Transfer and Other Options:

Sample Itinerary:

Gino di Tacco Trail Itinerary (6 nights)
Day 1 Sunday: Arrive on Sunday and settle into your accommodations. You will have time to relax before meeting Enrica Bartolini, owner and instructor-guide with Carlo Baccelloni for a complimentary aperitif. This evening you will sample the first of your delicious meals.

Day 2 Monday:  
Farm of Casa del Rigo – Bernabé – Casal Maestro Antica Cassia /Via Francigena tratto sud - Poggio del Terminone -Fattoria La Novella -Puntaccio.
Depart from the equestrian centre on horseback. Today’s ride takes a southwest direction and carries you through some of the most scenic hill landscape of cultivated fields and clay hills During the course of your ride in this area, you will be exposed to the perennial erosive action of atmospheric agents that has created the startling and extraordinary slopes and ridges known as “calanchi”. It is the famous Via Francigena, the road of the ancient Etruscans and Romans, with its quite distinctive geography: the open rolling hills planted with golden wheat, the gray balze and some of the most famous farms are located in this area.  Distance: about 22 Km
Afternoon: Option for a full body massage

Day 3 Tuesday:  
Fattoria Erose - Fiume Rigo - Palazzuolo - Poggio Bianco -Monte Cetona west side- Balena - Fosso delle Assolate 
We will head off in a north east direction and will ride to the Cetona Mountain area. This area is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of central Italy. The ride travels across the eastern slopes of Cetona Mountain. Since the Paleolithic era (50,000 years ago) many of its natural caves were occupied by humans. The area is also full of animals such as buzzard, green woodpecker, nocturnal bird of pray, deer, roe and many others.  Distance: about 23 km 
Afternoon : Fonteverde Natural Spa swimming pool

Day 4  Wednesday:  A trip to Tuscany should never be without sightseeing the historic sites or classic vineyards, so today is open for you to explore on your own or we can provide a driver for you. We offer a number of different sightseeing options (not included) to Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino etc., or you can rent a car from the center and explore on your own.
We can set aside the morning to participate in a Cooking Class with the chef of the restaurant (included).

Day 5 Thursday: 
Casa del Rigo - Pod. Sargiunto - Colombaiolo La Palazzina - Madonna delle Vigne - Radicofani - Antica Cassia – Via Francigena - Casal maestro - Bernabé - Casa del Rigo.
Today you will ride to the castle of Radicofani, built in the 9th century. The castle is located in a strategic position, dominating the Francigena route. In the middle age it was occupied by the ‘gentleman bandit’, Ghino di Tacco, a Robin Hood of sorts that was mentioned by Dante in the Devine Comedy and by Boccaccio in the Decamerone. With its 896 meters high, it is dominates the whole territory set between the Mount Cetona, the Orcia Valley and the Mount Amiata. During the war between Siena and Florence it was Cosimo I Medici who wanted it for a defensive fortress. Since 1735 it was neglected but the recent restoration has restored the ancient splendor of the past. Distance: about 24 Km  
Afternoon: Option for a full body massage

Day 6 Friday:  
Valle del Rigo - Pod. Fosso di Nido – La Mannella – Il Poggio Corno- La Croce di Celle
Today’s itinerary takes you on eastward trail to the area of ‘Crete Senesi’, the Rigo Valley and around the San Casciano Bagni, with its 46 thermal water sources that encircle it and have rendered it famous from the time of the ancient Romans. Along the way you will find a few secluded farmhouses, some of them restored some other not yet, among these there are Banditelle and Mannella that are included in our estate. Distance: about 26 Km
We have planned a wine tasting for you around 6:30 PM

Day 7 Saturday:  Departure after breakfast. Ciao.

Welcome to Tuscany Trail (7 nights)

This is a more relaxing riding holiday week for riders of all riding levels. The perfect getaway to relax, sightsee and explore the hills on horseback.

Day 1 Saturday: Arrive and settle into your accommodations. You will have time to relax before meeting Enrica Bartolini, owner and instructor-guide with Carlo Baccelloni for a complimentary aperitif. This evening you will sample the first of your delicious meals.

Days 2 to 7 Sunday to Friday:  Each morning after breakfast you will head to the stables where your horse is ready and waiting for you. Your guide will then take you for a relaxing two-hour trail ride into the country side.  The afternoons are open for sightseeing, Spa visits (1 entrance fee is included), go on a wine tasting tour in this wine growing area with some very famous wine producers. A very delighted lunch will be served at the restaurant in the “Belvedere” or in the “Veranda” at the end of each trail. One afternoon will be set aside to participate in a Cooking Class with the chef of the restaurant (included).

