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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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Relaxed Tuscan Ride
Tuscany
Italy
Here you will stay on a beautiful estate that has recently regained its ancient splendor after undergoing a restoration that has transformed it into an elegant and refined hotel with a lovely restaurant. Ride each day through gentle hills in the Italian countryside, along meandering rivers and through small forests. In the afternoon you can explore on your own the surrounding area or just relax around the outdoor pool under the pleasant sunshine.
Very few people know that the famous French cuisine had originally developed from the Tuscan cuisine: Caterina de Medici, unhappy spouse of the French king Henry II, brought several experienced cooks from Florence with her when she got married and their cuisine laid the foundation stone of the later “Haute Cuisine”.
The wine that is served during your holiday comes from the local vineyards and has already been subject to many awards. And the estate riding stables convince even the most discriminating rider that their owner is an authentic horse-lover. A very relaxing and gratifying atmosphere where everybody can't help but be spoiled for a week or two!
You pick the riding program that best suits your riding interest and ability. How much time in the saddle you spend is whatever you are comfortable with.
The trekking programs are designed for the experienced rider that is comfortable with all three gaits – walk, trot and canter.
The programs include 6 riding days (approx 4+ hrs each) with lunch stops along the way (back for lunch during the summer months).
Every day you will ride into the stunning, beautiful Tuscan countryside with its glorious natural beauty. You may visit the remains of a Roman villa from 200 AD, old sulphur mines, salt street and Poggio Ferro - the town famous for coal. There are many places suitable for extended and exciting canters along the way. For lunch you will enjoy local places that offer the typical, delicious products of the area or we stop at a local vineyard or olive oil producing farm. We may also stop and visit some of the local cheese producers. The horses will eat and drink and be rested to take you back home in the afternoons.
A ride to the Albegna River will have you passing through the Etruscan village of Ghiaccioforte, where we will have a tasty picnic set up for you.
The last day we will spend in Scansano visiting the open street market and the covered La Civitella - an ancient Roman village. An age-old path will then take us along the Petreto Convent to the village of La Croce.
The less experienced riders will have the option for riding instructions and some hacking out - but the limitation of your hacks will be according to your riding level.
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Meeting:
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Scansano
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Airport:
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Rome/Florence
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Transfer:
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Grosetto
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
10 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
50
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Trip Rating
Video
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations in double room with balcony, breakfast, set light lunch and dinner. Plus riding program ala carte (extra).
| A | 2009 | 8 day trip, AP room with balcony or terrace, + riding program | 8d / 7n | €775 | $1165 |
| Single Supplement (in double room) | €278 | $420 |
| Single supplement (in standard room) | €105 | $160 |
| Upgrade to Suite pp (min 2) | €250 | $375 |
| Riding: Beginner Program | €200 | $300 |
| Riding : Medium Program | €290 | $435 |
| Riding: Trekking Program (Oct to April only) | €550 | $825 |
| Riding: Summer Mini Trek Program (May to September only) | €400 | $600 |
| Cookery Course per 3 hr session | €80 | $120 |
| B | 2009 | 8 day trip, AP room with balcony or terrace, + riding program | 8d / 7n | €875 | $1315 |
| Single Supplement (in double room) | €278 | $420 |
| Single supplement (in standard room) | €38 | $60 |
| Upgrade to Suite pp (min 2) | €278 | $420 |
| Riding: Beginner Program | €200 | $300 |
| Riding : Medium Program | €290 | $435 |
| Riding: Trekking Program (Oct to April only) | €550 | $825 |
| Riding: Summer Mini Trek Program (May to September only) | €400 | $600 |
Group Leader stays free (sharing a room) during Low Season with a minimum of 7 paying riders.
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Grosseto (1-3 pax) per car return
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
100
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$150
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We recommend to rent a car in Rome. If you prefer we can arrange a private transfer from Grosseto for you.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2009
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09/19
- 09/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
|
Expired
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| A |
2009
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09/26
- 10/03
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
|
Expired
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| A |
2009
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10/03
- 10/10
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
|
1
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
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10/10
- 10/17
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
|
1
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
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10/17
- 10/24
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
|
1
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
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10/24
- 10/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
|
1
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
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10/31
- 11/07
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
|
1
/10
|
Expired
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| A |
2009
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11/07
- 11/14
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
|
Expired
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| A |
2009
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11/14
- 11/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2009
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11/21
- 11/28
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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11/28
- 12/05
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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12/05
- 12/12
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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12/12
- 12/19
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
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12/19
- 12/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2009
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12/26
- 01/02
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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01/02
- 01/09
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP room with bal...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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This week offers riding a la carte. The package includes your accommodations in a double/superior room, breakfast and dinner (also lunch if you make it back in time for the set lunch hours). Non-riders are welcome!
