Transfer and Other Options:

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 (approx. 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

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.