This morning, you’ll ease into the day with a gentler ride along a long country lane – the perfect way to loosen the muscles after yesterday’s long ride. The lane is bordered by olive groves, wildflowers, and fields of grazing cattle (and perhaps a few Lusitano horses to whet your appetite for what’s to come!)

After lunch back at the hotel, it’s finally time to visit the Coudelaria de Alter, or Alter Real Stud Farm! Founded by the King of Portugal in 1748, the farm occupies 800 hectares of the surrounding countryside and is dedicated to the nobility and purity of the Lusitano horse. The horses bred here are famous the world over, and are traded under the name of the stud, rather than simply as Lusitanos. This visit is a major highlight of the itinerary, offering an unparalleled insight into the world of the Lusitano. You can visit the museum to learn about the breed’s history, walk around slack-jawed taking in the state-of-the-art arenas and stables, and meet some of the hundreds of mares, foals, stallions and young horses in training who graze in the meadows and pop their heads over the stable doors.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Alter do Chão where, time allowing, your guides will bring you to a Portuguese tack shop where you can buy local riding products such as leather chaps, boots and belts. Finally, your thirst for equestrian bliss quenched, you’ll return to Varandas de Alter for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Today, leaving Alter do Chão behind, you’ll ride to Ribeira da Seda, a beautiful riverside area near the village of Seda. On the way you’ll pass through seemingly endless meadows, with only one remote farmhouse suggesting the presence of people. There will be plenty of chances to trot and canter in these wide open spaces. You’ll enjoy another delicious picnic lunch, resting in the shade of a tree while your horses do likewise. The afternoon trail passes above the picturesque towns of Alter Pedroso and Cabeço de Vide.

Your destination is Monte dos Aroeirais, where both horses and riders will once again receive a warm welcome. In the evening, you will sit down to another meal of fresh, seasonal cuisine.

For your final day in the saddle, you’ll head out from Monte dos Aroeirais towards the town of Vaiamonte, more specifically Torre de Palma, where Roman ruins are still scattered through the wildflower-speckled fields. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy long trots and canters as you make the most of this last ride on your Lusitano steed.

Back at Monte dos Aroeirais, you, your fellow guests and the wonderful crew behind this incredible adventure will share stories, laughter and memories over a farewell dinner.