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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Italy
Intro to Italy
 Abruzzo/MoliseCampania Lazio Tuscany
Extensions:
Wine Route in Tyrol
France
Spain
Portugal
Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
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Ride and Relax in Chianti
Tuscany
Italy
The farmstead, which was built at the end of the nineteenth century and home of the Chianti riding centre and farm, is situated in the serene Chianti region in the center of the Siena, Florence, and Arezzo triangle. Surrounded by meadows and woods with a view to a medieval castle, the farm is in the rare position to offer its guests the silence of nature, the sound of birdsong, the neighing of horses and rushing of the river flowing. Here you are welcomed to spend a week in rural Chianti country surrounded by horses, good company and some of the most famous vineyards in Italy.
A wine tasting of the famous Brunello in Montalcino is only 40 minutes away. If culture and history call you, the medieval town of Sienca is only a 20 minute drive from the riding center - go explore and take in the ancient atmosphere of the Duomo and the plaza. If you time it right, you can even be part of the Palio horse race in Siena - what a spectacle! Excellent instruction is available to you by Donatella Zambon, who is an accomplished equestrian and has taught hundreds of riders from both beginners and advanced. She chooses and prepares her horses personally. Once trained they are never sold! You can opt to learnt op ride, improve riding, specialize in eventing instruction, or explore the beautiful landscape on horseback!
The location of the farm makes it an ideal base for cycling and hiking, and for those who wish to mix cultural tourism with outdoor pursuits.
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Riding Clinic
Short Getaway
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Castelnuovo
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Airport:
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Florence / Pisa
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Transfer:
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Montevarchi or Siena train station
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
7 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
Accommodations with private bath, breakfast for first day, 10 hours of select riding program
Riding Program Options:
1) beginner program: 10 lessons + 2 hacks of 1 h
2) intermediate program: 6 lessons + 3 hacks half day (approx 2.5 hours)
3) eventing program : 6 lessons (2 dressage, 2 jumping, 2 cross country) + 1 hack (half day)
4) trail ride program: 6 half day hacks or 1 full day hack with picnic + 2 half day hacks + 2 lessons
| A | 2019 | 8 day trip - Beginner Program | 8d / 7n | €815 | $980 |
| B | 2019 | 8 day trip - Intermediate Program | 8d / 7n | €815 | $980 |
| C | 2019 | 8 day trip - Eventing Program | 8d / 7n | €815 | $980 |
| D | 2019 | 8 day trip - Trail Ride Program | 8d / 7n | €815 | $980 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2019
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Tourist tax (mandatory)
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€
11
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$15
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2019
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Non-Rider
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€
475
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$570
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2019
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Single Supplement
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€
265
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$320
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2019
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Transfer from Montevarchi train station included
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€
0
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$0
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2019
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Transfer from Florence Airport (1-3 pax), per person, roundtrip
- to be paid locally
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€
130
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$155
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2019
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Transfer from Florence Airport (4-6 pax), per person, roundtrip
- to be paid locally
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€
150
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$180
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2019
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Transfer from Pisa Airport (1-3 pax), per person, roundtrip
- to be paid locally
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€
220
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$265
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2019
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Transfer from Pisa Airport (4-6 pax), per person, roundtrip
- to be paid locally
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€
240
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$290
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2019
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Transfer from Rome Airport (1-3 pax), per person, roundtrip
- to be paid locally
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€
350
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$420
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2019
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Transfer from Rome Airport (4-6 pax), per person, roundtrip
- to be paid locally
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€
400
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$480
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Best to rent a car in Florence or Pisa. If you prefer we can arrange a transfer from Florence or Pisa. There are good train connections from Pisa or Florence to Siena or Montevarchi - free pick up from there.
Tour Dates for 2019
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| A |
2019
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Beginner Progra...
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2
/7
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Reserve
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| B |
2019
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Intermediate Pr...
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2
/7
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Reserve
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| C |
2019
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Eventing Progra...
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2
/7
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Reserve
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| D |
2019
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Trail Ride Prog...
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2
/7
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Reserve
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Arrival can be any day of the week throughout the year.
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Rates do not include:
Breakfast (except for the first breakfast), lunches & dinners, spa treatments (nearby), sightseeing trips to Siena (20 minutes), Montalcino (40 minutes) etc.
This week is a combination of equation and free time to do thing for those who want to go riding, but who also have the time available to visit this corner of Tuscany.
Beginner Program: 10 lessons + 2 hacks of 1hr each
For those who want to start riding with an intensive course and thus tangible results at the end of the week. The beginner has two lessons a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with the maximum of three students per group of the same level with horses chosen and prepared with this aim. The instructor starts the beginners with a gradual personalized system that has been tested by years of experience, allowing the student to learn to ride and improve their skills. Normally after the first 3 days of lessons the students go out for the first hack, alternating in the following days with lessons and rides.
Intermediate Program: 6 lessons + 3 half-day hacks (approx. 2.5 hours each)
For those who want to take a further course with well trained horses. Often the art of learning to ride can leave large gaps. We believe that we have the power to bridge these gaps, by explaining and making you train with serenity and competence.
Eventing Program: 6 lessons (2 dressage, 2 jumping, and 2 cross-country) + 2 half-day hacks
We work on the flat and can instruct you in jumping up to 1.40m (4'6). We focus on small technical combinations that help with the equilibrium of the horse and the riders.
