Alright, let’s not beat around the bush, globetrotters: does the prospect of learning all there is to know about Portugal’s pride and joy, the Lusitano horse, on a point-to-point ride through its gobsmackingly-scenic native territory have you BUZZING with excitement? If so, then you absolutely cannot miss this riding holiday! You’ll spend six days looking through the ears of your pure or crossbred Lusitano steed, taking in the picture-perfect farmland, ancient cork forests and wildflower-filled meadows of the Alentejo region.
Lusitano horses are noble and powerful, with great intelligence and a willing nature. Their gaits are agile and elevated, while still being quite comfortable to ride. You’ll feel like you’re in another world as you canter over endless rolling hills and sun-speckled forests, before slowing down to local time as you siesta in the shade of a pine tree.
And be sure to loosen your belt buckles, globetrotters, because Alentejan cuisine is to die for! You’ll enjoy local specialties such as bacalhau (cod fish), caldo verde (soup) and feijoada trasmontana (a hearty meat stew). OH and on top of all of that, you’ll get to visit the royal Lusitano stud farm, where the BEST Lusitanos are bred, trained and competed! What more could you want?
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A mixture of pure and crossbred Portuguese Lusitanos.
- Pace:The pace varies on a daily basis from a walk right through to a fast canter whenever the terrain is suitable. There will be plenty of opportunities to trot in between.
- Type of tack:Comfortable sheepskin-covered Portuguese military saddles.
- Time in Saddle:On average, between 4 to 6 hours each day.
- Ride Length:8 days, 7 nights, with 6 riding days
- Seasons:May.
- Group size:A minimum of 4 and a maximum 10 riders. Please note: there is a ratio of 1 guide per group, regardless of group size.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for strong intermediate to advanced riders. All riders must be comfortable and confident at all gaits over varied terrain in English-style tack. Good physical fitness is essential as you’ll be riding for up to 6 hours each day. Because the route takes you from A to B, it is not possible to take a day off from riding due to soreness or tiredness, so saddle fitness and overall health are very important. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 85kg / 187lbs. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Accommodation:You will experience a wonderful variety of accommodation on this ride, including pousadas (traditional manor houses), comfortable hotels in the heart of the countryside as well as private estates. You can expect to have an en suite bathroom and in most locations an on site pool is also available.
- Inclusions:
The price includes twin share accommodation, all meals (from dinner on day one through to breakfast on day eight), riding, luggage transfers, an English speaking guide, water, wine and soft drinks at lunch.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international or regional flights and travel insurance (compulsory), drinks with dinner (apart from water) and bar drinks, staff tips (expected, but the amount is to be decided at your own discretion) and transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (to be paid in cash on arrival: €100 per person, round-trip).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!PLEASE NOTE: solo globetrotters will be required to pay the single rider rate if we do not have another guest willing to share.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes twin share accommodation, all meals (from dinner on day one through to breakfast on day eight), riding, luggage transfers, an English speaking guide, water, wine and soft drinks at lunch.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international or regional flights and travel insurance (compulsory), drinks with dinner (apart from water) and bar drinks, staff tips (expected, but the amount is to be decided at your own discretion) and transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (to be paid in cash on arrival: €100 per person, round-trip).
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Transfer Information
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Meet Our Guide: Miguel
Miguel Mendes guides our three riding holidays in Portugal: Costa Azul, Alentejo Coast and Kingdom of the Lusitano. ...
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Globetrotting Guest Horse: Abraço
If you’ve nabbed a spot on one of our horse riding holidays in Portugal – Costa Azul, Alentejo ...
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Horse Breed: Lusitano
Name of breed: Lusitano, also called the Pure Blood Lusitano or Puro Sangue Lusitano (PSL). Country of origin: ...
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Golegã Horse Fair, Portugal
Golegã Horse Fair happens every November in the town of Golegã, known as the horse capital of Portugal. ...
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