Tuscany Castle, Italy
Horses
Type of horses:
A mix of Thoroughbred and Warmblood crosses; Westphalian, Selle Italian, Maremma and ponies for children.
Nature of horses:
The horses are personally selected for their excellent temperaments, patients and delight for travelling through this enchanching countryside.
Height of horses:
13.2 - 18 hh
Weight limit:
100 kg
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 22 C
Forecast:
Sat - Thundershowers Early. High: 28 Low: 20
Sun - Mostly Sunny. High: 29 Low: 21
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Tuition and Trails, with Spa, wine and oil tasting.
The price of £1025 includes 7 nights double room accommodation, full board including wine, welcome drink and guided tour of the castle, riding
Single supplement £103
Brigands Path
The price of the Brigand Path trail is £983 (single supplement £103) and includes farmhouse accommodation (double room), breakfast, welcome drink and guided tour of the castle, meals (picnic lunch where necessary) and dinners at the nearby restaurant.
Italian Long Weekend
Price:
Per rider £513
Non rider on half board £320
Single room supplement £85
Price includes: Three nights accommodation in twin rooms, with en-suite facilities, full board including table wine (picnic lunch on some rides), welcome drink and guided tour of the castle.
Riding included: Four riding days, two full riding days (4/5 hrs. per day), two half days (2 hrs. per day). This is a flexible package of trail rides or lessons or both!
Multi-lingual guide.
Mid week Italian Break
Price £641 per rider.
Non rider price: £427
Single supplement: £85
Price includes: Four nights accommodation in twin rooms with en suite facilities, full board including table wine (picnic lunch on some rides), welcome drink and guided tour of the castle. Five days riding, two full riding days (4/5 hrs. per day), two half days (2 hrs. per day), introductory ride, Multi-lingual guide. Lessons available in the arena from beginners to intermediate.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
The castle is located one and a half hours from Rome in the centre of a plateau where Tuscany, Umbria and Latium meet. It is a land still unspoilt of enchanting beauty with hills covered with oak woods which slowly become plains, an ideal place for horse riding.
The splendid 17th century castle (complete with fairy tale tower) is still the property of the same noble family as it has been for centuries. The last generation of the family has breathed new life into the residence by restoring the cottages and farmhouse once used by the farmers.
In this wonderful background is an equestrian centre which offers you top class riding for all the family and a choice of programmes. You can make your trip as active or sedate as you like but you are guaranteed fantastic riding with English speaking staff to accompany you.
There are two outdoor riding schools - one with jumps and here we can arrange lessons from beginners upwards. Susan from Germany can also give you dressage lessons.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Just below the castle stands a handsome XVIII farmhouse, the original centre of the estate's farming activities. The farmhouse has been skillfully converted with careful attention to conserving authenticity together with comfort and privacy.
The very large farmhouse now contains eight charming apartments and fourteen bedrooms mostly furnished with original pieces.
On the ground floor opening onto the main terrace overlooking the swimming pool there is a large 'taverna' with brick vaulted ceilings. The space is divided into three main areas including a dining room and billiard room with table tennis facilities. There is also a large kitchen available for all the guests and equipped for cooking courses as well.
Two of the apartments sleep six to eight with four double bedrooms each with their own bathroom facilities. There is an apartment for six and two that sleep four to five. The smallest apartment sleeps four.
All the bedrooms have ensuite facilties and the apartments are fully equipped for self catering.
The food here is fantastic and you will enjoy some of the wonderful Tuscan dishes served by the many restaurants in the area and at the farmhouse. Tuscany is renowned for its wonderful regional cooking and the delicious local wines and cheeses.
Breakfasts are served at the farmhouse. Wonderful dinners are served at local restaurants and trattorias so you can sample some of the delicious local cooking.
Activities
The facilities here are fantastic for all the family. There are two private swimming pools, a tennis court, indoor games room and plenty of green grass and a mini soccer pitch for those active children. The vast network of country tracks, bridleways and public footpaths cover the area and are still used by farmers and shepherds.
The mountain biker is allowed to cross this land freely in any direction.
