Molise, Italy
Reviews
“The generous hospitality and easy temperament of the horses induced a holiday mood. Cantering through carpets of pale yellow and purple violets with the scent of wild oregano in the air created the perfect riding atmosphere.”
Helen C., Read review
“Brilliant. It was all we had hoped for and more. Most relaxing and great fun. Astrid & Carmine were the perfect hosts - we were treated like friends - food was excellent and varied and the horses were stars. My riding has improved and the views and scenery were wonderful.” John B.
“A very good holiday, Beautiful setting with well looked after and cared for horses and very kind hosts. The overnight stay at the lodge and sleeping under the stars with our camp fire was very special. Riding through the beautiful scenery was wonderful.” Wendy B.
“Great experience with lovely hosts. Riding was a good challenge and we learnt a lot.” Simon O.
Horses
Type of horses:
Quarter horses, Paints
Nature of horses:
Kind temperament, well schooled, responsive
Height of horses:
13.2 - 15 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg
Tack type:
Western
Weather
Current Conditions:
Clear, 19 C
Forecast:
Sat - Thundershowers Early. High: 25 Low: 17
Sun - Mostly Sunny. High: 25 Low: 18
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Valley of the Bear Trail
Price includes seven nights bed and breakfast, full board including wine and beer with lunch and dinner from dinner on the first day up to and including breakfast on the day of your departure. The price also includes transport of your luggage, five and a half days riding ( 5 -7 hours per day) and two English speaking guides.
The price for this trail is £748
There is a supplement of £64 per person to book a double room at the agriturismo (instead of the farmhouse) which is 5 minutes drive away.
Abruzzo Trail
Price includes seven nights bed and breakfast, full board accommodation including wine and beer with lunch and dinner from dinner on the first day up to and including breakfast on the day of your departure. The price also includes transport of your luggage, five and a half days riding (6-8) hours per day) and two English speaking guides.
The price for this trail is £940.
For the 2 May departure we can offer you a last minute discount of £64. If a group of 4 book then this will increase to £85 per person.
Molise Trail
Price includes seven nights bed and breakfast, full board with wine and beer at lunch and dinner from dinner on the first day up to and including breakfast on the day of departure.
The price also includes transport of luggage, five and a half days riding (5-7 hours per day) and two English speaking guides. Sleeping bags not included in price but can be rented for 5 euros.
The price for this trail is £705
There is a special offer on for the last 3 places. There is a discount of £64 per person. However you must be happy to sleep in a tent on Saturday, Sunday and Friday (hot showers and toilet available).
Beginner Programme
The price of £641 includes 10 hours theory and 12 in the saddle,
7 nights bed and breakfast, full board with wine and beer at lunch and dinner.
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Stationary with two day trek
The price £684 includes 7 nights bed and breakfast, full board, with wine and beer at lunch and dinner, riding and luggage transfer during trek.
Stationary
Price of £641 includes 7 nights bed and breakfast, full board with wine and beer at lunch and dinner and twelve riding hours.
Matese Trail
The price of £940 includes 7 nights full board (4 in agriturisimo and 3 at the house).
Majella Trail
Price of £940 includes full board accommodation with wine and beer at lunch and dinner, two English speaking guides, luggage transfer and transfer to and from Isernia at 19.45 on arrival and departure at 08.10.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
A holiday at this fabulous location will be enjoyed by those looking to get away from it all. You will be riding in a very unspoilt area of Italy away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are five trails and a stationary ride to enjoy. You will ride in valleys, fields, hills and mountains through natural parks on lovely responsive horses who will safely take you on the ride of a lifetime. The Valley of the Bear Trail takes you through a rural and unspoilt area and the Abruzzo Trail is suitable for the more experienced fit rider where the terrain is more arduous.
