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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Italy
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On Etruscan Trails in Tuscany
Tuscany
Italy
On Historic Trails in Tuscany on the Tracks of the
Etruscans: Who were the Etruscans? The Estrucans were the early inhabitants of Italy, long before the Roman Empire existed in this area. The Estrucan civilization is often overlooked but has had an enormous influence on the region. Estruscan settlements were frequently built on a hill - the steeper the better - and surrounded by thick walls. In this way they were well protected from any intruders. Many of the Estruscan water systems later contributed to the Roman aquaduct. While nobody really knows where the Etruscans originated - though many believe they came from Asia Minor - they were prominent in Italy by 800 BC. When exploring this region of Italy we discover remnants of hilltop fortresses, old settlements and the imprint of trading routes stretching from Naples to Venice. However, nowhere in Italy carries the Estruscan influence like Tuscany (Tuscany's names originates from the Italian Etrusci or Tusci, words used by ancient Romans to describe the Ertuscans). Let us explore and relive the history of this mysterious people!
We provide three different itineraries for this trip to create a more complete experience. We explore and ride on Estruscans roads cut deep into tough rock with the sides often towering over our horses. Some of the wonderful places these trips take us include the Necropolis of Sovana (Poggio Pisca), the Ildebranda Tomb, the hermitage of Rioatonna Cicognina, the ancient hamlet of Fonte Vetriana, the Nature Reserve of the Pietraporciana, ancient pilgrim routes, the nature reserve of Pigelleto, the nature park of Maremma, where we get to ride with the local Butteri cowboys, and much much more! Come discover the land of the mysterious Estrucans on ancient and Hidden Trails!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Castell'Azzara
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Airport:
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Rome, Florence
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Transfer:
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Chiusi-Chianciano station (approx. 1 hour drive)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
7 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations in nice country houses (Agriturismo), all gourmet meals, 6 riding days
| A | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP Etruscan | 8d / 7n | €1350 | $1810 |
| Single supplement | €149 | $200 |
| B | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP Val d'Orcia | 8d / 7n | €1350 | $1810 |
| Single supplement | €149 | $200 |
| C | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP Maremma Park | 8d / 7n | €1350 | $1810 |
| Single supplement | €149 | $200 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Chiusi train station, return, per person at set times
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€
40
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$55
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2012
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Transfer from Rome airport at set times - return pp
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€
150
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$205
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Arrive in Rome or Florence and take the train to Chiusi. Latest flight arrival in Rome or Florence should be 1:30 PM. Earliest departure flight out on last day is 2 PM - but better if it is later.
We also offer a transfer from the airports in Rome if preferred:
Campino Airport pick up at 4 PM - drop off 1 PM
Fiumicino Airport pick up at 5 PM - drop off at 12 noon.
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| B |
2012
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04/21
- 04/28
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Val d'Orcia
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4
/7
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Expired
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| B |
2012
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05/05
- 05/12
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Val d'Orcia
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4
/7
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Expired
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| C |
2012
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06/02
- 06/09
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Maremma Park
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4
/7
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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07/14
- 07/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Etruscan
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4
/7
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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07/28
- 08/04
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Etruscan
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4
/7
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Reserve
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Additional dates can be set for groups of 4+
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Three itineraries will lead us through Tuscany on the treks of the ancient
Etruscans:
(Click on the links below to skip ahead to sections)
A. Etruscan
B. Val d'Orcia
C.
Maremma Nature Park
A.
Etruscan
Natural environment: Striking and varied; mountain pastures of Cornacchino, the wilderness of the Fiora river valley and canyons cut by rushing streams in tuff rock, the Lamone forest, the hermitages near the lower reaches of the river Fiora, lake Mezzano, an Etruscan necropolis and medieval villages. Fiora River valley and canyons in tuff-rock, the Lamone Forest, Mezzano Lake, Etruscan necropoles and medieval villages.
