3 Day Private Horses and Nature Holiday in Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Private Horseback Riding Holiday in Portugal
This listing has the most popular offer available in Portugal
Enjoy two nights' accommodation with a horseback ride in the middle of nature, with the Serra da Estrela landscape as your backdrop. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you explore scenic trails on a noble Lusitano horse. Unwind in cozy, rustic lodging that blends comfort with the charm of the countryside. Perfect for nature lovers, beginners, or seasoned riders looking for a peaceful escape.
Key Information:
- Horse breed: Lusitano
- Rider weight limit: 90–100 kilograms
- Horse height range: 1.60–1.70 meters
- Tack type: Bridle and saddle
- Daily riding time: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes (extra rides/lessons can be added)
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Horse-ride in nature
- Farmhouse setting with 14 hectares of vineyards
- 2 nights accommodation at a four-star hotel with beatiful Lusitano horses
- Breakfast included
- Tastings of Madre de Água wines and Serra da Estrela cheeses available
- Optional guided tours available
Skill level
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Air-conditioned public areas
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Dining area
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Restaurant
- Special menu request
- Terrace
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Laundry
- Meeting room
- Parking lot
- Pet care / grooming
- Wireless internet
Madre de Água Farm is a project that began in 2007 when its owners decided to return to their origins and develop a sustainable concept that prioritizes respect for man, his arts, and his traditions - while preserving nature.
The project is built on three farms in the Gouveia region, Serra da Estrela, covering around 40 hectares, and includes a four-star rural charming hotel with a restaurant, conference room, eight rooms with double or single beds, two suites, as well as two one- and two-bedroom apartments in a farmhouse setting.
Quinta Madre de Água delicious virgin olive oil is produced from their olive trees. This day, they also have a herd of 20 Bordeaux sheep, an indigenous breed.
They also have 14 hectares of vineyards that in recent years have been awarded as the best vineyards in the Dão, planted at an altitude of 600m and with a microclimate that influences the excellence in the quality of their nectars.
Quinta Madre de Água also has a stud farm, committed to the Lusitano breed and dedicated to teaching and the art of dressage, under the responsibility of their Grand Prix rider, Nuno Carvalho.
Rooms
The double / twin rooms at the Madre de Água present a design and contemporary decor, with warm and welcoming tones, and with a balcony or terrace that will allow you to enjoy the surrounding and life at the farms in perfect harmony with the rural environment in which the hotel is located.
Program
1st Day
- Check in
- Dinner (optional and not included in the rate)
2nd Day
- Breakfast
- Horseride
- Guided tour of the property (optional and not included in the rate)
- Wine and cheese tasting (optional and not included in the rate)
- Dinner (optional and not included in the rate)
3rd Day
- Breakfast
- Check out
Instructors
Nuno Carvalho
Nuno Carvalho was born in 1994 in Viseu. He attended the Professional School Vagos – Equine Management Technician, and he has also done various curricular internships. He is currently working at Madre de Água’s Atud Farm – Serra da Estrela and training the Lusitanian horses for dressage tests. With or without experience, go and visit Nuno at Quinta Madre de Água!
Location
More than a snow destination, Serra da Estrela is the highest region in mainland Portugal.
Places to visit:
- Gouveia
- Torre - Lagoa Comprida - Sabugueiro
- Seia
- Manteigas
- Belmonte
- Museums in Gouveia: Abel Manta, miniature car, and Jewish experience
- Museums in Seia: Natural electricity, toy, bread, and CISE
Food
- Pork ham, turkey ham, ham
- Flemish cheese, Serra da Estrela cheese, fresh cheese
- Salted and unsalted butter
- White bread and seed bread
- Croissant, mini cream, and homemade cake
- Seasonal fruit
- Scrambled eggs
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Things to do (optional)
On the first day, customers can book dinner / lunch, tastings of Madre de Água wines and Serra da Estrela cheeses, as well as guided tours directly with Quinta Madre de Água.
What's included
- 2 horseback rides (1 ride for each person)
- 2 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Lunch and dinner
- Tasting Madre de Água Wina and Serra da Estrela cheese
- Guided tour
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport
121 km
Transfer not provided
Lisbon Portela Airport
231 km
Transfer not provided
Driving directions from Lisboa
From Lisboa, take the A1 until Coimbra, then the IP3 until Serra da Estrela / Nelas exit and continue heading to Nelas. Once there, continue towards Seia and then Gouveia. Arriving in Gouveia, continue until you see the speed lights turn right towards Vinhó. Follow signs for the hotel.
Driving directions from Porto
From Porto, take the A25 until Mangualde, then the N232 until Gouveia. Once in Gouveia, continue until you see the speed lights turn right towards Vinhó. Follow signs for the hotel.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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