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Dressage training in Tuscany A
Tuscany
Italy
Strategically positioned midway between Siena and Florence sits the square stone farmhouse villa dating from 1700 owned by Gianni and Cristina, a couple who have dedicated their lives to the equestrian arts. The riding center appeals particularly to visitors with a passion for horseback riding, for the de Marchis offer everything from basic riding lessons to dressage training, and day outings through the gorgeous surrounding countryside. In fact, the center is recognized as one of the top riding “ranches” in Tuscany. Courses both for riders just starting out in dressage as well as for experienced dressage enthusiasts are organized weekly throughout the year. With the emphasis on correct basic schoolwork, riders are also encouraged to work on carefully prepared exercises in the lateral movements, transitions, canter and counter-canter as well as work from the ground. For very advanced levels, riders also have the possibility to work on piaffé, passage and flying changes.
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Meeting:
Barberino Val d'Elsa
Airport:
Florence
Transfer:
Florence airport or Florence train station
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Rates and Dates for 2009
Rates include:
Accommodations, buffet breakfast and four course dinner with table wine, riding package: 3 days, 2 hr lessons /day & 3 half days of riding out.
| A | 2009 | 8 days, Program A Lessons and Hacking | 8d / 7n | €960 | $1395 |
| Kids discount (7-18) in same room with adults | (€345) | ($500) |
| Single supplement (dbl room for sgl use) | €196 | $285 |
| Room upgrade for Tower and Teatro room or Apartment | €105 | $155 |
| Non Rider rate | €644 | $935 |
| C | 2009 | 8 days, Program A Lessons and Hacking (low) | 8d / 7n | €880 | $1280 |
| Kids discount (7-18) in same room with adults | (€300) | ($435) |
| Weeks with no dinners = discount | (€220) | ($310) |
| Single supplement (dbl room) | €154 | $225 |
| Room upgrade for Tower and Teatro room or Apartment | €105 | $155 |
| Non Rider rate | €560 | $815 |
A Euro 150 discount each for groups of 6+ riders (sharing double or triple).
Rates Note:
Children rates up to 18 yrs are available- based on sharing with 2 adults- please inquire. Note: Change of towels and cleaning of room is only once a week - additional can be requested at €10
Transfer Option:
|
2009
|
Transfer from Florence (airport) - up to 7 pass.return ~
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
140
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$205
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|
2009
|
Transfer from Florence (train station) - up to 7 pass. Return ~
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
130
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$190
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2009
|
Transfer from Pisa (airport) - up to 7 pass. ~
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
240
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$350
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Good train connections from Rome to Florence. Usual arrival point is either Florence airport or Florence train station (Santa Maria Novella). A transfer is also available on request from Pisa airport.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
| C |
2009
|
05/02
- 05/09
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Expired
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
05/09
- 05/16
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Expired
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
05/16
- 05/23
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Sold Out
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
05/23
- 05/30
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Expired
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
05/30
- 06/06
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Expired
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
06/06
- 06/13
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Expired
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
06/13
- 06/20
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Expired
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
06/20
- 06/27
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Sold Out
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
06/27
- 07/04
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Sold Out
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
07/04
- 07/11
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
07/11
- 07/18
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
07/18
- 07/25
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
07/25
- 08/01
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
08/01
- 08/08
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
08/08
- 08/15
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
08/15
- 08/22
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
08/22
- 08/29
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
08/29
- 09/05
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
09/05
- 09/12
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
09/12
- 09/19
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
09/19
- 09/26
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
09/26
- 10/03
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
10/03
- 10/10
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
10/10
- 10/17
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
10/17
- 10/24
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
10/24
- 10/31
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
10/31
- 11/07
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
11/07
- 11/14
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
11/14
- 11/21
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
11/21
- 11/28
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
11/28
- 12/05
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
12/05
- 12/12
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2009
|
12/12
- 12/19
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
12/19
- 12/26
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
12/26
- 01/02
|
8d / 7n
|
4
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
|
Weekly Saturday-Saturday. Available all year, but from Jan to early April and after November 1 - dinner will only be offered when at least 6 people are confirmed (discount for NO dinners Euro 220)
Rates do not include:
Lunches and Gratuities. Upgrade to "superior room" = Tower room / Teatro room / Apartments
The riding packages include
A. Lessons/hacking :
3 days with 2 hours of riding lessons each and 3 half days riding out
B. Dressage/hacking:
3 days with 2 hours of dressage lessons each and 3 half days riding out
C. Lessons for beginners:
6 days with 2 hours of riding lessons each
D. Dressage :
5 days with 2 hours of dressage lessons each and 1 half day riding out
E. Hacking only:
6 half days riding out (about 14 to 16 hours in total)
F. Non rider
7 nights lodging with breakfast and dinner
Thirty well trained horses (Lusitanos, Anglo-arabs, Berber, Arabs, English Thoroughbred and Italian Riding horses) are available. They will be assigned according to the skills and wishes of the riders.
