Yoga and Horse Riding Retreat: 8-Day Escape in Melgaço’s Natural Beauty

4.6 (5 Reviews)
From: €0,00
4.6
(5 reviews)
Check
Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

6 people

Languages

English

About this tour

Indulge in an exhilarating retreat that promises to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul! Immerse yourself in the mystical connection between rider and horse, as you embark on a thrilling journey of self-discovery. Our Yoga for Riders program is designed to help you enhance your riding technique, control your body better, and achieve a perfect state of harmony with your horse.

But that’s not all! You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of Peneda Gereês National Park on horseback, with exciting riding trails that will leave you spellbound. And when you’re not on horseback, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the park, taking refreshing walks amidst the serene natural surroundings.

So, whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newbie, this retreat is the perfect blend of yoga and nature, catering to your passion for both. Strengthen your partnership with your horse, achieve flexibility and balance, and experience the ultimate joy of being in sync with nature. Come, join us on this unforgettable adventure!

Your Journey

Unleash your inner zen and unlock the secrets of horseback riding with our Yoga Retreat for Riders! This unique program offers the perfect blend of yoga and horseback riding adventures, allowing you to enhance your abilities as a rider and unwind after a day on the trails.

Find pure and authentic tranquillity as you immerse yourself in a yoga practice that promotes body awareness, alignment, and coordination. This practice will help you become a more attentive, effective, and sensitive rider, strengthening your ability to communicate and relate to your horse. The yoga clinic with horses is designed to build trust and develop focus, balance, and flexibility.

With morning and afternoon yoga classes, horseback rides or hikes, and optional breathing exercises and meditation, your day is packed with activities that replenish your body and mind. The morning yoga classes focus on specific postures and movements for riders, improving physical and mental balance, and allowing for better equestrian performance. Afternoon yoga classes offer Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga for riders, helping to relax and recover and prepare the body for new rides.

Our retreat is geared towards intermediate and advanced riders, but the yoga experience is not necessary. The postures will be modified and adapted to the various levels of the participants. Plus, with small groups, you’ll receive the attention you need while making new friends.

This retreat is not just about riding; it’s about deepening the connection between your inner self, horse, and yoga practice in nature. Strengthen your partner with your horse, improve flexibility and balance, and tone, strengthen, and stretch your body to prepare for horseback riding. With horseback rides and hikes in the breathtaking scenery of Peneda Gerês National Park, organic and gourmet meals, and time to relax and rest in the garden or swim in the nearby river, this retreat is a true escape from the everyday.

Join us on this unforgettable adventure and discover the joy of being in sync with nature, your horse, and yourself.

Daily Journey

Get ready for an action-packed week of yoga and horseback riding adventures! Here’s what you can expect from our itinerary:

Day 1 (Saturday)
We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you to the charming village of Castro Laboreiro. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in the serene Ecotura Nature Resort.

Day 2 (Sunday)
Start your day with optional Pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation, followed by a yoga session to awaken the body and improve your riding. After breakfast, join our Yoga with Horses Clinic, where you’ll learn breathing exercises, exercises to build trust and achieve union with the horses, and horseback yoga. Enjoy a visit to the reception center of the National Park to learn more about the region’s biodiversity. End your day with a yoga session to stretch and restore, and free time before dinner.

Days 3 and 4 (Monday and Tuesday)
Begin your day with optional Pranayama and meditation, followed by a yoga session to awaken the body and improve your riding. After breakfast, join our Yoga with Horses Clinic to strengthen the bond between horse and rider. Enjoy lunch, then take an afternoon ride. End your day with a yoga session to stretch and restore, free time, and dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort.

Day 5 (Wednesday)
Enjoy a yoga session in the morning, followed by a nature walk and meditation. Enjoy a picnic near the river and a free afternoon to relax. End your day with dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort.

Day 6 (Thursday)
Start your day with optional Pranayama and meditation, followed by a yoga session to awaken the body and improve your riding. After breakfast, join our Yoga with Horses Clinic to strengthen the bond between horse and rider. Enjoy lunch as Pic-Nic, then take an afternoon ride to the track and follow a wild Garrano horse herd. End your day with a yoga session to stretch and restore, free time, and dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort.

