Taste of Tuscany, Italy
Programmes
• Tuscan Castles, Monasteries & Thermal Springs
• Good Horsemanship & Trekking
• Etruscan Fortress & Villages
Horses
Type of horses:
Criollo, Maremanno, Arab/Spanish, Arab, Sardinia Anglo Arab, Haflinger
Nature of horses:
Calm & happy
Height of horses:
14-16 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg
Tack type:
Western, Australian Stock & Endurance saddles
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fog, 0 C
Forecast:
Sat - Partly Cloudy. High: 12 Low: 2
Sun - Sunny. High: 13 Low: 4
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Tuscan Castles, Monasteries & Thermal Springs
2010 Price: £1177 per person, children 16 yrs and under £769 for an eight day/seven night programme based on shared accommodation in a twin or double room.
Single supplement: £127
Good Horsemanship & Trekking
2010 Price: £1086 per person for an eight day/seven night programme based on shared accommodation in a twin or double room.
Single supplement: £127
(Feb and March) price: £905
Transfer from and to Pisa airport £32 at set time.
Etruscan Fortress & Villages
2010 Price: £1267 per person for an eight day/seven night programme based on shared accommodation in a twin or double room.
Single supplement: £127
Sunflowers & Cypress
2010 Price: £860 per person, £769 for children 16yrs and under, for an eight day/seven night programme based on shared accommodation in a twin or double room.
Single supplement: £127
Transfers from and to Pisa Airport £32
What is included:
All meals, wine with dinner, accommodation in double rooms, riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary.
What is not included:
Alcoholic and canned drinks other than wine with dinner, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Montaione is a wonderful part of Tuscany known for its history, charming small villages, fortressed castles, natural sulpharic pools and regional foods.
The particular beauty of its picturesque landscape of Tufo cliffs, abandoned convents, cultivated fields and its wild and mysterious forests make the area an unforgettable and little known destination for travellers.
Tuscany offers history, culture and fantastic horse riding in an enchanting setting and at this exclusive family run destination, you are ensured of a top class horse riding experience. Adventures here range from a based stay to exciting trails riding through mountains, vineyards and olive groves. Always in small groups where personal attention to guests is of vital importance and always on well chosen safe but willing horses.
Your host has over ten years guiding experience and is very familiar with the trails you will be riding. He is a true "Italian cowboy" and knows his horses well so is able match the right rider with a horse to match experience and confidence.
Yours hosts believe that it is important that their happy horses have some time to relax everyday and have time to play, groom, roll and interact with other horses at some point during each day. You will be made welcome to join this family and enjoy their world, of horses, dogs and the Tuscan lifestyle.
How this trip can also makes a difference (responsible travel)!
Many riding stables prefer to keep large strings of unhappy horses, their overhead dictating that each ride must be as large as possible in order to stay afloat. Here they think that's not a good ride. So, they based their whole business on using great horses, well treated and well trained, and on giving great responsible travel service to the people who come and ride with them. One of the greatest benefits that you will enjoy when you choose one of these rides is the intimate, exclusive experience that is not often found with trekking centres, pack outfits, working ranches or other trail rides where 12-50 riders are common. A smaller group means more personal attention, more privacy and more individual space. You won’t get lost in a crowd group size is limited to 8 enthusiastic riders per ride. This minimises the impact of horses on the environment.
They have an environmental policy to make sure that the eco-system here is not damaged in any way. The staff are trained to uphold this policy and all clients are fully briefed on appropriate/responsible behaviour whilst riding through wilderness areas. Their “Leave No Trace” ethic is applied to all trips.
They use only locally owned transport, restaurants, shops and accommodation on the tours. The atmosphere at the farm is inspired by a genuine love of the local traditions of the places, people and culture that surrounds it. It has recently been completely restored and divided into country style apartments preserving original, rustic and rural characteristics. Food produce is local, and where possible, organic and specialised to the area. Wine is produced on the very terrain you ride across, and is of a very good quality (Chianti). Local staff that know the area well are hired. During this holiday you will meet real people, and experience the culture that many larger tourism outfitters neglect.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Ypu will stay on a 200 hectare family owned estate that was originally a mineral quarry during the Medici dynasty. The farm overlooks one of the most atmospheric panoramas in Tuscany and is know as Italy's California due to the rich presence of natural minerals within the farm's boundaries.