The lessons are divided into three groups.
Beginners can learn riding from the very first steps.
Post-beginners can extend their knowledge and skill or partake in the riding out.
Experienced riders can take dressage lessons or combine this with riding out.
The riding lessons are taken in the training arena adjacent to the house. The lessons are in small groups, which are arranged according to riding skills. The lessons are in English, Italian or French.
The riding out is always accompanied by a local guide. In most cases they follow small country paths or go across country. Roads are only seldom crossed. It is also possible to book additional lessons or rides out.
Classical Dressage Training
The training method is based on supplying and loosening up the horse to achieve elasticity and lightness in the use of the aids. We follow the very traditional principles of classical riding but which are also practiced by riders competing in modern dressage.
The professional foundation is based on the academic style and the qualification is derived from the benefit of several years of training with Portuguese master Pedro Batista De Almeida, a pupil of the great Nuno Olivera. Mr. De Almeida spent his career as the technical director responsible for the Portuguese National Stud which has more than 100 stallions.
Non riders: The center also organizes courses in Italian and is an excellent base for touring the heart of Tuscany (you should have a rental car). Florence and Siena are just 30 minutes by car. The swimming pool gives splendid views over olive groves and vineyards. This is an ideal place to explore the Tuscan countryside by foot or by bicycle. The beautiful trekking routes of the Chianti-valley can be reached by car very easily.
Meeting:
Barberino Val d'Elsa
Airport:
Florence
Train station:
Florence
Transfer:
Florence airport or Florence train station
Good train connections from Rome to Florence. Usual arrival point is either Florence airport or Florence train station (Santa Maria Novella). A transfer is also available on request from Pisa airport.
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Tack:
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English saddle; general purpose and dressage., Italian saddles
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Horses:
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Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs
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Pace:
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2-3 riding hours / day, the trail rides are generally calm: mainly walk and trot, sometimes canter. Hacking out is not available for beginner riders.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
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Level:
|
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(2
to
5
out of 5) All riding levels
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4
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Max
8
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The quality of tuition is very high: instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP. Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian or French or in german for beginners. The groups are of max. 4/5 riders.
The rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide. In most cases we follow small country paths or go across the tuscan countryside. It is possible to organise riding out with wine tasting or full ride out with picnic.
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
In spring 20º to 25º Celsius, during summer and fall 25º to 30º C. Central Italy has kind of ocean climate with mild winters and not too hot of a summer.