There is a new adventurous programme called the Molise Trail and is for those who don't mind sleeping around a campfire and is a ride which takes you to some beautiful spots. If you are taking one of the trails, you will need to be reasonably fit as the hours in the saddle are long but you will be riding western style so you will be comfortable on your experienced quarter horses. Carmine and Astrid are very experienced guides whose knowledge of the area is second to none and they will show you wildlife and scenery beyond your imagination. An opportunity perhaps to ride with wild horses and even see wolves and bears.
We have a new programme specifically designed for beginners and those wishing to gain more confidence in the saddle. Astrid will make sure that you are comfortable in the saddle by the end of the week.
Accommodation on the trails vary from mountain lodges to small hotels but you can be assured at all these destinations that you will be very well fed. A based holiday is fantastic for those wishing to learn more about western riding and who would like less hours in the saddle. There is now a programme for absolute beginners so everyone is catered for here. The peace and tranquility of this lovely destination needs to be experienced.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
You will stay in a farmhouse renovated sympathetically by Carmine in 2003 which now provides very comfortable accommodation for all guests. The farmhouse, dating from 1885, is almost 3000 feet above sea level and is situated on the edge of a wood and overlooking a beautiful valley. The house is not large but very comfortable. The living room has a large fire place and is a wonderful place to sit and discuss the day.
There are two guest rooms both furnished simply and authentically. One room is for two guests and the other comfortably accommodates six which is, of course, great fun for a group of friends. There are two bathrooms with all modern conveniences. There is a large kitchen where both Astrid and Carmine cook the most amazing meals which may be eaten around the large table or out on the terrace.
If you prefer more privacy we can arrange accommodation at an agriturismo just five minutes down the road for a supplement of £75.
Breakfast is continental and can be eaten on the terrace or in the kitchen. The food here is wonderful. Great care is taken to provide local specialities cooked with fresh ingredients. Vegetarians and those with special diets can be catered for. Carmine used to own a restaurant and this is apparent from the wonderful recipes he shares with his guests. You may be lucky and find that Astrid will let you have these recipes when you leave.
Aperitifs, wines and beers are included in the cost and are plentiful. You will never go hungry or thirsty here! Our own testers called the food 'imaginative and delectable' and 'original and sumptuous' !
Further Details
Languages: Your hosts are fluent in English, Dutch, Italian, German & Danish. Two English speaking guides
Health requirements: There are no specific health requirements.
Age limit: 16 years for trails and 12 years if accompanied by an adult
Tuition: By arrangement
Included: Full board including wine and beer. All riding. Transfers from Isernia Station at 19.45 on arrival day and 8.10 on departure.
Not included: Sleeping bags on trail. Transfers from station. Supplement for single rooms in the hotel and agriturismo
Travel Information
Both Easyjet and Ryanair fly into Rome. It is very straightforward to travel to Isernia where we arrange your transfer. A bus runs every 20 minutes from outside Ciampino airport and can drop you off at the Termini in Rome. This is a journey of around 20 minutes. Trains are inexpensive (12-15 euros) for the train from Rome to Isernia. This is a very easy journey and inexpensive.
Groups may want to travel by taxi to and from the airport. The minibus can accommodate a maximum of 8 persons. The cost would be 200 euros each way to split between the group.
Alternatively you can fly to Naples and catch a train to Isernia.
A transfer is included when guests arrive at 19.45 at Isernia and when they depart at 08.05. Otherwise transfers are 25 euros each way.
