Europe > Portugal

Classical Dressage in Portugal

The perfect riding holiday for the dressage lover or for those who wish to discover this magnificent art. Just outside Lisbon, stay at this dressage centre and have lessons on their highly schooled Lusitano horses from one of their experienced instructors.

Book now Print the details for this ride

Dressage stays

8 days / 6 riding

From £1,171

From the horse’s mouth

Classical Dressage in Portugal

November 2025 Janet aged 70

Garcia is a wonderful school master. He was able to help me improve my riding and show me how some of the upper level movements are done.
Classical Dressage in Portugal

November 2025 Cathy aged 71

Carmelo was a really patient teacher.
Classical Dressage in Portugal

October 2025 Cynthia aged 51

Mario and Ivan were wonderful and dedicated instructors, and I really improved my skills. The horses are well trained and capable. The whole environment was great - it felt like going to camp and having an international home stay. The food was great - wonderful homestyle cooking. Would definitely recommend and do it... Read all
Classical Dressage in Portugal

January 2025 KIMBERLY aged 25

This trip was truly once in a lifetime. i loved everything and felt immediately at home. the staff were extraordinarily friendly and welcoming, the horses were well trained, and the instructor was thorough and detailed. i do not know when I would be able to get the opportunity to ride such wonderful horses under such... Read all
Classical Dressage in Portugal

November 2024 Hanneke aged 28

I had an amazing time in Portugal. The ambiance and riding was well above my expectations! Young but well trained horses

Classical dressage in Portugal
A lovely dressage holiday in Portugal

Itinerary

Highlights

- Classical dressage, Portuguese Equitation lessons in small groups of 2 or 3 riders (maximum 4 in a group)
- Choose to have one or two lessons each day (each lesson lasts between 50 and 60 minutes)
- Beautifully schooled Lusitano horses, some of whom are capable of high school movements
- Non riders are welcome
- Plan your week to allow time to visit some of the surrounding area such as local monasteries, Lisbon city or the Portugese School of Equestrian Art at Queluz.

Book now

Day 1 1 : HOME - LISBON - No lesson
Alcainca
Your flight to Lisbon can arrive at any time, although please note that there is no discount if your late arrival means that you miss dinner on the first night.

You will be met on arrival at Lisbon airport and transferred to the equestrian centre which is located just 25km from Lisbon. Alternatively you may prefer to hire a car and drive yourself to the centre - we can provide driving directions.
Day 2 2 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons
Alcainca
You will have pre-booked either one or two lessons today.
Each lesson comprises 2 - 3 riders and lasts between 50-60 minutes.

The morning lessons start around 09:30 and the afternoon lessons start around 16:00, although this can vary depending on the time of year and weather.

Lessons usually start in walk with the chance to practice shoulder-in, leg yielding and travers before moving onto trot and canter. For those with prior dressage experience if may be possible to practice Spanish walk, piaffe, passage or pirouettes. Classical dressage is particularly focused on lightness, beauty and expression.

If you have chosen only one lesson today, then this could be either in the morning or the afternoon and the rest of the day can be spend relaxing at the centre, by the pool or perhaps off-site visiting Lisbon, Mafra or Sintra.

Please note that over the duration of your stay, you migh take lessons with different instructors, depending on your riding abilities and language preferences.
Day 3 3 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons
Alcainca
Again you will have booked either one or two dressage lessons for today. It is not always possible to request additional lessons once you have arrived so you should be certain to book enough in advance.
Day 4 4 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons
Alcainca
Again you will have booked either one or two dressage lessons for today. It is not always possible to request additional lessons once you have arrived so you should be certain to book enough in advance.
Day 5 5 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons
Alcainca
Again you will have booked either one or two dressage lessons for today. It is not always possible to request additional lessons once you have arrived so you should be certain to book enough in advance.
Day 6 6 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons
Alcainca
Again you will have booked either one or two dressage lessons for today. It is not always possible to request additional lessons once you have arrived so you should be certain to book enough in advance.
Day 7 7 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons
Alcainca
Again you will have booked either one or two dressage lessons for today. It is not always possible to request additional lessons once you have arrived so you should be certain to book enough in advance.
Day 8 8 : LISBON - HOME - No lesson

After lunch, transfer to the airport so you can catch your flight home.

Dates & prices

Price details

IMPORTANT: THERE ARE NO LESSONS ON SUNDAYS

- 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 or double room during the ride, and on the "moderate programme"

- Dates are flexible and you can arrive/depart on any day and stay for as long as you like with discounts for longer stays. We recommend arriving on Sundays as there are no lessons on Sundays. Please contact us for a personalised quote.

