horse riding adventure

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North Portugal Horse Riding Adventure Imagine yourself riding a genuine Portuguese horse whilst having the chance to see wild horses, such as the Garrano, in the mountains of Northern Portugal; trekking up the hills surrounded by incredible views and viewing the landscape as though from the top of the world. This is a unique way to visit the remote uplands of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the nearby Corno de Bico Protected area. The fauna and flora of the areas is wonderfully varied, reflecting the influences of Atlantic, Mediterranean and continental climates. At the same time we have nearby comfortable accommodation. Quinta de Parada do Vez is situated on slopes overlooking the valley of the Rio Vez, above the historic town of Arcos de Valdevez. Here you will find the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday together with all the tranquility you could wish for. Peaceful riding along ancient bridleways Lush green valleys and woodland Remote granite uplands Traditional villages Traditional agriculture and way of life Hearty local cuisine Highlights LISBOA MADRID ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ PORTO LISBOA MADRID ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ PORTO VIGO VIGO Horse Riding Experience required Guided Groups 2–8 Local Accommodation Holiday Type [email protected] www.portugalgreenwalks.com

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Imagine yourself riding a genuine Portuguese horse whilst having the chance to see wild horses, such as the Garrano, in the mountains of Northern Portugal; trekking up the hills surrounded by incredible views and viewing the landscape as though from the top of the world.

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Page 1: Horse Riding Adventure

North Portugal

Horse Riding AdventureImagine yourself riding a genuine Portuguese horse whilst having the

chance to see wild horses, such as the Garrano, in the mountains of

Northern Portugal; trekking up the hills surrounded by incredible views

and viewing the landscape as though from the top of the world. This is a

unique way to visit the remote uplands of the Peneda-Gerês National Park

and the nearby Corno de Bico Protected area. The fauna and flora of the

areas is wonderfully varied, reflecting the influences of Atlantic,

Mediterranean and continental climates. At the same time we have

nearby comfortable accommodation. Quinta de Parada do Vez is situated

on slopes overlooking the valley of the Rio Vez, above the historic town of

Arcos de Valdevez. Here you will find the perfect place for an

unforgettable holiday together with all the tranquility you could wish for.

Peaceful riding alongancient bridleways

Lush green valleys and woodland

Remote granite uplands

Traditional villages

Traditional agricultureand way of life

Hearty local cuisine

Highlights

LISBOA

MADRID

ARCOS DE VALDEVEZPORTO

LISBOA

MADRID

ARCOS DE VALDEVEZPORTO

VIGOVIGO

Horse RidingExperience required

GuidedGroups 2–8

Local Accommodation

Holiday Type

[email protected]

www.portugalgreenwalks.com

Page 2: Horse Riding Adventure

Detailed Program Schedule

DAY 6Today, after saddling up the horses we have the opportunity to ride up to the woods of the Corno de Bico Natural Park and on into the territory of the Garrano wild horses. We take lunch in a panoramic mountain restaurant and then pass through the typical villages of Rendufe, Penim and Castanheira, finally returning to Casa das Cerejas for overnight accommodation. Dinner is taken in a nearby typical restaurant.

DAY 7For our last day in the saddle we ride to the typical mountain village of Grijó where we have opportunity to explore the nearby forests and arrive at a lake ready for a picnic lunch. We then pass by the remains of an old forestry nursery before reaching the Mestrinha Tavern in the village of Aveleiras for a coffee break. We then ride on to the ruined castle at Vila Fonche after which our route takes us back to the stables at Quinta do Fijó where we leave the horses. What better way to end this long and exciting tour than by relaxing by the pool at Quinta de Parada do Vez before enjoying a wonderful farewell dinner.

DAY 8Transfer back to Porto or Vigo airport after breakfast.

DAY 1Saturday: Arrival at Porto or Vigo (Spain) airport and transfer to Arcos de Valdevez. At Quinta de Parada do Vez, a Brazilian style house, you will find a homely environment where you can enjoy the comfortable rooms or swim in the pool, if the temperature allows it, and rest from your journey. After check-in we will provide a brief visit to the stables, at nearby Quinta do Fijó, enabling guests to meet the horses.Following dinner you will be able to enjoy your first night of rest in Portugal

DAY 2After breakfast at Quinta de Parada do Vez we go to the stables and prepare the horses before departing to Mezio (in the Peneda-Gerês National Park). Lunch is taken in a nearby typical restaurant after which we ride to the uplands of the Gião Mountain. In this area there will be the chance to see Garrano wild horses in their natural surroundings. Following a return to Mezio we stable the horses overnight at the Mezio riding centre and then transfer back to Quinta de Parada de Vez. Dinner is taken in a typical local restaurant.

DAY 3From Quinta de Parada do Vez we transfer back to Mezio where we prepare the horses for the day’s trekking. We ride up to the high plateau of the Soajo mountains, source of the Ázere river. Following a picnic lunch in the midst of these remote uplands, we travel down to the traditional shepherding village of Ferreiros. Here we take a welcome drink at the village tavern. The horses are stabled in traditional facilities in the village whilst we are transferred back to Quinta de Parada do Vez ready for dinner in a local restaurant.