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the riding center. In the
evening, meeting with the guide and the other participants to chat and get to
know each other. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Entire day on horseback to verify horse & rider
compatibility, with picnic and return to the center.
Day 3: Along the pastures of Montevitozzo to the banks of the
Fiora river, stopping for a swim and a picnic. Afterward we ride through the
Etruscan necropolis of Sovana (Poggio Prisca) and along ancient Etruscan roads
(Vie Cave) cut deep into the tough rock more than 2000 years ago passing the most
famous monument in this part of Etruria, the Ildebranda Tomb. Our ride takes us
past the ancient walls of the medieval village of Sovana. From there, we
continue towards Pitigliano and our accommodation. Dinner and
the night's stay.
Day 4: We take the ancient San Giuseppe Etruscan road to
Pitigliano Necropolis Poggio Bucono, then along the Fratenuti Etruscan road and through vineyards and
olive groves until we cross the Fiora River and continue towards the Necropolis
of Poggio Buco. We continue to follow the river until we reach the farmhouse
where we will stay for two nights. The farm breeds and trains Maremma horses
using traditional methods and the owners have a private collection of Etruscan
artefacts which they are happy to show to guests.
Day 5: We’ll take a circular route along the lower reaches of
the river Fiora taking in the hermitage of Poggio Conte, where 16th century
hermits built a chapel entirely dug out of the tough rock, and the hermitage of
Rioatonna Cicognina. Return to our farm house accommodation with a ride along
the bed of the Olpeta torrent.
Day 6: Our journey continues along the Olpeta deep cut
Etruscan road (the only one in the area that contains the remains of an ancient
Roman road). Then we cross the Olpeta River and climb up to the site of the
ancient city of Castro. Here we enter the Lamone Forest Nature Reserve. This
dense woodland, with its wild flowers and birds such as woodpeckers and various
species of falcon unique to the area, has grown up on rocky terrain of volcanic
origin. During our ride we’ll encounter cattle of the Maremma breed, living in
the clearings of the forest. We stop for our picnic then leave the forest and
cross rolling hills with spectacular views
and reach our accommodation near lake Mezzano, a crater lake of volcanic
origin, an absolute paradise, where we will have time to enjoy a swim.
Day 7: From lake Mezzano, riding along field tracks we reach
first San Quirico, then Vitozza, a village rich in medieval treasures, castle
ruins and a church alongside numerous caves that served as houses until the end
of the eighteenth century. From there we descend to the source of the Lente
river, climb up to Sorano, then continue along Etruscan roads. Our journey
continues toward Montevitozzo, before returning to Cornacchino. In the evening
we will enjoy our final dinner together during which every participant will
receive small souvenir and a map of our journey.
Day 8: Departure.
B.
Val d'Orcia
Natural environment: Striking and varied; from the mountain pastures to the Paglia and Orcia river valleys; from the famous Val d’Orcia, with its extensive arid area, rolling hills and fields and famous clay outcrops known locally as calanche, to avenues of cypress trees and ancient hamlets, from the thermal pools to the castle towns of Sarteano and Radicofani.
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the riding center. In the
evening, meeting with the guide and the other participants to chat and get to
know each other. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Entire day on horseback to verify horse & rider
compatibility, with picnic and return to the center.
Day 3: Leaving the oak and beech woods we ride towards the
Paglia river where we'll stop for our picnic. In the afternoon, ride up the
surrounding hills towards our accommodation near Trevinano.
Day 4: From Trevinano we follow the ridge lying between the Paglia
and Chiana Valleys, where the regions of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio meet. We stop
for our picnic at the ancient thermal bath of San Casciano dei Bagni, where we
can relax and enjoy the warm waters. In the afternoon we continue our ride
towards the castle town of Sarteano, stopping for the night in the ancient
hamlet of Fonte Vetriana.