Guests stay in Tuscan style apartment which have been recently refurbished. They provide a luxurious and private sanctuary far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The apartments are strategically nestled among the oaks or perched amongst the junipers on the hillsides well spaced from one another. The apartments are equipped with the best comforts including air conditioning, satellite TV, WiFi internet and a fully serviced kitchen.
There are two thermal sulpharic pools and the panoramic swimming pool that has hydro massage and there is a separate pool for children. There is also a private fishing like for the use by guests only.
Meals are taken with your hosts in the restaurant where the atmosphere is informal, relaxed and friendly or "al fresco" BBQ style on the sunny terrace. Guests can prepare their own breakfasts using fresh local ingredients delivered to the door including daily supplies of bread and croissants.
Activities
Each day you can choose from a variety of activities aside from horse riding such as long walks, mountain biking, golf, fishing, enjoying the warm summer sun at the side of the swimming pool, or simply relaxing with a good book in the shade of an old tree. Quad bike excursions are available nearby.
Further Details
Languages: English & Italian
Health requirements: Medium fitness required for some trails, You may be required to lead your horse over small parts of the trail, and you should be physically able to mount and dismount without assistance.
Age limit: 14 years and over on point to point trails. 12 and over on based stay trails, must be accompanied by an adult
Tuition: No
Included: All meals, wine with dinner, accommodation in double rooms, riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary.
Not included: Flights, medical and holiday insurances. Alcoholic drinks other than wine with dinner, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
Travel Information
Meeting point is at Pisa Airport. Eurostar now provides an excellent service to Paris in plenty of time for you to catch the sleeper train to Italy. The Palatino train leaves Paris every evening at 7 pm for Florence and Rome. It is a good alternative to flying and is a very more relaxing journey. Visit Rail Europe for more details.
Transfers can be arranged from Pisa for 35 euro per person, each way.
Airport: Pisa
Alternative Airport: Florence
Programmes
Tuscan Castles, Monasteries & Thermal Springs
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Montaione is a wonderful part of Tuscany, known for its history, charming small villages, fortressed castles, natural sulphuric pools, and regional foods. The particular beauty of its picturesque landscape of Tufo cliffs, abandoned convents, cultivated fields, and its wild and mysterious forests make the area an unforgettable and little-known destination for travellers. You will stay on a 200 hectare farmily owned estate that was originally a mineral quarry during the Medici Dynasty. The farm overlooks one of the most atmospheric panoramas in Tuscany, and is known as Italys "California" due to the rich prescence of natural minerals within the farms boundaries. The estate, which also has its own natural thermal pools (with fabulous toning mud included), provides a magnificent backdrop for a truly unique Tuscan experience. Drink fine wine, dine on the best Tuscan cuisine, and enjoy some fabulous countryside on horseback. The holiday includes four full days of riding and one half day ride, enabling riders to spend time by the panormanic pool that enjoys sunshine from dusk until dawn, or relax in the thermal pools. The rides take you over varied countryside, once populated by Etruscans and then later on, feuding lords. Australian stock, endurance and western saddles are utilized for comfort and ease. These saddles are very relaxing, and riding in them is very easy, relaxing and addictive. A stock saddle on a trusty horse offers to a rider, even with little experience, the chance to enjoy trail riding on varied terrain as the saddles are extremely secure. These saddles, used by stockmen and jackaroos are especially appropriate for long excursions, you will find the gaits more comfortable, and at the end of the day you will not feel exhausted but only a little tired, though highly satisfied. This is an excellent holiday for riders that appreciate good horses, knowledgable guides, charming accommodation, and great food and wine. Meals are fabulous, and served with Chianti wine in a well known local restaurant in the village every night. The riding is exciting and diverse every day, but there is no packing and unpacking of bags, like on a moving trail. This trail is suitable for Intermediate and above level riders. Fitness should be good, as the riding is fairly intensive. Minimum age of 15. Day 1 Afternoon transfer from Pisa airport at 16.30pm. Apertif at 19.30pm followed by dinner in the village centre. Day 2 Villamagna and Volterra Hills. A challenging day's ride through the village of Villamagna stopping off for a fabulous local Tuscan lunch before carrying on through the foothills of poppies and sunflowers surrounding the imposing city of Volterra. You also visit the “Pozzaie” a sulphureous water spring famous from Medieval times, before heading back to Iano. Day 3 