You can rent a bicycle from the castle and head off alone or ask for a guide and benefit from his expertise knowledge of the area. You can hop on one of the 4x4 guided tours following old tracks through lakes, over hills and through forests to uncover interesting and mysterious sites that even some of the locals don't know about.
You can visit the best Etruscan archeological sites, ruins of the ancient town of Castro and hermit's caves, carved into the rocks.In the summer it is possible to experience a unique snorkelling adventure. Beneath the water, on the beautiful southern shores of Lake Bolsena a fantastical archeologicall site is concealed. Plunge into the warm and crystal clear waters and with a mask and flippers you will see the remains of a human settlement from the pre Etruscan period.
This relatively undiscovered region of Alta Tuscia has much to offer - mystical cities, volcanic crater lakes and medieval architecture.
Further Details
Languages: English, Italian and German
Health requirements: None
Age limit: 9 years minimum
Tuition: Yes
Included: see individual programme
Not included: Flights and transfers
Travel Information
There are many airlines flying into both Rome airports including Ryanair and Easyjet.
Orvieto is the 35 km away and is the nearest train station. It is forty minutes drive by car. Orvieto is one hour by train from Rome. However, we recommend you rent a car at the airport so you can explore this wonderful countryside.
Airport: Rome
Alternative Airport: Florence
Programmes
Tuition and Trails, with Spa, wine and oil tasting.
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Saturday: Afternoon arrival when you will check into your accommodation and enjoy a welcome drink & briefing with your guide\instructor about riding and choice of the horses for the next few days. Dinner will be fantastic. Sunday: After breakfast you will take your first trail. If you take part in this excursion you will be rewarded with a magnificent breathtaking panoramic view. Following the communal bridleway, you will reach the woods of Onano. From there crossing a few fields you can reach a small track going slightly uphill ideal for a canter in the woods. Once at the top of the hills while horses regain their strength at a walk, you will turn right. Along the hills’ cliff and at a certain point you turn right with a road cutting down and up onto this final hilltop where the great view is. You can see all the region from there, from side to side. Mountains, lakes, woods and castles: it’s all there to see, The Castle in the distance in front of you. With this enchanting sight in your eyes the guide will lead you down the hills back home In the afternoon you can join an excursion to Nocchieto & S. Martino. This excursion follows north part of the old outlaws track, initially along the hills and later with a zig zag into the bushes and valleys hidden in between the oak.woods. This track was used by famous outlaws of the last century to escape from the guards chasing them from the plains of Maremma. Soon you will reach the old farm named Nocchieto, ruined but still fascinating in its architecture leaning against the tufo rock. The road changes from rock into soft ground and the horses can now be pushed into gallop until the old fountain, where they can stop for a rest. Here you will enter a hidden and narrow line of gorges used by the shepherds. At the end you will reach the top of a hill with a beautiful view of Mount Amiata. With a few ups and downs following an easy track, you will reach the farm of S.Martino from where through a road carved into the rock you will get back to the castle. Monday: Lake Mezzano is an area of great interest both historically and naturally. The lake was once a volcanic crater and historical site with human settlements going back to the pre-etruscan era (approx 2700 years ago), now submerged by water due to earthquakes. From the Castle through the hills thick with chestnut woods, you will descend upon a plain where the lake lies.There, if wanted, horses can be pushed into a canter following the old track crossing the plain before the lake along the fields and vineyards. Bordering Selva del Lamone Naturale Reserve you will stop for lunch above the lake in a magical atmosphere. A small rural restaurant overlooking lake Mezzano will provide you with a beautiful view and a juicy lunch under the shade of the trees overlooking the lake. From June to September who wants can have a refreshing swim in the lake when the season allows it. In the afternoon the group will take the horses back through the wooded hills. Tuesday: Day off for local excursions. The surroundings of the castle are full of interesting archaeological and historical sites including the village fortresses of Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovana, the marvellous Italian gothic church of Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio known as the ‘Dying Town’ . Wednesday: An incredible experience. In this excursion starting your ride at 9.00 am you will have the opportunity to travel with your horse from the Castle S.Cristina to another fortress called the Castle Proceno. You will reach the outskirts of the village of Onano and XVI century little country church of Madonna delle Grazie from where you will have a beautiful