|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Italy
Intro to Italy
 LazioAbruzzo/Molise Campania Northern Italy Sicily Tuscany
France
Spain
Portugal
Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seven Castles Ride in Chianti
Tuscany
Italy
Ride on horseback through the heart of Tuscany, exploring the Arno valley and the Chianti hills, the lovely, unspoilt region between the art cities of Florence and Siena which is famed for its delicious food, great wine and stunning scenery. These rides introduce you to this magical countryside, with its terraced vineyards, olive groves and extensive woodland, with its stone farmhouses, medieval castles and fortified villages. Riders with an interest in history will marvel at the landscape, knowing it was once travelled by Dante and Boccaccio, Macchiavelli and Leonardo da Vinci.
We offer 3 different riding itineraries:
Seven Castles of Chianti
Two days at the farmhouse, with riding in the morning and excursions in the afternoons: on the first day to a village built round a ravine and to a famed Romanesque church with animal carvings, on the second, a visit to the gardens and cellars of an abbey and wine-farm, followed by wine-tasting. Then a four-day riding tour of the Chianti region, with a visit to the Castle of Brolio and its winefarm,and two nights and a day in Siena.
Tuscan Discovery Week
A weeklong, centre-based ride with plenty of riding but also a chance to discover new aspects of Tuscany, both cultural and gastronomical! Excursions include a guided visit to Arezzo, lunch at a gourmet restaurant and a trip to the local market.
A Taste of Tuscany
A short but sweet four-day centre-based holiday with two-half-day rides and one whole day ride, a guided walk to a medieval tower and a guided visit to Arezzo or Cortona.
All three riding options set out from your hostess’s charming and comfortable farmhouse. It has a magnificent view over the broad valley of the Arno and across to Pratomagno, the high mountain ridge beyond it, snow-capped in winter. This is a place where animal lovers will feel at home: apart from the horses, there are dogs, cats, chickens and ducks. Jenny, your hostess, fell in love with this part of Tuscany some forty years ago and has been running her farm and riding-centre here ever since. She is well-informed about local art and history and happy to share her knowledge with her guests. As someone once said of his holiday here: “It’s a perfect mix of riding and culture.”
If you are single, no problem: you will at once feel at ease in this friendly place. If it’s your first time in Italy, no problem: Jenny and her colleagues are happy to introduce you to the country they love and know. If you don’t like driving on Italian roads (Italian drivers take risks we would never dream of taking!), no problem; from your arrival in Florence all transport is provided. You will get plenty of chances to meet Italian people and discover what delightful people they are. And if you think that Italian food is all pasta and pizzas, you will have a lot of pleasant surprises ahead as our cook, Franca, has a vast repertoire of Tuscan dishes, often using the produce from our own vegetable garden (she also organizes cooking courses). Chianti and other wines will be served with all meals. We’re sorry to tell you, but expect to put on a couple of pounds during your stay!
As for the horses, they are mostly bred locally they have good temperaments and are fit and well-trained. Jenny is proud of her ability to find the right horse for each individual rider. We promise you will have loads of fun, but safety is also a priority here. Jenny leads most of the rides, while Eraldo, the instructor, has BHS qualifications and many years’ experience. He speaks fluent if erratic English and his lessons are useful, stimulating and fun.
The riding is not very fast but there are plenty of opportunities for trots and controlled canters. On the itineraries there are innumerable trails, no gates and very little roadwork. Each ride will have unique features: a canter through rows of vines, a trot along a cypress avenue, a visit to a ruined castle, a barbecue on a mountain ridge, you name it!
|
Progressive Ride (no camping)
|
|
Meeting:
|
Rendola
|
|
Airport:
|
Florence
|
|
Transfer:
|
Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) at 5:45 on Day 1 or Montevarchi Train Station
|
|
Riders:
|
Min
3 riders
Max
8 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations, all meals exceptin Sienma, wine with most meals, 2 full, 3 half days riding, all excursions, entry to wine farm and castle.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €1725 | $2245 |
| Single supplement | €250 | $325 |
Transfer and Other Options:
|
2013
|
Transfer from Florence train station at 5:45 PM included
|
Meet your host at the Florence main train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) at 5:45 PM. They will already have your train tickets and will accompany you for the journey to Montevarchi.
