7 Day Horseback Riding Holiday Around Marvão Near the Border of Portugal and Spain

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon – Transfer to Marvão (No Horse Riding)

Upon your arrival in Lisbon between 14:00 and 17:00, you will be welcomed by our local partner who will accompany you on a transfer to the equestrian centre, located approximately 2.5 hours away.

Enjoy a relaxing evening in the tranquil surroundings of Marvão, often referred to as the "Eagles' Nest". Perched on a rocky outcrop, this medieval village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and landscapes.

In the evening, savour a traditional Alentejo-style dinner at a local restaurant, introducing you to the rich and diverse gastronomy of the region.

Day 2: The Sephardi Route – Approximately 3 Hours on Horseback

Following breakfast, you will meet your horse and set off on your first ride in Portugal. This day’s route follows the Sever River, historically a natural border with Spain.

You will trace the path taken by Sephardic Jews during their 1492 exodus to Portugal, crossing a 16th-century bridge and following the medieval road connecting Marvão to Portalegre. The return journey includes a scenic hunter’s path leading to two early Christian tombs carved into rock, dating back approximately 1,500 years.

In the afternoon, you will explore the village of Marvão, which has been listed by the New York Times as one of the “1000 Places to See Before You Die.”

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

Day 3: The Medieval Road to Castelo de Vide – Approximately 5 to 6 Hours on Horseback

Today’s ride follows historic paved medieval roads, offering panoramic views as you journey between Marvão and Castelo de Vide. The route passes through scenic montados (typical Alentejo landscapes), black oak forests, and small mountain villages. Highlights include choças, traditional shepherd shelters, and expansive views from the mountain peaks.

In the afternoon, you will visit Castelo de Vide, famous for its Jewish quarter and well-preserved medieval architecture. The town’s whitewashed houses and hilltop castle are characteristic of the Alentejo region.

Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Crossing the Border into Spain (Two Route Options)

Depending on your physical condition, you may choose between two route options:

• Option 1 – Gentle Hike (2.5 to 3 Hours on Foot):

You will follow an old smugglers' path across the border. Along the way, you may spot vultures nesting on cliff faces. In Spain, visit the 15th-century Convent of Saint Peter, which will serve as your accommodation for the remainder of the trip. You will also discover a will carved into stone, dated 1808, and visit your first dolmen (prehistoric tomb).

• Option 2 – Advanced Ride (Approximately 5 Hours on Horseback):

For experienced and physically fit riders, a more demanding route crosses the Sever River and climbs toward the Spanish border. This smugglers' trail includes anecdotes and stories shared by your guide. You will visit an impressive dolmen dating to the 4th millennium BCE, enjoy a picnic break, and conclude with gallops through open terrain.

In the afternoon, explore Valencia de Alcántara, once the most powerful Spanish fortress in the region. You will visit its medieval and Jewish quarters, featuring over 250 Gothic arches, a synagogue, and a castle. Your horse-riding guide will also serve as your local tour guide.

Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Valbón Sanctuary – Nature and Mysteries – Approximately 4 to 5 Hours on Horseback

The day begins with breakfast at the most renowned churrería in the region. From there, you will follow the ‘Water Trail’, tracing a possibly Roman aqueduct for one kilometre and passing beneath its three remaining arches.

Ride through town toward the Valbón Hermitage, a site believed to have pagan origins. Your guide, an expert on the subject, will share insights about its history. From the sanctuary, enjoy panoramic views over Valencia de Alcántara and the Alpotrel Reservoir, where you will pause for a picnic.

In the afternoon, visit the Cork Museum, a tribute to the region’s high concentration of cork oaks—among the densest in the Iberian Peninsula.

Dinner will be held at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Dolmens and Vultures Route – Approximately 5 Hours on Horseback

This day’s journey explores a region rich in Neolithic tombs, with the highest concentration in Europe. Ride through canyons frequented by vultures (with wingspans up to 3 metres) and eagles. The trail follows the edge of a dam, through rolling hills and past the Las Lanchuelas cromlech, aligned with the sunrise on the summer solstice.

You will enjoy a picnic beside the Alpotrel Reservoir, an idyllic setting with stone boats and tranquil waters.

In the afternoon, you may choose between leisure time or additional sightseeing.

Dinner will take place at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Final Ride – Return to Portugal – Approximately 3.5 Hours on Horseback

On your final day, you will ride back to Portugal, crossing cliffs where vultures nest and passing through dehesas—classic Extremadura landscapes with grazing livestock beneath ancient cork oaks. You will follow a new trail across "The Line", the oldest established border in Europe, dating back 700 years.

As you approach the equestrian centre, the horses may quicken their pace for the final stretch.

Enjoy a farewell lunch at the facilities, featuring homemade products such as chorizo and ham sourced from our own livestock.

Transfer to Lisbon will follow. Please ensure your departure flight is scheduled for after 17:00.