Europe > Portugal

Winding trails of Serra D'Arga

Explore the beauty of northern Portugal on horseback. Ride along winding dirt roads through Serra D'Arga, following old racetracks and weaving through ancient villages where life moves at a different pace. Follow the Lima river to the medieval town of Ponte de Lima, where you will cross its iconic Roman bridge and learn more about the history of the region. Each day you will return to Cerquido, a village tucked in the mountains and ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat.
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Centre based holidays
6 days (4 days riding)
From £2,101
Open to non-riders
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga
  • Winding trails of Serra D'Arga

Itinerary

Highlights

- Enjoy comfortable accommodation, with highlights including an infinity pool, an indoor heated pool and a hot tub!
- Visit Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal’s oldest villages
- Experience the local cuisine – from Caldo Verde to Feijoada à Transmontana, and many others
- High chances of spotting the Garrano horse – a native breed of wild horses
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  • Day 1 1: Home – Porto Airport - No riding

    Cerquido by NHôme
    Fly to Porto airport. Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request. Please make sure to book a flight landing no later than 4pm - as the group transfer departs at 5pm.

    Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel (approx a 2-hour drive). At the guesthouse, you will be received with a welcome drink and a hearty dinner.

    Overnight at Cerquido by NHôme.

  • Day 2 2: Senhora do Minho - 4h riding

    Cerquido by NHôme
    Today’s route will take through old racing tracks and winding scenic routes with mountain views. You will eventually arrive at a quaint village where you will find your lunch spot – a local restaurant. You will have the opportunity to taste a few traditional recipes like Caldo Verde and Feijoada à Transmontana.

    In the afternoon, you will ride towards the top of Serra D’Arga, where you will find the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Minho - a popular pilgrimage site. The horses will spend the night here, but you will head back to the accommodation. On the way, you may stop to see the herds of Garrano – a native breed of semi-wild horses.

    Dinner and overnight at Cerquido by NHôme.

  • Day 3 3: Argas - 4h riding

    Cerquido by NHôme
    Today you will transfer back to meet the horses and set off riding through rugged landscapes. As you make your way towards Argas, you will pass through ancient villages perched on the hills, their stone houses and narrow paths telling stories of a slower, simpler time. Everyone will enjoy a picnic-style lunch before following the trail leading to S. João D’Arga - a secluded monastery nestled in the heart of the mountain. On the way back to the accommodation, you will ride through grape vines and open fields, which are ideal for long canters.

    You can enjoy the rest of the day by the infinity pool or, if the weather is cloudy, you can use the indoor pool. Massages are also available (booking required, not included in the price).

    Dinner and overnight at Cerquido by NHôme.

  • Day 4 4: Santa Rita - 4h riding

    Cerquido by NHôme
    After breakfast, you will ride through forest paths leading you to Capela de Santa Rita. Sitting at the top of the hill, this chapel was built in honour of saint Rita, who is known for being the “patroness of lost causes”. You will stop here for a picnic lunch.

    In the afternoon, you will make your way back to the accommodation, only this time you will enjoy faster paces along the dirt roads. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, read a book or use the spa facilities. It is also possible to arrange a dressage lesson (not included in the price, please let us know at the time of booking).

    Dinner and overnight at Cerquido by NHôme.

  • Day 5 5: Ponte de Lima - 4h riding

    Cerquido by NHôme
    After breakfast, both you and the horses will be transferred to the starting point of the today’s trail. The route will follow the Lima river all the way to Ponte de Lima, an old and quaint Portuguese village that dates back to the 12th century. Throughout the day, you will see various landmarks, including a statue inspired by “Rio Lethes” (a Roman legend), as well as the iconic Roman bridge which is an important landmark along the Camino de Santiago.
    On your way back to the horse trailer, you will have your last canter of the week. After parting ways with the horses, you will have some time to explore the town before heading to a local restaurant for lunch. You will then be taken back to Cerquido where you can enjoy a final dip in the pool.

