The so called "blue coast" stretches along 180km south of Troia, and has the same scope as the Algarve. However, unlike the in south, this region is still largely unknown, and unspoilt with almost deserted beaches even in summer and an interior that is crossed only by motorists driving through to reach the Algarve. This makes it an excellent region for riders who want to discover the secluded and vast landscapes of Portugal. 60 km south of Setubal you will find endless white beaches and occasional fishing villages, and inland you will ride high into the mountains of Ceral with covered in green eucalyptus and cork trees. This riding tour takes you into the beautiful and authentic backcountry of the Alentejo with accommodation in stylish farms and pousadas. Here riders will find fantastic riding facilities, especially in spring when the fields and meadows are in blossom for a truely colourful spectacle. The highlight of this riding tour is the visit of the Portuguese National Stud Altér!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon and transfer to Figueira e Barros (about 150 km). Welcome at a stylish estate - Monte do Padrao. A number of stately manor houses and typically furnished houses have been lovingly renovated in recent years to promote tourism in the interior. Guests will be surprised by the personal atmosphere and warmth that these private houses exude.
Day 2: Get to know your horse and ride over hilly meadows and to a river where you will have your first picnic with grilled meat, fish and salad, fresh bread and local wine. You will experience the wide expanse of the portugese interior, with miles of pasture land and little or no fences, meaning that only very few busy roads ccross this part of Alentejo. The stone bridges that cross over numerous streams and rivers often date back to Roman times. In the afternoon you will continue riding along the banks of the river - from time to time you may have to dismount and lead the horses over short rocky stretches. The day ends at another stately home, Monte dos Aroeirais. Enjoy the evening in a beautiful garden by the swimming pool.
Day 3: Ride through bull pastures in the direction of Altér do Chao, the seat of one of the two Portuguese national studs. After lunch you will ride on until you reach your accommodation Varandas de Alter, a nice hotel near the stud.
Day 4: Today you will visit the National Stud in Altér do Chao. It is so famous for its breeding stock that the horses are traded under the name Altér. Slowly the hills rise out of the plain. Altér is already at an altitude of 400m and from there you can enjoy wide panoramic views over the country and the meadows where hundreds of mares graze with their foals. You will also have the opportunity to see some stallions and young horses. Before dinner there is time for a walk through the town of Altér. Potentialy you will have time to stop at a Portuguese shop where you can buy some local products like leather chaps or boots. Overnight stay as the evening before.
Day 5: Long ride over extensive pastures, past fields with only a rare, lonely farmhouse reminding you of the presence of other people. The way leads to Ribeira da Seda. We should not continue without saying that the regional, unchanged Portuguese cuisine will offer you a varied menu. Dinner and overnight stay again at the Monte dos Aroeirais estate.
Day 6: Ride back over extensive pastures of the farm Monte do Padrao. Here, in the water-rich plains of the Upper Alentejo, fruit growing is particularly cultivated. Dinner and overnight stay at the farm Monte do Padrao.
Day 7: You will ride to Lake Maranhao through a private hunting area with pine and cork-oak forests. You can observe game and wild boar in their natural environment and have many opportunities for longer trots and canters. Overnight stay as yesterday.
Day 8: Return journey to Lisbon and start of your journey home.
Subject to change without notice. The tour is sometimes ridden in the opposite direction depending on the date.