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Horseback riding tours
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 LazioCampania Northern Italy Sicily Tuscany
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Dressage and Trail in Tuscany
Tuscany
Italy
Strategically positioned midway between Siena and Florence sits a handsome, stone farmhouse villa dating from the 1700's and owned by Gianni and Cristina, a couple who have dedicated their lives to the equestrian arts. The farm estate appeals particularly to visitors with a passion for horseback riding and dressage, for the De Marchis offer everything from basic beginner riding lessons to advanced dressage training, complemented with day long trail rides through the gorgeous surrounding countryside. In fact, the center is recognized as one of the top “ranches” in the Tuscany area. Instruction is available for both the rider just starting out in dressage as well as for experienced dressage enthusiasts around the world. With the emphasis on correct basic schoolwork, riders are also encouraged to work on carefully prepared exercises in the lateral movements, transitions, canter and counter-canter as well as work from the ground. For the most advanced level of riders visiting the farm, riders also have the possibility to work on the piaffé, passage and flying changes.
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Meeting:
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San Filippo
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Airport:
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Florence
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Transfer:
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Florence airport or Florence train station
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
4 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
24
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Trip Rating
Travel Stories
Travel Stories
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations, buffet breakfast and four course gourmet dinner with table wine.
Your choice of riding packages:
1. Lessons and Hacking: 6 dressage lessons and 3 trail rides.
2. Beginner Program: 15 lessons or 11 lessons and 2 trail rides
3. Hacking Program: 5 half days, 1 full day ride and 1 wine tasting
4. Dressage Program: 10 dressage lessons
| A | 2009 | 8 days, MAP and riding program | 8d / 7n | €1025 | $1540 |
| Kids discount (7-18) in same room with adults | (€365) | ($540) |
| Single supplement (dbl room for sgl use) | €196 | $295 |
| Riding Prgrams: | €0 | $0 |
| 1. Lessons and Hacking: 6 dressage lessons and 3 trail rides. | €0 | $0 |
| 2. Beginner Program: 15 lessons or 11 lessons and 2 trail rides | €0 | $0 |
| 3. Hacking Program: 5 half days, 1 full day ride and 1 wine tasting | €0 | $0 |
| 4. Dressage Program: 10 dressage lessons | €0 | $0 |
| Non Rider rate | €644 | $970 |
| Kids discount (7-18) in same room with 2 adults | €105 | $160 |
| C | 2009 | 8 days, MAP (Low) and riding program | 8d / 7n | €945 | $1420 |
| Weeks with no dinners = discount | (€220) | ($330) |
| Kids discount (7-18) in same room with 2 adults | (€321) | ($475) |
| Single supplement (dbl room for sgl use) | €154 | $235 |
| Room upgrade for Tower and Teatro room or Apartment | €105 | $160 |
| Riding Prgrams: | €0 | $0 |
| 1. Lessons and Hacking: 6 dressage lessons and 3 trail rides. | €0 | $0 |
| 2. Beginner Program: 15 lessons or 11 lessons and 2 trail rides | €0 | $0 |
| 3. Hacking Program: 5 half days, 1 full day ride and 1 wine tasting | €0 | $0 |
| 4. Dressage Program: 10 dressage lessons | €0 | $0 |
| Non Rider rate | €560 | $840 |
A Euro 150 discount each for groups of 6+ riders (sharing double or triple).
Rates Note:
Note: Rooms are cleaned daily - change of towels only once during the week - additional changes can be requested at €6
Additional riding lessons are available from € 32 to 40.
Lunches can be ordered a la carte.
Transfer Option:
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2009
|
Transfer from Florence - up to 7 pass.return ~
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
150
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$225
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|
2009
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Transfer from San Filippo bus stop free of charge
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€
0
|
$0
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Good train connections from Rome to Florence.
Usual arrival point is either Florence airport or Florence train station (Santa Maria Novella). From here you can also take the local bus to S.Filippo.
A transfer is available on request from Florence.
