BLUE COAST TRAIL - PORTUGAL
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The so called Blue Coast of Portugal extends for 180 km south of Troia, but unlike the Algarve in the south of the country, this region is still undiscovered. It is quite normal to find almost deserted beaches in the summer and the interior is only used by car drivers passing by to the Algarve. It is a region that is ready to be explored by riders who would like to see an unknown part of traditional Portugal. From Setúbal and 60 km south we find miles of white sand beaches and small fishing lagoons and villages. In the interior we explore the Mountain of Cercal with its green hills covered by forests of eucalyptus and cork trees. Magnificent horses and above average acommodation make this ride one of the best in Europe, many return time and again to this ride.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - BLUE COAST TRAIL
Day 1
Meeting at Lisbon's airport and departure to the south at 17H30 in the direction of Stº André (150 kms). We arrive towards the end of the afternoon at the Hotel Moinho Velho, one of the most recent hotel units of the region with a refined environment where you will be able to relax or swim in the pool if the temperature allows it. Dinner and the first night of rest.
Day 2
The next day takes us along the coast, with many miles of horseback riding along vast empty beaches. We are close to the Lagoon of Stº André, an environment of silence and tranquillity. We continue in direction of the stables of the Center Hípico de Stº André, passing by the beautiful rice fields of the region. Dinner in the restaurant of the Tower in Santiago do Cacém and rest in the Hotel Moinho Velho.
Day 3
Today we head inland, galloping surrounded by eucalyptus and pines, stopping to enjoy a picnic in the middle of the pine forest. After lunch we continue in the direction of the magnificent Pousada de Portugal - Quinta da Ortiga where the group will diner and spend the night. This Pousada is placed in a typical 'quinta alentejana' some minutes from Santiago of the Cacém and beaches of the Vicentina Coast. It possess a beautiful chapel and one swimming pool constructed from one old tank of irrigation. For the most interested some curious description-cultural attractions, as either the Castle of Santiago, or the Roman ruins of Miróbriga, considered the more complete and bigger south of Tejo.
Day 4
After a refreshing breakfast, we continue in the direction of the interior towards Cercal, always with the sea in sight. Climbing the mountain through the 'montados' we will have the chance to usufruct the wild life of one of the unexploited regions of Portugal. As usual we will have a stop for the lunch barbecue and after a well deserved nap we continue in direction to the House of Verdemar about seven kilometres of the Cercal. This place is built in the place where it existed an old tavern and it is managed since 1989 by Christine Nijhoff, specialist in restoring of antiques and Nuno Vilas Boas Lebreiro, plastic artist and cook. This talent allows us to taste some familiar meals created with natural products of the region during the dinner in the outdoor terrace. In terms of lodging the Verdemar still offers relaxation in peace and quiet. The bar is built where the old taverna used to be, the balcony is still clad in marble, and the dinning room, with fireplace, books, hosts games and Nuno's paintings. The ample and pleasant outdoorspaces, with organic garden, swimming pool, fruit trees, olive trees around and pleasant shades offer rest and entertainment for all.
Day 5
Today we will take a ride in the mountain of Cercal closed to the dam of Campilhas where we will stop for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to visit Vila Nova de Milfontes, fishing village close to the sea. This is a great place for people that like to swim in the open Ocean. It is reknowned in Portugal and consequently full of people in the summer.
Day 6
After breakfast we will leave for our next destination, still in the mountain of Cercal. After some lovely canters and a good picnic we arrive at the 'Monte das Pedras Negras. Welcomed to 'Monte Alentejano' in São Luís - Odemira where a stay though short is a new adventure. Within 15 minutes of beaches such as 'Porto Covo, Almograve, V.N. de Milfontes, and Zambujeira do Mar and much others, encircled by magnificent landscapes, this area provides pleasant moments of leisure in tranquillity. Enjoy the quiet of a Monte Alentejano near to a beautiful swimming pool.
Day 7
On this last day on horseback we explore the Monte das Pedras Negras. We ride in direction of the lagoon of Pego das Pias, a tributary of the river Mira and after the now traditional nap, we will come back to the comfort of the Monte das Pedras Negras, making plans for everyone to come back, one day in future...
Day 8 Unfortunately it is time to return and after the breakfast we will travel back to Lisbon. Your return flight must depart after 12:00.
NOTES - BLUE COAST TRAIL
Children under 12 sharing their parents rooms are eligible for a 20% discount.
For 2008 the trail on the 25th May and 21st Sept will be ridden from South to North (as itinerary above) and on the 1st June and 28th Sept it will be ridden in reverse, from North to South.
The weight limit for this ride is 13 st/185 lb/84 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, meals, wine with lunch, horse riding, English speaking guide and luggage transfers and transfer to and from Lisbon airport at set times.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to Portugal, wine with dinner, bar drinks, items of a personal nature.
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