Castalfalfi and Tonda Medieval Borgos. A full day's ride north to the ancient castles of Castelfalfi and Tonda. Castelfalfi and its castle were founded around 700 by Long bards. During the renaissance the Castle of Castelfalfi was transformed from a fortified city into a lavish villa. The hamlet of Tonda and its castle dates back to 1212. Acquired in 1267 from the town of San Miniato and subjected to the Medici Lords of Tuscany and Florence in 1370, the walled castle of Tonda, has inside a church with a tower, and a cistern for collecting rainwater. We lunch at Castelfalfi, taking in the stunning panoramic views around us, before riding home through the rolling fields filled with wildflowers. Dinner in Iano. Day 4 Bagnino Ride: A full day's ride along the trail of the Sulphuric thermal pools of the region, including those at Bagni di Mommialla. We ride past the ancient Church of San Ferdiano dating back to the year 1000. The thermal pools of this region have been used for centuries to cure different ailments. In the last century special baths around the source of some of these springs, were used to bath animals with skin problems. The countryside today is diverse, alternating from rolling chalky red hills, to silver tinged olive groves, and lush green vineyards. We lunch in a well chosen picnic spot, while the horses quietly graze nearby, returning in the twilight in time for a hot shower before dinner at the restaurant. Day 5 Free day to explore world famous San Gimignano and its eleven medieval towers. Dinner in Iano. Day 6 The sanctuary of Pietrina. A half day ride to the ancient Sanctuary of Pietrina, passing through the farms soft rolling fields, olive groves, and Tufo rock faces before riding up to the sanctuary of Pietrina and then onwards to the ruins of an old watchtower between the two lakes of Montaione before returning for a Tuscan style picnic at the farms own natural sulphuric pools. Dinner at Iano. Day 7 The Roman Cistern and village of Montaione Trail. River riding, wild forests, Roman ruins and a gorgeous medieval village are all highlights of this full day's ride. Leaving Iano via the "Red springs" you will ride through both Iano and Marradi, passing the farmhouse "Orcia" where there is a spectacular panoramic view to take your breath away. Riding on, we pass the "Pozzo Diago", an ancient stone wall that has now created a ten metre high waterfall. Eventually we come to the Roman cistern (II century BC) where we take our picnic lunch. In the afternoon you ride through the river Egola into the national park "Poggio all' Aglione" before you ride to the San Vivaldo convent on your return to Iano. Day 8 Departure. Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 9 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to experienced. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Approximate riding time per day: 5-6 hours. |
| Departure dates: | 2010 Dates: 8-15 May; 15-22 May; 12-19 June; 26-3 July; 11-18 September; 25 September -2 October; 16- 23 October; 23-30 October. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Good Horsemanship & Trekking
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A week of enchanting trail rides mixed in with trekking, groundwork and riding lessons. This centre offers an exciting combination of lessons and trail rides through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, fascinating and rich in art, history and traditions. Everyone can benefit from these horsemanship lessons utilising equine pyschology, versus the often used fear and intimidation techniques, the time invested pays huge dividends quickly by increasing one's enjoyment in all disciplines of riding. The general horsemanship lessons in defensive riding, bareback and bitless riding, groundwork and Le Trec make the sport safer and leads to a more rewarding relationship with the horse. They offer riders the chance to learn our style of New Zealand/Sardinian horsemanship, and blend both English and Western disciplines when training the horses, as they are required to be calm and responsive on a long rein out on the trails, and forward going and accepting of the contact in the school. Their philosophy is that if they learn to be understanding of the horses natural fears, to be considerate of each horses individual talents and abilities, understanding of their natural way of expression, and understand their needs and ways of communication. Then the sky is the limit to what we can achieve with them! Your hosts studied classical riding under Gianni and Cristina di Marchi before concentrating on the concept of trail riding and wilderness trekking. Their horses however, are still trained under the Di Marchis concept of "lightness" as a soft horse on the trail, that yields off the leg to open a gate, or move for traffic, is as important as a school horse that preforms these movements freely in the arena. For this reason, the horses are equally lovely to ride in the school, as outside in the fields. The centre offers an excellent course in general equitation for all riders. Throughout the week they will introduce you to riding bareback and riding with no bridle - so that you too, by the end of the week can ride your horse without saddle or a bit. Lessons are dedicated to the idea of enriching the experience