Alta Tuscany Ride

Introduction
Lazio Italy
Make a handsome 17th century castle and its “borgo” your home while befriending a reliable and beautiful horse.  Enter Alta Tuscia, one of the less inhabited Italian regions waiting for you to explore its reaches. Your riding days will be spent in the territory surrounding Castle Cristina, a centuries old castle estate still owned by the ancient and noble Caterini family, whose new generation with a passion for horses has turned the premises into an enchanting resort with an equestrian flair. 

Encased in between Southern Tuscany and Umbria, the land is rich with endless historical and archaeological sites with ancient pasts! This area, cradle of the ancient Etruscan civilization, was later named Ducato di Castro and during the Renaissance belonged to the pope's son, Pierluigi  Farnese for over a century between ‘500 and ‘600.

View the many tombs, towns, palaces and castles scattered about the countryside while horseback riding along the “Brigands Path” an old track once used by the local outlaws trying to avoid the law, some two hundred years ago! With your faithful equine partner, you will cross beautiful vineyards and olive trees with breathtaking views of Lake Bolsena and ride through lovely chestnut woods and into the open, empty plains.

In Alta Tuscia there is an old passion and tradition for the horse and the local cowboys known as the "butteri” regard them as their closest friends. Hospitality is warm and simple, but truly authentic of a region still relying on agriculture as its  main income. Whenever possible, every long excursion will stop halfway at one of the delicious resident restaurants or “trattoria” where tasty and bona fide local recipes are served!  During your downtime at the castle, lounge in the 2 lovely swimming pools and sunbathe or play a lively game of tennis on the resident courts and even challenge your mate at ping-pong!  Mini-soccer and billiards complete the activities available, and if you are lucky, you may even have the Count invite you to share a drink and a personal tour of the tower!

Accomodation



Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location during the trip.

Description
Just below the castle stands a handsome 18th Century farmhouse, the original centre of the estate’s farming activities. The farmhouse has been skillfully converted with careful attention to conserving authenticity together with comfort and privacy, in a pleasant combination with communal living. The large farm now contains eight charming apartments and 14 double bedrooms (no twin rooms available) furnished with original pieces and all equipped with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access.
The ground floor of the farm house opens onto the main terrace, which overlooks the swimming pool. On the ground floor there is a large “taverna” with brick vaulted ceilings. The space is divided into three main areas: dining room, billiard room, ping-pong room, plus a large kitchen available for all the guests and equipped for cooking courses. 
We also have a washer and dryer that guests can use for a small fee.

 

The outdoor pool is open from June 1st to September 30th. There is a tennis court as well as Volleyball courts, mini football pitch, and Jacuzzi on site.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applied.
Single room accommodations are subject to availability.



Meals
All meals are included for this trip.
We prepare local traditional food, like lasagna, handmade pasta with ragù, roll meats.
Dinners will be served either in local restaurants or at the castle estate.

Some wine is included with lunch and dinner.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner.

Riding


Riding
This trail includes 5 riding days: 1 full day (4-5 hours) & 4 half days (2-3 hours). You can also add a 50-min private lesson to your package for 40€ pp.
This trip can suite all riding levels from beginners (lessons in the arena) to experts. Excursions in the countryside on medium / long distances require rider’s ability to control the horse at the three gaits, including canter.
The overall pace of the ride us moderate with trots and canters.

Horses
Our horses have been selected for their attitude and breed. We have 20 horses at the moment that come from a wide range of breeds including: Italian Maremmano and Murgese, German, Dutch, French, Anglo Arab and cross breeds. They are our most important partners that we take a lot of pride in.
Most of the year, they live outside in the large paddocks with shelters. We also have a stables area with boxes and comfortable shelter when the weather is bad or the horses are ill and need to recover.
Around the castle, there are 100 hectares of green, sheltered fields where the horses are left free to graze. They definitely lead a good life.
We do our best to choose the best horse for our guest according to their level.

Riding Equipment
Helmets and body protectors of different sizes are available for our guests so that they can ride safely.
Some boots of different sizes are provided but if you have your own boots and helmets it is advisable to bring your own.
All guests MUST wear a helmet!

Facilities
Two large sand arenas are available for our guests to test their skills. The ground is made of volcanic sand, typical of the area. One arena is used mainly for the flat work and the other larger arena is used for show jumping. The flatwork arena is also lit with floodlights. At the opposite side of the castle we have created a 2.000 m cross-country course with beautiful wooden jumps and soft reliable ground.

Staff
Antonio is an ENGEA equestrian guide as well as the owner of the estate. He has several years of experience, riding, training and keeping horses in the countryside. He believes that the new methods of training such as Monty Roberts' and Pat Parelli have improved enormously the relation between humans and horses and our horses are benefiting from that. His knowledge of the trails of the area as well as his passion for horses and for this place will make your trip really special.
Kylie is our Kiwi guide and instructor. She has been riding all her life. After graduating university, she decided to combine her love of horses with her passion for travel and became a horse trekking guide in various countries including Australia, England, Greece, Chile, Egypt and Spain.

Insurance
Insurance covering horse riding accidents is mandatory. You have to tell the booking office in advance if you are uninsured. If you have no insurance, please consider that we need at least a 48 hours’ notice for activating one for you.

Non-Riding Activities
The estate has many other activities to offer to non-riding guests such as cooking classes, cycling, tennis, swimming and massages. There are also a number of attractions that are located in close proximity to the estate. Please, inquire for more information.

Itinerary


Please note that riding programs could be subject to changes or cancellation according to weather conditions or horses health problems.