view of the medieval village walls. Now the country road turns north into enchanting countryside on the border between Lazio and Southern Tuscany. Crossing Montorio game reserve, if you are lucky pheasants, fallow- deer, and boars can be spotted while horse riding. A fabulous excursion that will take you through the most unspoiled Tuscan countryside, wading a ford in the Stridolone river before making the hilltop overlooking the fortress of Proceno. After lunch you will cross the river again on a easy wade and climb the side of a plateau through thick vegetation taking advantage of an old track once used by farmers. From there at a trot bordering vineyards and fields we will reach first an ex XVIII cent. convent and then head to S.Cristina castle from the north east. Thursday: In the morning you can choose either to continue with one of the other excursions or take a dressage lesson (1.5 hours) with their German instructor Susan. In the afternoon there is a guided tour and wine and olive tasting as the Gradoli wine cellar and olive oil mill. Opposite to the famous Renaissance Farnese palace of Gradoli you find a typical local cooperative cellar where genuine wine and oil are produced with the grapes of the local small farmers. The cellar manager will lead you through the different passages of the wine production ending with a wine tasting of the local Doc wines and olive oil directly on the spot. Friday: In the morning you can choose either to continue with one of the other excursions or take a dressage lesson (1.5 hours) with their German instructor Susan. In the afternoon you have the opportunity for a half day at Sorano thermal bath and wellness centre. The Spa nearby, with its natural hot springs, is waiting for you. You can decide just to relax by a thermal swimming pool furnished with two water falls under which can you enjoy natural hydromassage with waters that flowing from natural Springs at 37° Celsius rather than to receive a special massage or treatment. Please note, the offer includes the entrance to the thermal swimming pool and the use of the large equipped area with sun beds and umbrellas. To be paid extra: massage and special treatments. Saturday: Morning, Check out and return to the airport. The excursions can be changed according to weather, horses and riders conditions by the riding management of the castle. |
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| Accommodation: | Accommodation is in the restored farmhouse |
| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 5 |
| Ability description: | Beginners to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trek or tuition |
| Total riding time: | 3 days (4-5 hours) 2 days (1.5 hours) |
| Departure dates: | Saturday to Saturday from 12 April - 12 July and from 23 August to 1 November 2009 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Brigands Path
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Explore one of the less inhabited Italian regions: Alta Tuscia. Your riding days will be spent in the territory surrounding the castle, a centuries old estate still owned by the ancient and noble family, whose new generation, with a passion for horses, has turned this into an enchanting resort. A region rich in history proved by the many monuments, palaces and castles scattered everywhere that you will see while horse riding along the “brigands path” an old track used by local outlaws trying to avoid the law some two hundred years ago. With your horse you will cross vineyards and olive trees with breathtaking views of lake Bolsena and through chestnut woods into open plains. Hospitality is warm and simple but authentic of a country still relying on agriculture as its main income. When possible, every long excursion will be stop halfway at one of the local restaurants or “trattoria” where the delicious local recipes are served. Itinerary Saturday; On arrival in the afternoon you will check in and enjoy a welcome drink at the castle & briefing with your guide/instructor about riding and accommodation details and choice of the horses for the next few days, Dinner will be delicious. Sunday: This morning on your first ride you will easily reach the hills framing at west the plateau on which the castle is situated. A fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area, going from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena on one side to the hills surrounding the little lake Mezzano on the other side. Provided a sufficiently clear day the sea can be seen at 40 km in the distance like a glowing mirror. Starting from the castle, after 1 Km. you will reach a large track winding through the beautiful hills and small woods on a steady and soft ground perfect to let the horses canter if wanted. At the end of the track you will enter a big wood named Selva di Onano. The ride is about 18 km. Monday: From the Castle through the hills thick with chestnut wood, you will descend upon a plain where the lake lies. There, if wanted, horses can be pushed into a canter following the old track crossing the plain before the lake along the fields and vineyards. Bordering Selva del Lamone Naturale Reserve you will stop for lunch above the lake in a magical atmosphere. A small rural restaurant overlooking lake Mezzano will provide you with a beautiful view and