|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Italy
Intro to Italy
 Abruzzo/MoliseNorthern Italy Sicily Tuscany
France
Spain
Portugal
Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Etruscan Trails in Tuscany
Tuscany
Italy
On Historic Trails in Tuscany on the Tracks of the
Etruscans: Who were the Etruscans?
Who were the Etruscans? The Estruscans were the early inhabitants of Italy, long before the Roman Empire existed. However, the Estruscan civilization is often overlooked despite its enormous influence on the region. Estruscan settlements were frequently built on the hillside - the steeper the hill, the better - and surrounded by thick fortress walls, well protected from intruders. Many of the Estruscan’s early water systems later contributed to the iconic Roman aqueduct. While nobody really knows where the Etruscans originated - though many believe they came from Asia Minor - they were prominent in Italy by 800 BC. When exploring this region of Italy we discover remnants of their hilltop fortresses, old settlements and the imprint of their trading routes stretching from Naples to Venice. However, nowhere in Italy carries the Estruscan influence quite like Tuscany; in fact, Tuscany's name originates from the Italian Etrusci or Tusci, words used by the ancient Romans to describe the Etruscans.
Let us explore and relive the history of this mysterious people! We provide three different itineraries for riders to choose from, as the history and landscapes available here is truly impossible to fit into one week alone! Some of the wonderful places these trips take us include the Necropolis of Sovana (Poggio Pisca), the Ildebranda Tomb, the hermitage of Rioatonna Cicognina, the ancient hamlet of Fonte Vetriana, the Nature Reserve of the Pietraporciana, ancient pilgrim routes, the nature reserve of Pigelleto, the nature park of Maremma, where we get to ride with the local Butteri cowboys, and much much more!
|
Progressive Ride (no camping)
Ride with Western Tack
|
|
Meeting:
|
Castell'Azzara
|
|
Airport:
|
Rome, Florence
|
|
Transfer:
|
Chiusi-Chianciano station (approx. 1 hour drive)
|
|
Riders:
|
Min
4 riders
Max
7 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations in nice country houses (Agriturismo), all gourmet meals, 6 riding days
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP Etruscan | 8d / 7n | €1350 | $1755 |
| Single supplement | €149 | $195 |
| B | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP Val d'Orcia | 8d / 7n | €1350 | $1755 |
| C | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP Maremma Park | 8d / 7n | €1350 | $1755 |
Transfer and Other Options:
|
2013
|
Transfer from Chiusi train station, return, per person at set times
|
€
40
|
$55
|
|
2013
|
Transfer from Rome airport at set times - return pp
|
€
150
|
$195
|
Arrive in Rome or Florence and take the train to Chiusi. Latest flight arrival in Rome or Florence should be 1:30 PM. Earliest departure flight out on last day is 2 PM - but better if it is later.
We also offer a transfer from the airports in Rome if preferred:
Campino Airport pick up at 4 PM - drop off 1 PM
Fiumicino Airport pick up at 5 PM - drop off at 12 noon.
Tour Dates for 2013
Additional dates can be set for groups of 4+
|
Rates do not include:
Gratuities, transfers
Three itineraries will lead us through Tuscany on the treks of the ancient Etruscans:
(Click on the links below to skip ahead to sections)
A. Etruscan
B. Val d'Orcia
C. Maremma Nature Park
A. Etruscan
Natural environment: Striking and varied; mountain pastures of Cornacchino, the wilderness of the Fiora river valley and canyons cut by rushing streams in tuff rock, the Lamone forest, the hermitages near the lower reaches of the river Fiora, lake Mezzano, an Etruscan necropolis and medieval villages. Fiora River valley and canyons in tuff-rock, the Lamone Forest, Mezzano Lake, Etruscan necropoles and medieval villages.
Saturday: Arrival and accommodation at Cornacchino. In the evening, meeting with the guide and the other participants to chat and get to know each other.
Sunday: Entire day on horseback to verify horse & rider compatibility, with picnic and return to Cornacchino.
Monday 1st stage: From Cornacchino along the pastures of Montevitozzo to the banks of the Fiora river, stopping for a swim and a picnic. Afterwards, we ride through the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana ( Poggio Prisca) and along ancient Etruscan roads (Vie Cave) cut deep into the tuff rock more than 2000 years ago passing the most famous monument in this part of Etruria, the Ildebranda Tomb. Our ride takes us past the ancient walls of the medieval village of Sovana. From there, we continue towards Pitigliano and our accommodation. Dinner and night's stay.
Tuesday 2nd stage: We take the ancient San Giuseppe Etruscan road to Pitigliano, then along the Frate Nuti Etruscan road and through vineyards and olive groves until we cross the Fiora River and continue towards the necropolis of Poggio Buco. We continue to follow the river until we reach the farmhouse where we will stay for two nights. The farm breeds and trains Maremma horses using traditional methods and the owners have a private collection of Etruscan artefacts which they are happy to show to guests.
Wednesday 3rd stage: We'll take a circular route along the lower reaches of the river Fiora taking in the hermitage of Poggio Conte, where 16th century hermits built a chapel entirely dug out of the tuff rock, and the hermitage of Rioatonna Cicognina. Return to our farm house accommodation with a ride along the bed of the Olpeta torrent.
Thursday 4th stage: Our journey continues along the Olpeta deep cut Etruscan road (the only one in the area that contains the remains of an ancient Roman road). Then we cross the Olpeta River and climb up to the site of the ancient city of Castro. Here we enter the Lamone Forest Nature Reserve. This dense woodland, with its wild flowers and birds such as woodpeckers and various species of falcon unique to the area, has grown up on rocky terrain of volcanic origin. During our ride we'll encounter cattle of the Maremma breed, living in the clearings of the forest. We stop for our picnic then leave the forest and cross rolling hills with spectacular views and reach our accommodation near lake Mezzano, a crater lake of volcanic origin, an absolute paradise, where we will have time to enjoy a swim.
Friday 5th stage: From lake Mezzano, riding along field tracks we reach first San Quirico, then Vitozza, a village rich in medieval treasures, castle ruins and a church alongside numerous caves that served as houses until the end of the eighteenth century. From there we descend to the source of the Lente river, climb up to Sorano, then continue along Etruscan roads. Our journey continues toward Montevitozzo, before returning to Cornacchino. In the evening we will enjoy our final dinner together during which every participant will receive small souvenir and a map of our journey.
Saturday: Breakfast and departure.
B. Val d'Orcia
Natural environment: Striking and varied; from the mountain pastures to the Paglia and Orcia river valleys; from the famous Val d’Orcia, with its extensive arid area, rolling hills and fields and famous clay outcrops known locally as calanche, to avenues of cypress trees and ancient hamlets, from the thermal pools to the castle towns of Sarteano and Radicofani.
Saturday: Arrival and accommodation at Cornacchino. In the evening, participants will be assigned their horses and they will meet their guide and the other participants to chat and get to know each other.
Sunday: Entire day on horseback to verify horse & rider compatibility, with picnic and return to Cornacchino.
Monday 1st stage: Leaving the oak and beech woods around Cornacchino we ride towards the Paglia river where we'll stop for our picnic. In the afternoon, ride up the surrounding hills towards our accommodation near Trevinano.
Tuesday 2nd stage: From Trevinano we follow the ridge lying between the Paglia and Chiana Valleys, where the regions of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio meet. We stop for our pic-nic at the ancient thermal bath of San Casciano dei Bagni, where we can relax and enjoy the warm waters. In the afternoon we continue our ride towards the castle town of Sarteano, stopping for the night in the ancient hamlet of Fonte Vetriana.
Wednesday 3rd stage: Riding along dirt tracks and paths at the foot of Mount Cetona we reach Sarteano where we will enjoy our picnic in the shady grounds of the castle. After lunch our journey continues to the charming village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, with its narrow streets and fantastic view over the Val d'Orcia. Passing through the Nature Reserve of Pietraporciana, we reach La Foce from which we can enjoy more spectacular views of the Val d'Orcia, arriving at our farmhouse accommodation in the evening.
Thursday 4th stage: We ride down to the to Orcia river and follow it as far as Radicofani, where the ancient pilgrim route, the via Francigena, meets the ancient Roman Cassia road, and we visit the town's fortress. Arrival at our farmhouse accommodation at the foot of mount Amiata in the late afternoon.
Friday 5th stage: We ride through pine, chestnut and beech woods into the Nature Reserve of Pigelleto, spassing the recently restored cinnabar mineral mines of Siele. In the afternoon, return to Cornacchino via the Natural Reserve of Mount Penna. In the evening we will enjoy our final dinner together during which every participant will receive a small souvenir and a map of our journey.
Saturday: Breakfast and departure.
C. Maremma Park
Natural environment: Maremma Park, vineyards and the beaches of Tuscany
Saturday: Arrival and accommodation at Cornacchino. In the evening, participants will be assigned their horses and they will meet their guide and the other participants to chat and get to know each other.
Sunday: Entire day on horseback to verify horse & rider compatibility, with picnic and return to Cornacchino.
Monday 1st stage: From Cornacchino we ride towards the Fiora River where we'll stop for our picnic and a swim in the river. Afterwards, we'll continue riding along the river and will ride on the Etruscan "vie cave" and visit the Etruscan Necropoles of Sovana. The country house where we will spend the night is closed by.
Tuesday 2nd stage: We leave the Fiora Valley and reach Saturnia, following the Stellata, which is the river of thermal waters with its source at the famous waterfalls. Picnic and the possibility of a swim in the thermal waters. Afterwards we follow the Stellata until it joins the Albenga River and follow it down to the country house for the night.
Wednesday 3rd stage: We follow the river into the Maremma hills, a ride which takes us through fords and rich vegetation in an area still relatively uninhabited. Leaving the river we ride through the hills of Scansano, and the vineyards famous for Morellino wine. In the evening we reach our country house next to a farm that breeds and trains Maremmana horses.
Thursday 4th stage: At this point we ride through the characteristic Maremma area of Monti dell'Uccellina, entering the Maremma Parc where we stop for our picnic. In the afternoon we'll take an excursion across the hills and enjoy the fantastic views from the hilltops where they slope steeply down to the sea. Finally we'll reach our country house near Alberese.
Friday 5th stage: We ride into the Alberese Farm, the heart of Maremma parc, with its 4000 ha. Marshland until beginning of 1900 it has been drained and now the land is used for breeding Maremma horses and cows. We will see the "Butteri" (Tuscan cowboys) with their Marremana horses and typical saddles known as "scafarda". In the parc there are also several wild animals such as the wild boar and deer, who with a bit of luck we will have the chance to see. Pic - nic next to the beach with of course possibility to swin into the sea. In the afternoon, we head back to the country house, where we leave our horses and drive to Cornacchino by mini-bus. In the evening we will enjoy our final dinner together during which every participant will receive a small souvenir and a map of our journey.
Saturday: Breakfast and departure
The programs may be modified at any time due to prevailing weather conditions or for technical reasons.
Meeting:
Castell'Azzara
Airport:
Rome, Florence
Train station:
Chiusi - Chianciano Terme
Transfer:
Chiusi-Chianciano station (approx. 1 hour drive)
Arrive in Rome or Florence and take the train to Chiusi. Latest flight arrival in Rome or Florence should be 1:30 PM. Earliest departure flight out on last day is 2 PM - but better if it is later.
