Pick-Up at Porto Airport: Meet us at a pre-arranged point at Porto Airport for your private transfer to Ponte de Lima, taking approximately one hour. Sit back and enjoy your first glimpse of Northern Portugal along the way.

Check-In at Cerquido: Arrive at Cerquido, settle into your home for the week and take time to unwind. Surrounded by nature and tranquillity, it’s the perfect place to slow down before the experience begins.

Your First Stable Experience: Meet your horses, trainers and the team who will accompany you throughout the week. Take your time getting acquainted with the stables and, most importantly, your equine partners.

Welcome Dinner at Cerquido: Gather around the table for your first evening together. Over dinner, we’ll get to know you, your riding experience and your goals for the week — the perfect start to your Lusitano experience.

Dressage Lessons: Enjoy a 45-minute private lesson with your trainer and Lusitano partner. The first session is about building connection, understanding your horse and laying the foundations for the days ahead.

Lunch in Ponte de Lima: Enjoy lunch in the historic centre, savouring the flavours and traditions of Northern Portuguese cuisine. Afterwards, wander through the village, discovering its history, charming streets and landmarks, and getting to know one of Portugal’s oldest and most beautiful towns.

Time to Unwind at Cerquido: Return to Cerquido for a leisurely afternoon. Relax by the pool, take in the surroundings and let the sounds of nature set the pace.

Evening Lusitano Masterclass & Dinner at Cerquido: Join us for an intimate evening with experienced voices from the Lusitano world, sharing their knowledge and perspective on one of Portugal’s most remarkable breeds. Over dinner at Cerquido, discover the Lusitano beyond the saddle — exploring the breed’s heritage, evolution, character and the qualities shaping its future. A unique opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the horses you are riding.

Mountain Trail Ride: Leave the arena behind and discover the wild beauty of Serra d’Arga from the saddle. Follow mountain trails through open countryside, traditional villages and breathtaking landscapes. A chance to slow down, connect with your horse and experience Northern Portugal from a truly unique perspective.

Quiet Lunch at Cerquido: Return to Cerquido for a relaxed lunch and time to recharge after your morning in the saddle.

Enjoy a Leisurely Afternoon: The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Rest, unwind and make the most of the peaceful surroundings and some well-deserved time for yourself. You can also take the opportunity to book an additional private riding lesson, should you wish to spend a little more time in the saddle.

Wine Tasting & Portuguese Tapas: As the day draws to a close, discover another side of Portuguese culture with a private wine tasting. Explore a selection of Portuguese wines paired with traditional tapas — a relaxed and flavourful way to end your day in the mountains.

Dressage Lesson: Building on your first ride, this 45-minute private lesson is an opportunity to refine your communication with your Lusitano partner, explore new exercises and deepen your feel and understanding of the horse.

Lunch with a View: Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine overlooking the Lima River, taking in the beautiful landscape and relaxed atmosphere of this historic riverside town.

An Afternoon at Leisure: Return to Cerquido for some well-deserved downtime. Relax, recharge and enjoy the pool before the evening’s experience begins.

Discover Ponte de Lima: Return to Portugal’s oldest village and take time to discover its rich history and character. Wander through its historic streets, admire its most emblematic landmarks and experience the traditions and unmistakable charm that make Ponte de Lima so special.

Fado Dinner: More than just dinner, this is an invitation to experience Portugal from within. Gather around the table for an intimate evening of Portuguese food, conversation and Fado — sharing the music, emotion and traditions so deeply woven into Portuguese culture.

Morning Trail Ride: Set out on horseback for one final journey through the mountains surrounding Cerquido. Follow quiet trails past ancient chapels and open landscapes, with breathtaking views unfolding along the way. Keep an eye out for Garranos — Portugal’s wild mountain horses — roaming freely in their natural habitat, alongside cattle grazing across the hills. A chance to experience the wilder, more timeless side of Northern Portugal, at the rhythm of your trail partner.

Picnic by an Ancient Roman Bridge: Let the trail lead you somewhere special. Dismount for a relaxed picnic beside an ancient Roman bridge, surrounded by nature. Take a moment to slow down, enjoy a beautifully prepared picnic and simply take in the beauty of your surroundings.

An Afternoon at Leisure: The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Return to Cerquido, unwind and savour the slower rhythm of your final day in the mountains.

Farewell Dinner at Cerquido: Gather around the table one last time for a relaxed farewell dinner. Share stories, favourite moments and memories from the week — a final evening together with the people who, by now, will hopefully feel like friends.

Private Lusitano Stud Farm Visit: Having come to know the Lusitano more closely, discover where its journey begins. Visit one of Northern Portugal’s leading breeding programmes and explore the journey from broodmares and foals to promising young horses. Meet the breeder in person, learn about the choices and vision behind each generation, ask questions and enjoy one final insight into the world of the Lusitano.

Farewell Lunch: After your private visit to the stud farm, gather for a special farewell lunch in a carefully selected local setting. Enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine, beautifully served and rooted in the flavours of the region. A final opportunity to savour the country’s hospitality and celebrate the experiences that made the week truly special.

Transfer to Porto Airport: After lunch, your private transfer will take you to Porto Airport, arriving by 5:00 p.m. As the journey comes to an end, sit back and enjoy the final moments of Northern Portugal. Then, it’s time to say goodbye — until your next Lusitano adventure.