Day 5: Riding along dirt tracks and paths at the foot of
Mount Cetona we reach Sarteano where we will enjoy our picnic in the shady
grounds of the castle. After lunch our journey continues to the charming village
of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, with its narrow streets and fantastic view over
the Val d’Orcia. Passing through the Nature Reserve of Pietraporciana, we reach
La Foce from which we can enjoy more spectacular views of the Val d’Orcia,
arriving at our farmhouse accommodation in the evening.
Day 6: We ride down to the to Orcia river and follow it as far as
Radicofani, where the ancient pilgrim route, the via Francigena, meets the
ancient Roman Cassia road, and we visit the town’s fortress. Arrival at our
farmhouse accommodation at the foot of mount Amiata in the late afternoon.
Day 7: We ride through pine, chestnut and beech woods into
the Nature Reserve of Pigelleto, passing the recently restored cinnabar mineral
mines of Siele. In the afternoon, return to Cornacchino via the Natural Reserve
of Mount Penna. In the evening we will enjoy our final dinner together during
which every participant will receive a small souvenir and a map of our journey..
Day 8: Departure.
C.
Maremma Park
Natural environment: Maremma Park, vineyards and the beaches of Tuscany
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the riding center. In the
evening, meeting with the guide and the other participants to chat and get to
know each other. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Departure from the center by minibus and arrival at Maremma Park at the farmhouse that will host us for two nights. We'll go out for a ride to verify horse & rider compatibility, riding along the hills with a fine view down to the sea.
Day 3: We leave our horses at the campsite and by mini-bus
reach the "Butteri" (Tuscan cowboys) with their Marremani horses and typical
saddles known as “scafarda”. They’ll take us for a typical working day’s ride
through the park among cattle, horses, deer and boars (the half-day ride with
the Butteri costs 50 euro to be paid on location). At the end of the ride
we’ll enjoy a barbecue with the "Butteri" and a visit to saddlery if we want to.
In the afternoon, time to relax and swim at the beach before returning to the farmhouse.
Day 4: We'll reach the coast and one of the most beautiful beaches
in Tuscany. Picnic and a chance for a swim or a visit to the Saracen towers. In
the afternoon we'll leave Maremma Park and proceed through a territory of hills
and pastures, home to animals living in their natural wild state, until we reach
the farmhouse near Montiano, where we can taste the Morellino of Scansano wine,
typical of this region.
Day 5: We continue our journey into the Maremma hills, a ride
which takes us through an area still relatively uninhabited. We ride on through
the vineyards hills of Scansano, stopping for our picnic close to the
Mantellassi vineyard one of the most important producers of Morellino wine,
first established in 1860. In the evening we'll reach our farmhouse close to the
Albegna River. Dinner of typical dishes prepared using local products in season.
Day 6: We'll follow the river towards its source, stopping
for a picnic and a swim where the river joins the warm waters of the river
Stellata which come directly from the thermal baths of Saturnia. In the
afternoon we'll reach our farmhouse near Saturnia.
Day 7: We'll descend into the Fiora River Valley, follow the
river for a while and in the afternoon head up to explore the beech woods
surrounding Cornacchino. In the evening we will enjoy our final dinner together
during which every participant will receive a small souvenir and a map of our
journey.
Day 8: Departure.
The programs may be modified at any time due to prevailing weather conditions or for technical reasons.
Meeting:
Castell'Azzara
Airport:
Rome, Florence
Train station:
Chiusi - Chianciano Terme
Transfer:
Chiusi-Chianciano station (approx. 1 hour drive)
Arrive in Rome or Florence and take the train to Chiusi. Latest flight arrival in Rome or Florence should be 1:30 PM. Earliest departure flight out on last day is 2 PM - but better if it is later.
We also offer a transfer from the airports in Rome if preferred:
Campino Airport pick up at 4 PM - drop off 1 PM
Fiumicino Airport pick up at 5 PM - drop off at 12 noon.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Haflingers, Appaloosas, Paints, Maremmanas, South American Thoroughbreds, and some cross breds
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots and canters where possible - Approx. 115 miles with daily trips of 15 to 25 miles. 5 to 7 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Weight:
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Max
220lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
7 riders
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Difficulty: Average - suitable for intermediate riders.