You pick the riding package that best suits your needs:
Mini Trek - from October to May approx 24 riding hours
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Saturday: Arrival, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 Sunday: Today we saddle up and head for the ancient salt road “Salaioli” in the Ripacci area. Here you can enjoy the Argentario landscape and its beautiful sea. Riding past Roman manor ruins from 200 B.C., we will arrive at a local farm and have a break. While your horses rest and have their due meal, riders will have the opportunity to taste the farm products. After the farm, you will ride back to the stables.
Day 3 Monday: Our destination this morning is the village of Poggioferro, a typical village of the area. The route is characterized by different and always fascinating landscapes, passing by old and new vineyards. We will have lunch in a restaurant in Poggioferro. You will be able to where choose whatever you like, starting from a simple coffee to local cheeses and sliced meat. After lunch, return to the stables.
Day 4 Tuesday: Departure from the stables at 9:30 AM– a spectacular riding day is ahead of us. Ride by ancient sulphur mines and over red colored roads – tinted by the mineral cinabro. We arrive at the top of the hills dividing Scansano and Magliano towns and there we will have some long gallops and fantastic views. The lunch break today is at an organic farm. You will be served dishes based on their products, from vegetables to meats and cheeses.
Day 5 Wednesday: We ride out again from the stables at 9:30 AM. Today we visit Baticci, a town located between Montepò and Polveraia. The landscape changes from roads overshadowed by typical vegetation to white stone roads. Ride past historic Montepò Castle and its beautiful vineyards towards Senna and arrive at a farm for lunch. Here your palate will again be delighted with excellent food. After lunch, return to the stables.
Day 6 Thursday: Departure from the stables at 9:30 AM, the beautiful Albegna river is waiting for us! After riding over different trails, we arrive at the Etruscan village of Ghiaccioforte. Here we will have a picnic. Riding over the Ghiaccioforte hill reveals views of the Albegna valley and its beautiful winding river. We stop to let the horses enjoy a drink from the fresh water. Over the hills we ride back to the stables, still enjoying the views.
Day 7 Friday: Saddle up and ride from the stables at 9:30 AM. We have a stop in Scansano where you will have a chance to visit the street market and enjoy the atmosphere of the town. Scansano is noted for producing the wine Morellino di Scansano. After this break we visit the “Civitella”, an ancient roman village. We gallop through the little village of Fonte al Carpine. Riding by Wine Cellar of Morellino di Scansano, then to Petreto Convent, and finally back to the stables.
Day 8 Saturday: Departure
A support vehicle will be on hand if need be.
Depending on the number of riders, one or two guides will accompany the outings.
The lunch breaks at the local places are not included and cost approx Euro 18 to 22 each.
A protection cap and protection for shoulder (obligatory) will be supplied by the center.
Maremma Trek - June to to September approx 20 riding hours
The summer program is similar to the Trekking Program, but returns to the inn earlier, since we do not stop for lunch along the way. The program is designed for riders that are comfortable in all three gaits – walk, trot, and canter. There are 6 daily rides between 2 and 5 hrs in length for a total of 19 hours.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Saturday: Check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 Sunday: Today we saddle up and head for the Ripacci area. Riding past Roman manor ruins from 200 B.C. we cross paths tinted red by the mineral cinabro. You will have the opportunity for long canters.
Day 3 Monday: White roads and shaded paths will guide us to Poggioferro village. This terrain allows for long gallops. The only noise heard is the thunder of hooves on the trail. During the ride back to the stables we ride through the hills and admire the typical vegetation of the area.
Day 4 Tuesday: Ride by ancient sulphur mines and along red colored roads. We arrive at the top of the hills dividing Scansano and Magliano towns and there we will have some long gallops and fantastic views.