Airport: Rome
Alternative Airport: Naples
Programmes
Valley of the Bear Trail
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Saturday You are expected to arrive after 5 pm on Saturday afternoon. In case you travel by train you can get a transfer from Isernia railway station. It takes about twenty minutes by car to reach the farmhouse. You will soon recover from your journey when you get back to the farmhouse. With the wonderful view and a drink in your hand, you will soon get to know your hosts and other guests. You can be assured of a fantastic three course dinner accompanied by tasty local wines. Sunday The morning is yours if you wish to sleep late and take your time over breakfast. During this time you will unwind and take a look around or perhaps just sit in the sunshine admiring the view. After breakfast there is a brief demonstration in western riding. After this you will do a test-ride to enable you to get acquainted with the horse you are going to ride on the trail. You will have another delicious dinner at the farmhouse where you will spend the night. Monday At about 10am you leave the house and ride through Alto Molise with its hills, meadows and woods. You will stop for a delicious picnic in the shade of mighty oaks near the ruins of a Samnitic temple. The Samnites were the original population. It took the Romans three centuries of warfare before they finally conquered this region which then became part of the Roman Empire (79 BC) After this welcome break you will continue riding through the endless hills and unspoilt countryside. At the end of the day you arrive at an agriturismo where dinner awaits. This dinner will be another regional speciality and is served near the fire-place on chilly evenings. You will spend the night here. Tuesday After breakfast you continue the trail, following the old Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Lucera. The Tratturo is a centuries-old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. After the Tratturo you reach Pescolanciano with its old castle. Here you stop for lunch. After this break you ride towards the Colle dell’Orso. The trail gets steeper, climbing 1,800 feet to a height of 3,600 feet. The route leads you over narrow paths, through beech-woods with carpets of leaves. In the evening you reach a simple mountain lodge where you dine and spend the night. First of all the horses need to be taken care of after their long day. You sleep in dormitories so please do not forget to bring your sleeping-bags. Wednesday Today is dedicated to the magnificent scenery of the plateau of Colle dell’Orso and the cowboys. During this ride you will enjoy the most splendid views of the Abruzzi and Matese Mountain ranges, with peaks of appr. 6,500 feet. The most impressive scene of all is, however, the herds of cattle and wild horses in the plains. Carmine will try to get you near so you are able to canter with them. After this very special experience it is time for lunch. Then you return to “cowboy-land”, over the hills and through the valleys you ride as far as the so-called Magic Forest. This piece of woodland is completely sheltered by rocks and there are but two possible ways of access, which makes the visit quite adventurous. Leaving the Magic Forest you go back to our mountain lodge, which is by the way equipped with a shower. In the evening there will be a camp-fire or the fire will be lit in the fire-place. Thursday In the morning you will once again enjoy the beauty of the Colle dell’Orso, called Magic Mountain by some. Your picnic lunch will be in the garden of a little church. In the afternoon the route descends, leading you back to civilization. In the evening you leave the horses in a small riding stables. You eat and sleep at a lovely agriturismo. Friday Today you are able to take it easy. First you ride through Civitanova. Then you pass a valley where the river Trigno has been dammed. You follow the Trigno to Pescolanciano, climbing the hills that border on the forest Collemeluccio. This is one of the forests protected by UNESCO. The project is called Man and Biosphere (MAB). Worldwide UNESCO protects 254 forests. Four of them are located in Italy; two of which are in Molise. The last few miles on horseback take you over open heathland and dense oakwood. At 5pm you will arrive at Carmine and Astrid’s farmhouse. Tonight you can enjoy more excellent wines and another delicious meal which will be your farewell dinner. Saturday Departure after breakfast. N.B. Due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances the programme may have to be be adapted. The number of hours spent in the saddle, however, as well as the destinations remain unaltered. This trail requires that you are in reasonable shape and is also suited for less experienced riders. In this rural and unspoilt part of Italy, far from the madding crowd, “festina lente” (hurry slowly) is part of the life-style, as are late dining hours. We may not always be able to keep a strict time-table, but we do hope you will enjoy the “dolce vita”, the delicious Italian cooking and excellent wines, unspoilt nature and absence of stress! |