It is possible to rent a car locally - on availability.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2009
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09/19
- 09/26
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8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP and riding prog...
|
2
/4
|
Sold Out
|
| C |
2009
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09/26
- 10/03
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8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
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2
/4
|
Sold Out
|
| C |
2009
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10/03
- 10/10
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8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Expired
|
| C |
2009
|
10/10
- 10/17
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8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Expired
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| C |
2009
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10/17
- 10/24
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8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Expired
|
| C |
2009
|
10/24
- 10/31
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8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Expired
|
| C |
2009
|
10/31
- 11/07
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Expired
|
| C |
2009
|
11/07
- 11/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Expired
|
| C |
2009
|
11/14
- 11/21
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Expired
|
| C |
2009
|
11/21
- 11/28
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
11/28
- 12/05
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
12/05
- 12/12
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
12/12
- 12/19
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8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP (Low) and ridin...
|
2
/4
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
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12/19
- 12/26
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP and riding prog...
|
2
/4
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
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12/27
- 01/03
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8d / 7n
|
8 days, MAP and riding prog...
|
2
/4
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Reserve
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Weekly Saturday-Saturday. Available all year, but from Jan to early April and after November 1 - dinner will only be offered when at least 6 people are confirmed (discount for NO dinners Euro 220)
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Rates do not include:
Lunches and Gratuities. Upgrade to "superior room" = Tower room / Teatro room / Apartments
These riding packages are available (all are the same rate) :
1. Lessons and Hacking: 6 dressage lessons and 3 trail rides.
2. Beginner Program: 15 lessons or 11 lessons and 2 trail rides
3. Hacking Program: 5 half days, 1 full day ride and 1 wine tasting
4. Dressage Program: 10 dressage lessons
Non rider rates include: 7 nights lodging with breakfast and dinner.
Thirty well trained horses (Lusitanos, Anglo-arabs, Berber, Arabs, English Thoroughbred and Italian Riding horses) are available. They will be assigned according to the skills and wishes of the riders.
The lessons are divided into three groups.
Beginners can learn riding from the very first steps.
Post-beginners can extend their knowledge and skill or partake in the riding out.
Experienced riders can take dressage lessons and combine this with riding out.
The riding lessons are taken in the training arena adjacent to the house. The lessons are in small groups, which are arranged according to riding skills. The lessons are in English, Italian or French.
The riding out on trails is always accompanied by a local guide. In most cases they follow small country paths or go cross-country. Roads are only seldom crossed. It is also possible to book additional lessons or rides out.
Classical Dressage Training
The training method is based on supplying and loosening up the horse to achieve elasticity and lightness in the use of the aids. We follow the very traditional principles of classical riding but which are also practiced by riders competing in modern dressage.
The professional foundation is based on the academic style and the qualification is derived from the benefit of several years of training with Portuguese master Pedro Batista De Almeida, a pupil of the great Nuno Olivera. Mr. De Almeida spent his career as the technical director responsible for the Portuguese National Stud which has more than 100 stallions.
Non riders: The center also organizes courses in the Italian language and is an excellent base for touring the heart of Tuscany (you should have a rental car). Florence and Siena are just 30 minutes by car. The swimming pool gives splendid views over olive groves and vineyards. This is an ideal place to explore the Tuscan countryside by foot or by bicycle. The beautiful trekking routes of the Chianti-valley can be reached by car very easily.
Meeting:
San Filippo
Airport:
Florence
Train station:
Train: Florence SMN Bus: S.Filippo
Transfer:
Florence airport or Florence train station
Distance:
22 mi
Good train connections from Rome to Florence. Usual arrival point is either Florence airport or Florence train station (Santa Maria Novella). From here you can also take the local bus to S.Filippo. A transfer is available on request from Florence.
It is possible to rent a car locally - on availability.
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Tack:
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English saddle; general purpose and dressage., Italian saddles
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Horses:
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Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs
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Pace:
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2-3 riding hours / day, the trail rides are generally calm: mainly walk and trot, sometimes canter. Hacking out is not available for beginner riders.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
5
out of 5) All riding levels
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
4 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
24
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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If you prefer not to wear a riding helmet, you can sign a waiver form
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The quality of tuition is very high: instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP. Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian or French or in German for beginners. There are usually up to 20-24 riders at the center, but the riding groups are kept small to max 4 rider per session -- divided into different level groups.