DAY 4Today we ride down to the lower plains of the Vez valley arriving in the village of Gondoriz in time for lunch at Cozinha da Avó, a typical country tavern. After lunch we continue down alongside the river Vez as far as Arcos de Valdevez. Here we have an opportunity to make a tour of the historical town centre and take a coffee break. After stabling the horses we return to Quinta de Parada do Vez for the night. Dinner is taken in Arcos de Valdevez.

DAY 5On leaving Quinta de Parada do Vez we saddle up the horses at the nearby stables and set off through woodlands up to Miranda hill and arrive at Pontinha village where lunch is taken in a typical tavern. We then ride up to the Corno de Bico Natural Park with an opportunity to spend some time sight-seeing. Our trek then continues down into the valley of the Coura river where we reach Casa das Cerejas – providing farmhouse accommodation and stables for the horses. After check-in we take dinner in nearby Paredes de Coura.

Page 3: Horse Riding Adventure

Program Map

• Trip length: 8 days / 7 nights / 6 riding days

• Avability: March to October, starting on saturday

• Riding time per day: 4 – 6 hours

• Riding ability required: Intermediate – Advanced

• Group size: 2 – 8

• Transfer: Included from and to Porto

or Vigo (Spain) airport at agreed time

• Meals: Restaurant meals will be replaced by picnics

during days when crossing the more remote

parts of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and

Corno de Bico Natural Park

Package includes

...the perfect place for unforgettable vacations, here you'll find all the tranquility you need!

PAREDES DE COURA

RENDUFE

PONTINHA MIRANDA

GRIJO

COUTO

PENACOVA

FERREIROS

BICO

LOMBADINHA

GONDORIZ

CABANA MAIOR MEZIO

PAREDESDO VALE

ARCOS DEVALDEVEZ

LIMA RIVER

ÁZER RIVER

VEZ RIVER

COURA RIVER

Accommodation

Quinta de Parada do VezThis family run guesthouse is surrounded by a magnificent landscape with a beautiful view to the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Wonderful views over the mountains of the Park provide but one of the hallmarks of this house which, above all, exudes a warm, serene and welcoming atmosphere. Here you can enjoy unforgettable moments with a peaceful, tranquil stay at any time of the year. The nearby river provides interesting walks or cycling and the house itself has a games room and swimming pool.

Casa das CerejasSituated in the midst of the Corno de Bico Natural Park, with its beautiful rural upland landscapes, Casa das Cerejas offers 6 comfortable rooms in an 18th century granite farm house that retains many of its original features. The quinta itself covers some 2 hectares and the grounds invite exploring on foot with fresh views over the stunning surroundings appearing around each corner. Guests can make use of the tennis court and games room or simply relax in the comfortable lounge. Bicycles are also available.

Casa das Cerejas

Quinta de Parada de Vez

day 1

day 2

day 3

day 4

day 5

day 6

Page 4: Horse Riding Adventure

A Glimpse of Porto (one day)

Porto is a World Heritage site, a place of extraordinary visual and architectural beauty. Our experienced guide will help you surrender to the charms of the old city, where the busy streets are filled with attractive shops, lively cafés and colourful markets. Visit the great churches and monuments evoking some of the great personalities and events of Portuguese history. Then, heading down to the Ribeira (river banks) you can try the traditional cuisine in one of the picturesque waterfront restaurants. Lunch is followed by a relaxing cruise along the Douro River in a traditional ‘Rabelo’ boat, from which you’ll see the imposing bridges that connect the past and future of the city, as well as fine views of the narrow streets leading up from the river. The tour will finish with a visit to the city’s famous Port wine cellars where you will be guided past the maturing casks of wine and learn about the unique characteristics of Port Wine. Of course, you cannot possibly leave without a tasting session.

Douro Valley Wine Tour (one or two days) Portugal’s famous Port Wine, internationally recognised for its quality and flavour, is produced in the Alto Douro vineyards; recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, This tour provides a gastronomic and cultural experience, taking you into the very heart of this, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, where you learn how centuries of traditional viniculture has helped to create one of Portugal’s most impressive and beautiful landscapes. The intricate lacework of vines and terraces are the result of centuries of enormous human effort and cannot fail to impress. In the midst of terraces and vines you will discover fabulous wine presses and cellars, unique and mysterious places where the five senses will be awakened through expertly tailored wine tastings. On a river trip cruise or train ride you can appreciate the magnificent slopes alongside the river Douro, clothed in their immaculate vineyards.

You can conclude with the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of one of the finest and most typical “Quintas” to be found in the Douro region.

Hiking in the Peneda-Gerês National Park: Dozens of old shepherd trails provide hiking access to the park and can be linked to make multi-day treks. April and May are especially good times to explore on foot because the park flowers are in full bloom at this time.

Golf in Ponte de Lima: Located on the slopes of Madalena hill, the 18 hole Ponte de Lima course is a typical mountain course, covering six kilometers adorned with luxurious vegetation and well restored, historical mansions, which provide infrastructure for golfing activity.

Beaches: Viana do Castelo is especially popular in the summer being renowned for splendid beaches. If you love nature, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

Options within 20Kmsof Arcos de Valdevez

Suggested Extensions

Rua Francisco Mendes, 30, 3º esq • 4715 243 Braga • Portugal • +351 936 077 462