We also offer a transfer from the airports in Rome if preferred:
Campino Airport pick up at 4 PM - drop off 1 PM
Fiumicino Airport pick up at 5 PM - drop off at 12 noon.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Haflingers, Appaloosas, Paints, Maremmanas, South American Thoroughbreds, and some cross breds
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with trots and canters where possible - Approx. 115 miles with daily trips of 15 to 25 miles. 5 to 7 hrs per day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
14
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
7 riders
|
|
Difficulty: Average - suitable for intermediate riders.
Main difficulties: Difficult fords, uneven trails, ride of the Maremmana mount on the Maremma Park itinerary.
Main gaits: Amble, trot, canter where possible.
Altitude: Maximum. 860 m. above sea level.
Terrain: Predominantly mountain paths, country roads and dirt roads.
The guides: An experienced guide rides with the group while an assistant takes the luggage to the overnight site and prepares the fencing for the horses.
The horses: All the horses are trained in Western riding and particularly suitable for trekking.
The rides: Each ride lasts about 5 - 6 hours split between the morning (longer ride) and the afternoon - averaging 25 to 40 km per day.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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. more
In general the climate in Tuscany is
very mild. There are little differences between the regions, though.
Rule of thumb: at the coast and in the valleys the summers are hotter
than in the hilly areas, where the climate is very continental – rain
falls are more often. Usually the summers in Tuscany are without rain
and very hot, especially in the valleys. Spring (April and May) and
autumn (October and November) might be rainy but there are still dry,
sunny days. In the winter there are sunny, mild days but at night it
sometimes gets very cold. July ist he hottest month with temperatures
from 23°C up to 30°C. Especially in the valleys the temperatures
sometimes rise up high. In the coldest month – january- there are about
7°C at the coast and about 3,5°C to 5,5°C inside the country. Of course
the temperature in the mountainius areas is below.
Protective
clothing at the rider’s discretion; flat-heeled comfortable shoes with
rubber soles and protective leggings, or flat-heeled boots with rubber
soles; rain coat; trousers or riding britches that are sturdy enough to
resist the thorns of wayside bushes; gloves at the rider’s discretion.
We
suggest a hat for protection from the sun, sun cream, a bathing costume
for stops at streams or thermal springs, a light windproof jacket, a
sweater.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
|
|
| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Personal Travel Insurance |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
|
| RIDING GEAR |
| Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!) |
| Long riding boots: leather or rubber or boots and mini chaps. |
| Riding helmet |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Windproof jacket |
|
|
| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Bandana |
| Warm jacket |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra batteries |
| 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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
|
..view other reports for different trips
The farmhouses: are carefully chosen by us taking into consideration their typicality, comfort, cuisine and stables for the horses and equipment.
The picnics are prepared in the morning and taken to the picnic destination by the support vehicle.
You will be staying at different
country inns, also called "Agriturismo" in Italy. Rooms are nicely
decorated and charming, but not luxurious. Each room has a private bath
or shower.
Meals are taken at the inns with wholesome farm produced ingredients - you are in for a treat.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Haflingers, Appaloosas, Paints, Maremmanas, South American Thoroughbreds, and some cross breds
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with trots and canters where possible - Approx. 115 miles with daily trips of 15 to 25 miles. 5 to 7 hrs per day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
14
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
7 riders
|
|
Difficulty: Average - suitable for intermediate riders.
Main difficulties: Difficult fords, uneven trails, ride of the Maremmana mount on the Maremma Park itinerary.
Main gaits: Amble, trot, canter where possible.
Altitude: Maximum. 860 m. above sea level.
Terrain: Predominantly mountain paths, country roads and dirt roads.
The guides: An experienced guide rides with the group while an assistant takes the luggage to the overnight site and prepares the fencing for the horses.
The horses: All the horses are trained in Western riding and particularly suitable for trekking.
The rides: Each ride lasts about 5 - 6 hours split between the morning (longer ride) and the afternoon - averaging 25 to 40 km per day.
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.
|
|
|
|
On Etruscan Trails in Tuscany
Tour Code:
IT-ITRT02
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,755.00
Dates :
April to July
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
|