Hacking / Trail Riding:
The rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide. In most cases we follow small country paths or go across the Tuscan countryside. It is possible to organize riding out with wine tasting or full ride out with picnic.
Please note we cannot guarantee hacking/trail riding for children under 14 years old. We can confirm it only once we have seen them riding.
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
In spring 20º to 25º Celsius, during summer and fall 25º to 30º C. Central Italy has kind of ocean climate with mild winters and not too hot of a summer.
Temperatures in Celsius:
|
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
Warmest ever |
Coldest ever |
|
JAN. |
11.1 |
2.2 |
17.8 |
-13.9 |
|
FEB. |
12.2 |
2.8 |
21.1 |
-7.8 |
|
MAR. |
14.4 |
5.0 |
23.9 |
-7.8 |
|
APR. |
17.2 |
7.2 |
27.8 |
-2.2 |
|
MAY |
21.7 |
11.1 |
31.1 |
2.8 |
|
JUN. |
25.6 |
14.4 |
35.0 |
1.1 |
|
JUL. |
28.9 |
17.2 |
37.2 |
8.9 |
|
AUG. |
28.9 |
17.2 |
36.1 |
7.8 |
|
SEP. |
25.6 |
15.0 |
36.1 |
2.8 |
|
OCT. |
20.6 |
11.1 |
29.4 |
0 |
|
NOV. |
15.0 |
6.1 |
25.0 |
-7.2 |
|
DEC. |
11.7 |
3.3 |
23.9 |
-7.2 |
Temperatures in Fahrenheit:
|
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
Warmest ever |
Coldest ever |
|
JAN. |
52 |
36 |
64 |
7 |
|
FEB. |
54 |
37 |
70 |
18 |
|
MAR. |
58 |
41 |
75 |
18 |
|
APR. |
63 |
45 |
82 |
28 |
|
MAY |
71 |
52 |
88 |
37 |
|
JUN. |
78 |
58 |
95 |
34 |
|
JUL. |
84 |
63 |
99 |
48 |
|
AUG. |
84 |
63 |
97 |
46 |
|
SEP. |
78 |
59 |
97 |
37 |
|
OCT. |
69 |
52 |
85 |
32 |
|
NOV. |
59 |
43 |
77 |
19 |
|
DEC. |
53 |
38 |
75 |
19 |
Beginners do not have to bring a full riding equipment - we can provide chaps, whips and riding hats (not all sizes).
No laundry service is available, but there is one in Tavarnelle (3Km from Il Paretaio). Travelers cheques are accepted.
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... this list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Personal Travel Insurance |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Normal riding gear or comfortable, yet sturdy pants. No leggings please. |
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Riding boots or shoes with flat soles and heels that cover the ankles. We recommend mini chaps. |
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Long sleeved cotton shirts (for sun protection) |
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Riding helmet (not mandatory, but recommended for all trips) |
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Riding gloves |
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Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
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A wind breaker, rain gear that can be pulled over the saddle |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear and socks |
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Pyjama |
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Light summer jacket |
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Trekking boots / Comfortable shoes |
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Swimsuit |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for an emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and enough extra films |
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Belt pack |
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Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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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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maria capriotti
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5/22/2008
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catharina von ziegner
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5/6/2007
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jocelyn kivort
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3/14/2007
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dora lee
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4/5/2005
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations:
Guests are hosted in an 18th century country villa featuring terra-cotta floors, wooden beamed roofs etc. The house has 8 guest rooms (all with bathrooms) and 2 apartments. On the ground floor is a rustic living room with country antiques, comfy sofas, and piano enhanced by a vaulted brick ceiling and worn terra-cotta floors, off which are two bedrooms. Upstairs, the main gathering area is the dining room, which features a massive fireplace and a seemingly endless wooden table. This room gives access to more bedrooms, each decorated with touches such as dried flowers, white lace curtains, and, of course, equestrian prints. The "special" room in the tower (La Piccionaia) has six windows giving a wonderful panoramic view over the scenic landscape - a must for honeymooners.
There are also 2 separate apartments with kitchenette.