Rates do not include:
Meals in Siena
-
Seven Castles of Chianti
- Discover Tuscany Ride
- A Taste of Tuscany
Seven Castles of Chianti
Day 1 Saturday Meet your host
Jenny or her son Nicholas at the main bar in Florence train station at 5:45 PM.
(look for them outside the snack bar at the head of platform 16'!) After a forty-minute train journey to
Montevarchi take a ten-minute drive in a minivan to the riding center, the
400-year-old typically Tuscan home of your hosts. Settle in and then enjoy with
them a glass of Chianti Classico. Dinner and overnight.
Day
2. After breakfast meet the horses in the stables behind the house. Set off
on a two and a half hour ride through the olive groves, vineyards and woodlands
of the Arno valley, passing near an 11th century tower and a 14th century
church. After lunch some local sightseeing with Jenny, who is a very
knowledgeable guide. First a short drive to the charming medieval village of
Loro Ciuffenna, built round a ravine. Enjoy some Italian icecream and then drive
to a Romanesque church nearby with an 9th century pulpit and animal carvings.
For supper a choice of genuine Italian pizzas.
Day 3. After breakfast
a two and a half hour hour ride on the Eastern slopes of the Chianti mountains
with panoramic views. After lunch at Rendola go by van to the Abbey of
Coltibuono, and have a guided tour of the cellars and gardens, followed by a
chance to sample and buy Chianti wine and local ceramics in the estate shop.
Dinner and night at Rendola.
Day 4. Ride southwards, passing the tower
of Galatrona, a lake and the ruined castle of Cennina. After a picnic in the
woods above the village of Montebenichi, ride past its two castles, and then on
to a riding centre owned by a friend of your hosts, situated near the Castle of
Montalto. The ride lasts nearly five hours. Dinner and night either there or
back at Rendola.
Day 5. Today you ride for three and a half hours,
first with frequent canters through the vast estate of Villa Arceno with its
cypress avenues and extensive views, and then over the Chianti Hills, until you
enter the area where the Chianti Classico wine is grown, with its symbol of a
black rooster. The horses are stabled at Podernovo, a charming farmhouse used by
Bertolucci in his film “Stealing Beauty”, and there you will have a picnic. Then
you go by van to visit the gardens and chapel of the nearby castle of Brolio,
which has belonged to the Ricasoli barons since the 12th century. The most
illustrious member of the family was Bettino Ricasoli, statesman, agriculturist
and inventor of the traditional formula for the Chianti Classico wine. You are
then driven to Siena, where you will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel
that was once a coaching inn right in the city center.
Day 6. Today
you are free to explore the city of Siena, with its wonderful architecture, art
treasures and great shopping. Don't forget to visit the cathedral in black and
white marble and to stroll round the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio
race is held twice a year.
Day 7. Drive back to Podernovo and ride
through the vast estate of Brolio. After passing the brooding castle, follow a
stream through shady woods and pass the village of San Martino with its herd of
long-horned Maremmano cattle. Ride along the top of the Chianti hills with
stupendous views. Have a barbecue in a boar hunters’ hut, then ride back to the
center, passing the castle and village of Montegonzi.
Day 8. After
breakfast you are driven to Montevarchi to meet your train for Florence.
Alternatively, take the train to Rome. Own arrangements for your onward journey.
Discover Tuscany Ride
Day 1 Meet your host Jenny or her son
Nicholas at the main bar in Florence train station at 5:45 PM.
(look for them outside the snack bar at the head of platform 16'!)
After a forty-minute train journey to Montevarchi take
a ten-minute drive in a minivan to the riding center, the 400-year-old typically
Tuscan home of your hosts. Settle in and then enjoy with them a glass of Chianti
Classico. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2. Breakfast and
morning ride (about two and a half hours) through vineyards, olive-groves and
woodland, passing near an 11th-century tower and a 14th century church. Return
to Rendola for lunch. Over coffee an informal talk about Tuscan farmhouses.