a delicious lunch under the shade of the trees overlooking the lake. From June to September those who want can have a refreshing swim in the lake when the season allows it. In the afternoon the group will take the horses back through the wooded hills. Trail today is about 30 km. Tuesday: Once on the Brigands track you will go north through the hills, after crossing the provincial road. A beautiful scenery of mountains and hills in front opening onto a nice track which will take you around Onano. Onano is a fortified village with a medieval castle in its middle, providing an interesting site for the riders. Centuries ago, it was an important stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area for ages during the middle ages. Narrow crossings will alternate beautiful open fields with a view. Once at the little medieval church Madonna delle grazie you will follow the track north through enchanting countryside back to the castle. The afternoon ride is approximately 12 km - from the castle you cross the hill overlooking the castle with a fantastic landscape framing the background. Mount Amiata, the Radicofani fortress, the castle of Torre Alfina are part of this wonderful picture. You soon join a track crossing hills and valleys. The road turns to the left and after a while the horses can be pushed at a canter on the soft but steady ground between the chestnut woods. After a few kilometres the woods give ground to the pastures full of sheep, there you reach S.Luigi a dairy farm where fabulous "ricotta" cheese is produced. From there the old estate track will take you back to the castle along the hills. Wednesday: From the castle you will follow an old trail down through the crater of lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. Breath taking views of the lake will accompany your excursion all the way. Here and there scattered around the countryside archaeological sites with Etruscan tombs to remind everyone how old the beautiful land is. Once at the bottom lunch will be served on the beach of the Lake in a nice typical restaurant. A swim in the lake Bolsena(summer) can be part of the day before hopping back on your horse. On the way back the magnificent Farnese renaissance palace in Gradoli will catch your attention while crossing the village. Once at the top of the crater of the lake an old track through the woods will take us back to the castle. Thursday: Day off for local excursions. The surroundings of the castle are full of interesting archeological and historical sites. Just a few suggestions - the village fortresses of Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovano. It is definitely worth visiting the marvellous Italian gothic church of Orvieto - Civita di Bagnoregio, called the ‘Dying Town’ Friday: From castle to castle you will ride for around 40 km) and this is an incredible experience. In this excursion you will have the opportunity to travel with your horse from the castle to Castle Proceno. You will reach the outskirts of the village of Onano and XVI cent. little country church of Madonna delle Grazie from where you will have a beautiful view of the medieval village walls. Now the country road turns north into enchanting countryside on the border between Lazio and Southern Tuscany. Crossing Montorio game reserve, if you are lucky pheasants, fallow- deer, and boars can be spotted while horseriding. A fabulous excursion that will take you through the most unspoiled Tuscan countryside, wading a ford in the Stridolone river before making the hilltop overlooking the fortress of Proceno. After lunch you will cross the river again on a easy wade and climb the side of a plateau through thick vegetation taking advantage of an old track once used by farmers. From there at a trot bordering vineyards and fields you will reach first an ex XVIII century convent and then head to the castle from the north east. Trail today is about 40 km Saturday; Morning is time to check out and depart to the airport. The excursions can be changed according to weather, horses and riders conditions by the riding management of the castle. |
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| Accommodation: | Accommodation is in one of the single or double bedrooms as described above. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 5 |
| Ability description: |
Intermediate. Moderate pace with trots and canters Beginners/novices by arrangement |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 3 full days (4-5 hours) and 2 half days (2 hours) |
| Departure dates: | Saturday to Saturday -From 4 April -27 June, 29 August-28 November |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Italian Long Weekend