Day 8 Saturday:  Departure after breakfast. Ciao.

Sample only, subject to change

"Casale"
The "Casale", the main welcome area and elegant lodging for guests, is the completely and traditionally restored beautiful original stone farmhouse. It has obviously retained its initial appeal and stands in a splendid position overlooking the magnificent unspoilt landscape of the characteristic clay hills of the Val d’Orcia, the imposing Radicofani fortress, Mt. Amiata, the austere medieval tower of Celle sul Rigo and renowned San Casciano Bagni. Five suites, charmingly furnished and fully equipped with many modern conveniences and comforts, have been suitably built on the first floor of the house. There are also two swimming pools on the back lawn of the "Casale", one of which has a special wading and safe playing area for the joy of children.



"Borgo"
Nestled on the ORGANIC FARM, the "Borgo" has been built up it the central area of the old farm buildings, with delightful, completely separate, top quality self-catering apartments, all in the likeness of a traditional hamlet: the so-called "Borgo", ideal for eco-tourism holidays.
A country "Borgo" is truly perfect for total relaxation in the peace and quiet of natural, unspoilt, yet stunning surroundings. It most certainly contributes to getting away from the stressing hustle and bustle by offering a secure place in which to escape and soak up the beauty of fantastic views, a homely atmosphere and...the Tuscan sun...or delight in the warmth of wood fires for cosy winter stays as each apartment has its own fireplace!
Needless to say that it is almost impossible to identify what it is that makes Tuscany so extraordinarily magical. A unique world-renowned region, unlike any other, it has always been famously rich for its own history, art, legends, language, humour and traditions. Tuscany creates atmosphere and enthralling memories...it just has that special touch!
The "Borgo" is made up of charming converted stables, fashioned in genuine imitation of a small, typical and enchanting rural village, with its main square, inner courtyard and homely, secluded Mediterranean gardens for each unit where guests can unwind and enjoy quiet private rests. The various furnishings have all been made by local craftsmen in keeping with Tuscan and Sienese styles.
Within the classic warmth and simplicity of a rural home enough practical space has been designed to fit modern comforts and utilities to ensure guests a blissful stay.



Restaurant:
The restaurant on the ground floor of the "Casale" is where typical specialties of the Tuscan cuisine can be savored. Every dish is prepared, not only with a creative flair for the eye's delight, but with healthy local food and genuine organic products straight off the farm, taking great care to enhance the most intensive flavours of each of the fresh garden crops as well as the farm-produced pork and cheese delicatessen...for the gratification of the palate too!
The atmosphere is naturally rustic and the service is provided in a manner that is both attentive and pleasurably relaxing.
Traditional local dishes from the area, such as “pici” and other home-made pasta specialties are accompanied by the farm wines, or by wines, prevalently Tuscan, especially selected for the Poggio's guests from the most prestigious Italian wineries.
There is a most striking Belvedere leading out from the restaurant – set up with an open-air buffet in the summer months – from which the gorgeous and most awesome view of the countryside, made famous by the renowned Sienese School painters, can be thoroughly enjoyed whilst in the evenings the beautiful sunsets that impart a glowing red silhouette to Mt. Amiata and the tower of Ghino di Tacco’s Castle can be witnessed and stored amongst "those special memories"..

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Sella Italiano, Arabian, Maremmano
Pace:		Moderate with trots and canters | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Good Novice, Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 16
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 24

The operation is a federal equestrian centre affiliated to F.I.S.E (Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports).  The horses – Arabian and Italian – are raised and trained directly at the farm, according to the classic fundamentals of natural horseback riding. The horses are well fed and trained, and they have a number of paddocks where they are free to run peacefully, and then become the trustworthy companions of our guests.



Enrica Bartolini grew up with horses, which have always been a tradition and a passion for her family. She is a 2nd Level Country Riding Instructor, is an excellent Endurance rider, and was the first to create an endurance course with permanent markers in Italy, a natural training area for horses.
All those who come to ride will find a structure that is technically qualified and organised for basic courses, as well as a for spending a period in deep contact with horses. Those who wish to spend an unforgettable holiday with their own horse, or to train their horse on beautiful courses and trails over various terrain will be able to count on a pleasant and well-equipped stable.
The riding holidays are an ideal combination of riding technique and above all, studying, understanding and listening to the horse in a serene way.
All participation in riding activities requires registration, which provides for the issuing of a F.I.S.E. Class A riding license. Those who already possess the license will be automatically registered.