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| Accommodation: |
Your accommodation is varied on this ride as you would expect on a trail of this kind through unspoilt countryside. You will stay at the comfortable farmhouse at the beginning and end of the trail. On the trail you sleep in a mountain lodge in dormitories (equipped with shower) for a couple of nights. The bolder of you may wish to sleep outside with your horse! Two nights will be spent at an agriturismo when you get down from the mountain. Riders need to bring a sleeping bag and towel. Fresh sleeping bags and towels can be rented for 5 euros paid locally. |
| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Must be reasonably fit and able to walk next to your horse. You must be able to walk, trot and canter. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 5 and a half days riding, approximately 6 hours in the saddle each day on the trail |
| Departure dates: | 2009: 2-9 May, 16-23 May (1 place left), 22-29 August, 17-24 October |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Abruzzo Trail
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Saturday You are expected to arrive after 5 pm on Saturday afternoon. In case you travel by train you can get a transfer from Isernia railway station at 19.45. It takes about twenty minutes by car to reach the comfortable farmhouse where Carmine and Astrid live. After settling in you can enjoy an aperitif and get to know your hosts and the other guests. You will be assured of a delicious three course dinner probably a regional speciality together with a good local wine. Sunday This morning you may wish to lie in or perhaps you will be up early to look at the sun rising over the valley. Time to relax over breakfast and have a few minutes to yourself - a walk perhaps or maybe just sitting in the sun on the terrace. Before lunch there will be a brief demonstration in western riding. After lunch you will set out on the trail. It is a three hour ride to San Pietro Avellana. You will follow the Tratturo Celano-Foggia. A Tratturo is a 2000 year old track that used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. In San Pietro Avellana they breed a type of cow which has become almost extinct. The horses will get to stay in a lovely big paddock and the riders will spend the night at an agriturismo belonging to the Forest Administration. Monday Today after breakfast you will begin your first full day trail. You follow the Tratturo as far as the river Sangro. Here you will leave the Tratturo to follow small paths. Sunbathing lizards take to their heels. The air smells like the Italian kitchen with rosemary and thyme growing everywhere Next you ride uphill through a forest. You are heading for Roccaraso where you will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night. Roccaraso is at an altitude of 3,600 feet above sea level. It is a well-known skiing-resort. Tuesday After breakfast you leave Roccaraso behind and head for the Piano delle Cinque Miglia (the valley of five Miles). Here you can enjoy a long canter! At the end of the valley the first tall mountains loom up at either side, a gravel road takes you to the Montagna Spaccata (split mountain) where benches and old oaks tempt you to stop. The narrow, stony road, going up and up, leads to a water trough where the horses can drink. You can enjoy the view over the valley and perhaps take some pictures.The trail continues climbing until, all of a sudden, there is an open space in the forest that offers a beautiful panorama. After this you lead the horses on foot until we reach "Agriturismo Jovana" (mountain lodge) where lunch is served. The owner has won various awards for his “ricotta” (cheese). After lunch you follow the gravel road which takes you upwards to Scanno. Outside the village the horses are left in a riding centre “Il Ranch”. Enrico will take you in a minibus to his hotel. Dinner is at a restaurant in the historical centre of Scanno. After dinner we can stroll around this lovely old village. Wednesday Today is going to be challenging! You leave the civilised world behind you and ride through the unspoilt nature of the mountains of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo where no cars are allowed. With a bit of luck you should come across wild horses or some deer. The wolves and bears keep away from the clatter of hoofs. After a long climb you halt at 6,300 feet a.s.l. and enjoy the panoramic view. The mountain peaks are covered by snow until late spring. Then you will lead the horses down on foot. It is too steep here to stay mounted. Having reached the right path you can mount again and ride through extensive forests. In a meadow you will have a picnic and if the weather is fine you might like a nap. After this the route continues through the forests until you reach Pescasseroli. After the long ride you will enjoy a good dinner and that is what you will have at Eleanora. Thursday Today there are many miles to cover so you will be in the saddle for many hours. After breakfast you soon leave civilisation and return to the unspoilt countryside. The route gets steeper and if the sun is shining everyone will be hot. Having