between horse and rider by teaching the principles of good horsemanship from the ground through the saddle. They teach psychology between horse and rider and ground work to give the basis for effective communication when in the saddle, and ridden lessons are based on improving riders skills by developing a balanced seat through relaxation and mental imagery. Riders are also guided in techniques to assist in developing athletic movement in the horse through balance, flexion, collection and relaxation. The programme of lessons can be beneficial to riders of most skill levels. The skills taught are applicable to any riding discipline , but over this week there is a special emphasis on trekking and le-trek (riding over diverse terrain and obstacles). At the end of the week you will have developed an enhanced connection between you and your horse, you will be confident riding on all types of terrain, through rivers and over small obstacles, these skills can then be used back home, or in future riding holidays. This is a fabulous area for trail riding, and putting your skills into practise every afternoon is incredibly satisfying. Our clients often tell us that even if they take lessons every week, they never have time to put their newly found skills into action. This week is an intensive course in both general equitation, and trail riding. Trails can be taken at a walk, trot and collected canter through wild forests, Chianti vineyards, and past castles and convents. Week Programme The exact schedule is kept flexible to meet individual needs, but includes 1 hour of ridden instruction, and one hour of groundwork/lunge lessons in the morning and 2-3 hours of trail riding in the afternoon for 5 days. You have one free day on Wedenesday to see Florence or Volterra. Sample Schedule: Saturday: Meeting point 16.30 Pisa airport. Transfer to Montaione, assignment of rooms and dinner at Iano. Sunday: After breakfast, meet at stables. Lesson: Learn the philosophy behind Natural Horsemanship and how it has improved communications between horses and their owners. Learn the basic techniques to sensitise and desensitise your horse to be less spooky and more confident. Learn ground techniques to move your horse’s feet to increase your horse’s respect for you as a leader. And what you learn on the ground, will transform to under the saddle. You will build on your ground techniques for a more confident ride. Lunch in the clubhouse. Afternoon trail: Casterfalfi and Tondi: Castles and forest trails. Monday: Lesson: Learn basic one-rein stops for confident control of your horse in any situation. Learn the techniques of riding with a loose rein and feel the confidence and trust build between you and your horse. Learn simple leg cues to move your horse off at a walk, trot, or canter and how your independent seat teaches a horse to stop without verbal command or reins. Lunch at Clubhouse. Afternoon trail: Vignale: the abandoned hamlet in the forest. Tuesday: Lesson: Advanced sensitising and desensitising techniques. Learn techniques in circle driving, side passing and change of direction lunging with your horse. Advance your riding skills by learning techniques in lateral flexion at the walk, trot and canter. Afternoon ride: The Mysterious convent of San Vivaldo. Wednesday: Day of relaxation. You may choose to do some sightseeing in the beautiful art city of Florence or Siena. Thursday: Lesson: Learn step-by-step methods of correcting behavioural problems such as spooking and shying, stall vices, saddling, blanketing and bridling issues, and learn good techniques to use with aggressive horses, buckers and bolters. Work on flexation and defensive riding in the ring. We complete a small Le Trec style course out in the countryside, where you will be encouraged to show a good working relationship with your horse. Afternoon ride: The ruins of Pietrina Sactuary. Friday: Lesson: Today the entire lesson will be completed bareback, with only a rope halter (no bit). Using the techniques you have learnt over the week, disocover the joy of riding your horse naturally. Afternoon ride: Villamagna and the Volterra hills with aperitif on the trail. Evening campfire with BBQ dinner to celebrate the week. Saturday: Departure at 10.30am to Pisa. Trip length: 8 days/7 nights from Saturday to Saturday. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and above |
| Type of ride: | Trail and based. |
| Total riding time: | Approximate riding time per day: 4-5 hours |
| Departure dates: | 2010 Dates: 20-27 February; 6-13 March; 20-27 March; 3-10 April; 17-24 April; 24 May-1 ,June; 3-10 August; 28 September - 4 October. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Etruscan Fortress & Villages