It is possible to adapt this program for beginner or less experienced riders. This program includes 6 lessons or easy trail rides.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Your program includes 5 riding days (1 full day and 4 half-days) and 1 day with no riding activities. Half-Day trails can be replaced by a 1-hour lesson.
Please, note that there will be no full day rides in July and August due to high temperatures. During these months, the program will include 6 half day trails.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Afternoon check in, welcome drink & briefing with guide/instructor about riding and accommodation details and choice of the horses for the days ahead, enjoy your first dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 2 (Sunday): Panoramic Ride
We go on a half-day ride towards the hills framing the west plateau on which the castle is located. A fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area; from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding lake Mezzano.
Riding approx. 18 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 3 (Monday): Mezzano Lake Ride
Today, we ride through farmland on the Brigands Path into the wooded hills which surround Onano. On our way, we glimpse stone pine trees atop an ancient Etruscan site, before arriving on the flat plain of the Mezzano crater.
We stop at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant for lunch and you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake.
After a delicious meal, we ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle.
Riding approx. 32 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 4 (Tuesday): Sightseeing (no riding)
This day is free for you to explore the region. There are many interesting archaeological and historical sites. A few suggestions include the village fortresses of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovano. It is also definitely worth visiting the marvellous Italian gothic church of Orvieto - Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the ‘Dying Town’.
Alternatively you can choose to relax at the castle and take advantage of the swimming pool, tennis court, indoor and outdoor games.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 5 (Wednesday): Lake Bolsena Ride
We will be heading out along the Brigands Trail towards the picturesque Lake Bolsena. This is a fantastic spot with breathtaking views of the area stretching from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena on one side, to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano on the other side. On a clear day you can see the sea 40 km away, shimmering like a mirror.
As you head back along this ancient ‘outlaws highway’ you will pass through mature oak woodlands dotted with original farm dwellings built in the traditional tufo rock.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 6 (Thursday): Onano Ride
Once again, this morning, we take the Brigands path, heading north through the hills towards Onano. This fortified village with a medieval castle was the stronghold of the Monaldeschi family, who ruled this area during the Middle Ages.
After passing by the Madonna delle grazie church, we will follow the track north through enchanting countryside, in order to get back to the castle.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 7 (Friday): Crater Ride
Following an old Etruscan trail, we will ride up through thick woods to the top of the crater surrounding lake Bolsena. Here, we will enjoy remarkable scenery including vineyards, Etruscan tombs, the prominent volcanic lake and the panorama dominated by the famous Farnese palace in Gradoli; a gift made by the Pope in 1500!
We will return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. In particular, we will enjoy a canter across a tunnel made by oak trees above an old shepherds path
Riding approx. 16 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Departure after breakfast, say your good byes! Transfer to Orvieto train station or Rome Airport (transfers at extra cost) or depart by rental car!
Checkout is usually between 10am-12pm, although a late checkout can be arranged subject to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast



Extra Activities Nearby (added fee)

Boat Rental at Lake Bolsena (max 5 people per boat)
Lake Bolsena is a volcanic caldera lake supplied entirely from the aquifer, rainfall and runoff. A Caldera is a cauldron-like hollow formed following the evacuation of a magma chamber as opposed to a Crater which forms following an eruption around a volcanic vent. Roman records indicate activity of the Vulsini volcano occurred as recently as 104 BC but it has been dormant since then. The two islands in the southern part of the lake were formed by underwater eruptions following the collapse that created the caldera.

Wine Tour (20€ pp + transfer service - approx. 70€ per car)
The vineyards are located precisely on the slopes of the spur of tufaceous rock on which Sovana is perched, immersed in a breath-taking natural and archaeological panorama. The property was acquired by the Antinori family in 1995 and extends over 193 hectares (some 480 acres) on a gently sloping terrain of volcanic origin with a tufaceous sub-soil. It is situated at approximately 200 meters (660 feet) above sea level. The Fattoria Aldobrandesca wine premiered in summer 1998: Aleatico 1997. In 2004 premiered Vie Cave: the fruit of lands of widely varying features and careful zonal and oenological research.

Spa Visit (inquire for rate)
The medieval village of Sorano is famous for its ancient springs. Recent hydro-geological research has confirmed the existence of an important flow of thermal water, enhancing the value of the ancient springs located above the church of Santa Maria dell ‘Aquila. This natural treasure is now used to feed a large thermal pool, with a special area reserved for children and including two waterfalls. This allows guests to benefit from a natural hydro-massage all year round. The water, rich in calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate, emerges from the springs at a temperature of 37.5°C. Today, guests can enjoy the benefits of this thermal water in the unique surroundings of the Sorano Thermal Springs Residence.



Onsite Non-Riding Activities (included)
- Swimming pool open from 9 am to 8 pm from June 1st to September 30th
- Game room with pool table, table tennis and table football

Onsite Non-Riding Activities (for added fee)
- Tennis court (10€ pp per hour)
- E-bikes rental
- Massages are available upon request and according to our availability (extra cost - please inquire), any day from 9 am to 7 pm
- Yoga (20€ pp for 1.5 hours) - min 5 pax required
- Cooking lesson (25€ pp for 50 minutes + lunch fee)

Rates and Dates for Alta Tuscany Ride

Dates Note: Saturday-Saturday

Other Info
Meeting: Grotte di Castro
Airport: Rome Fiumicino
Transfer: Orvieto- best to rent a car or take taxi from Orvieto

Climate:
                                                Onano area