arrived in a valley there is a long canter to enjoy. Around noon you will arrive at Val Fondillo. There are almost four miles to be covered on foot. Unfortunately this is an asphalt road. It leads to one of the most protected areas of the National Park, Camosciara. Here you stop for a well deserved picnic. After many miles you see the lake of Barrea on your left. You will continue riding on this time through a different type of forest until, most likely exhausted, you reach Sandra's riding centre. The horses are left there. Dinner is in Alfedena and you spend the night at the comfortable "Hotel Katja". You will certainly sleep well on this occasion. Friday The last stage of our trail leads through Alfedena. The mountains of the Parco Nazionale are now behind you. Just outside Alfedena there is a plain where you can go for a long canter. A little later you pass Ponte della Zittola, which is the border between Abruzzi and Molise. Then you follow part of the Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Foggia in the foothills of Alto Molise. Having passed the hamlet Montalto it is time for a picnic. After lunch it takes between two and three hours to ride home. About 6 pm you are back at the farmhouse to unsaddle the horses for the last time. You will most certainly enjoy the farewell dinner and a well deserved drink. Saturday Departure after breakfast. |
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| Accommodation: | Your accommodation is varied on this ride as you would expect on a trail of this kind through unspoilt countryside. You will stay at the comfortable farmhouse at the beginning and end of the trail. On the trail you sleep five nights in *** hotels. |
| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | You need to be very comfortable and experienced in the saddle for this trail. You also need to be fit because there are several occasions where you will need to walk beside your horse because of the terrain. |
| Type of ride: | Trails |
| Total riding time: | 6 - 9 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | 30 May-6 June, 3-10 October |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Molise Trail
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Saturday Having enjoyed a welcome drink you will get a safety-briefing and time to settle in. In the evening there will be a three course dinner accompanied by delicious local wines. Sunday The morning is for you to relax. You may sleep late, take your time over breakfast, do whatever you like. After breakfast there will be a brief demonstration in western riding. Next you will do a test-ride to enable you to get acquainted with the horse you are going to ride on the trail. Dinner is once more at the farmhouse. Monday At about 10 am you leave the house. After passing through a large beech wood the trail takes you into open fields. After riding for about two and a half hours we will stop for a picnic. In the afternoon a mountain has to be crossed, which will take about three and a half hours. The tents will be pitched near the remains of a Samnitic temple. The Samnites were the original population. It took the Romans three centuries of warfare before they finally conquered this region, which then became part of the Roman Empire (79 B.C.). Tuesday After breakfast you ride past Vastogirardi. A little later you follow part of the Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Lucera. A Tratturo is a 2000 year old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scare in summer. At the end of the morning the trails leads through the water of a stony brook. That is quite an experience. Picnic will be in a field, in the shade of a mighty oak. In the afternoon you will descend this mountain and at the steepest part the riders will have to go on foot. Tonight the camp will be set up in a lovely valley. Wednesday After a long climb you stop near a little church to admire the view. From here you can see Isernia (the capital with a population of 20.000 inhabitants) and its surroundings. But that is not where the trail is going. A gravel road takes you through the hills. The picnic today is in a hamlet. Well fed and rested you enjoy a canter going both up and down hill. The camp will be set in the valley nearby Pescolanciano. Its castle is illuminated at night and it is a great view. Thursday In the morning the horses will carry you uphill climbing to about 800 feet. This is hard work for them so there will be a short break. The beech woods on this mountain are beautiful. You spend the night in a mountain lodge which has a shower, toilets and electricity. You will enjoy these conveniences having 'roughed it' for three days. Friday Time has come to go back to the farmhouse. First you have to get down the mountain. Then you will pass an artificial lake. You follow the Trigno to Pescolanciano climbing the hills that border on the forest Collemelucio. This is one of the forests protected by UNESCO. The project is called Man and Biosphere. Worldwide UNESCO protects 254 forests. Four of them are located in Italy, two of which are in Molise. The last few miles on horseback take you over open heath land and dense oakwood. After 5 pm you are back at the farmhouse, to unsaddle the horses for the last time and enjoy a farewell dinner. Saturday Departure after breakfast. |
