On Horses' Tracks
The programme On Horses’ Tracks offers experiences with horses in natural and semi-natural environments, such as farm estates and protected areas. In these nature walks we will observe groups of horses of a very special Portuguese breed, the Sorraia horse!
The Sorraia horse is believed to be a direct descendant of the primitive South Iberian horse, one of the four ancestral horse types from which all present breeds descend. Today, fewer than 300 Sorraia horses exist worldwide, making the breed endangered and the focus of various conservation efforts.
When you participate in On Horses’ Tracks nature walks, part of the programme's price reverts to the partner entities that own the Sorraia horses, as a way to support the promotion and conservation of this endangered breed. Join us to listen to their stories, watch their natural behaviours, and learn about the other animals and plants that make up their ecosystem!
Discovering the History of Sorraia Horses
In this nature walk, you will have the unique opportunity to meet the endangered Sorraia horses where they were discovered by the hippologist Dr. Ruy d’Andrade, 100 years ago, in the Sorraia River Valley (Coruche)! The Sorraia horse was then recognized as the current representative of the primitive South Iberian horse, being preserved by Dr. Ruy d'Andrade and his descendants.
During the visit to Herdade da Agolada, the private property of Dr. Ruy d'Andrade's family, we will observe the characteristics and natural behaviour of Sorraia horses and tell you about their history. We will share with you the important role that Sorraia horses played in the colonization of the New World and their influence on other horse breeds. During the walk, we will also observe the flora and fauna of Herdade da Agolada and learn about the traditional use of some edible and medicinal plants.
After a picnic lunch at Herdade da Agolada, we will go for a guided walk along the banks of the Sorraia River and through the town of Coruche to learn about its history and cultural heritage.
Minimum age: 8 years old. Languages: Portuguese, English, French, German. Transportation and picnic lunch are not included.
Meeting point:
Posto de Turismo de Coruche, Rua 5 de Outubro, Coruche
Days: Saturday or Sunday
Starting time: 9h30
Ending time: 16h00
Length:
Herdade da Agolada - 5 km; Coruche - 3,5 km
Difficulty: Easy (Level 1)
Price:
Adults - 30€
Children and young up to 17 years old - 20€
Minimum value - 180€
Minimum number of participants: 6
Maximum number of participants: 12
Photos: Filipa Heitor I Nicole Giger
On Sorraia Horses' Tracks in the Alentejo
DAY 1
9h30 I The Sorraia horses of Herdade do Azinhal
We will get to know the Sorraia horses of Herdade do Azinhal, accompanied by the owner Martha Stilwell. The owners of this Stud Farm are descendants of the hippologist Dr. Ruy d'Andrade and have one of the largest herds of Sorraia horses in the country. We will observe a herd of mares that live in a 50-hectare pasture with beautiful cork oaks and learn about the horses’ social relationships and natural behaviour. Foals and a stallion may be present in this herd at certain times of the year. When possible, we will also observe the very interesting social behaviour of a group of Sorraia stallions, in a pasture nearby.
13h00 I Picnic lunch by the Caia River bank and coffee-break in Arronches.
15h00 I Guided tour in the historic village of Marvão
Marvão is a picturesque medieval village located on top of a mountain, within the Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede. On this guided tour, we will walk through its narrow stone-paved streets flanked by the traditional whitewashed houses, where we can feel centuries of history in every corner. We will also visit the Castle of Marvão, which was built in the 9th century and encloses the medieval village in its walls.
17h00 I Free time and dinner.
DAY 2
9h30 I Guided nature walk in the Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede
This nature walk begins and ends at the village of Portagem, next to the Sever River. Here you will see a medieval bridge and a tower that were built for custom control, where people coming from Spain would have to pay a toll. We will walk through medieval cobbled lanes and beautiful woods with cork oaks, Pyrenean oaks and chestnut trees. It will be an opportunity to get to know the biodiversity of the natural park and learn about the traditional uses of its plants. The views over the landscape are marvelous, with peaks of quartzite, including Pico de São Mamede. Approximately halfway through the walking route, we will reach Marvão. We will rest and have a light meal in a local restaurant, then continue our nature walk through a different trail back to Portagem.
16h00 I Coffee-break in Portagem, in one of the coffee shops by the Sever River. Free time and dinner.
DAY 3
9h30 I Guided tour in the historic village of Castelo de Vide
Castelo de Vide is a beautiful village of medieval origin, known for its 13th century castle surrounded by the typical white houses of Alentejo. Its Jewish Quarter is one of the most important and well-preserved examples of the Jewish presence in Portugal, including one of the largest collections of civil architecture from the Gothic period. During this tour, we will also get to see some of the village’s stone-carved fountains and walk through the narrow stone-paved streets of the medieval neighbourhood.
12h00 I Lunch in a local restaurant.
14h30 I Guided nature walk in Barca d’Amieira
This nature walk runs parallel to the Tejo River, with amazing views over the valley. A large part of the trail goes through the old towpath that once served to assist navigation on the Tejo River by towing boats through arm force from the riverbank. The surrounding landscape is covered with cork oaks, holm oaks, olive trees, rockrose, broom, lavender and heather. We may also observe various bird species, such as cormorants, herons and kites. Along the trail, there are birdwatching and contemplation modules, as well as sculptures of local animals. It will be an opportunity to get to know the biodiversity of this beautiful natural area and learn about the traditional uses of its plants.
17h00 I End of the programme.
Programme duration: 3 days
Time of year:
15 September to 15 November
15 February to 15 June
DAY 1
Meeting point:
Church - Igreja Matriz de Arronches, Praça da República, 7340-001 Arronches
The Sorraia horses of Herdade do Azinhal
Length: 3 km
Difficulty: Easy (Level 1)
DAY 2
Meeting point:
Praia Fluvial da Portagem
Nature walk in N. P. Serra de São Mamede
Length: 9 km
Difficulty: Moderate (Level 2)
DAY 3
Meeting point:
Tourist Office of Castelo de Vide, Praça de Dom Pedro V, 7320-111 Castelo de Vide
Nature walk in Barca d'Amieira
Length: 4 km
Difficulty: Easy (Level 1)
Programme price:
335€ per person
Price includes:
- Biologist guide throughout the programme
- Donation to Herdade do Azinhal, to help the conservation of Sorraia horses
- Entrance tickets
- Insurances
Price does not include:
- Picnic lunch, coffee-breaks and meals
- Accommodation
- Transportation
Accommodation:
- We recommend booking 3 nights' accommodation (check-in the night before the 1st day of the programme)
- Contact us about lodging options.
Minimum number of participants: 5
Maximum number of participants: 8
Other information:
Minimum age: 8 years old
Languages: Portuguese, English.
You can also book this programme for smaller groups of 1 to 4 people for a fixed total price, equivalent to the minimum number of participants.
If you wish to book a 2-day programme, you can combine the itinerary of Day 1 with one of the itineraries presented for Day 2 and Day 3.
Contact us for more information.
Photos: Martha Stilwell I Filipa Heitor