Azeitão: Horseback Riding, Tasting, Farms, and Cristo Rei

This tour offers a blend of outdoor adventure, cultural insight, and scenic beauty—all packed into a 6-hour journey from Lisbon. With a private guide, included tickets, and visits to some of Portugal’s most iconic sites, it promises a well-rounded taste of Portuguese countryside and city views.

One of the standout features is the combination of activities: horseback riding in the charming countryside, a visit to a local farm with wine tasting, and a panoramic look at Lisbon from the Cristo Rei viewpoint. It’s an ideal way to see beyond Lisbon’s urban charm, especially for those who crave authentic experiences away from the tourist crowds.

A small consideration is the pace—while the itinerary is carefully structured, some travelers might wish for more time at each stop to soak in the atmosphere. Still, the balance of activities makes this a great pick for those wanting a full, engaging day with diverse highlights. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, scenic views, and cultural insights, especially if you prefer small groups and personalized attention.

Key Points:

• All-in-One Experience: Combines horseback riding, wine tasting, sightseeing, and a river crossing.
• Authentic and Cultural: Focuses on traditional Portuguese farms and preserved sites.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides make all the difference in understanding local traditions.
• Spectacular Views: Sunset at Cristo Rei offers one of the most memorable vistas of Lisbon.
• Good Value: Includes tickets, guide, driver, insurance, and wine tasting for a competitive price.

Exploring the Day in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: Hotel Lisbon Pickup

Your day begins at 2:00 p.m., with a friendly driver coming to pick you up directly at your hotel in Lisbon. This private transfer helps set a relaxed tone, avoiding public transportation hassles. It’s a smooth start to what promises to be a day filled with variety and scenic beauty.

Almada: A Photo Stop and Guided Tour

The first stop is Almada, just across the river from Lisbon. Here, you’ll get a quick photo stop and a guided tour lasting about an hour. The highlight is the stunning panoramic views of Lisbon, with the city’s iconic skyline framed by the river. Our reviewer, Jefferson, mentioned that their guide, Claudia, was “super patient and attentive,” making the experience both informative and personable. Expect to hear stories about the area’s history and its significance as a gateway to Lisbon.

Azeitão: Wine Tasting and Farm Visit

Next, the tour heads to Azeitão, a region synonymous with traditional wine production. You’ll spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring a local farm, where the focus is on authentic Portuguese wines. The visit takes you into the wine cellars, where the guide explains the entire process—from grape harvest to bottling and export.

You’ll get to taste several local wines, with the opportunity to learn about Portugal’s wine culture. The experience is particularly valued by visitors for the detailed explanations and the chance to sample well-preserved, high-quality wines. Jefferson’s review highlights the “immersive experience in the wine cellars,” emphasizing that this part of the tour offers a genuine taste of local craftsmanship.

Moita: Horseback Riding through the Countryside

The highlight for many is the horseback riding segment in Moita, which lasts about an hour. The activity is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, with horses well-behaved and guides attentive to safety and comfort. The scenic trails provide a relaxed way to enjoy Portugal’s rural landscape and connect with the land in a more visceral way.

Expect to see rolling hills, vineyards, and maybe even some local flora and fauna. The horses are a wonderful way to slow down and focus on the natural beauty of the region. This activity received praise for its relaxed pace and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who shared interesting tidbits about the local environment.

River Crossing: Ferry Ride at Seixal Bay

After the riding, you’ll hop on a 25-minute ferry crossing at Seixal Bay, which is a simple yet charming way to transition from the inland countryside to the more urban scenery of Almada. This crossing offers a different perspective of the river and cityscape, with views that are especially striking at sunset.

Cristo Rei Viewpoint: Sunset Over Lisbon

The last stop is the Cristo Rei viewpoint in Almada, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. This is often the most memorable part of the tour, especially if the timing is right for sunset. The viewpoint provides a perfect backdrop for photos and a moment to reflect on the day’s experiences.

According to the tour itinerary, the experience concludes here, with the group heading back to Lisbon for drop-off at Cais do Sodré around 7:30 p.m. The sunset views are the cherry on top, offering a stunning finale to your day of exploration.

Behind the Scenes: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Guides and Transportation

The tour is led by a local guide who is knowledgeable and engaging, making each stop informative without feeling rushed. The driver ensures smooth transitions between sites, which is especially appreciated after a busy day of activities.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

Unlike many generic day trips, this experience emphasizes traditional Portuguese culture—from the wine and farms of Azeitão to the scenic views of Lisbon from Cristo Rei. Jefferson’s review confirms that this tour provides “a different way to get to know Portugal,” which is perfect for travelers tired of cookie-cutter tours.

The Balance of Activities

With horseback riding, wine tasting, sightseeing, and a ferry crossing, the day feels well-balanced. You get an active component, a tasting experience, and plenty of opportunities to soak in the scenery—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The Value

At $211 per person, considering that tickets, guide, driver, insurance, and wine tasting are included, the price offers good value. It’s a package that combines multiple experiences into one day, saving you the hassle and expense of booking each separately.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want to diversify their Lisbon trip with outdoor activities and cultural insights. It’s ideal if you prefer small groups for a more intimate atmosphere and enjoy being active—whether on horseback or simply soaking in views. It also appeals to those who appreciate local traditions like wine-making and want to see Portugal off the beaten path without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Keep in mind that the tour involves some walking and riding, so comfortable clothes and sun protection are recommended. It’s a full day, but the variety makes it worthwhile for curious travelers eager to experience a more authentic side of Portugal.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Lisbon and take you between sites, ensuring a stress-free day.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
The tour starts at 2:00 p.m. and ends around 7:30 p.m., making it perfect to catch the sunset at Cristo Rei.

Are the activities suitable for children or beginners?
Yes, horseback riding is suitable for all levels, and the guided visits are designed to be accessible for most guests.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring drinks, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and walking.

How long is the ferry crossing?
The ferry ride across Seixal Bay takes about 25 minutes, providing a scenic and relaxing switch between the countryside and the city.

What’s included in the price?
Entrance tickets, guide, driver, insurance, and wine tasting are all included. Meals and personal shopping are not.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated mix of adventure, culture, and stunning views—all within a manageable 6-hour window. It’s especially appealing for those who want to see Portugal’s countryside and historic sites without sacrificing comfort or personalized attention.

The combination of horseback riding, wine tasting, and panoramic views is hard to beat for travelers seeking an authentic, well-rounded experience outside the usual Lisbon attractions. With highly praised guides and a small group setting, it ensures that guests not only see but also understand and enjoy Portugal’s traditional charm.

For travelers eager to explore beyond Lisbon’s city limits, this trip delivers a memorable day filled with scenic beauty, local flavors, and authentic encounters. Whether you’re a wine lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates good views, this tour hits all the right notes.

In summary, this experience is perfect for those who want a taste of Portugal’s rural life, combined with the chance to enjoy breathtaking sunset views. Its excellent guide, balance of activities, and inclusion of all necessary tickets make it a standout choice for a day trip that’s both fun and meaningful.