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| Accommodation: | Three nights at the farm, one in the mountain lodge and three camping in tents. The mountain lodge has a modern shower and toilet facilities. |
| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | You need to be riding fit for this trail and be comfortable at walk, trot and canter. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 5 - 7 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | 11-18 July 2009 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Beginner Programme
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This is a golden opportunity for complete beginners to learn how to ride western style with your experienced hosts helping you out every inch of the way. You will learn theory as well as practical skills including all aspects of horse care. Your itinerary will be tailored to the individuals but will follow along these lines. Day 1 After a drink you can settle in. Later you will enjoy a typical Italian dinner. It always has three courses and is accompanied by local wines (and is always delicious). Day 2 After breakfast you will meet the horses. They live around the house. Answering some simple questions, you learn something about their behaviour, after which you will be taught how to lead a horse on a halter. A lot of time will be spent on grooming them in the proper way. Then it is time for lunch. In the afternoon you learn how to saddle your horse and you will be taught how to get on and off. Over a drink you can sit down and absorb one hour of theory. Those who are not too tired, might want to feed the horses at the end of the day. It's a great learning experience Day 3 Maybe early risers want to give the horses their breakfast? If not so, take your time over your own one. By 11 am it is time to saddle up. After lunch you will mount your horse and do various exercises. Once everybody has found their balance, you will go out for a ride in the woods with your experienced instructors. It lasts one hour and you will only walk. Back home there is another hour of theory. Followed by another wonderful dinner. Day 4 Today you can take a leisurely breakfast and take care of your horse. You will ride in different direction. It leads through open fields and you will learn how to descend and climb a modest hill. Theory is on a new topic. Day 5 Before lunch the horses will be groomed and saddled. In the afternoon the ride lasts 2 hours and you will try your first trot. The afternoon finishes with more theory. Day 6 Today is going to be exciting as your confidence will have grown and you will embark on a longer ride in this beautiful countryside. The picnic goes in the saddle-bags or on the pack-horse. The ride goes to a big valley. Here you will be trotting and make a short canter or two. Day 7 The morning is at your disposal. After lunch you will saddle up and go for a long ride (3 hours). The horses will take you through some lovely countryside to a spectacular panorama. Overlooking it, the horses can rest a little. Then you can use your new skills and do a couple of canters before descending to the valley. The last hour takes us through an extensive wood. You will enjoy your last dinner and probably be very impressed with yourself! Day 8 Departure after breakfast. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Complete beginners are very welcome. |
| Type of ride: | Tuition and Trail |
| Total riding time: | 10 hours theory and 12 in the saddle |
| Departure dates: | To suit between May-November 2009 (excluding trail dates) 8-15 August fully booked |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Stationary with two day trek
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The programme is ideal for those who wish to relax in this wonderful unspoilt area of Italy. You will arrive on a late afternoon on Saturday and after a drink you can settle in. In the evening you will wine and dine with your hosts, who will cook a delicious three course Italian dinner always accompanied by delicious local wines. You will groom, saddle and feed the horses and in the first days you will ride out each day for three hours in a different direction and explore this fantastic countryside on horseback. There will be plenty of time for other activities like reading and walking. To enjoy a book sitting in the sunshine outside the farmhouse is so peaceful and a great pleasure. We recommend you hire a car to enable you to tour the surrounding area which offers quite stunning scenery and plenty of picturesque villages clinging to mountain slopes. This is such an unspoilt area and it deserves to be explored by car. Pompeii is only one and a half hours away by car and this is most definitely worth a visit. For those who prefer the seaside, the Adriatic coast with its wide beaches can be reached within an hour. There is also a swimming pool about thirty minutes away by car if you do need a dip. The last two days are fantastic because you will make a real trek for about five hours each day. On the first day after two hours in the saddle you will stop at a restaurant to have lunch. After this you will make your way to the mountain lodge. This is simple accommodation but does have first class shower and toilet facilities. After a peaceful night at the lodge you will ride back to the farmhouse and have a picnic along the way. You will return to another delicious dinner prepared by Carmine or Astrid and, no doubt, some tasty local wines. |