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Discover a territory whose origins are lost in the mists of time. In Tuscany, particularly in Valdelsa - ride point to point to three fortressed villages rich in history and charm, filled with ancient monasteries and churches, castles and medieval buildings that are just waiting to unfold before your eyes. We invite you on a horseriding holiday that is completely unique, riding through some of the most spectacular countryside, discovering Etruscan and Roman settlements and ruins. Improve your riding, by putting yourself to the ultimate test - an entire week of riding over diverse terrain, riding in the unrestricted open, and learning as much about yourself as you learn about your horse. You will negotiate narrow forest tracks, canter through wide valleys and swim in healing natural sulphur springs. Highlights of this tour are two of the most famous cities in Tuscany. San Gimignano is a tower studded diadem set upon a hilltop dominating the entire valley of the Elsa, in the collective imagination the contours of San Gimignano are the quintessential symbol of the middle ages. The seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (the 3rd and the 2nd century b.c.), its history started around the 10th century. Volterra is a city set in a spectacular position on a steep ridge above the Balze Volterra (Voterrean cliffs). This city was founded by the Etruscans, and was once one of the most prominent of the twelve cities of Etruria. Discover these spectacular Etruscan and Medieval cities on the back of a well trained, willing equine friend. Day 1 Arrival and transfer from Pisa airport at 4.30 pm. Day 2 Breakfast at 9am. We start all our trails with a half hour lesson with your horse. Here we explain our training techniques, and accustom you to your choice of western or Australian style tack. We then embark on a full days riding to Montaione, stopping off for lunch at the enchanting convent "San Vivaldo". The riding is excellent - soft forest trails that open into wide panoramic views over the Val D Elsa and Val D Era. You will ride through classical Tuscany hillside scenery, surrounded by the smell of typical mediterranean herbs. We then ride to the Roman cistern that lies just outside the old Etruscan village "Montaione"and then return in time for dinner in Iano. Day 3 Today we depart for four days of point to point riding. We ride to the mysterious ruins of the Sanctuary of Pietrina, first recorded in a document from 1118, which has a magnificent panoramic view out to Volterra. We then ride to the village of Villamagna, cutting through cultivated fields of corn, sunflowers and small lakes. From Villamagna we ride on to the outskirts of the impressive fortressed city of Volterra where we feed and water our horses, and relax for the night with fine Tuscan food and wine. Day 4 Once again you depart around 9.30am, this time to explore the Volterra countryside, entering the actual city perimeter to see the famous Roman ampitheatre and Etruscan ruins. The landscape is one of rolling wild hills scattered with Cyprus trees and stone farmhouses set amongst fields of wild flowers. The picnic will be at the Volterra where we are able to savour the local wine and specialties of the region. Then you ride under the high cliffs of Volterra, thickly forested with views out to the sea to the night's accommodation for another fantastic Tuscan dinner. Day 5 Depart around 9.30am in the direction of San Gimignano. This world famous village is one of Italy’s great cultural and historical treasures. This beautiful city dominates the Elsa valley with its 11 towers. The seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (the 3rd and the 2nd century b.c.), its history started around the 10th century and the town takes its name from St. Gimignano, Bishop of Modena, who is said to have saved the village from hordes of barbarians. It developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena" a pilgrimage route that crossed it. For your picnic lunch, you stop near Castel D San Gimignano. Here you have a chance to visit the village. In the afternoon we’ll ride to the hills surrounding San Gimignano, and ride across vineyards to our nights accommodation. Dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse. Day 6 Depart around 9.30am in the direction of Gambassi Terme, in the past this was a stopover point for Etruscans heading in the direction of Volterra, for Romans on the Via Clodia between Sienna and Lucca and, in the late Middle Ages, for those travellers – in particular pilgrims – who were travelling along the Via Francigena. We picnic near this famous glass making village, before riding onwards through the mineral rich soil of the Montaione territory. We stop off at the thermal pools of Bagni di Mommialla for a picnic lunch in the countryside, The scenery is very varied: valleys, forests, vineyards and meadows. At the end of the afternoon, you arrive at Iano and taste famous Cinta Sienese steak at dinner. Day 7 Today you have a free day to explore Florence, or relax by the pool. We will provide transfers to Casterlfiorentino to catch the train into the centre of Florence, where you can discover the heart of the Italian Renaissance. Day 8 With a new enthusiasm for Tuscan food, wine and riding, you will be transferred to the airport or the train station after breakfast at about 9.30am, journey time is around 1hr 15 mins. Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team. |
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| Accommodation: | On the trail you will stay at local guesthouses on some nights. |
| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 9 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and above. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Approximate riding time per day: 5-7 hours |
