Lusitano Luxury and Culture Riding Break

Day One

Arrive at Lisbon airport today and head to Arraiolos in the heart of the Alentejo region (1 hrs 25 mins driving). This small but enchanting town is presided over by a XIV castle perched high on a hill top. The area is rich in ancient legends and traditions that are reflected in the architecture of the town’s buildings and in their famous embroidered rugs which demonstrate a clear Arabic influence. There are many small shops in the town selling artisan art and craft work all made locally. In order for you to get the most out of your stay here we have selected a charming local hotel that has been built around an ancient convent dating back to the XVI Century. Here you can relax and appreciate the aesthetic beauty of this wonderful monument whilst enjoying the service and amenities of a modern hotel. If time allows, riding will begin today. You will have the opportunity to start to work towards improving your equestrian skills riding a beautiful Lusitano horse under the careful guidance of our excellent instructor.

Day Two

This morning there will be an equitation lesson at the wonderful equestrian centre that is located just a few metres walk from the hotel.  Here you will be able to continue to refine your riding techniques practising on a well trained Lusitano horse. This afternoon we will organise a ride out for you in the countryside. There is no better way to appreciate and savour the landscape, the colours and the scents of this enchanted region than from the back of a fine horse. This evening you can enjoy a splendid dinner in this beautiful and tranquil setting. We recommend an evening stroll around the historic centre of nearby Arraiolos.

Day Three

This morning, after breakfast you can choose from an equitation class or another ride out in the local countryside. This evening we can arrange a guided tour of the historic town of Evora (10 minutes by car). Evora has a magical quality and appears in front of your eyes as though it were floating on the horizon of the plains of the Alentejo.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the finest examples of a city of the Golden Age of Portugal. Inside the city walls there is a world of contrasts waiting to be discovered, the streets are laid out like a labyrinth, there are squares inundated by light, fountains from the age of the Renaissance, patios with typical Moorish design and Gothic gateways. Everywhere you look there are echoes of the past dating back 2000 years. The tour we will arrange includes a trip in a horse drawn carriage; we can also extend the trip to include a visit to Elvas.

Day Four

This morning you have a final opportunity to master the Portuguese art of ‘Doma Clasica’ aboard your pure bred Lusitano, by now you will be feeling relaxed and at home in the saddle after expert, patient and encouraging instruction. After lunch you will be riding again in the stunning scenery of the Alentejo region, remember to leave some time free today to visit the historic centre of Arraiolos and to visit the local artisan shops. This evening you will be enjoying dinner in the hotel again, we recommend their ‘taster’ platter that offers you the chance to sample small but numerous portions of the very best cuisine of this region. This luxury riding holiday combines the very best of accommodation, fine dining and a superb equestrian experience.

Day Five

Return to the airport this morning for your flight home.

If you are interested in luxury riding holidays combining four star accommodation with top quality horses you may also like to read our programme for The Medieval Castle Tour  of Tuscany.

We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.