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| Accommodation: | Accommodation is at the comfortable farmhouse with one night spent at the mountain lodge. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 2-5 Hours riding per day |
| Departure dates: | 9 May - 17 October 2009 (not available during treks) 8-15 August fully booked |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Stationary
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This is a programme ideal for those who prefer to take it easy but also for less experienced riders. You will be riding and exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding the farmhouse on calm forward going horses. You will ride out in a different direction every day and take care of your horse on a day to day basis. Each evening you will return to your comfortable farmhouse and enjoy a sumptuous meal prepared by Carmine and Astrid. A rental car is highly recommended to enable you to tour the surroundings which offer quite stunning scenery and plenty of picturesque villages clinging to the mountain slopes. Pompeii is only one and a half hours away by car and is certainly worth a visit. The Adriatic coast with its wide beaches can be reached within the hour if you wish to visit the seaside and a swimming pool is less than half an hour by car. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Novice, intermediate and experienced |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | Experienced riders 2-5 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | May to November 2009 when treks are not on those dates, 20 June-4 July fully booked, 8-15 August fully booked, 28 August-5 September fully booked. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Matese Trail
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This is a demanding trail and only suitable for experienced riders. The trail climbs the Matese and takes you around the border of the regions of Molise and Campania. This is a fantastic opportunity to ride in countryside once occupied by the Romans and now where only sheep roam through the ruins. This itinerary may vary slightly. Saturday; Having enjoyed a welcome drink you will get a safety briefing and time to settle in and meet the other guests. In the evening you will enjoy a three course dinner which is prepared by Carmine and Astrid and is always freshly cooked and delicious Using local ingredients they will serve delicious local specialities accompanied by wine. Sunday: After breakfast and an introduction to your horse you will set off in the direction of the Colle del Orso. The highest point is La Montagnola (1.421m). In the late afternoon you will descend the mountain and the village of Macchiagodena (864m) gets within sight. A little later you will arrive at the agriturisimo. You will enjoy another delicious meal. Monday: Today you will set out for a vast plain where you follow part of the Tratturo Pescasserole-Candela. This is a centuries old track that is still used today to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. After many miles you will reach the Old Roman town by the name of Sepino. The camp tonight will be set up next to one of the old city gates. This part of the plain has been populated since the stone age and the Samnites built a fortress on the hill of Terravecchia (953m). In 293 BC the Romans conquered the fortress and changed its name to Saepinum which literally means fenced ground. Lately most of the stone walls have been restored systematically. In the 17th and 18th century farmers built their homes on the ruins using Roman fragments. There are still three farmers who let their sheep graze on the Forum. As soon as they retire the whole ground will become state property. It will be fenced in and you will have to pay for admission. However, at the present time entrance is free and you will be able to ride through this 2000 year old town. Unfortunately there are no Roman houses to be seen but the theatre is very imposing. Also twenty columns of the Basilica are still there. Tuesday: This route takes you in the south westerly direction and you start climbing the Matese. The mountain chain of Matese lies partly in Molise (north side) and partly in Campania (south side) Monte Mileto (2020m) is the highest summit. You ride along the border edge of Molise and Campania. This area is a big plateau where the horses can canter more than once. In the evening you will arrive at an agriturismo. Wednesday Today is going to be a long day. Just before lunch, the horses will be unsaddled and you will swim together with the horses in Lago Gallo. During the picnic all the swimmers will dry off and relax in the sunshine. In the afternoon