After a short siesta join your host for a lesson in the pronunciation of
Italian, which will prove useful over the following days (learn, for example,
that the “ch” in Montevarchi is pronounced like a 'k'!). For dinner, freshly
made, truly Italian pizzas followed by dessert.
Day 3. Breakfast and
morning ride (about two and a half hours) in the wooded hills north of Rendola,
scattered with charming hamlets and traditional farmhouses. After lunch go to
the ancient city of Arezzo and enjoy a guided visit to the unusual and
fascinating frescoes of Piero della Francesca and to the main square made famous
by the film “Life is Beautiful”.There is a chance, too, to do some shopping.
Dinner and night at the center.
Day 4. Day ride and picnic in the
Chianti hills south of Rendola (about four and a half hours in the saddle).
During your ride you will pass the medieval village of San Leolino, a lake and
the castles of Cennina and Lupinari. On your return you will have a chance to
help prepare a buffet supper using local herbs and vegetables.
Day 5.
A free day to make your arrangements for sightseeing, perhaps to visit Florence,
or the hill towns of Cortona, Assisi or Orvieto – take your pick. All three are
an easy train journey from Montevarchi and you will be driven to and from the
station. For those who prefer to hike, maps of local trails will be provided and
also a picnic lunch at a small extra charge.
Day 6. A morning visit
with your guide to the local town of Montevarchi and its famous weekly market: a
good chance to pick up bargains! Lunch at a gourmet restaurant in Loro
Ciuffenna, a medieval village built round a ravine on the other side of the Arno
valley. Drive back to Rendola and have either an afternoon ride of about two
hours, or a lesson with the instructor in the school. Dinner and night at the
center.
Day 7. A final day ride to the top of the Chianti hills
(nearly 2,500 feet) behind Rendola. Enjoy a barbecue on the ridge and ride back
to Rendola via the village and castle of Montegonzi. If the weather is uncertain
or if there are too many horse-flies, an alternative ride in the valley will be
offered and the barbecue will take place in a park created by a local sculptor,
Carmelo Librizzi.
Day 8. After breakfast you are driven to Montevarchi
to meet your train for Florence. Alternatively, take the train to Rome. Own
arrangements for your onward journey.
A
Taste of Tuscany
Day 1 Meet your host Jenny or her son
Nicholas at the main bar in Florence train station at 5:45 PM.
(look for them outside the snack bar at the head of platform 16'!)
After a forty-minute train journey to Montevarchi take
a ten-minute drive in a minivan to the riding center, the 400-year-old typically
Tuscan home of your hosts. Settle in and then enjoy with them a glass of Chianti
Classico. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2. A morning ride
takes you through the vineyards, olive groves and woodland of this unspoilt
Tuscan countryside. After lunch, visit the tower of Galatrona from the top of
which there is a fabulous view over the Arno valley and the 14th Century church.
Walk down to the village of Mercatale for a welcome aperitif in one of the bars
before returning to the center for dinner.
Day 3. The morning ride
takes you through a charming hamlets and past the abandoned church of San Tommè.
After lunch, either a short trip by train to the ancient city of Arezzo and a
guided visit of some of its most notable sights, including the frescoes of Piero
della Francesca, or a trip to Cortona. Dinner and overnight at the center.
Day 4. Ride to the top of the Chianti hills with fantastic views over the
Chianti Classico region. After a barbecue lunch and an opportunity to do some
olive-oil tasting, ride back past the medieval castle and village of Montegonzi.
Day 5. After breakfast you are driven to Montevarchi to meet your
train for Florence. Alternatively, take the train to Rome. Own arrangements for
your onward journey.
Meeting:
Rendola
Airport:
Florence
Train station:
Montevarchi
Transfer:
Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) at 5:45 on Day 1 or Montevarchi Train Station
Meet your host at the Florence main train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) at 5:45 PM. They will already have your train tickets and will accompany you for the journey to Montevarchi.
|
Tack:
|
|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
local Sicilian and Maremma
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with trots and canters
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
The Horses...