Trail Ride Program: 6 half-day hacks OR 1 full-day hack with picnic + 2 half-day hacks + 2 lessons
For those who already have experience and want to visit those angles of Tuscany that are only visible on horseback. Thanks to the big network of routes and country roads, we can arrange a variety of routes for the rider to discover the story, culture, and architecture of Chianti while being immersed in nature and far from the noise of the asphalt roads. The routes are always accompanied by a licensed guide. Our horses are professionals of the routes, so we can give you the pleasant sensation of enjoying the route and the pace.
--The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.--
Meeting:
Castelnuovo
Airport:
Florence / Pisa
Train station:
Montevarchi or Siena
Transfer:
Montevarchi or Siena train station
Distance:
Pisa 1.5 hrs / Florence 1 hr
Best to rent a car in Florence or Pisa. If you prefer we can arrange a transfer from Florence or Pisa. There are good train connections from Pisa or Florence to Siena or Montevarchi - free pick up from there.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Italian and French Anglo Arab and warm blood
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots, cantrers and short gallops
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
7 riders
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We like our horses to be happy! They work both in the school and in the countryside, and spend some hours every day in the fields to relax and play. The riding center has a regulation open air paddock and an indoor school.
Once horses join the center they are never sold and periodically they are re-trained and worked with the lunge by our instructors. There are 16 horses. We choose our horses not according to their breed but by looking at their attitude to work in the flat and in the countryside. They must have good mental balance so they can change riders easily. Horses are friendly and easy to handle. For this reason in our stables you will find many different breeds: Anglo-Arab, Thoroughbred, Warmblood, Murgesi, Arab , Holsteiner etc.
Saddles are Kieffer or Appaloosa Prestige and there are many short chaps and helmets available.
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
Florence area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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52
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54
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60
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67
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75
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83
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89
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89
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81
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70
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59
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52
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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36
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37
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42
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46
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54
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60
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65
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65
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59
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52
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43
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37
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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11
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12
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16
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19
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24
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28
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32
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32
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27
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21
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15
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11
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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2
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3
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5
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8
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12
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16
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18
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18
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15
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11
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6
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3
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
To avoid the heat, it’s best to visit in spring and autumn. During the peak summer months of July and August, the weather can be very hot, but it still gets cooler in the evenings. It usually does not rain in the summertime. Autumn brings more comfortable temperatures as well as some rainfall, but there are still dry, sunny days. The winters are not too chilly with the lowest expected temperatures in the peak of winter being around 0°C / 32°F. However, at night, it sometimes gets very cold.
| 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 |
| Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots and mini chaps |
| Riding helmet |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight waterproofs |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Jacket |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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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 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.
..view other reports for different trips
The farmstead of S. Margherita was built at the end of the nineteenth century and is now the home of a riding centre and farm. It is situated in the Senese Chianti at the centre of the Siena, Florence, and Arezzo triangle.
The buildings have recently been renovated without altering their original form. The farm house is divided into apartments so that guests will be able to enjoy the complete privacy during their stay at the riding centre.
Division of apartments:
-Alloro Apt: Alloro bedroom + sitting room with sofa bed - can accommodate 2+ 2 guests - 48 sq. m
-Grande Noce Apt : 3/4 bedrooms (Suite, Rosa Chinae bedroom ) with adjacent sitting room and kitchen - 180 sq. m
-Cottage: two floors with view of our pasture + Castello for 2/3 guests - 50 sq. m
All apartments have their own private space outside with a table and chairs
Our desire was to create a harmonious setting in 6000 square feet, for a limited number of guests who are looking to stay in a friendly, but at the same time discreet environment. We are also a certified organic farm and we try to respect the environment in the way we run our farm holiday accommodation. Castelnuovo Berardenga town council organizes cultural and social activities in the area and there are two well-known spa swimming pools ten minutes away.
We love animals and have a lot, so we are unable to accept dogs or other pets, but if you are looking for such accommodation there are two neighboring farms which offer two apartments where it is possible to take animals.
Meals:
All meals are prepared with as many organic ingredients as possible - from the our own gardens. Breakfasts typically consist of bread with butter and jam and juice. Dinners are typical Tuscan gourmet dishes that will satisfy the most demanding pallets.
For the Ride and Relax Program
Only a complimentary breakfast basket is included on the first morning. Meals can be purchased at the farm: breakfast €15 pp, lunch €30 pp, dinner €35 pp or guests are welcome to explore the restaurants in the surrounding villages.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Italian and French Anglo Arab and warm blood
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Pace:
|
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Moderate with trots, cantrers and short gallops
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
7 riders
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We like our horses to be happy! They work both in the school and in the countryside, and spend some hours every day in the fields to relax and play. The riding center has a regulation open air paddock and an indoor school.
Once horses join the center they are never sold and periodically they are re-trained and worked with the lunge by our instructors. There are 16 horses. We choose our horses not according to their breed but by looking at their attitude to work in the flat and in the countryside. They must have good mental balance so they can change riders easily. Horses are friendly and easy to handle. For this reason in our stables you will find many different breeds: Anglo-Arab, Thoroughbred, Warmblood, Murgesi, Arab , Holsteiner etc.
Saddles are Kieffer or Appaloosa Prestige and there are many short chaps and helmets available.
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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Ride and Relax in Chianti
Tour Code:
IT-ITSR11
8 days /
7 nights
~$980.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
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. |
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