  • Day 6 6: Porto - Home - No riding

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, arriving at around 10am. (Please ensure your return flight leaves after 12pm so you have enough time to check in and go through security).

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin/double room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 7 international riders, plus guides.

- Please note: the ride will also confirm for 2-3 riders on payment of a supplement:
2 riders: €600/£525/$685, per person
3 riders: €450/£395/$515, per person
Once the group has reached 4 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- Solo travellers will be given a single room free of charge.

- Scheduled group transfer from/to Porto airport is included in the rate. The pickup from Porto airport is scheduled for 5am. On departure day you will be dropped off at the airport at 10am.

- It is possible to arrange dressage lessons on day 4 of the itinerary. This is not included and costs €100/£85/$110 per lesson (private), per person.

- There are several activities that can be booked on request – massages, wine tastings, guided buggy tours, canoeing, and more. If you are interested, please contact us.

- Minors from 10yo are welcomed, provided they are accompanied by an adult and match the riding requirements.

- Discounts:
- Accompanying non-riders are welcome and will benefit from a discounted rate, please contact us for prices.

Rider weight limit: 100 kg / 220 lbs / 15.7 st
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Inland transport

Airport transfers

Accommodation

Single/Double ensuite room

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 6
All the drinks including wine

Extras

Full access to the pools (indoor and outdoor) and hot tub

Price doesn't include

Meals

Personal extras

Transport

International flights

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement - see above for the details

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Extras

Dressage lessons or additional activities
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    01/09/2025 06/09/2025 £2,101 €2,500 $2,710
    Open
    		Book now
    06/10/2025 11/10/2025 £2,101 €2,500 $2,710
    Open
    		Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The herd has a total of 10 horses. They are mostly Lusitano crosses and have a calm temperament. When not out on trails, the horses live outside in a big pasture.

Average height: 15.2hh

Guide & local team

Pedro is a professional rider and instructor. He has a degree in zootechnics from the Escola Superior de Santarém and has been working in the equestrian tourism sector for five years.
He speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish. He also speaks English but not as fluently.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Riders should be comfortable at all three paces in outdoor settings.

Low intermediate riders (comfortable at a walk and trot) might be accommodated on some departures - please check with your travel advisor before booking.

Rider weight limit: 100 kg / 220 lbs / 15.7 st

Pace

The main pace is walk, but there are plenty of opportunities for trots and canters.

Tacking ability and participation

You are not required to assist with tacking/untacking the horses, but you are welcome to help the team.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

There are no significant challenges on this trail.

Equestrian equipment

The local team uses Portuguese saddles. There are few English saddles available for those who prefer.

Helmets are mandatory. There are a few helmets available locally. We recommend all our riders to bring their own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Portuguese saddles and standard English bridles. There are English saddles available in case you would like to swap.

Helmets are mandatory and we recommend all our riders to bring their own to ensure a proper fit. There are a few helmets available locally.

Meals

Breakfast includes bread, cheese, jam, milk, cereal/granola, juice, coffee and more.
Lunch may be in the form of a picnic with tapas and wine, or at local restaurants/cafes where you will be served a hot meal (meat/fish).
Dinner are usually a hot meal.
Desserts are usually available

Dietary requirements can be accommodated but will incur a supplement (please check the "Dates&Prices" tab).

Climate

Temperatures shift noticeably with the seasons. In winter, they can drop to around 0°C, while in summer, highs often reach 28–30°C.
Winters are cool and damp rather than harsh (typically between 2°C and 10°C), with mist and fog being common, especially in the higher elevations.
Rainfall is abundant, with the wettest months usually between October and January. Spring tends to be milder, but April can still bring frequent showers

Tips

Tips are appreciated but not expected.

Packing list

You will need to bring a jacket and warm layers for the mountains, just in case.

Head
- You will be expected to wear a riding helmet and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust

Upper body
- Thermal long-sleeved tops are a lightweight way of providing extra warmth, particularly in spring/autumn
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared.

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal leggings

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- Lightweight shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas etc

Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, tablet, etc
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Disclaimers:
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.


For more information please see this page.