Dressage rider riding a Lusitano horse in the indoor arena at Quinta do Rol
Europe > Portugal

Dressage holiday at Quinta Do Rol

Highly-trained Lusitano horses, a luxury family estate and a century-old wine country: welcome to Quinta do Rol, a beautiful equestrian estate located just an hour north of Lisbon. Dressage programmes include either one or two lessons a day on Lusitano schoolmasters, with optional estate rides and beach trails available. On your free time, you are welcome to use the Estate's amenities or just enjoy watching lessons with a glass of wine in hand. A paradise for dressage lovers!
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Dressage stays
7 days / 5 riding
From £995
Open to non-riders
  • Dressage rider during a dressage lesson at Quinta do Rol
    Learn from competent dressage instructors
  • Estate hack at Quinta do Rol
    You can swap a lesson for a lovely estate hack!
  • Owner Rita leading a horse at Quinta do Rol
    Quinta do Rol's idyllic surroundings
  • Dressage lesson at Quinta do Rol
    Refine your dressage skills at Quinta do Rol in Portugal
  • Indoor arena at Quinta do Rol, dressage holiday in Portugal
    Luxurious amenities include a 20x40 indoor arena
  • Pool house at Quinta do Rol dressage holidays
    Enjoy non-riding activities and/or relax by the pool!
  • Beach riding in Portugal, Quinta do Rol
    Beach riding is an optional add-on to your dressage holiday
  • Luxury accommodation at Quinta do Rol
    The accommodation is in lovely apartments and houses

Itinerary

Highlights

- Top quality Lusitano horses that will give you the chance to experience advanced dressage moves
- Comfortable accommodation and luxurious amenities, including a 20x40 indoor arena and 20x60 outdoor covered arena
- Quality instruction under the guidance of the head instructor Pedro Teixeira Farto.
- From mid-September to mid-June, experienced riders can opt in for an optional beach ride on Areia beach (at an extra cost).

  • Day 1 1 : LONDON - LISBON

    On arrival at Lisbon airport, you will be transferred to the Estate. Please remember that transfers are not included and are payable locally (see dates and prices). Alternatively you can decide to rent a car, that you can also use to explore the countryside in your free time. The drive from the airport to the Estate is approx. 1 hour.

    Check in from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm - no check-in after that time.

  • Day 2 2 : DRESSAGE TUITION - 1 or 2 lessons

    Quinta do Rol
    The way you will spend your days depends on the number of lessons you have booked. You will have either pre-booked one or two lessons a day (see "dates and prices")

    Lessons are always on a one-to-basis although there may be two riders and two instructors in the arena (headsets are used to avoid interference). You will normally warm-up with one instructor then switch to another instructor for the remainder of the lesson. Lessons usually last around one hour.

    Experienced riders will also have the opportunity to swap one dressage lessons for a tour of the Estate on horseback, and get a glimpse of "Working Equitation", a traditional Portuguese riding discipline. These must also be arranged locally.

    In the low season (mid-September to mid-June) it is possible to organise a trail down the Areia Beach. This must be arranged and paid for on arrival as it depends on several factors such as riding ability, tide and weather conditions. Please see "dates and prices"

    When not riding, guests can make use of the Estate's amenities (pool, tennis court...) or enjoy the surroundings if you have decided to rent a car. You are also very welcome to watch lessons from the indoor arena's viewing gallery.

  • Day 3 3 : DRESSAGE TUITION - 1 or 2 lessons

    Quinta do Rol
    1 or 2 lessons a day.

  • Day 4 4 : DRESSAGE TUITION - 1 or 2 lessons

    Quinta do Rol
    1 or 2 lessons a day.

  • Day 5 5 : DRESSAGE TUITION - 1 or 2 lessons

    Quinta do Rol
    1 or 2 lessons a day.

  • Day 6 6 : DRESSAGE TUITION - 1 or 2 lessons

    Quinta do Rol
    1 or 2 lessons a day.

  • Day 7 7 : LISBON - LONDON

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport (transfer not included and payable locally)

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights are not included.

- Arrival dates are flexible and you may arrive any day you like. The normal package includes 6 nights but a shorter package (3 nights) is also available, please contact us.

