Ribatejo Explorer Lisbon Area Portugal Ride across the Ribatejo region on beautiful Lusitano horses! During this progressive riding holiday, you will discover all that the Ribatejo region has to offer: gourmet food, delicious wine, beautiful architecture, breathtaking landscapes and warm & welcoming people. Join us and learn about the culture, traditions and history of the region. Some of the trip's highlights will include a visit of Santarem and the famous Quinta da Broa Stud Farm. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Meeting: Lisbon Airport Airport: Lisbon Airport Transfer: Lisbon Airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 23 %    

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Lisbon Airport (LIS). On Day 1, pick-up is around 6pm. On your last day, you are dropped off at the Lisbon airport around 9am for the normal program (drop off around 9pm for the Golega Special).

Sample Itinerary: Normal Program - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Lisbon airport and transfer around 6 pm to Quinta do Pilar. There, you will enjoy a typical Portuguese homemade dinner, and get some information about the trail. After dinner, transfer to Casa do Alfaro, a beautiful local rural house, to overnight.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Casa do Alfaro

Day 2: Casal da Fonte Ride
In the morning, transfer to Quinta do Pilar, where we will begin the day with a visit to the stud. There will be an explanation of the different aspects of Lusitano breeding.
Then, we start our riding adventure through the forests and vineyards surrounding the studfarm. An opportunity for horse and rider to get acquainted, while enjoying the wonderful countryside and preserved nature of the region. By the end of the morning trail, we arrive to « Casal da Fonte » for a wine tasting. A typical local delicacy, “Torricado”, will be prepared on site.
In the afternoon, we continue our trail arround the studfarm.
In the evening, transfer to Casa do Alfaro for diner and overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa do Alfaro

Day 3: Ride to Vala Real Palace
After breakfast, we start by a visit to our pastures in Bafoa, where our herd of mares graze freely with their foals. Then, we ride towards the Tejo River.
We will stop for our picnic break by the river, near the ancient palace of Vala Real. Then, we get back in the saddle and make our way back to Bafoa.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa do Alfaro

Day 4: Golega Visit (no riding)
We start the day by crossing the river Tagus by boat to visit the horses’ island. Lunch will be served on board.
Then, transfer to Azinhaga and visit Quinta da Broa, one of the most ancient Lusitano breeders.
After, our visit, we will go to Golega, the national capital of the Lusitano horse, with a free afternoon to enjoy the village.
Tonight, we enjoy dinner at the restaurant « Lusitanus », with a great view over the riding arena.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Villa Reis

Day 5: Natural Reserve of Paul do Boquilobo Ride
Today, we will ride through the Natural Reserve of Paul do Boquilobo, with a stop for a picnic lunch. We then continue riding to Quinta da Boavista for diner and overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta da Boavista

Day 6: Santarem Ride
Riding through the vineyards north of Santarem, we head in the direction of Ribeira de Santarem, a traditional and historic city. Then, we will go to Santarem, the Portuguese capital of gothic architecture. We have lunch at « Taberna do Quinzena ».
Free afternoon to visit the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa da Alcaçova

Day 7: Departure
Breakfast will be served by the “Vila Reis Gourmet Cafeteria”, just a few meters from the house. Then, transfer to Lisbon airport around 9 am.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary 2022: Golega Special - subject to changes

Note: For the special program in November, days 7 and 8 will be replaced by a free weekend at the Golega Horse Fair (meals not included in the price of the program).

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival at Lisbon airport and transfer around 6pm to Quinta do Pilar. There, you will enjoy a typical Portuguese homemade dinner, and get some information about the trail. After dinner, transfer to Casa do Alfaro, a beautiful local rural house, to overnight.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Casa do Alfaro

Day 2 (Sunday): Casal da Fonte Ride
In the morning, transfer to Quinta do Pilar, where we will begin the day with a visit to the stud. There will be an explanation of the different aspects of Lusitano breeding.
Then, we start our riding adventure through the forests and vineyards surrounding the studfarm. An opportunity for horse and rider to get acquainted, while enjoying the wonderful countryside and preserved nature of the region. By the end of the morning trail, we arrive to « Casal da Fonte » for a wine tasting. A typical local delicacy, “Torricado”, will be prepared on site.
In the afternoon, we continue our trail arround the studfarm.
In the evening, transfer to Casa do Alfaro for diner and overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa do Alfaro

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to Porto de Muge
Today, we start by a visit to our pastures in Bafoa, where our herd of mares graze freely with their foals. Then, we ride towards the Tejo River.
We will arrive at the fishermen’s community of Porto da Palha in time for a typical lunch with fish from the river. After lunch, riding in direction of Porto de Muge, where we will have diner and overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta da Marchanta