| Departure dates: | 2010 Dates: 1-8 May; 22-29 May; 5-12 June; 12-19 June: 26 June-3 July; 4-11 September; 18-25 September; 2-9 October. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Sunflowers & Cypress
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This trail is designed especially for the warmer Tuscan months of July and August, where riding is best enjoyed early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, allowing long siestas through the warm hours of the day, best enjoyed at close proximity to the panoramic swimming pool. In summertime we avoid the hot hours of the day for the wealth of the horse and the rider and start our tours at 5 pm or 8 am. The farm is located just outside the ancient village of Iano, justly famous for its unique natural beauty and excellent climate. The estate covers 200 hectares of rolling hills covered with forests, juniper, sunflowers, olive trees, wild rosemary and cypress trees. Deer, wild boar, badgers, rabbits and porcupines populate the area. The pacing of the rides is moderate with trots and collected canters for experienced riders. Groups are small with no more than eight riders led by an attentive multi lingual guide. You will traverse a wide variety of Tuscan terrain and take new trails each day. Experienced riders will appreciate the riding centres well bred horses and beginners can benefit from instruction given before and during the ride so that they too learn to feel and connect with their horses. This package includes 2 hours of trail riding per day for 4 days and one full day riding with a picnic. Private lessons and extra rides are available at extra cost. The fixed siesta break between morning and afternoon rides, means you have more time to enjoy our 350 sq metre pool, which enjoys sunshine from dusk untill dawn. A fixed day midweek allows time to brush up on your tennis with private lessons at the farms own tennis court, or spend a day at nearby San Gimignano, Volterra or Florence. This is a fabulous active way to spend a week in Tuscany exploring the countryside. On willing well trained horses, you will visit unique sites and discover the beauty of the Chianti wine region, the wilderness of the Selva di Camporena, and the harmonious landscapes of the Val d'Elsa and Val d'Era. An excellent holiday for people with a non-riding partner, or children as the riders return every evening to the same location. There is so much to do on the farm, that this is also an ideal family holiday where some members of the group ride, and some dont. Car hire is reccommended to provide flexibility to visit the many local villages and vineyards nearby. This trail is suitable for riders of all levels, complete beginners have the possibility of learning the basics, advanced riders can enjoy great riding in a relaxed enviroment under the Tuscan sun. Families are welcome as are non riders. Day 1 Arrive at and transfer to the farm. Days 2-6 The 4 half day rides go out twice a day (you can choose to ride morning or evening) and you will explore the wonderful countryside riding in a different direction every day. Rides leave at 8am and 5 pm respecting the hot hours of the day. Fresh Tuscan paninis are delivered daily for lunch. Dinner is served every evening at the restaurant where we will all eat as a group. On the first day you will be introduced to our style of riding before we set out on the trail. There is plenty of guidance too for those new to western riding and you are encouraged to take a natural horsemanship approach when around your horse. Half day rides visit enchanting destinations such as: Casterfalfi and Tondi: Castles and forest trails Vignale: the abandoned hamlet in the forest. The Mysterious convent of San Vivaldo. The ruins of Pietrina Sactuary. Natural Springs of Bagni di Mommialla. Villamagna and the Volterra hills. Castagneto: Ancient village. Day 5 This is a free day to visit Florence. Day 7 Today there is a full day ride to Montaione and the Roman Cistern, stopping off to enjoy a Sardinian style BBQ for lunch. The ride back to the farm takes you via a different route with impressive panoramic views. Dinner tonight is around the campfire telling tales! Day 8 Departure at 10.30. Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team. |
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| Accommodation: | Lodging and meals – Guests stay in Tuscan style appartments which have been recently refurbished. They provide a luxurious and private sanctuary far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The appartments are strategically nestled among the oaks or perched among the junipers on the hillsides well spaced from one another. Meals are taken with your hosts in the restaurant at Iano (walking distance) where the atmosphere is informal, relaxed and friendly. We provide breakfast supplies so you can make breakfast in your own appartment kitchens. |
| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Beginner to experienced. Groups will be based on level of ability. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Approximate riding time per day 2-4 hrs. |
| Departure dates: | 2010 Dates: 3 -10 July; 10 -17 July; 17 - 24 July; 24 - 31 July; 31 July - 7 August; 7 -14 August; 14 - 21 August; 21 - 28 August. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |