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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Italy
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Lazio Campania Northern Italy Sicily Tuscany
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Medieval Castles Ride in Tuscany
Tuscany
Italy
The Medieval Castle Trail follows the boundary between southern Tuscany and northern Lazio, where the tuff rock hills provide both the foundations and the building materials for spectacular towns like Sorano and Pitigliano. The towns are embedded in an area which displays a very rich cultural and historical background – the first Etruscan settlements and the former border area of the State of the Vatican City.
Follow the tracks made by the oldest of Italian inhabitants and through the "Vie Caves", ancient and mysterious Etruscan pathways carved out of the rock. You can ride along them just as the Etruscans did thousands of years ago. Carved deep into the rock bed, it is almost like being in a cave, but they are left open at the top, leaving the sky visible above. Ride across the Tuff plateaus, through lush evergreen forests, following old border trails and ancient Etruscan and Roman roads of South Tuscany and Northern Lazio. Discover one of the most unique, rural and original landscapes of Italy, where the horse tradition was born and for centuries took part in the lives and culture of its inhabitants.
You will be comfortably accommodated in two different medieval castles and a fortress: The Castle of Proceno, the Castle Santa Cristina and the Fortress of Sorano.
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Meeting:
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Grotte di Castro or Orvieto
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Airport:
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Rome or Florence
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Transfer:
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Rome or Orvieto
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations in medieval castles, fortress and country hotels with high traditional, partwise antique furnishing. Private bathrooms. Both castles with pool.
Continental or Italian Breakfast. Lunch in little restaurants or picnic along the way. Dinner partwise in restaurants or directly in the accomodation. Table water, wine and coffee included. 6 riding days
| A | 2010 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €2125 | $3255 |
| Single supplement | €225 | $345 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Rome Airport return per car (1-4)
This is a "Group Rate" - 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 is included at 4 PM
- to be paid locally
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€
0
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$0
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Good train connections from Rome to Orvieto approx 1.5 hours. Transfers are available from the train station in Orvieto or from the airport in Rome.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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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, AP
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4
/10
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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, AP
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4
/10
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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, AP
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4
/10
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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, AP
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4
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/03
- 07/10
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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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, AP
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4
/10
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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, AP
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4
/10
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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, AP
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4
/10
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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, AP
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4
/10
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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, AP
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4
/10
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Reserve
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We are looking for 2 more riders for the October 18 to 25 2009 trip.
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Day 1 Arrival in Rome or Orvieto and transfer to
Grotte di Castro and the Castle Cristina, where you will be accommodated for the
next three nights. You meet with your guide, take a first glance at the horses
and enjoy a great dinner before your overnight.
Day 2 Day ride to Lake Bolsena. From the castle we ride through the
neighboring farmland, through chestnut woods and using 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 reused 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 riding back up. Passing the archeological area of Pianezze
literally full of Etruscan tombs dating back 2600 years. Once at the top of the
crater, we turn right through some vineyards until we reach the shepherds' trail
in the woods to the Cristina Castle estate.
Day 3 Day ride to Lake Mezzano. The Lake Mezzano area is 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 (aprox
2700 years ago) and is now submerged by water due to earthquakes. Our excursion
takes 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 local farms into a
very old wood made by huge chestnut trees that leads us into a flat open plain
which offers a 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 the small restaurant where we stop for lunch with a fantastic
view overlooking the water. During the warmer months you can also swim in
the lake with its crystal clear waters. In the afternoon, we ride back following
the old Brigands trail, taking in a few historical sights on the way.

Day 4 Ride on horseback from S Cristina to Sorano. Romantic forests,
steep ditches, narrow canyons and old Etruscan roads are on your way today. You
can almost grasp culture and history the closer you get to Sorano. You will have
lunch in San Quirico with different dishes. You will be accommodated in the
medieval fortress high above the old Etruscan town. Dinner in a restaurant down
in the centre.
Day 5 Full-day ride in the unique area of Sorano with its age-old,
narrow roads cut into the tuff rock and brought to perfection by the Etruscans
and with the innumerable gravesites all over the hills. You will have lunch in
Sovana - one of the most famous Etruscan settlements - with its monumental tombs
nearby. Back in Sorano dinner in another restaurant in the village.