Day 7 (Friday)
Enjoy a yoga session in the morning, followed by breakfast. Take a ride towards the fabulous Valley of the Wolves, one of the most beautiful valleys of the mountain, rich in rare sightings of wild animals. Enjoy lunch in the mountain, then end your day with a Restorative Yoga session, free time, and dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort.

Day 8 (Saturday)
We’ll take you to the airport for your departure.

Get ready for a week of yoga, horseback riding, and unforgettable experiences in the breathtaking beauty of Peneda Gereês National Park.

Food

Indulge in delicious and healthy meals as you immerse yourself in our program! We believe that “we are what we eat,” and that’s why meals are an essential part of our retreats. Anabela, our expert chef, creates mouth-watering vegetarian-friendly meals that follow the Mediterranean diet. All our meals are made with fresh and organic ingredients, including seasonal vegetables grown in our biological vegetable garden.

If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, please let Ecotura know before your arrival. We’ll make sure to cater to your needs so that you can enjoy your meals worry-free.

You’ll be provided with the following meals:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Snacks

We cater to the following dietary requirements:

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
  • Lactose-free

With our commitment to healthy and delicious meals, you’ll have the energy you need to fully immerse yourself in our program and enjoy all the exciting activities we have in store for you!

Accommodation

Step into the charm and comfort of Ecotura Country House, a traditional mountain house built in the early 20th century and recently restored to offer modern comforts while preserving its original features. Nestled in the historic village of Castro Laboreiro in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, this house is surrounded by pristine nature, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-packed vacation, Ecotura Country House has it all. It’s an ideal destination for families looking for a well-deserved holiday, as well as for mountain adventurers seeking an authentic experience. Once you’re settled in, take advantage of special prices for all outdoor activities offered by Ecotura.

The house is equipped with central heating, a cozy fireplace, and free Wi-Fi, providing all the comforts of home. The fully equipped kitchen also allows you to prepare your meals with ease. An extra bed is available for children up to 15 years old.

The price for a private single room is 1850 euros, while a private double room for two people is 3350 euros. With its combination of rustic charm and modern amenities, Ecotura Country House offers a unique experience that you won’t soon forget.

Teacher

Anabela Moaedes

Location

Experience the beauty of Melgaço, in Portugal’s Northern Region, with a holiday in the Peneda-Geres National Park. Spanning over 70,000 hectares, this protected area lies on the border between Portugal and Spain, adjacent to the park of Xurês. The park is situated in a mountainous region with varying altitudes, ranging between 700 and 1,500 meters. The park boasts diverse habitats, including dense oak forests and high granite mountain landscapes. It is home to two of the most endangered mammal species – the Iberian wolf and the wild horses of the Garrana breed.

The Peneda-Geres National Park is not only a breathtaking natural landscape but also the territory of large predators, such as the magical Iberian wolf, which the hosts have studied closely for several years. Along with the wolf, the park is also home to wild Garrano horses, which roam freely in the area. These horses are in the origin of the Mustang horse, and some of the riding horses used for the retreat are also from the Garrano breed, alongside the Lusitanos, another Portuguese breed.

Riding through the oak woods and groves of birch, you’ll witness a natural shelter for roe deer and wild boar, as well as patches of chestnut and holly trees, inhabited by squirrels. Jays and Orioles rest along the cliffs, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an eagle or some rare species of crow. With this retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of this incredible region.

How to get there?

Arriving for your retreat is easy – simply book your flight to Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). The organizer will arrange for your transportation from the airport, and this pick-up service is included in the price of your retreat. Pick-up is always on Saturdays at 3:00 pm, so you can relax and let us take care of the logistics. With our hassle-free transportation service, you can focus on enjoying your journey and preparing for an unforgettable experience.

Cancelation policy:

  • To secure a reservation, a deposit of 14% of the total price is required.
  • If a booking is canceled, the deposit is non-refundable.
  • The remaining balance of the payment should be paid on arrival.

Why Use Wellness Tour Center?