- There are 2 set programmes available:
> Moderate (includes 5 group lessons + 1 private lesson) - listed price
> Intense (includes 10 group lessons + 2 private lessons) - Low season €1818/£1575/$2110; Rest of year €2020/£1750/$2345 (2025/2026 rates)

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

- Transfers are not included but can be arranged (invoiced before departure):
From the airport to the dressage centre approx. €110/£95/$130 return (1-3 passengers);
From the city centre to the dressage school costs approx. €130/£115/$155 return (1-3 passengers).
Alternatively you may prefer to hire a car and drive yourself - we can provide driving directions.

- Riders from 12 years are welcome if they have the required riding level and a good level of concentration, and if accompanied by their parents.

- A driver is available during your stay if you wish to take a local excursion, such as to the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, Mafra or Lisbon - these excursions are at additional cost and payable locally.

- There is a discount available for accompanying non-riders (sharing the room). Please contact us for more details.
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 horse equipped with classical dressage/Portuguese saddle and bridle (the horse can change during the stay)

Accommodation

Double/Single room in Guesthouse (7 nights)

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 8

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverage and personal extra

Transport

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

Transport

Airport transfers on destination

Extras

Private lessons - on request

2026

Jan - Feb Mar - Apr May - Jun Jul - Aug Sep - Oct Nov - Dec

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
08/02/2026	15/02/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Contact an advisor
15/02/2026	22/02/2026	~~£1,377~~ £1,171 ~~€1,570~~ €1,335 ~~$1,776~~ $1,511	Open	Book now
22/02/2026	01/03/2026	~~£1,377~~ £1,171 ~~€1,570~~ €1,335 ~~$1,776~~ $1,511	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
01/03/2026	08/03/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
08/03/2026	15/03/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
15/03/2026	22/03/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
22/03/2026	29/03/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
29/03/2026	05/04/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
05/04/2026	12/04/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Guaranteed departure	Book now
12/04/2026	19/04/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
19/04/2026	26/04/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
26/04/2026	03/05/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
03/05/2026	10/05/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
10/05/2026	17/05/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
17/05/2026	24/05/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
24/05/2026	31/05/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
31/05/2026	07/06/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
07/06/2026	14/06/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
14/06/2026	21/06/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
21/06/2026	28/06/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
28/06/2026	05/07/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
05/07/2026	12/07/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
12/07/2026	19/07/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
19/07/2026	26/07/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
26/07/2026	02/08/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
02/08/2026	09/08/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
09/08/2026	16/08/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
16/08/2026	23/08/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
23/08/2026	30/08/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
30/08/2026	06/09/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
06/09/2026	13/09/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
13/09/2026	20/09/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
20/09/2026	27/09/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
27/09/2026	04/10/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
04/10/2026	11/10/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
11/10/2026	18/10/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
18/10/2026	25/10/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
25/10/2026	01/11/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
01/11/2026	08/11/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
08/11/2026	15/11/2026	£1,377 €1,570 $1,776	Open	Book now
15/11/2026	22/11/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
22/11/2026	29/11/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
29/11/2026	06/12/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
06/12/2026	13/12/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now
13/12/2026	20/12/2026	£1,239 €1,413 $1,598	Open	Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

There are approximately 12 horses available for guests and they are all pure-bred or part-bred Lusitanos. Some are stallions but mainly they are geldings. The horses are at varying levels of training, so there are schoolmasters for intermediate riders or those just starting out in dressage as well as horses capable of producing high school movements for experienced riders.

Guide & local team

There are two main instructors and it is likely that you will have lessons with one of them throughout your stay for continuity and consistency in your training.

Minimum riding ability

You should be able to walk, trot and canter and be a confident rider.
Riders who have some prior experience of dressage will get the most from this holiday. An understanding of some basic terms, such as shoulder-in is required. The centre cannot cater for beginner riders. You will be expected to wear a hard hat when mounted and please note that we can not guarantee that your lessons will be with a particular instructor.

On some occasions, novice riders may be welcomed (special package), please enquire for further details.

Rider weight limit - 89 kgs / 13.5 stones. Heavier riders please contact us.

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.

Tacking ability and participation

You will be expected to assist with grooming, tacking up and untacking your horse each day but grooms are available to assist you if necessary.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

No special difficulties, but a prior knowledge of basic dressage is required. You will get more out of the tuition if you have some experience of basic dressage terms, such as shoulder-in.

Equestrian equipment

Spurs and sticks will be made available to you if the instructors feel you require them.