Day 6 From Sorano we depart in the morning to the Castle of Proceno. We
ride through clay hills into the valley of the river Palia - with marvelous view
on the mountains of Amiata and Cetona. Lunch at the former Italy-Vatican State
border - called Dogana - on cool days a fire is also lit in the dining room for
preparing barbecue specialties. The way then goes uphill in the afternoon sun,
with a stunning view over soft cornfields and sheep pastures. Dinner in a local
farmhouse in the countryside – it is the oldest real agriturismo - with all
kinds of animals around and home-made and home-cooked dishes on the menu.
Proceno is a village dominated by its fortress, dating back to the medieval
times around year 1000.
Day 7 A brisk trot along vineyards takes us to an 18th century
ex-convent. From here we head through thick vegetation taking advantage of an
old trail once use by the local farmers - finally descending the side of the
plateau reaching the Stridolone River, which we must cross again and again in
knee deep waters. In the distance we can see the Fortress of Proceno. After a
lunch stop our ride takes us through the most unspoiled Tuscan countryside.
Crossing the Montorio game reserve, if we are lucky pheasants, fallow-deer, and
boars will be spotted while riding by. We will reach the outskirts of the
village of Onano and the XVI century, little country church of Madonna delle
Grazie from where we 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. Soon we reach Castello Cristina for our
farewell dinner and last night sleep.
Day 8 Departure
Itinerary is subject to changes

Meeting:
Grotte di Castro or Orvieto
Airport:
Rome or Florence
Train station:
Orvieto
Transfer:
Rome or Orvieto
Distance:
90 miles from Rome / 20 miles from Orvieto
Good train connections from Rome to Orvieto approx 1.5 hours. Transfers are available from the train station in Orvieto or from the airport in Rome.
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Tack:
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English trekking and Western saddles
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Horses:
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Maremmano, Appaloosa, Haflinger
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots, canters -
30 to 50 km per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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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 |
HTML clipboard
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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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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. |
Riding boots or shoes with flat soles 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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Pyjamas |
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Light summer jacket |
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Comfortable shoes/sneakers |
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Swimsuit |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Hairdryers are not provided-please bring
your own |
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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 extra batteries |
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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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yvonne van eck
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10/12/2009
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sandra maida
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6/30/2009
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betsy amparan
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5/28/2009
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michael minore
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5/23/2009
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irene lipetsker
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5/21/2009
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marianne gard
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10/18/2007
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elizabeth spina
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10/15/2007
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barbara fisher
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10/15/2007
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barbara wallace
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10/13/2007
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debby pirrung
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10/13/2007
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emily garratt
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10/13/2007
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kirk lewis
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3/25/2007
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lee ann ressler
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11/1/2006
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lori larson
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11/6/2004
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lucia reynolds
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5/2/2004
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..view other reports for different trips
HTML clipboard
We overnight in two different medieval castles, and a
fortress: Castle Santa Cristina, the Fortress of Sorano and Castle Proceno.
The first castle is a country castle out of the village surrounded by
agricultural terrain. The main house is still inhabited by the owner, who is
also the tenant of some horses. You will be accommodated in the romantic
dependence, its walls fully covered with green ivy and the swimming pool is
directly in front surrounded by green grass and vegetation.
The fortress of Sorano is located above this unique Etruscan town. The
fortress walls, which surround your rooms, are more than one metre thick. Your
rooms have a panoramic view on the town and on the canyon, which provided a
barrier against attacks. Just take a few steps downhill to have a walk through
the town centre with all its narrow streets to get up and down, its passage
gates, arches and small steps.
The second castle is located in the little town of Proceno, parts of it
form the town´s defensive walls; the castle has its rooms on different levels
along the only passage through the village. The swimming pool is situated just
outside the castle ramparts on spacious grounds of wide panoramic terraces.
Come and take a breath of medieval lives style – with modern comforts of
course.
You will eat the freshest traditional home made cuisine and drink fine
local wines. The Tuscan cuisine and hospitality bear witness to the long history
of agriculture in the region.
They are used to our riding attire, so there is no need to bring formal
clothes for dinner. Casual dress is fine. However, if you prefer to be a little
more presentable for the evening, when eating in the castle, please feel free to
take some nicer clothes with you.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English trekking and Western saddles
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Horses:
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Maremmano, Appaloosa, Haflinger
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots, canters -
30 to 50 km per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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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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Medieval Castles Ride in Tuscany
Tour Code: IT-ITETR
8 days /
7 nights
~$3,255.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English trekking and Western saddles
Horses:
Maremmano, Appaloosa, Haflinger
Pace:
Moderate with trots, canters -
30 to...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Rome or Florence
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Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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