In northern Portugal, life moves at a slightly slower pace than in the rest of the country. Tourists rarely venture here, yet this area on the border with Spain is a real insider tip. The Costa Verde (Green Coast) is beautiful: countless mountains, hills, and valleys, rivers, eucalyptus forests, and orange and lemon trees characterize the landscape. Many small villages and hamlets are nestled on the mountain slopes and in the valleys. To make the best possible use of the land, the fields and gardens are terraced, creating a unique sight. Life here is very rural and stress-free. You almost feel as if you have been transported back in time and get a good impression of authentic Portuguese country life. This is also home to Portugal's only national park, Peneda-Gerês, which is one of the most beautiful national parks on the Iberian Peninsula. Parts of the region are still very wild and provide a last refuge on the peninsula for many animal species. Wolves and wild horses can still be found here.

Half of the horseback tour takes you through the national park and the other half through the smaller neighboring nature park Corno de Bico. While the national park is somewhat more rugged with many high, rocky mountains and great panoramic views of the mountain range, Corno de Bico is not quite as high up with idyllic, fairytale forests and sandy paths. Experience a wonderful riding vacation here.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Porto or Vigo (Spain) and transfer to the Quinta (approx. 1.5 hours). You will have time to settle into your room and inspect the stables and meet the horses. Dinner and overnight stay at the riding center.

Day 2: The day starts early with breakfast, followed by preparing the horses and setting off on your adventure. The journey begins just above the medieval town of Arcos de Valdevez and takes you across it towards the borders of the Peneda-Geres National Park, castles, and mountain ranges where wild horses live. Lunch at a local mountain tavern. Transfer back to the riding center, from where we will then set off for dinner at a typical Portuguese restaurant in the town of Arcos de Valdevez and in the evening we return to the riding center to rest.

Day 3: Breakfast and transfer to the horses, preparation of the horses and departure into the forests of the national park, uphill to the plains of the old pastures and home to the wild horses and all the wildlife of the Penêda-Gers National Park.
The route follows old trade routes between mountain villages at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Lunch will be near a mountain lake. Arrival in the village of Ferreiros, the horses are stabled in old farmhouses, and you are transferered back to the Quinta accommodation, from where you go out for dinner at a typical Portuguese restaurant in Arcos.

Day 4: Wake up and breakfast at 8:00 a.m., transfer to the stables in Ferreiros, preparation of the horses, and at 10:00 a.m., start of the ride through the valley with its fields and oak forests, arrival at the banks of the Vez River, and return to the historic town of Arcos via fishermen's paths. Lunch will be on the riverbank. Depending on the water level, the trip may take the horses across the river or make a detour to the nearest old bridge if the river is too high for the horses to cross. Upon arrival in Arcos de Valdevez, there will be a tour of the old town, exploring the 17th-century streets with all their history, spirit, and architecture. Afterwards, we will head to the riding center, where the horses will rest and dinner will be prepared.

Day 5: After breakfast and preparing the horses, the journey begins towards the forests above the riding center, the protected landscape of Corno de Bico. Lunch will be at a local tavern in the heart of a small and wonderful village with only 6 houses and 16 inhabitants. The journey then continues uphill to a place where, if the sky is clear, the Atlantic coast becomes part of the landscape. From the forest landscape, we descend along a path that leads to the old villages near the park, where we leave the horses in the fields of an old farmstead and drive back to the Quinta. Dinner will be waiting for us there.

Day 6: After a hearty breakfast, we return to the horses in Bico. Today, you will cross the protected nature reserve of Corno de Bico. The search for wild horse herds will be a lasting memory. The nature in the park is untouched and unspoiled. Snacks are carried in the saddlebags and you will break your ride in a small village called Grijo, where you will have lunch. Afterwards, you will return to Bico, where the horses can rest for another night in the fields of the estate. The riders return to the Quinta, where dinner and a well-deserved night's rest await you.

Day 7: After breakfast you prepare the horses and leave the estate to set off for another wonderful landscape, through the old forest protection trail, which will reveal all the beauty that should be preserved and cared for. You will see the shelters of the wild horses, which consist of groups of 50 to 60 trees. The trees are planted to protect the wildlife during harsh winters and hot summers. You will most likely encounter the wild horses grazing in their pastures. A short break at the edge of the forest and by the water to eat our packed lunch: the enchanted forest of Miranda. After lunch, the journey continues as we begin the descent to the Quinta and spend a relaxing afternoon where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the pool.

Day 8: Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Subject to change!Other activities: Hiking, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling.

Accomodation
You will be accommodated in a family-run quinta, furnished in typical Portuguese country house style. Guests can choose from to stand various rooms (single occupancy, Double/twin occupancy and spacious rooms, some with balconies). There is also a large terrace and a cozy fireplace room. In the garden there is a swimming pool and tennis court. The riding stable with the horses is right next door.

Saddle & Tack: English.

Experience: Intermediate riding skills, saddle fit in all gaits and trail experience required. Riding time approx. 4-6 hours per day. Maximum rider weight 100 kg.

Horses: Lusitanos, Lusitano mixtures.