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5 Day Gerês Wolf and Wild Horse Territory Horse Riding Holiday in Castro Laboreiro, Norte Region
ECOTURA, ecotourism and nature retreats, Lugar de João Alvo S/N, Castro Laboreiro, Melgaço, Viana do Castelo, Alto Minho, Norte Region, Portugal
Thriling Horse Riding Holiday in Portugal
This listing has one of the 10 most popular offers available in in Portugal
Ecotura has already 20 years of experience and would like to invite you to join a different ride in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes, the Geres, and the territory of a large predator, the mythical wolf, then this horse riding holiday is perfect for you! You will make trips on horseback, one or more days in which you will cover the territory of the wolf and observe the signs of their passage.
Key Information
- Tack Type: English Tack
- Horse Breed: Lusitano and Garrano
Highlights
- 3 days of horse riding
- A mix of fast and calm rides according to the group
- Ride the sweet and well-trained Lusitano and Árabe cross horses
- Observation of wild Garrano horse herds during the rides
- Ride in the wild and beautiful nature of the National Park
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Airport transfers
Styles
3 days with instruction
Group size: Maximum of 5 participants
Airport transfer included:
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
15:00
Check-out Time:
10:00
Facilities
- Dining area
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Terrace
- Yoga studio
- Free bicycle
- Free Wi-Fi
- Meeting room
The Ecotura Country House is a traditional mountain house built in the early twentieth century and recently restored. Although in essence maintaining the original features, the Ecotura Country House is equipped with all modern comforts that enable visitors pleasant moments of leisure. Located in the historic village of Castro Laboreiro in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, this house is surrounded by the purest nature that you can find in Portugal.
Ideal for a retreat and rest from the stress of the city, the house allows you to enjoy a fully deserved holiday with your family. It is still the premier venue for your adventures on the mountain. Once lodged in Ecotura Country House, you can take advantage of special prices for all outdoor activities of Ecotura. The house is equipped with central heating, a fireplace, free Wi-Fi, a TV with cable channels, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Program
Cross dense oak woods, go through groves of birch, the natural shelter for roe deer and wild boar, through patches of chestnut and holly trees inhabited by squirrels, jays, and orioles, and rest along the cliffs on which you can see eagles and some rare species of crows. Visit Fojos (ancient stone traps to catch the wolf, man-made in unusual places) and talk about the history and legends surrounding this species. And who knows, you may be treated to the sound of the most spectacular nature, the howl of the wolf.
Note: The itinerary for Gerês wolf and wild horses tour can be adapted to the weather or other local conditions but during your stay, there will be a combination of half-day and full-day rides. It is possible to have additional riding, riding lessons, or woof trimming lessons (extra cost, payable locally) in place of the non-riding excursions. Please note that the following are example itineraries and are not exhaustive.
Location
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is about 70,000 hectares protected area positioned at the border of Portugal and Spain adjoining the park of Xurês of neighboring Spain. Located in a mountainous region with the altitude differing between 700 meters and 1,500 meters. It has varied habitats which include dense oak forest and high granite mountain landscape. This national park is home to the two most endangered species of mammals that’s the Iberian wolf and the wild horses namely from the race called Garrana.
Close to the northern border between Portugal and Spain lies the Peneda-Geres National Park, a region of varied habitats that range from high granite mountain landscapes to dense oak forests. Not only is this a beautiful natural landscape, but it is also the territory of a large predator, the magical Iberian wolf, a species that the hosts here have studied closely for several years. In addition to the wolf, the wild Garrano horse also roams this area freely. The rides often pass herds of these horses which is a wonderful sight to behold.
They are in the origin of the Mustang horse. Some of the riding horses used are also from the Garrano breed (the others used being Lusitanos, another Portuguese breed). The riding takes you through the oak woods and groves of birch, a natural shelter for roe deer and wild boar, as well as patches of chestnut and holly trees which are inhabited by squirrels. Jays and orioles rest along the cliffs where you might also catch a glimpse of an eagle and some rare species of crow.
Food
Four breakfasts, three lunches (according to the day-by-day itinerary), and four dinners will be served for you. The goat milk and lavender handmade soap are produced from natural products. The honey produced by Ecotura organically way, homemade jams, and marmalades are what you will find in the breakfast and are some of the treats that Ecotura has reserved for you. Snacks and drinks of different kinds are always available in the house, in a trust system (including wine).
In the garden, surrounded by one amazing oak forest, you will find the ideal place for your breakfast or for the book delayed for so long time. As a company, you will have the chirping of numerous birds that make their home in the Oak forest or the bucolic sound of bells from the cattle that are grazing nearby. Vegetarian, vegan, lactose, and gluten-free diets are always available at dinners and picnic lunches. Kindly always indicate your diet information in your inquiry.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Lactose Free
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
- Additional riding
- Riding lessons
- Woof trimming lessons
What's included
- 3 riding days
- Meditation and yoga classes
- 4 nights accommodation
- 4 breakfasts
- 3 lunches (according to the day-by-day itinerary)
- 4 dinners
- Transfers from and to the airport
What's not included
- Airfare
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
OPO
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport
96 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please arrange your flight to arrive at Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). Transfers are included in the package, Ecotura will pick you up from this airport. The transfer is always on Saturdays at 15 p.m.
Airport: Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport
Airport transfer included: Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 14 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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