Fabulous Riding in the Portuguese Mountains

This Portuguese Quinta (farm) is situated in the green heart of Mid Portugal, one of the most unspoilt terrains for horse riding in Europe. The spectacular landscape ranges from eucalyptus, pine and cork oak forests on the lower slopes with tracks climbing up to Heather clad hills with breathtaking views.

Well away from the tourist track, even in the peak season you can ride all day and hardly see another person. A little further to the East (about one and a half hours) there are the Serra de Estrela Mountains which are the highest in Portugal. About the same distance to the West is the rugged Atlantic coast with sweeping surf beaches and small fishing villages. 

This holiday has something for everyone. You can horse ride, enjoy walking, cycling, swimming in the river or simply relax in stuning surroundings. In Springtime the air is sweet with Orange blossom, Heathers, and hundreds of different wild flowers. Autumn is lovely, with cooler days, and the smell of ripe grapes ready to be picked for next year’s wine. From the veranda you can see the river where you can swim, or simply take the chance to relax in a hammock or sun bed on your shady patio after your ride.

The horses have a day off in the middle of the week and this is the perfect time to hire a car as there is plenty to do in the surrounding areas. Visit the beautiful historic city of Coimbra or the wonderfully preserved Roman ruins at Conimbriga. Locally you can explore small mountain roads leading to stone villages perched on hilltops or nestled in steep valleys, some of which have hardly changed in centuries.

Accommodation is in a restored cottage or in the farmhouse with private patio area. Apart from the picnic rides, lunch is served at the house al fresco.  Evening meals are mainly typical local dishes and barbecues which are all home cooked. Local wines and beer or soft drinks are served with meals.

The itinerary will be catered for a relaxing stay and to your requirements.

Relaxed Itinerary. Choose from quiet one hour hacks, to picnic day rides or galloping along wide mountain ridges. You can discuss and work out the type of riding you want to do according to your level of experience and ability.

As a guide a typical itinerary would be two full day picnic rides, and three 2 - 3 hour rides, returning home for lunch on the veranda, and having the afternoon free for swimming in the river, relaxing, or if you have a hire car, for more sightseeing.

2012 prices:

£780/£470 7 nights full board, 5 days riding, rider/non-rider (Mid Mar - Mid Nov)

£720/£390 7 nights half board, 5 days riding, rider/non-rider (Mar-Oct)

£624/£376 7 nights full board, 5 days riding, rider/non rider (Mid Nov- Mid Mar)

£576/£312 7 nights half board, 5 days riding, rider/non-rider (Mid Nov- Mid Mar)

Children 16 and under are half price

Included: All meals include wine, beer & soft drinks

Not Included: Flights and Travel Insurance

Single Supplement: No

Accommodation: Accommodation in a restored cottage or in the farmhouse. Includes all home-cooked meals, local wines and beer or soft drinks with meals.

Meeting Point: Porto (2 hours), Lisbon (3 hours)

Indicative flight price: London to Porto £50 - £160pp return depending on time of year, London to Lisbon £60 - £150pp return depending on time of year

Transfer: Return trip from Porto £100 for 1 - 2 people; 3rd & 4th people pay an extra £20 each. Alternatively, train and bus services from Lisbon to Coimbra bus or train station are regular and very well priced, and you can be collected from Coimbra free of charge.

Hours In Saddle: 1/5 per day (to suit your needs)

Max Weight: 90kg

Group Size: 2-8

Suitable for non-riders: Yes

Call us on +44 (0)1225 424413 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.