- Prices quoted include one lesson a day (5 lessons in total) but there is the option to add a second lesson for a supplement.
> 6 nights, 5 lessons: listed price
> 6 nights, 10 lessons: €1860/$1950/£1585.00 per person

- A single supplement is payable if you end up in a single room or to guarantee single occupancy: €300/£260/$350.

- Transfers to/from Lisbon airport are payable locally at €120/car each way (maximum 4 guests).

- In the low season (early October to late June) it is possible to organise a trail down the Areia Beach. This must be arranged and paid for on arrival as it depends on several factors such as riding ability, tide and weather conditions (€170 payable locally). This cannot be arranged in the months of June to September as the beaches are busy then.

- Non-riders are welcome and a non-riding package is €960/£850/$1050 per person for the week.
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

English speaking instructors

Logistic

1 dressage horse (you will not be riding the same horse during your stay)

Accommodation

Accommodation in a guesthouse

Meals

Full board from dinner on the first night to breakfast on the last day

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverage and personal extra

Transport

Return airport transfers
International flights

Extra

Tips to local team

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

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Extras

Additional lessons, beach rides, or trip extensions
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    01/04/2023 07/04/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    08/04/2023 14/04/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    15/04/2023 21/04/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    22/04/2023 28/04/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    29/04/2023 05/05/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    06/05/2023 12/05/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    13/05/2023 19/05/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    20/05/2023 26/05/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    27/05/2023 02/06/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    03/06/2023 09/06/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    10/06/2023 16/06/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    17/06/2023 23/06/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    24/06/2023 30/06/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    01/07/2023 07/07/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    08/07/2023 14/07/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    15/07/2023 21/07/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    22/07/2023 28/07/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    29/07/2023 04/08/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    05/08/2023 11/08/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    12/08/2023 18/08/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    19/08/2023 25/08/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    26/08/2023 01/09/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    02/09/2023 08/09/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    09/09/2023 15/09/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    16/09/2023 22/09/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    23/09/2023 29/09/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    30/09/2023 06/10/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    07/10/2023 13/10/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    14/10/2023 20/10/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    21/10/2023 27/10/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    28/10/2023 03/11/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    04/11/2023 10/11/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    11/11/2023 17/11/2023 £1,250 €1,413 $1,550 Guaranteed departure Book now
    18/11/2023 24/11/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    25/11/2023 01/12/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    02/12/2023 08/12/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    09/12/2023 15/12/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    16/12/2023 22/12/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    23/12/2023 29/12/2023 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now
    30/12/2023 05/01/2024 £995 €1,124 $1,234 Guaranteed departure Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

There is a selection of 20 horses to suit any abilities. All are well-behaved pure-bred Lusitanos and the instructors will match you with the right horse, whether you are a novice rider, or a competent rider looking to experience high school dressage moves.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Riders of all abilities are welcomed at Quinta do Rol. However, riders who have some prior experience of dressage will get the most out of this holiday.

Rider weight limit: 90 kg / 14.1 st / 198 lbs

Pace

Depending on your experience you will work in all three paces and may include movements such as shoulder-in, travers, half pass, piaffe etc. The estate rides are a quiet affair and focused on enjoying the landscape and scenery.

Tacking ability and participation

A team of grooms will be preparing your horse for you. You are not expected to help with anything.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

No special difficulties, but a prior knowledge of basic dressage is a plus. You will get more out of the tuition if you have some experience of basic dressage terms, such as shoulder-in. That being said, all levels of riders are welcome and will learn at their own pace.

The beach and estate rides are only suitable for competent riders.

Equestrian equipment

Riding helmets are mandatory and we recommend you bring your own to ensure a proper fit.
Spurs can be provided.
Dressage tack.

Travel info

Comfort

The main Estate is located a few minutes' walk from the equestrian facilities, across a country road.

Four spacious cottages with private rooms are available within walking distance from the main house and the stables. Each cottage is equipped with a fireplace and TV as well as A/C. All rooms have Wi-Fi. Tea and coffee facilities are available.

Single beds 90x200
Double beds 15x200

Amenities on the Estate include a swimming pool (not heated), a gym area as well as tennis and basketball courts. The whole Estate has a beautiful rustic but stylish feel and is a home away from home.