Day 5 Wednesday: Today we ride towards Baticci, a town located between Montepò and Polveraia. The landscape changes from roads overshadowed by typical vegetation to white stone roads. Ride past historic Montepò Castle and its beautiful vineyards. Crossing “La Senna” stream we reach a mule track that brings us back to the stables.
Day 6 Thursday: Today’s ride is called “Eden Valley”….no description is needed- just imagine!
Day 7 Friday: We ride out near Scansano and arrive at “La Civitella”, an ancient roman village. We gallop through the little village of Fonte al Carpine along a white road. The riding continues by Wine Cellar of Morellino di Scansano, then to Petreto Convent, and finally back to the stables.
Day 8 Saturday: after breakfast … good-bye to everybody.
For less experienced riders or those that want to relax more - here are some riding program options:
ADULT BEGINNER PROGRAM
For those approaching the fantastic world of horses for the first time or for those who are still novices and need more practice to perfect their riding skills! The program includes 7 hours per week, divided into 5 lessons of an hour length and a trail ride of 2 hours to enjoy the beauty of the countryside.
The lessons will take place in the arena, guided by a federal teacher who will accompany you also during the trail. He will be explain the two gaits, walk and trot.
A protection cap and protection for shoulder (obligatory) will be supplied by the centre.
MEDIUM PROGRAM
This program is designed for riders with already the basic knowledge of riding at a walk and trot and wish to enhance their seat and balance during their vacation.
The program includes 10 hours per week, which will be divided between lessons in the arena and trail riding in the countryside.
The lessons will take place in the arena, guided by a federal teacher qualified as a equestrian companion. He will teach in depth the seat to the walk and trot and the beginning of the canter.
A protection cap and protection for shoulder (obligatory) will be supplied by the centre.
Meeting:
Scansano
Airport:
Rome/Florence
Train station:
Grosetto
Transfer:
Grosetto
Distance:
1.5 hrs 180 km
We recommend to rent a car in Rome. If you prefer we can arrange a private transfer from Grosseto for you.
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Tack:
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English, Western
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Horses:
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Maremma
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Pace:
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Moderate with some trots and canters, 3-4+ hours per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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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
10 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
50
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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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Protection cap and protection for shoulder (obligatory) are available for the clients at the center.
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
Temperatures in Celsius:
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Month |
Average high |
Average low |
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JAN. |
11.1 |
2.2 |
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FEB. |
12.2 |
2.8 |
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MAR. |
14.4 |
5.0 |
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APR. |
17.2 |
7.2 |
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MAY |
21.7 |
11.1 |
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JUN. |
25.6 |
14.4 |
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JUL. |
28.9 |
17.2 |
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AUG. |
28.9 |
17.2 |
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SEP. |
25.6 |
15.0 |
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OCT. |
20.6 |
11.1 |
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NOV. |
15.0 |
6.1 |
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DEC. |
11.7 |
3.3 | Temperatures in Fahrenheit:
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Month |
Average high |
Average low |
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JAN. |
52 |
36 |
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FEB. |
54 |
37 |
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MAR. |
58 |
41 |
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APR. |
63 |
45 |
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MAY |
71 |
52 |
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JUN. |
78 |
58 |
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JUL. |
84 |
63 |
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AUG. |
84 |
63 |
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SEP. |
78 |
59 |
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OCT. |
69 |
52 |
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NOV. |
59 |
43 |
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DEC. |
53 |
38 |
The riding center has some riding helmets but if you have a particular size it is better you bring you own because there is the possibility you won't find one that suits you.
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Rain coat/Wax jacket |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Light summer jacket |
| Comfortable shoes/sneakers |
| Swimsuit |
| Bandana |
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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 film |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
*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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richard clarke
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11/4/2009
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eric jackson
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8/23/2009
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susan morris
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5/19/2009
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mary wood
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5/17/2009
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frederica a. foxwell
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5/17/2009
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kathy glockner
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5/17/2009
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skye stilson
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10/13/2008
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elliot dash
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8/1/2008
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deborah capogrosso-roth
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11/4/2007
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darren lemke
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10/1/2007
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carolyn makin
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8/1/2007
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carol stockton
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6/4/2007
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edward grebow
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3/15/2007
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jennifer smith
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3/14/2007
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claudia parks
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8/23/2006
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..view other reports for different trips
Immersed in this fairy countryside and close to the ancient town of Scansano, a characteristic village on top of a hill in the Alta Maremma in Tuscany, full of history and with, you will be the welcomed guests of the 4 stars hotel resort di Scansano: an old traditions ancient residence in Tuscany, a structure created after the restoration of a characteristic country farm in Tuscany. A fantastic place, immersed in nature, where you can reconcile enviable comfort with an exciting stay in a farmhouse in Tuscany.
