
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62
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66
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68
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67
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63
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59
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56
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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17
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17
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17
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18
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19
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22
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24
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26
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24
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22
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19
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18
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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13
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12
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13
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13
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15
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17
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19
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20
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19
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17
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15
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14
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The famous anti-cyclone over the Azores allows Faial island to get stable and mostly nice weather conditions.
Summer (May to October)
The maximum temperature can be 29ºC. Rain and wind are rare during this time of the year. The days are long and at night you can listen to the chirp of the crickets and watch the star strewn sky.
Shoulder season (November-December & April-May)
These month are ideal for trail riding with nice mild temperature (13-20°C). It is mostly sunny with some showers from time to time.
Winter (January to February)
The weather can be wet and hard to predict at this time of the year. Fog and strong, sometimes horizontal, rain together with gale-force winds can affect the island. However, this weather give very special atmosphere to the island. Winter also has some wonderful days with blue sky and plenty of sun.
We suggest that you bring the following equipment with you:
- waterproof trekking footwear
- windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers
- riding helmet
Riding equipment is free of charge up to 10 kg with the Azores Airlines.
| 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.
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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.
Lodge
The lodge has been built with natural materials and was designed in order to be in harmony with its environment.
You can choose between 3 different rooming options:
- the Panorama Apartment has its own entrance with splendid ocean view. It come equipped with a king size bed, a spacious bathroom, a small kitchen and a living room.
- the Lodge room. There are 4 rooms from this category, all featuring a sea view, a King-size bed and an ensuite bathroom with hairdryer.
- the tiny house is located in the garden and offers beautiful ocean view. It has a Queen size bed, a small bathroom and a kitchenette.
There is free Wi-Fi access at this property.
Camping
For overnights at the lodge, you will be accommodated in spacious tents on camp or airbed, with shared bathroom and shower facilities.
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.
Meals
All meals are included in your trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.
To provide our guests with sustainable organic vegetables and flowers, sourced as close as possible, we created our own organic garden at the lodge.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Trail saddle with saddle bag
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Horses:
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Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses
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Pace:
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4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day
Approx 20% canter, 10% trot and 70% walk
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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|
Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Max
99
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Weight:
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Max
198 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
9 riders
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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.
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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Faial Island Trail
Tour Code:
IT-PGPAT1
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,780.00
Dates :
All year
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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