Meals:
Forget a diet here! Four courses are served and a good Chianti wine is always at your disposal (and included in the prices!). The products are genuine and fresh: using olive oil that is produced at the farm. We cater vegetarian food upon request!
The cuisine is typical of
Tuscany and delicious. The meals are served in the big dining room in
front of the open fire place. Four courses are served including as much
wine and mineral water as you wish, finished off with an Espresso.
This is an international riding center where you will meet at the same long table riders and non riders coming from all over the world. Often 6 different languages are spoken at the same dinner table!
You will certainly make new friendship and meet old friends if you are or will be one of our returning friends.
Lunches are not included, but can be ordered daily. Often riders will go into the village, town or all the way into Florence or Siena to sightsee for half a day after or before their lessons.
Staff:
A very dedicated and friendly team will welcome you at the riding center in Tuscany.
Carla and
Katiuscia will organize anything you need and
will be your main contact persons during your holiday in Tuscany.
Miriam,
Jenny, Stefano, Camilla, Rebecca (the trail guide), Helen and Dany will
collaborate with Cristina and Gianni in all the horse riding activities.
Rosetta, Gabriella and Bava will serve you fantastic dinners, while
Elide will have the direction of the shopping and gardening activities.
Ivan is our nice and mad jolly.
You will have the chance to meet all these nice people during your stay.
Room details:
Here you will find the name of the room, a description and the number of people that it can accommodate:
Linari: a special light and a beautiful view of the Castle of Linari.
1 double bed - can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Robinia: a special light making the room very warm. It has the view on the background of a Robinia tree
1 double bed (or 2 single beds) - can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Pozzo: a very appreciated room in the hot summer because it is one of the coolest.
1 double bed (or 2 single beds) - can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Maneggio: a cozy single room. The only one with private but separated bathroom.
1 french bed can host only 1 person
Cavallo: a very spacious room with a special light at the sunset.
1 double bed + 1 single bed (or 3 single beds) - can accommodate a max. of 3 people
Piccionaia: a charming and exclusive place on the top of the house with panoramic view on the valley.
1 double bed - can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Volta: a very spacious room and with an independent exit to the garden and a large bathroom with bath.
1 double bed + 1 single bed (or 3 single beds) - can accommodate a max. of 3 people
Teatro: a very large and silent room with arched ceiling.
1 double bed + 2 single beds - can accommodate a max. of 4 people
Appartamento "La Mangiatoia": a small apartment with kitchenette. Double room and double day bed in the living room. 1 double bed + 1 double day bed - can accommodate a max. of 4 people
Appartamento "Stallina": a very nice apartment with garden and a nice view over the valley.
1 double bed + 2 single beds - can accomodate a max. of 4 people
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
The quality of tuition is very high: instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP. Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian or French or in German for beginners. There are usually up to 20-24 riders at the center, but the riding groups are kept small to max 4 rider per session -- divided into different level groups.
Hacking / Trail Riding:
The rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide. In most cases we follow small country paths or go across the Tuscan countryside. It is possible to organize riding out with wine tasting or full ride out with picnic.
Please note we cannot guarantee hacking/trail riding for children under 14 years old. We can confirm it only once we have seen them riding.
|
Tack:
|
|
English saddle; general purpose and dressage., Italian saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs
|
|
Pace:
|
|
2-3 riding hours / day, the trail rides are generally calm: mainly walk and trot, sometimes canter. Hacking out is not available for beginner riders.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
5
out of 5) All riding levels
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
4 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
24
|
The quality of tuition is very high: instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP. Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian or French or in German for beginners. There are usually up to 20-24 riders at the center, but the riding groups are kept small to max 4 rider per session -- divided into different level groups.
Hacking / Trail Riding:
The rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide. In most cases we follow small country paths or go across the Tuscan countryside. It is possible to organize riding out with wine tasting or full ride out with picnic.
Please note we cannot guarantee hacking/trail riding for children under 14 years old. We can confirm it only once we have seen them riding.
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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|
Dressage and Trail in Tuscany
Tour Code: IT-SR04
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,540.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English saddle; general purpose and dr...
Horses:
Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs
Pace:
2-3 riding hours / day, the trail ride...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Florence
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Travel Stories
Travel Stories
|