There are eighteen horses and they are of many various breeds. Jenny your host believes that it is the temperament of the horse, not the breed, that matters. There are two Arabs, three part-Arabs, three Sicilian horses, and two half-thoroughbreds... the others are, well, just great horses with good characters, strong hooves and plenty of stamina. All the horses do ring work as well as rides out on the trail, so they are obedient and responsive to the aids on all occasions.
Age minimum for riders is 12 years old. They have no upper age limit, as elderly riders are often the most experienced (once they get into the saddle). As this is quite hilly country, they do have a weight limit of 85 kilos (187 lb.). Think of it as a motive for dieting...
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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. more
The climate in Tuscany is mild and the seasons each have their merits.
Spring is a delightful time to visit when the trees and flowers are blooming, the air is warm and the nightingales are singing day and night.
Autumn brings glorious colours and an increase in local activity as the farmers prepare for the olive and grape harvests.
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
|
There is a washing machine available if you need it.
Don't bring too many heavy books as there is a great choice of reading matter here!
Riders are advised not to bring too much luggage - bulky suitcases hamper you during your journey and are probably full of unnecessary stuff anyway! Experienced travelers travel light.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
|
|
| Travel Documents and Voucher |
| Personal Travel Insurance |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
|
| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs |
| Riding boots + Mini-chaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Rain jacket |
|
|
| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Casual pants |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Lightweight rain jacket |
| Casual footwear |
| Swimsuit |
| |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films |
| 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.
..view other reports for different trips
Their Home...
This small family-run holiday farm in the Chianti hills was established way back in 1969. While surrounded by beautiful countryside (vineyards, olive-groves and woodland), it is less than thirty miles from Florence and Siena by car and only three miles from the station of Montevarchi. The seventeenth-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 of classical music and a fire is prepared on the hearth on wintry days. This vacation spot is not for people who are looking for elegance. Hens and ducks peck around the house, the family dog lies on the doorstep and you may find a cat curled up in an armchair. No one has to dress up on any occasion. Jenny Bawtree and her son Nicholas are happy to welcome true country-lovers to their home and guests quickly become friends, often returning again and again.
There is free internet access at the riding center.
Two nights in Siena...
This is usually the Palazzo Ravizza. This Renaissance Palace, which stands in a quiet area of the historical center of Siena, was trasformed into a Pensione in the 1920’s.
Still owned by the same family, it has been recently renovated to offer the modern facilities nowadays required, while maintaining its original character. It is a small charming hotel with lovely air conditioned rooms, a high quality restaurant and a beautiful garden overlooking the Tuscan hills.
Meals...
You will be amazed at the variety of Tuscan dishes offered. Pietro and his son Sergio have been cooking here for years and Pietro has even written a cookbook (“Pietro’s Book of Recipes”, on sale at the riding-centre). A typical meal comprises three courses: a “primo piatto” of pasta or rice, a meat or fish dish, followed by fresh fruit or dessert. Vegetarians are amply catered for as Sergio has a well-stocked organic vegetable garden. Eggs, turkeys and ducks are home-produced and the extra-virgin olive oil used for cooking comes from the groves around the house. Local Chianti wine is served with every meal and each evening there will be a chance to sample other local wines and liqueurs.
As for the picnics on the trail, they are lavish!
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
local Sicilian and Maremma
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with trots and canters
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
The Horses...
There are eighteen horses and they are of many various breeds. Jenny your host believes that it is the temperament of the horse, not the breed, that matters. There are two Arabs, three part-Arabs, three Sicilian horses, and two half-thoroughbreds... the others are, well, just great horses with good characters, strong hooves and plenty of stamina. All the horses do ring work as well as rides out on the trail, so they are obedient and responsive to the aids on all occasions.
Age minimum for riders is 12 years old. They have no upper age limit, as elderly riders are often the most experienced (once they get into the saddle). As this is quite hilly country, they do have a weight limit of 85 kilos (187 lb.). Think of it as a motive for dieting...
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.
|
|
|
|
Seven Castles Ride in Chianti
Tour Code:
IT-ITRT04
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,245.00
Dates :
April-May, Sept-Oct
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
|