Riding helmets are mandatory. We recommend all our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

The guesthouse at the equestrian centre has four twin rooms and one double room , each with private bathroom and located close to the stables. There are also an additional three twin rooms just over the road. The dining room, communal living area with TV and bar, as well as the unheated swimming pool are all available year round.

Meals

You eat all your meals in the dining room at the riding centre, which overlooks the indoor arena.

Breakfast is continental and buffet style.
For lunch you will have traditional Portuguese food.
Dinner is usually fish with salads and vegetables. The focus is on traditional Portugese cuisine and all is prepared locally by the chef.
Wine is included.

Vegetarians can be accommodated. Please let us know in advance.

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.

Tips

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

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. This list must be adapted depending on the season and individual needs.

Head
- Riding helmet

Upper Body
- Half or long-sleeved cotton shirts or T-shirt in a quick-drying material
- A light raincoat that you are comfortable in
- A lightweight fleece or jumper
- A swimsuit

Legs
- 2 pairs of jodhpurs or riding trousers
- 1-2 pairs of trousers

Hands and feet
- Short jodhpur boots and half chaps are the best option as they are much cooler and easier to transport, but if you are used to riding in your long boots and want to wear them this is fine.
- Lightweight shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves

Other useful items
- Toiletries
- Small medical kit - antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..

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

Sustainable tourism

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!).
Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
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.
Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Nuno Oliveira (1925-1989) was a Portugese riding instructor, considered as the most important master of equestrian art in the 20th century. Fuelled by a love of equestrian culture and opera music, he approached riding as a true art and devoted his time to learning and teaching lightness and the love of the horse through his clinics and writing. Hypersensitive, quick-tempered, generous, independent and a genius he is still revered amongst lovers of classical dressage.

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.

Janet aged 70 UNION BRIDGE 1 trip

November 2025

Garcia is a wonderful school master. He was able to help me improve my riding and show me how some of the upper level movements are done.
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
Cathy aged 71 FREDERICK MARYLAND 1 trip

November 2025

Carmelo was a really patient teacher.
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
Cynthia aged 51 PORTLAND 1 trip

October 2025

Mario and Ivan were wonderful and dedicated instructors, and I really improved my skills. The horses are well trained and capable. The whole environment was great - it felt like going to camp and having an international home stay. The food was great - wonderful homestyle cooking. Would definitely recommend and do it... Read all
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
KIMBERLY aged 25 Saratoga 1 trip

January 2025

This trip was truly once in a lifetime. i loved everything and felt immediately at home. the staff were extraordinarily friendly and welcoming, the horses were well trained, and the instructor was thorough and detailed. i do not know when I would be able to get the opportunity to ride such wonderful horses under such... Read all
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
Hanneke aged 28 ENSCHEDE 1 trip

November 2024

I had an amazing time in Portugal. The ambiance and riding was well above my expectations! Young but well trained horses
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
Frederikke aged 26 Copenhagen 1 trip

June 2024

Had the pleasure of riding Garcia, Caramelo and Jozedo who were all incredibly well kept, talented and happy horses, very suitable to teach the proper riding (signals, position etc.) to the rider, as they knew all exercises (flying changes, passage, piaffe, spanish walk, half pass etc.) but would only do them when... Read all
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
JULIE BOTHELL 1 trip

October 2023

Well trained; rode multiple horses so could experience different personalities and skills
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
Mary aged 71 CEHEGIN 1 trip

October 2022

A lovely situation. Superb instruction on well trained horses. Accommodation and food the best. I learnt more in a week than I imagined. Instructors Sergio and Mario were so patient and understanding. Already trying to plan a return visit. All horses exceptional for their purpose.
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide

Contact an advisor

Iris LAPPRAND

+44 (0)1905388973

Email me

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Classical Dressage in Portugal

From the horse’s mouth

Itinerary

Highlights

Day 1 1 : HOME - LISBON - No lesson

Day 2 2 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons

Day 3 3 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons

Day 4 4 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons

Day 5 5 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons

Day 6 6 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons

Day 7 7 : DRESSAGE - 1 or 2 lessons

Day 8 8 : LISBON - HOME - No lesson

Dates & prices

Price details

Price includes

Support Team

Logistic

Accommodation

Meals

Price doesn't include

Meals

Transport

Extra

Insurance

Optional

Transport

Extras

Equestrian info

Horses

Guide & local team

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Pace

Tacking ability and participation

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Equestrian equipment

Travel info

Comfort

Meals

Climate

Tips

Packing list

Sustainable tourism

Did you know?

Did you know?

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Contact an advisor