  • Enjoy the lowest prices on all retreats through our best-price guarantee
  • Save money by booking without any additional fees
  • Reserve your spot with a deposit and make flexible payments
  • Have peace of mind with free cancellation options available on many retreats
  • Choose from high-quality and vetted retreats handpicked by our team
  • Receive dedicated customer support throughout your booking process
  • Trust in secure transactions with bank-level security on our platform

Highlights

  • 6 days of yoga and riding
  • Up to 3 yoga classes per day
  • Guided pranayama and meditation sessions
  • Mindful equine exercises with horses
  • Rides along the magnificent scenery of the national park
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Transfers to and from the airport
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Included/Excluded

  • 6 riding days
  • Meditation and yoga classes
  • Mindful equine exercises with horses
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfasts
  • 6 lunches
  • 7 dinners
  • Transfers from and to the airport
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses

Durations

8 days / 7 nights

Languages

English

Tour's Location

Reviews

4.6/5
Excellent
(5 reviews)
Excellent
2
Very Good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
5 reviews on this Tour - Showing 1 to 3
Yoga and Horse Riding Retreat
Sasha
04/17/2023
Pedro, Anabela, and Mariana go above and beyond to ensure that their guests and horses receive exceptional care. The horses are regarded as part of the family, and the establishment offers access to a variety of scenic trails. The horses are well-cared for and paired expertly with riders, challenging individuals based on their skill level. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about the local horse breeds. Anabela provides a gourmet food and wine experience using locally-sourced seasonal produce, and each dish is unique and delicious. During my months-long stay in Portugal, Anabela's food was, without a doubt, the best everyday food I've ever had. The accommodations are comfortable, authentic, and feature artistic woodwork created by Anabela. With amenities like hot water, fast internet, and attention to detail, this beautifully restored hamlet is truly a unique experience. The family has a wealth of knowledge about local flora and fauna, as well as backgrounds in journalism, photography, and conservation. While horseback riding was the highlight, I also enjoyed guided walks to observe local plants and animals in nearby areas (Geres is especially fantastic!). My heartfelt thanks to Anabela, Pedro, and Mariana for all the experiences and knowledge I gained during my stay!
View More
Yoga and Horse Riding Retreat
Maria
04/17/2023
Exploring the magnificent scenery of the Penda-Geres National Park was a joy, made even better by the excellent guidance of Pedro, who was incredibly knowledgeable about the park's nature and history. The horses were in excellent condition and well-trained, making riding them a pleasure - I even had the chance to ride two different horses during my week-long stay. Although the terrain could be difficult to navigate, the breathtaking beauty of the landscape made up for it. The farm was located high in the mountains, so it's essential to be prepared for varying weather conditions - during my stay, we experienced rain, wind, and sunshine. The accommodation was comfortable and cozy, with all necessary amenities in the rooms and a lovely living room with a fireplace for peaceful evenings. While there isn't much to do in the surrounding area, it's an ideal place to retreat into nature. I strongly recommend trying out Anabela's yoga and meditation sessions, which are perfect for relaxing sore muscles and calming the mind and soul.
View More
Yoga and Horse Riding Retreat
Anonymous
04/17/2023
I had ridden horses before, but never with such dedicated caretakers. The places I had ridden previously were kind to their horses, but this experience was exceptional. Pedro was passionate about providing the best possible care for his animals, and I gained invaluable knowledge about horse care. Additionally, the horses were incredibly well-trained and responsive, which amazed me. They loved their environment and loved to run! Overall, my time there exceeded my expectations. The house was beautiful, the scenery was breathtaking (wild horses included), and the food was abundant and delicious (although I had to skip meals due to the quantity). I felt guilty about not finishing my food, but Pedro told me that the leftovers went to the animals. The owners were skilled artists who worked tirelessly to achieve excellence. Pedro was also an expert on Iberian wolves and loved to talk about them. There was even a friendly domesticated cat that lived on the property! Additionally, there were many opportunities to learn about the history of the area.
View More

Write a review

From: €0,00
4.6 (5 Reviews)

Information Contact

Email

[email protected]

Website

wellnesstour.center

Phone

+905010587900