Main difficulties: Difficult fords, uneven trails, ride of the Maremmana mount on the Maremma Park itinerary.
Main gaits: Amble, trot, canter where possible.
Altitude: Maximum. 860 m. above sea level.
Terrain: Predominantly mountain paths, country roads and dirt roads.
The guides: An experienced guide rides with the group while an assistant takes the luggage to the overnight site and prepares the fencing for the horses.
The horses: All the horses are trained in Western riding and particularly suitable for trekking.
The rides: Each ride lasts about 5 - 6 hours split between the morning (longer ride) and the afternoon - averaging 25 to 40 km per day.
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 general the climate in Tuscany is
very mild. There are little differences between the regions, though.
Rule of thumb: at the coast and in the valleys the summers are hotter
than in the hilly areas, where the climate is very continental – rain
falls are more often. Usually the summers in Tuscany are without rain
and very hot, especially in the valleys. Spring (April and May) and
autumn (October and November) might be rainy but there are still dry,
sunny days. In the winter there are sunny, mild days but at night it
sometimes gets very cold. July ist he hottest month with temperatures
from 23°C up to 30°C. Especially in the valleys the temperatures
sometimes rise up high. In the coldest month – january- there are about
7°C at the coast and about 3,5°C to 5,5°C inside the country. Of course
the temperature in the mountainius areas is below.
Protective
clothing at the rider’s discretion; flat-heeled comfortable shoes with
rubber soles and protective leggings, or flat-heeled boots with rubber
soles; rain coat; trousers or riding britches that are sturdy enough to
resist the thorns of wayside bushes; gloves at the rider’s discretion.
We
suggest a hat for protection from the sun, sun cream, a bathing costume
for stops at streams or thermal springs, a light windproof jacket, a
sweater.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Personal Travel Insurance |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!) |
| Long riding boots: leather or rubber or boots and mini chaps. |
| Riding helmet |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Windproof jacket |
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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 |
| Bandana |
| Warm 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.
** No trip reports found
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..view other reports for different trips
The farmhouses: are carefully chosen by us taking into consideration their typicality, comfort, cuisine and stables for the horses and equipment.
The picnics are prepared in the morning and taken to the picnic destination by the support vehicle.
You will be staying at different
country inns, also called "Agriturismo" in Italy. Rooms are nicely
decorated and charming, but not luxurious. Each room has a private bath
or shower.
Meals are taken at the inns with wholesome farm produced ingredients - you are in for a treat.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Haflingers, Appaloosas, Paints, Maremmanas, South American Thoroughbreds, and some cross breds
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots and canters where possible - Approx. 115 miles with daily trips of 15 to 25 miles. 5 to 7 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Weight:
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Max
220lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
7 riders
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Difficulty: Average - suitable for intermediate riders.
Main difficulties: Difficult fords, uneven trails, ride of the Maremmana mount on the Maremma Park itinerary.
Main gaits: Amble, trot, canter where possible.
Altitude: Maximum. 860 m. above sea level.
Terrain: Predominantly mountain paths, country roads and dirt roads.
The guides: An experienced guide rides with the group while an assistant takes the luggage to the overnight site and prepares the fencing for the horses.
The horses: All the horses are trained in Western riding and particularly suitable for trekking.
The rides: Each ride lasts about 5 - 6 hours split between the morning (longer ride) and the afternoon - averaging 25 to 40 km per day.
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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On Etruscan Trails in Tuscany
Tour Code:
IT-ITRT02
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,810.00
Dates :
April to July
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Western
Horses:
Haflingers, Appaloosas, Paints, Maremm...
Pace:
Moderate with trots and canters where ...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Rome, Florence
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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