Your daily meals are:
- Buffet breakfast served at Taverna il Cavallino from 8 to 10 in the morning.
- a light lunch served at our Restaurant from 12.30 to 13.30 with salads and traditional soups included natural water .
- Afternoon break: in autumn and winter will be served teas and tisanes in the relax living room in the hotel with biscuits, in spring and summer will be served cold teas and tisanes in the relax zone at open air of our Spa.
- Dinner is served between 19.30 and 21.30 at our Restaurant La Castagneta, and drinks are extra.
The regular package includes a double or superior room with balcony or terrace.
Double rooms with balcony:
-- placed at the first floor of the new stone construction, built keeping the style of the old farmhouse, they are ample, bright, with a private entrance from the terrace, which has a romantic, relaxing corner with table and chairs.
All rooms have antique furniture and wrought iron beds. Each room has a private bathroom and all comforts. They offer a striking view over the green valleys of Maremma.
Superior double rooms with balcony:
-- placed at the second floor of the new stone construction, built keeping the style of the old farmhouse, they are ample and bright, and have a main entrance and a French door from which you can enter the private terrace with a romantic, relaxing corner with table and chairs.
Quiet and comfortable, they have antique furniture and wrought iron beds. Each room has a private bathroom and all comforts. They offer an unforgettable panorama.
Suites:
-- placed at the first floor of the new stone construction, built keeping the style of the characteristic Tuscan Farmhouse, they have two rooms, a large double room with window, an elegant living room with fireplace and French door from which you can enter the private terrace with table and chairs. The private bathroom is provided with a whirlpool bath and all comforts. On request, you can use the kitchenette. They have antique furniture and wrought iron beds, and offer a romantic view over the valley below the Hotel.
Standard Single rooms:
-- placed in the main part of the Hotel and in 2 annexes, they have been recently restored. All rooms have antique furniture and wrought iron beds, to make you live once again the atmosphere of the old country houses in Tuscany.
Each room has a private bathroom and all comforts. They have a striking view over the medieval village of Scansano or over the garden of the Hotel Resort.
Pool:
-- for people wishing relax after a horse - riding, for people loving spending the day in complete relax, we have at your disposal a swimming pool (15 x 7,50 metres) with a big equipped garden, thought for guests wishing a holiday in a country Resort with every comfort, where silence can be stopped only by a horse nitrite or by wind rustling.
Wellness Spa facilities:
-- the luxury Beauty Farm Spa Resort is a welcoming space, where the light and relaxing tones of the wooden furniture create a well-being oasis, based on the Oriental ideal of harmony between body and mind as a source of health and beauty. The wellness centre is a corner of paradise where you can find peace and relief from the daily stress of the modern cities. The whole centre is dedicated to total care of your body and soul and you will leave it perfectly restored, in good trim after a charming and comfortable farm holiday in the heart of Tuscany.
The wellness area provides indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy bath with Dead Sea salts, whirlpool bath and the “Paradise of the Senses”, a place entirely dedicated to health, with relaxing music and pleasant perfumes. In the “Paradise of the Senses” through bioclimatology and the right quantity of heat, at different temperatures and in distinct rooms, you can get surprising health benefits and a general state of well-being and relaxation. Moreover, the Spa provides a sauna area including calidarium, tepidarium, laconicum and frigidarium.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Protection cap and protection for shoulder (obligatory) are available for the clients at the center.
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Tack:
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English, Western
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Horses:
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Maremma
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Pace:
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Moderate with some trots and canters, 3-4+ hours per day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
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Level:
|
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
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Weight:
|
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Max
220 lbs
|
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Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
10 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
50
|
Protection cap and protection for shoulder (obligatory) are available for the clients at the center.
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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Relaxed Tuscan Ride
Tour Code: IT-ITSR01-BB
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,165.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English, Western
Horses:
Maremma
Pace:
Moderate with some trots and canters, ...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Rome/Florence
Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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