Temperatures in Celsius:
|
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
Warmest ever |
Coldest ever |
|
JAN. |
11.1 |
2.2 |
17.8 |
-13.9 |
|
FEB. |
12.2 |
2.8 |
21.1 |
-7.8 |
|
MAR. |
14.4 |
5.0 |
23.9 |
-7.8 |
|
APR. |
17.2 |
7.2 |
27.8 |
-2.2 |
|
MAY |
21.7 |
11.1 |
31.1 |
2.8 |
|
JUN. |
25.6 |
14.4 |
35.0 |
1.1 |
|
JUL. |
28.9 |
17.2 |
37.2 |
8.9 |
|
AUG. |
28.9 |
17.2 |
36.1 |
7.8 |
|
SEP. |
25.6 |
15.0 |
36.1 |
2.8 |
|
OCT. |
20.6 |
11.1 |
29.4 |
0 |
|
NOV. |
15.0 |
6.1 |
25.0 |
-7.2 |
|
DEC. |
11.7 |
3.3 |
23.9 |
-7.2 |
Temperatures in Fahrenheit:
|
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
Warmest ever |
Coldest ever |
|
JAN. |
52 |
36 |
64 |
7 |
|
FEB. |
54 |
37 |
70 |
18 |
|
MAR. |
58 |
41 |
75 |
18 |
|
APR. |
63 |
45 |
82 |
28 |
|
MAY |
71 |
52 |
88 |
37 |
|
JUN. |
78 |
58 |
95 |
34 |
|
JUL. |
84 |
63 |
99 |
48 |
|
AUG. |
84 |
63 |
97 |
46 |
|
SEP. |
78 |
59 |
97 |
37 |
|
OCT. |
69 |
52 |
85 |
32 |
|
NOV. |
59 |
43 |
77 |
19 |
|
DEC. |
53 |
38 |
75 |
19 |
Beginners do not have to bring a full riding equipment - we can provide chaps, whips and riding hats (not all sizes). No laundry service is available, but there is one in Tavarnelle (3Km from Il Paretaio). Travelers cheques are accepted.
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... this list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Personal Travel Insurance |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Normal riding gear or comfortable, yet sturdy pants. No leggings please. |
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Riding boots or shoes with flat soles and heels that cover the ankles. We recommend mini chaps. |
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Long sleeved cotton shirts (for sun protection) |
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Riding helmet (not mandatory, but recommended for all trips) |
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Riding gloves |
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Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
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A wind breaker, rain gear that can be pulled over the saddle |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear and socks |
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Pyjama |
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Light summer jacket |
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Trekking boots / Comfortable shoes |
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Swimsuit |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for an emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and enough extra films |
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Belt pack |
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Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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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.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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Maria Capriotti
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5/22/2008
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Catharina von Ziegner
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5/6/2007
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Jocelyn Kivort
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3/14/2007
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Dora Lee
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4/5/2005
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations: Guests are hosted in an 18th century country villa featuring terra-cotta floors, wooden beamed roofs etc. The house has 8 guest rooms (all with bathrooms). On the ground floor is a rustic living room with country antiques, comfy sofas, and piano enhanced by a vaulted brick ceiling and worn terra-cotta floors, off which are two bedrooms. Upstairs, the main gathering area is the dining room, which features a massive fireplace and a seemingly endless wooden table. This room gives access to more bedrooms, each decorated with touches such as dried flowers, white lace curtains, and, of course, equestrian prints. The "special" room in the tower (La Piccionaia) has six windows giving a wonderful panoramic view over the scenic landscape - a must for honeymooners.
Meals: The cuisine is typical of Tuscany and delicious. The meals are served in the big dining room in front of the open fire place. Four courses are served including as much wine and mineral water as you wish, finished off with an Espresso.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
The quality of tuition is very high: instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP. Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian or French or in german for beginners. The groups are of max. 4/5 riders.
The rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide. In most cases we follow small country paths or go across the tuscan countryside. It is possible to organise riding out with wine tasting or full ride out with picnic.
|
Tack:
|
|
English saddle; general purpose and dressage., Italian saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs
|
|
Pace:
|
|
2-3 riding hours / day, the trail rides are generally calm: mainly walk and trot, sometimes canter. Hacking out is not available for beginner riders.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
5
out of 5) All riding levels
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4
|
Max
8
|
The quality of tuition is very high: instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP. Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian or French or in german for beginners. The groups are of max. 4/5 riders.
The rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide. In most cases we follow small country paths or go across the tuscan countryside. It is possible to organise riding out with wine tasting or full ride out with picnic.
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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Dressage training in Tuscany A
Tour Code: IT-SR04
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,395.00
Difficulty :
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English saddle; general purpose and dr...
Horses:
Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs
Pace:
2-3 riding hours / day, the trail ride...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Florence
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