Dolphin Coast Ride - Portugal

The Costa Azul (Blue Coast - the southern stretch of Portugal's west coast) is as long and beautiful as the Algarve. You find deserted beaches and pristine countryside all along the west coast even during the summer months. The area around the mouth of the Rio Sado is a sanctuary of 57,500 acres. Dolphins play in the mouth of the river Sado. From here on south you'll find 36 miles of deserted beaches interrupted only by lagoons and little fishing villages. From the estuary of the Sado to the south we find more than 60 miles of white sandy beaches, lagoons and fishing villages. All along you have a chance of seeing the local schools of dolphins.

IT-PTPATD
Rates include: Accommodations with 2 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels with 2 nights in a historic Poussada, all meals, wine with lunch, English speaking guide, 6 riding days
8 days/ 7 nights  $ 1,560   Single + $ 235
High Season + $85
-- based on € 1200 / High € 1260   Single  € 180
2007 Dates:
03/18-03/25    04/08-04/15    06/03-06/10
06/17-06/24    07/15-07/22    09/23-09/30
  see availability
Meeting:  Lisbon at 5:30 p.m.
Transfer:  included
Level:       Intermediate
Tack:        English
(Portuguese Army saddles, covered with sheep skin - very comfortable)
Horses:     Lusitanos
Pace :       Moderate with great canters
Min/Max Riders: 6-10
Note:        Max weight 185 lbs.

Option:  Same ride, but with overnights in small 2 and 3 star hotels/ guesthouses
IT-PTPATC
8 days/ 7 nights  $ 1,295   Single + $ 135
High Season + $130
-- based on € 995 / High € 1095   Single  € 105
2007 Dates:
04/01-04/08    05/27-06/03    07/22-07/29
08/05-08/12    09/16-09/23    10/28-11/04
11/18-11/25
  see availability

Itinerary


Day 1: Arrival at Lisbon and transfer at 5:30 PM to Grândola's Hotel D. Lencastre (62 miles south), result of the rebuilding of a dwelling seigniorial of the 18th century in the centre of city with a very accessible environment and very charming personnel it is one of the most recent units of the area. You find there a very refined ambient where you can slacken in the comfortable rooms before the first day on horse back.   After dinner you will have your first night of rest in Portugal.
Day 2: We ride through hilly landscapes to our first destination in Santiago do Cacém. After the first few canters and gallops, you will notice the Lusitanos' wonderful character and how sure footed they are. A tasty picnic is to follow, as our driver usually has something grilled and fresh salads. In the afternoon, rested after the midday pause, you ride through the forests of pines and cork oaks. You reach Pousada da Quinta da Ortiga with its personal charm and a swimming pool in which you can take your first bath. Pousadas are public hotels that were built in historical walls. Spoil yourselves with delicacies during the evening and sleep in very comfortable rooms.
Day 3: Copious breakfast to start your day. You cross forest of eucalyptus, with under wood cracking under the shoes of your mountings. Near Morgavel’s Water Reservoir we stop for a picnic and a relaxing Siesta. Afterwards, appreciate the marvelous gallops on sand tracks that cross the Portuguese country. Evening like the day before.
Day 4: After a plentiful breakfast you start a long ride towards St.Andre. Primarily sandy trails lead us through fields and forests, allowing several gallops. Surefooted, your horse takes you through the woods of the cork oak forests. In the afternoon, the horses get a rest and you have the opportunity to visit wild dolphins in its natural habitat, in Sado River near the town of Setubal. You will have a small half an hour transfer to Setubal and after the visit you will return to Hotel Vila Park, at the edge of the Lagoon of Stº André. Tonight we have dinner in the hotel tasting a superb 'cataplana' (local fish-stew) made mainly of shellfish.
Day 5: The course of the morning excursion continues in direction of the beach. You will make long gallops in the beach. Ride through the forests of pines and by the hills of the Atlantic coast, close to the Lagoon of St Andre, on the coast of Alentejo. This place gives you an extraordinary feeling of freedom and rest; quiet water, the flight of the birds above your heads and the green of the pines make it a paradisiacal place. You arrive at the stables of the St. Andre Riding Center. Tonight we have dinner at the Tower of Santiago do Cacém, a superb Restaurant with a breathtaking view over the coastline and overnight as the night before.
Day 6: Today you ride from Sto.Andre towards Grândola. New innumerable wondrous gallops arise. Lusitanos will carry you safely through forests of pines. Red ground paths alternate with those of sand, you meet herds of cows or sheep. On your return and after having watered your horses, you appreciate a good refreshing shower before the dinner in Hotel D. Jorge de Lencastre.
Day 7: Today the group rides by the Serra of Grândola through an undulating landscape and picturesque villages, where the noise of the shoes of your horses attract the curious inhabitants of the village out of their houses. As usual, one makes a pause for the last picnic of the trail. The horses and the riders take a rest during a nap after lunch and then proceed to forests of cork oaks. Dinner and overnight as on the previous night.
Day 8: After breakfast you will be transported to Lisbon.