Day 4 (Tuesday): Porto de Muge to Santarem
We start the day by crossing the river Tagus by boat to visit the horses’ island. Lunch will be served on board.
Then, we continue our ride in the direction of Santarem, the Gothic Portuguese capital.
Diner at the restaurant «Taberna d’O Quinzena» and overnight at Casa da Alcáçova, at Portas do Sol with a great view over river Tagus.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa da Alcáçova

Day 5 (Wednesday): Santarem to Quinta da Brôa
This morning, we ride through vineyards located north of Santarem, close to the town of Ribeira de Santarem, a traditional and historic place. We stop for a picnic lunch at the mouth of river Alviela.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Quinta da Brôa, crib of Manuel Veiga Stud, one of the pillars of the Lusitano breed.
Diner at a local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta da Brôa

Day 6 (Thursday): Quinta da Brôa 
We go on horseback to Pombalinho to visit a tradicional saddle maker. This is followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, return to Quinta da Brôa to visit the stud Manuel Veiga. This ancient stud has a long history of breeding Lusitano horses and is responsible for many of the most successful bloodlines in the breed today.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Quinta da Brôa

Day 7 (Friday): Quinta da Brôa to Golega
For our last riding day, we make our way to Golega through the Natural Reserve of Paul do Boquilobo, with a stop for a picnic lunch
Tonight, dinner is not included. You are free to enjoy the fair.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Boutique House «Villa Reis»

Day 8 (Saturday): Golega Horse Fair & Departure
Breakfast will be served by the “Vila Reis Gourmet Cafeteria”, just a few meters from the house. Then, you have the whole day to enjoy the fair.
You will be transferred to Lisbon airport around 9 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Carregado area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	58	61	65	69	75	81	84	86	82	75	64	59
Average Low Temperature (°F)	48	49	53	57	63	68	70	70	67	62	54	50
Average High Temperature (°C)	15	16	18	21	24	27	29	30	28	24	18	15
Average Low Temperature (°C)	9	9	12	14	17	20	21	21	19	17	12	10
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	10	8	6	7	5	2	0	1	3	8	9	10

Source: NOAA
 

Seasons
Boasting a mild climate and some 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, the region is ideal for horseback riding.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

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

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

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 or memory cards and batteries

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

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

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

Description
The accommodations throughout the trip are in a comfortable guesthouses. Wi-Fi access is available at all accommodations.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1, 2 & 3: Casa do Alfaro
Night 4: Boutique House «Villa Reis»
Night 5: Quinta da Boavista
Night 6: Casa da Alcáçova

Casa do Alfaro
This old agricultural house used to produce quality olive oil and wine and was recently refurbished to accommodate guests. Today, it offers 10 bedrooms, all equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and private facilities with a hair dryer. There is free Wi-Fi access in the common areas and an outdoor pool and a small garden where guests can cool off in the evening.
There is a laundry service available at this property.

Boutique House «Villa Reis»
This beautiful traditional house from the last century offers 6 bedrooms with private facilities and free Internet access. There is a small garden with a pool, where guests can cool off in the evening.

Quinta da Boavista
This charming Quinta offers comfortable rooms.

Casa da Alcáçova
This historic Manor House dating back to the 17th century offers eight rooms, each with its own style and decoration. All rooms come equipped with air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom with hair dryer and free toiletries. There is a lovely terrace and outdoor pool with great views over the valley.
A laundry service is available for an extra cost.


Room Occupancy
In case we are unable to find someone to share a room with you, a single supplement fee applies.



Meals
For the normal program, the package includes all meals with drinks.
For the Golega special, all meals are included except for dinner and lunch at the Golega fair (day 7 and 8).
During lunch and dinner, beer and wine from local producers are also included. Drinks outside of mealtimes can be purchased at the accommodation for an extra fee.

We served typical food from the region. 
Breakfast is usually Mediterranean, but we can adapt according to the clients requirements (if they prefer something different).

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

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Zaldi "Country" (mix between english and endurance saddle)
Horses:		Lusitanos
Pace:		Moderate at all paces Approx. 6h in the saddle per riding day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate and above
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 12 riders

This ride is aimed at intermediate riders and above who are comfortable, balanced and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse in open country at a walk, trot and canter.

Our horses are reliable, healthy and in good physical conditions. All stops are predefined and the welfare of horses, staff and visitors ensured.

Besides the guide, the group will always be followed by one or two people in a jeep, which has a phone and first aid kit and need box, for both riders and horses.

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.