Chianti Hills Explorer

Introduction
Tuscany Italy
Stay in lovely traditional Tuscan farmhouses and explore the Arno valley and the neighboring Chianti hills on horseback.

The rolling countryside is made up of vineyards, olive groves and extensive woodlands of oak, chestnut and pine, while on the hilltops perch ancient castles and medieval villages that seem lost in another age.

Under the careful guidance of your English host, who is a mine of information about the history, customs, flora and fauna of the area (not to mention Tuscan art and architecture), all rides are an excellent introduction to rural Tuscany.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
Overnights are spent in lovely farmhouses.

Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1-3: Farmhouse
Nights 4-6: Agriturismo I Tribbi
Night 7: Farmhouse

Farmhouse
This small family-run farm holiday center in the Chianti hills was established back in 1969. While fully surrounded by pristine countryside (vineyards, olive-groves and woodlands), it is only three miles from the station of Montevarchi.
The 17th-century house has a panoramic view over the Arno valley. It is typically Tuscan, with its pigeon-loft, beams, terracotta floors and arches. Each bedroom is attractively furnished and has its own small bathroom. There is a sitting room with a large selection of English books and classical music and a fire is prepared on the hearth on wintry days.
The farm is primarily a riding-centre: the stables are just behind the house, a dozen or so horses graze in the surrounding paddocks.
The house itself is clean and pretty, but it is after all a family home, with books spilling out of the shelves and jackets hanging on the back of chairs.
There is free internet access (WIFI) at the riding center.

Agriturismo I Tribbi
The I Tribbi estate is a manor house located about 500 meters high, in a scenic area surrounded by greenery. The house has guests rooms of different sizes and offers the opportunity to enjoy two outdoor pools as well as a park surrounded by cypress trees.
Each of our rooms has a typically Tuscan style, with colors and materials that fall within the architectural tradition of our region. Stone, terracotta, wood and wrought iron for a warm and simple at the same time. And with added value: a unique view of the surrounding hills.

Room Occupancy
Single room accommodations are available free of charge, subject to availability.


Meals
All meals are included in this trip.

You will be amazed at the variety of Tuscan dishes offered. Our cook has a large repertoire of pasta, rice and meat dishes and typical Italian desserts. Franca has now been our cook for several years and Jenny gives her a hand with her cooking classes. A typical meal comprises 3 courses: a “primo piatto” of pasta or rice, a meat or fish dish, followed by fresh fruit or dessert. 

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

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

Riding
 
Riding
In a week's stay, you will never do the same ride twice. This is not fast riding country, but there is so much to look at that speed is not an issue. You will follow trails through pretty vineyards, olive groves and woodlands without any landowners objecting and without meeting a single gate, something that never ceases to amaze.

Horses
There are 12 horses on our property, and they are of various breeds, as we believe that it is the temperament of the horse, not the breed that matters. 
The horses are kept in the stables immediately behind the house or in the surrounding fields.
The horses, all trained in the English style of riding, are sleek, fit and even those which are stable-kept spend some hours in the paddocks every day if they are not ridden. They all have good characters, strong hooves and plenty of stamina. All the horses do arena work as well as riding out on the trail, so they are obedient and responsive to the aids on all occasions.
There are also 2 ponies available, but they are lively little fellows and are not suitable for children less than ten years old.   
If riders feel inclined, they are welcome to help with the grooming and tacking up of the horses, an excellent way of making friends with their mounts.

Staff
Jenny set up the riding center because she wanted to transmit to others her love of horses and the Tuscan countryside. She is very knowledgeable about the local history, art and architecture as well as the flora and fauna.
Eraldo (qualified as a BHS instructor) is in charge of the riding side of activities. He is very knowledgeable about birds, is an experienced instructor and guide, a keen fisherman and hunter – and a charming fellow with a great gift of the gab!

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
 
NOTE: our program has a degree of flexibility for your own leisure, and some details may change due to weather or specific events such as grape harvest.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Go to the main railway station of Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella). Now take the 6:14 pm train (RV4085)to Foligno, and get off at Montevarchi-Terranuova, our local station (you should reach it for 6:51 pm). The preceding station is San Giovanni Valdarno, but when the train leaves it you can start getting your luggage together, as only four minutes later you will arrive at Montevarchi). Your host, Jenny (white-haired and wearing a red shirt) will be there to welcome you
on platform 1.
Then, take a ten-minute drive in a minivan to the farm, the 400-year-old typically Tuscan home of your host. Settle in and then enjoy a chat and a glass of Chianti Classico with your host, either in the sitting room or outside the farmhouse with its panoramic views.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farm

Day 2 (Sunday): Introductory Ride
Breakfast, followed by a morning ride with your English-speaking guide Eraldo. You ride through vineyards, olive-groves and woodland, passing an 18th-century Villa and a 14th-century church.
After lunch and a rest, you go on a short walk to a local farmhouse to sample homemade jams and visit the “Museo della civiltà contadina” (Museum of Rural Culture).
Riding approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farm

Day 3 (Monday): Morning Ride & Cooking Class
This morning, you go on a ride through more breathtaking landscapes of the Valdarno region.
You will be back at the farmhouse in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, cooking class with Isabella, in preparation for dinner.
Riding approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farm

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride to Valdambra Valley
Today, you go on a full day ride to “I Tribbi”, a beautiful country villa overlooking the neighboring valley of Valdambra.
On our way, we stop for our picnic lunch near the village of San Leolino.
Dinner and overnight at I Tribbi.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at I Tribbi

Day 5 (Wednesday): Montebenichi Ride
After breakfast, ride to visit the village of Montebenichi, with its two restored medieval castles, then back to I Tribbi for lunch.
Spend a relaxing afternoon at the estate, with time for a deep in the swimming pool, resting or reading in the garden.
For dinner, you enjoy a typical Tuscan “grigliata” (barbecue) with Casabianca top quality wine.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at I Tribbi

Day 6 (Thursday): Relax (no riding)
This is a day for relaxation. You can visit Siena to do some shopping and to discover the city at your own leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at I Tribbi

Day 7 (Friday): Cennina Castle Ride
Ride back to the farmhouse, with picnic stop in the valley below the castle of Cennina, at “Podere Il Lupo”. During the meal, wine tasting with your host Talita, then back to the farmhouse for a special farewell dinner.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farm

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Breakfast and EITHER your own arrangements to leave (departure is usually by 10:00 am) OR a ten-minute drive to Montevarchi to meet the train back to Florence. For those going to Rome, there is a direct train from Montevarchi.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Chianti Hills Explorer

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Farm
Airport: Florence
Transfer: Montevarchi Train Station

Climate:
                                            Montevarchi area