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If you are looking for a short break holiday in the Italian countryside between Tuscany and Umbria and you like the idea of staying in a castle then this may be the ride you are looking for. Abandoned Etruscan settlements, lakes formed in volcanic craters and medieval buildings adorn the countryside of this enchanting Italian landscape. Located one and a half hours from Rome, the splendid 17th century castle (complete with fairy tale tower) will be ‘home’ throughout your stay. The castle has two swimming pools, a tennis court and ample gardens and for those wishing to ride, a well run stables with professional instruction and miles upon miles of breath-taking trail riding awaits you. Thursday: Arrival day, transfers from Rome airport are available at an additional cost. After checking in you will be served with a welcome drink and then you will meet with your guide\instructor who will be looking after you throughout your stay. Today you take part in a two hour ride in the enchanting countryside that surrounds the castle. Friday: Today's ride is from castle to castle, it is a long a fabulous long ride, that will take you through the most unspoilt land of Tuscan countryside, wading through the Stridolone River before reaching the hilltop overlooking the fortress of Proceno. Along the way you may spot wildlife, such as pheasants, fallow-deer, and wild boars. After lunch you will cross the river again and climb the side of a plateau through thick vegetation taking advantage of an old track once used by farmers. Saturday: This morning you will be heading out along The Brigands Trail, towards the picturesque Lake Mezzano. This is a fantastic spot, with breathtaking views from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena on one side, to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano on the other side. On a clear day you can see the sea 40 km away, shimmering like a mirror. As you head back along this ancient ‘outlaws highway’ you will pass through mature oak woodlands dotted with original farm dwellings built in the traditional tufo rock. Sunday: Sadly today is time to bid farewell to your castle home. If time allows they can offer you another ride out this morning, or if you would prefer a lesson in the arena. Itinerary may change due to weather, or abilities of the group. This is at the managements discretion. |
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| Accommodation: | 17th Century Castle |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 5 |
| Ability description: | Beginners to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Based trail or tuition. |
| Total riding time: | Four riding days, two full days (4/5 hrs. per day), and two half days (2 hrs. per day) |
| Departure dates: | 2009 dates: From February - 27 June and 29 August to 28 November |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Mid week Italian Break
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The perfect midweek break riding on horses chosen for their excellent temperaments, their patience and their delight for traveling through this enchanting countryside! Sunday: Afternoon arrival (transfers from Rome airport available at an extra cost, but car hire is advisable in order to explore the area). After checking in you will be served with a welcome drink and then receive a briefing from your guide\instructor who will be looking after you throughout your stay. Later today you will be introduced to you horse with either a short hack or a lesson in the arena. Monday: Today starts with a full day trek. You will be riding to Lake Mezzano, this is an area of great interest both historically and naturally. The lake was formed in a volcanic crater and is now an historical site with traces of human settlements dating back to the pre-etruscan era. You will be riding through the chestnut woods on the hillsides that surround the lake before descending onto the beaches that also surround the lake. You will stop for lunch at a small rural restaurant overlooking the lake where the horses can enjoy a rest in their shady corral whilst you eat, relax and maybe enjoy a refreshing swim if the weather allows it. Tuesday: This morning you will be heading off along The Brigands Trail as you ride north towards the fortified village of Onano. Centuries ago this fortified village was an important stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area throughout the middle ages. You will return to the castle in time for a delicious Italian lunch. This afternoon you can either relax at the castle or explore this historical area by yourself, where you will find sites dressed with beautiful views. Wednesday: Today you will follow an old trail down towards the crater of Lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. Breath taking views of the lake will accompany your excursion all the way. Scattered throughout the countryside, you will find archaeological sites where Etruscan tombs will serve to remind you of how ancient this beautiful land really is. Today lunch will be served on the beach in a typical local restaurant and again there will be the opportunity to swim in the lake. Thursday: Sadly today it is time to bid farewell to your castle home. If time allows they can offer you another ride out this morning, or if you would prefer, a lesson in the arena. Please note, the trail can be changed according to weather, horses and riders conditions by the riding management of the castle. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 5 |
| Ability description: | Beginners to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Tuition and trails |
| Total riding time: | As per itinerary - Five days riding, two full riding days (4/5 hrs. per day), two half days (2 hrs. per day) |
| Departure dates: | 2009: Feburary - 12 July and 23 August to 1 November. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |