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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Italy
Intro to Italy
 LazioCampania Northern Italy Sicily Tuscany
Extensions:
Roman Getaway Ride
France
Spain
Portugal
Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
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Alta Tuscany Ride
Lazio
Italy
Make a handsome 17th century castle and its “borgo” your home while befriending a reliable and beautiful horse. Enter Alta Tuscia, one of the less inhabited Italian regions waiting for you to explore its reaches. Your riding days will be spent in the territory surrounding Castle Cristina, a centuries old castle estate still owned by the ancient and noble Caterini family, whose new generation with a passion for horses has turned the premises into an enchanting resort with an equestrian flair.
Encased in between Southern Tuscany and Umbria, the land is rich with endless historical and archaeological sites with ancient pasts! This area, cradle of the ancient Etruscan civilization, was later named Ducato di Castro and during the Renaissance belonged to the pope's son, Pierluigi Farnese for over a century between ‘500 and ‘600.
View the many tombs, towns, palaces and castles scattered about the countryside while horseback riding along the “Brigands Path” an old track once used by the local outlaws trying to avoid the law, some two hundred years ago! With your faithful equine partner, you will cross beautiful vineyards and olive trees with breathtaking views of Lake Bolsena and ride through lovely chestnut woods and into the open, empty plains.
In Alta Tuscia there is an old passion and tradition for the horse and the local cowboys known as the "butteri” regard them as their closest friends.
Hospitality is warm and simple, but truly authentic of a region still relying on agriculture as its main income. Whenever possible, every long excursion will stop halfway at one of the delicious resident restaurants or “trattoria” where tasty and bona fide local recipes are served! During your downtime at the castle, lounge in the 2 lovely swimming pools and sunbathe or play a lively game of tennis on the resident courts and even challenge your mate at ping-pong! Mini-soccor and billiards complete the activities available, and if you are lucky, you may even have the Count invite you to share a drink and a personal tour of the tower!
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Meeting:
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Grotte di Castro
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Airport:
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Rome
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Transfer:
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Orvieto- best to rent a car or take taxi from Orvieto
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
14
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations, breakfast and dinner, welcome drink and guided tour of the castle, 5 riding days
Riding options:
A. 1 full day and 4 half day rides
B. 3 full day rides and 2 half day rides
| A | 2010 | 8 day trip, MAP package A 1 full day and 4 half day rides | 8d / 7n | €950 | $1455 |
| Upgrade to Package B- 3 full day rides and 2 half day rides | €340 | $520 |
| Single supplement | €180 | $275 |
| Non Rider - discount | (€525) | ($795) |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Rome Airport return per person
- to be paid locally
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€
120
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$185
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2010
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Transfer from Orvieto train station return (1-4) (best to rent a car)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
80
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$125
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Best to rent a car in Rome. If you prefer we can arrange a transfer from Orvieto to the Castle S Crisitna. There are good train connections from Rome to Orvieto (1 hr).
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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04/10
- 04/17
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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04/17
- 04/24
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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04/24
- 05/01
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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05/01
- 05/08
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
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05/08
- 05/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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05/15
- 05/22
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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05/22
- 05/29
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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05/29
- 06/05
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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06/05
- 06/12
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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06/12
- 06/19
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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06/19
- 06/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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06/26
- 07/03
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
|
| A |
2010
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07/03
- 07/10
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/10
- 07/17
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/17
- 07/24
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/24
- 07/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/31
- 08/07
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/07
- 08/14
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/14
- 08/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/21
- 08/28
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/28
- 09/04
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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09/04
- 09/11
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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09/11
- 09/18
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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09/18
- 09/25
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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09/25
- 10/02
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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10/02
- 10/09
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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10/09
- 10/16
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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10/16
- 10/23
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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10/23
- 10/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, MAP package A 1 ...
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14
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Reserve
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Saturday-Saturday
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Rates do not include:
Lunches
- Program A - 1 full day
and 4 half day rides
OR
- Program B - 3 full day and 2 half day rides
-- also see Cooking Classes at the bottom
Day 1 Saturday: Afternoon check in, welcome drink & briefing with
guide\instructor about riding and accommodation details and choice of the horses
for the next days, enjoy dinner.
Day 2 Sunday to Day 7 Friday: Depending on your chosen Program (A or B) you will be participating in the following rides:
All Day Rides:
BOLSENA LAKE
From the castle we ride through the neighboring farmland, through chestnut
woods on an ancient track which will carry us right above the crater of
Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. While riding, we will
witness some breath–taking views of the lake and surrounding area and of the two
islands, Isola Bisentina and Martana. As we head down to the lake, you will note
many Etruscan tombs scattered throughout the countryside some re-used by farmers
as cellars for their wine but still serving as a reminder of the ancient history
which abounds in this area. Once at the lake, lunch is served in a typical
trattoria, right on the beach. In the right season if you wish to cool off in
the water, a swim in the lake can be done before starting the ride back up.
We pass the archeological area of Pianezze, literally full of Etruscan tombs
dating back 2600 years. Once at the top of the crater, we turn through
some vineyards until we reach the shepherds' trail in the woods to the Santa
Cristina Castle estate.
CASTLE TO CASTLE
This is an incredible ride through Lazio and Tuscany that is not to be missed. Travel on horseback from the Santa Cristina Castle estate to the fortress of
Proceno, very much the same way as the dukes traveled hundreds of years ago. From
Santa Cristina, we ride towards the medieval town of Onano. The 16th century
church of ‘Madonna delle Grazie’ is half way along the trail and from there we have a charming
view of the village walls. We then carry on north towards the magical landscape
between Lazio and Tuscany. As we cross the Montorio Game Reserve, we may be
lucky enough to see the wild pheasants, fallow deer and wild pigs. Before crossing
into Tuscan territory, we wade through a ford in the Stridolone River, before carrying up
onto a hilltop which looks over the fortress of Proceno itself. Proceno is a
village dominated by the fortress, dating back to medieval times - approximately year
1000.
After lunching on delicious Italian cuisine, we cross the river again and climb
up onto a plateau, through thick vegetation, using an old farmers’ trail. As we
head home, we ride past vineyards, fields and finally a former nuns’ convent from
the 18th century, with a sad past to learn about. Finally, we return to the castle from the Northeast after 40 km of beautiful riding.
TO LAKE MEZZANO
This is one of our most renowned excursions. Lake Mezzano is an area worthy
of note, owing to its great historical value and natural beauty. The lake itself
was once a volcanic crater, formed 400,000 years ago, and the site of human
settlements dating right back to the pre–Etruscan era (around 2,700 years ago).
Because of later earthquakes, these settlements are now submerged under water, but
the importance of these archeological treasures was confirmed in the mid-eighties by an archaeological campaign when swords, pots, and other tools were
found on the bottom of the lake.
Our excursion takes our riders through the farmland, up into the wooded hills
which surround Onano. Here, the horses have the opportunity to canter along a
wonderful natural passage surrounded by trees. At the top of this plateau, we
have a chance to take in the dazzling scenery, before we carry on down past
the local farms into a very old woods made of huge chestnut trees that leads us into
a flat and open plain which offers a great deal of scenery.
Here, if desired, horses can canter up the old tracks, before we reach the
marshlands and vineyards which surround the Lake Mezzano itself. The Lake area
is part of the Selva del Lamone natural reserve and here is a small
restaurant where we stop for lunch with a fantastic view overlooking the water.
During the warmer months, anyone who wishes can also swim in the lake's crystal
clear waters. In the afternoon, we ride back following the old Brigands Trail,
taking in a few historical sights on the way.
Half Day Rides:
BRIGANDS PATH
Once we leave the castle following the old track, we will reach the hills framing
our plateau to the west. Through the chestnut woods we arrive at the top where
we have a breathtaking view of the area, from the beautiful crater of Lake
Bolsena on the Southern side over to the hills surrounding little Lake Mezzano on the Northern side. On a clear, breezy day the sea can be seen 40 km away to the West like a glowing mirror reflecting in the sun. We shall ride up through the valleys and
hills and onto another plateau to take in the spectacular scenery, including the
towering Mount Amiata, the Radicofani Fortress and the distant castle of Torre
Alfina. From the hill again we will follow a large track winding through the
fields taking us back to the castle.
MEDIEVAL CHURCH ‘ST.MARIA DELLE COLONNE’
We tackle an ancient track carved into the rocks,
until we reach the famous “Brigands’ Path”. Passing the old farmhouse of St.
Prospero, at a brisk trot we turn left on the path, crossing cultivated fields and later
the chestnut woods. We can now push horses into a canter through a fantastic natural
passageway in the woods, leading riders through an exhilarating run in a
fairytale environment. Soon we will find another old road carved into the rock,
leading us down to the ancient church of St Maria delle Colonne and its nearby
fountain. From here, we return to the castle exploring the beautiful Italian
countryside and endless chestnut woods.
'NOCCHIETO’ and ‘ST.MARTINO’
We use the old outlaws’ track called the Brigands’ Path because it leads us on to a ride down a panoramic old trail among
pastures of grazing sheep and after a couple of km it turns down into a narrow
valley of volcanic rock. At the bottom of the hills we will find an old
abandoned settlement, Nocchieto, still fascinating in its architecture, it is
an ancient house made of local tufo rock, leaning against the side of the hill.
As the road changes from volcanic rock into soft ground, we can push gently our
horses forward into a canter and up into the hills. After following a narrow
valley we are once again meet the Brigands’ Path, where we can carry on
across varied landscapes and scattered Etruscan tombs and caves. Finally, we
make our way back to the castle, to another stunning plateau, where we encounter
a lovely vista, before returning home through the woods.
LUIGI TOUR
After leaving Santa Cristina, we pass an old farm named St. Prospero and we ride up
through the valleys and hills, through romantic chestnut woods and up onto the plateau
to take in the spectacular scenery, including Mount Amiata, the Radicofani Fortress and the distant castle of Torre Alfina. We then arrive at the S. Luigi
farm, where local shepherds still produce delicious ‘ricotta’ cheese. Around us
sheep graze happily in the fields as we follow the way home back along the hills
to the castle.
ONANO
This time we head north through the hills, a spectacular scenery of the castle
estate and surrounding farmland will keep us company. After crossing the
provincial road, the trail will lead us towards a magical scenery made by the
Tuscan mountains towering in front of us. The trail carries on around the
vicinity of Onano – a fortified town of the Middle Ages. Your guide will show
you the medieval castle dominating the ancient town – an important stronghold of
the Monaldeschi family which ruled the area in the Middle Ages. We keep on going along the old farmers’ tracks, up into the open fields, past the delightful medieval
church of St Maria delle Grazie and then back home to the castle.
AROUND GRADOLI
Following an old Etruscan trail, we ride up through thick woods to the top of
the crater surrounding Lake Bolsena. Here, we enjoy a remarkable scenery
including vineyards, Etruscan tombs, the prominent volcanic lake and the
panorama dominated by the famous Farnese Palace in Gradoli. A gift of the
Pope in 1500 to his nephew for his wedding - what a present! We return to the
castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. In
particular, we enjoy a canter through a unique tunnel made by the oak trees above an old
shepherds path.
Day 8 Saturday: Departure after breakfast.
**These are sample itineraries - subject to change**
-- back to the Top
Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are taught by chef Giovanni Verzini, a
chef of great international experience. Giovanni will give you a real hands-on
lesson where you will learn the basics of Italian cooking and the techniques to
make an impressive four courses meal, from home-made pasta to traditional
desserts and everything in between.
All of the ingredients you will use are bought each morning from local farms and
markets. If you wish you will be able to participate in the purchase of the
necessary local produce for the lesson of the day.
The classes can be from half a day to a week. It is up to you to decide A half
a day class including dinner prepared under the supervision of the chef will
cost you € 100 per person .
Every class can be a maximum of 5 people. There is no minimum required .
-- back to the Top
Meeting:
Grotte di Castro
Airport:
Rome
Transfer:
Orvieto- best to rent a car or take taxi from Orvieto
Best to rent a car in Rome. If you prefer we can arrange a transfer from Orvieto to the Castle S Crisitna. There are good train connections from Rome to Orvieto (1 hr).
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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locally bred Maremmano, Sella Italiano, Haflinger
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots, cantrers and short gallops
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
10
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
14
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Pass. more
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Jan |
March |
May |
July |
Sep |
Nov |
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Highest Temp |
10 |
18 |
17 |
27 |
24 |
15 |
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Lowest Temp |
5 |
8 |
14 |
20 |
18 |
10 |
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Hours of sun shine |
4.5 |
6 |
7.5 |
10 |
7 |
4 |
| ... this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Personal Travel Insurance |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Normal riding gear or comfortable, yet sturdy pants. No leggings please. |
| Riding boots or shoes with flat soles that cover the ankles. We recommend mini chaps. |
| Long sleeved cotton shirts (for sun protection) |
| Riding helmet (not mandatory, but recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| A wind breaker, rain gear that can be pulled over the saddle |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Light summer jacket |
| Comfortable shoes/sneakers |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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zuzana sersenova
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10/19/2009
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carrie luk (mrs cheong)
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10/17/2009
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michael wagner
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10/26/2008
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edi dygert
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10/1/2007
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stephen morishige
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5/19/2007
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..view other reports for different trips
Old traditions and modern hospitality!
This fairy tale castle is most romantic with its castellated turret rising above age old woods. It has a long association with powerful Prelates who played a key role in forming the Vatican State which culminated in Pope Pius IX's chief advisor, Cardinal Prospero Caterini, choosing the castello in 1848 as his personal residence. His descendants still use this as a country home.
Just below the Castle S.Cristina stands a handsome XVIII's farmhouse, the original center of the estate's farming activities. The farmhouse has been skillfully converted with careful attention to conserving authenticity together with comfort, and privacy in a pleasant combination with communal living, if wanted. The very large fattoria, now contains eight charming apartments and 14 bedrooms, mostly furnished with its 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: meeting room, dining room, billiard room with ping-pong room, plus a large kitchen available for all the guests and equipped for cooking courses as well.
Dinners with table wine will be served either in local restaurants or at the castle estate. Lunches can be ordered at the castle restaurant (not included)
Spa - nearby
Since the time of the Etruscans and the Romans, natural hot springs
were considered a natural source of wellness with therapeutic
properties.Given it’s volcanic soil, Southern Tuscany offers a vast range of thermal baths of different levels.Only 18 km away from the castle, next to the village of Sorano there
is a well organized Spa. There you can to swim in the warm waters
and relax beneath two beautiful waterfalls. Here, you can enjoy a
natural hydromassage, a special massage or a treatment in the wellness
center.Waters are flowing from natural Springs at 37° Centigrades. The area
around the swimming pool is largely equipped with sun beds and
umbrellas to satisfy the needs of everyone.A small river surrounds the spa and receives the outgoing native
waters. It’s mixed waters come from a little stream in the woods and
several other hot springs.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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locally bred Maremmano, Sella Italiano, Haflinger
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Pace:
|
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Moderate with trots, cantrers and short gallops
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
|
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
|
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Min
10
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Max
70
|
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Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
|
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Min
1 riders
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Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
14
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Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Alta Tuscany Ride
Tour Code: IT-ITSR05
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,455.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English
Horses:
locally bred Maremmano, Sella Italiano...
Pace:
Moderate with trots, cantrers and shor...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport:
Rome
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
|