Meals

Breakfast: continental breakfast (bread, jam, fruit salad, yogurt, ham, cheese, juice, tea/coffee).
Lunch and dinners are traditional Portuguese dishes (three course meals).
Drinks (juice, soft drinks, wine) are not included and payable locally.
One bottle of wine per room is offered as a welcome drink.

Vegetarian/GF diets and allergies can be accommodated with prior notice.

Climate

Portugal has a pleasant climate with mild temperatures all year round:
Winter: 12 - 15c
Spring: 20 - 25c
Summer: 30 - 35c
Autumn: 15 - 20c
There is rarely rain during the summer months, but rain is common in winter and can occur in spring also.

Guide and local team

Several instructors are available : Miguel Pereira, Georgina Rogers, João Gouveia, Carlos Rosa. All are competent instructors and speak good English.

Tips

Tips are appreciated but not expected. You should give what you feel is appropriate and you feel comfortable with.

Packing list

Head
- Helmets are mandatory. Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent, particularly in winter
- 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
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots.
- Shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves

Nightwear
- Pyjamas etc (something warm in winter as the nights can be cold)

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - the pool is open during summer months
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- 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

Our Recommendations
- 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!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals

In your hand luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant that are less than 100ml that can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Visa & Health

Formalities

British citizens: other nationalities, please contact us.

Visas - you should be aware that the rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
- you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
- if you are travelling to Portugal and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days

At border control for Portugal, you may need to:

- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay, and
- use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing
- Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit.

Passport validity

From 1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. You will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

Please visit for the FCO website for up-to-date information - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal

Addresses of consulates

  • Ambassade du Portugal
    3, rue de Noisiel
    75116 PARIS
    Tél. : 01.47.27.35.29
    Fax :
    mailto@embaixada-portugal-fr.org
  • Ambassade de France
    Rua Santos-o-Velho 5
    LISBONNE
    Tél. : +351 21 393 9100
    Fax :
    contact@ambafrance-pt.org

Health

UK Citizens: A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.


There are state health centres throughout the country (generally open from 0800 to 2000) where you can receive treatment for minor ailments and injuries, and major emergency hospitals in large towns which remain open throughout the night.
Even though pharmacies are well stocked, take a decent supply of medication with you, and be aware pharmacies are usually closed for two hours over lunchtime. Carry a legible prescription with you to show that you legally use the medication. If you wear glasses, take a spare pair and your prescription just in case you need to get new glasses made up quickly.

Vaccination against hepatitis B is sometimes recommended.

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Voltage

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Continental two-pin plugs are in use.

Budget and money

Portugal has adopted the Euro (EUR, symbol: €) as its official currency. One Euro is divided into 100 cents, which is sometimes referred to as eurocents, especially when distinguishing them with the US cents.
Euro banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500. The highest three denominations are rarely used in everyday transactions. All Euro banknotes have a common design for each denomination on both sides throughout the Eurozone.
The Euro coins are 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1 and €2. Some countries in the Eurozone have law which requires cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest 5 cents. All Euro coins have a common design on the denomination (value) side, while the opposite side may have a different image from one country to another. Although the image side may be different, all Euro coins remain legal tender throughout the Eurozone.

Telephone and jetlag

The dialling code for Portugal is +351

The time zone is GMT +1

Did you know?

Did you know?

Quinta do Rol is a unique family estate that stretches along the Portuguese coastline. Aside from having the equestrian centre, where you can enjoy the dressage programmes and trail riding, this “quinta” took the Portuguese reputation of good wines as the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the soil quality in the Estremadura region and the outcome was a wide variety of great wines. During your stay here, there is the possibility to go on the full tour and learn all about the wine process, beginning with the grapes until the barrel stage. You will visit the vineyards, the distillery, wine cellars and finish with a wine tasting session overlooking the beautiful landscape.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • LAURA aged 32 TRURO 3 trips
    October 2022
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Madeline aged 52 Southampton 1 trip
    January 2020
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation

    Equus Journeys' reply

    Thank you for your feedback, I will contact you directly regarding the instructor and we will liase with him on the subject! Glad you had an otherwise enjoyable holiday!