you ride along a long stretch of gravel road which offers the most amazing views. Accommodation at the agriturismo. Thursday: After breaking camp you will ride across a huge plateau and then your path will take you north through mountainous countryside with beech woods and meadows. Here you will think you are in the middle of nowhere - it is so remote. After a very long ride in the afternoon down from the mountain you will eventually reach the town of Isernia. You will be collected from here and driven back to the farmhouse for relaxation and another delicious dinner. Friday: In the morning you will be taken back to the horses. The ride leads through the medieval part of Pesche, a little village that seems to be glued to a mountain slope. Outside Pesche you will take the opportunity to stop at a vantage point which will enable you to see how far you have ridden in the last few days. You will be very pleased with yourself. Your trail now takes you in the direction of Miranda and late in the afternoon you will return to the farmhouse for a welcome shower. After drinks and farewell dinner you will spend your last night at the farmhouse. Saturday: Departure after breakfast. |
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| Accommodation: | You will spend three night at the farmhouse and four in agriturisimo accommodation. |
| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | You will need to be very fit and an experienced rider to enjoy this trail. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 6 days of riding (6-9 hours) |
| Departure dates: | 5-12 September 2009 (now fully booked please contact the office for 2010 date) |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Majella Trail
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This National Park is the eighth so-called Pan Park in Europe. It is protected by WWF. On the tablelands many canters will be made. Saturday You are expected to arrive on Saturday in the late afternoon. After a welcome drink you can settle in. In the evening you will wine and dine with your hosts, who will cook three course Italian dinners. No need to say that these are accompanied by local wines. Sunday The morning is yours. You may sleep late, take your time over breakfast, do whatever you like. Before lunch there are a safety-briefing and a short demonstration in western riding. After lunch you set out for the trek. It is a three hours’ ride to San Pietro Avellana. You follow the Tratturo Celano-Foggia. A Tratturo is a 2.000 years old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. In San Pietro Avellana they breed species of cows which have become almost extinct. The horses will get a big paddock. The riders will spend the night at an “agriturismo” belonging to the Forest Administration. Monday Today’s destination is the small town of Pescocostanzo. The trail takes you through increasingly high mountains. At the end of the afternoon you ride through large stretches of valley. Having spent about 7 hours on horseback you are bound to be longing for a drink. Pescocostanzo has a nice square with several bars and restaurants. Taking a walk in this picturesque medieval town is pleasant for everyone and a must for those who are interested in architecture. You will be staying at a ***hotel. Dinner is at a restaurant. Tuesday The National Park Majella (75.000 acres) is one of the biggest in Italy. It is a so-called Pan Park, which means that it is protected by WWF. Today there will be a 6 hours’ ride in surrounding highlands. You expect to be able to have nice canters here. The night will be spent at the same hotel. Dinner, however, is at a different restaurant. Wednesday This is going to be a demanding day spending about 8 hours in the saddle. The first part of our trail takes you upwards towards a large valley whereas the next stretch is a long forest road, leading you down and down again. Part of that road must be covered on foot! In the early evening you finally reach our destination. Dinner is at a restaurant in Alfedena and you spend the night at the comfortable “Hotel Katja”. Thursday Just outside Alfedena there is a plain where we can go for a long canter. A little later you pass Ponte della Zittola, which is the border between Abruzzi and Molise. Then you follow part of the Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Foggia in the foothills of Alto Molise. Having passed the hamlet Montalto it is time for a picnic. After lunch it takes between two and three hours to ride home. About 6 p.m. you are back at the farm-house. Friday Today you will make a lovely ride through the woods and hills. At about 5 pm you unsaddle the horses for the last time and enjoy drinks. Later the farewell dinner will be served. Saturday Departure after breakfast. |
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| Accommodation: | Three nights at the farmhouse and four nights at *** hotels. |
| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and fit |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 5.5 days riding (6-8 Hours a day) |
| Departure dates: | 13-20 June, 19-26 September |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |