Horseback riding in Abruzzo/Molise, Italy

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- Majestic Majella Explorer
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Majestic Majella Explorer


Itinerary for Majestic Majella Explorer




Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
You are expected to arrive on Saturday evening at the farmhouse. After a welcome drink there will be dinner with your host/guide.  A three-course Italian dinner will be served every night, accompanied by local wines.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse


Day 2 (Sunday): Introductory Ride
The morning is yours. You may sleep in, take your time over breakfast, do whatever you like. Before lunch, there is a safety-briefing. Then we groom and saddle up the horses, followed by a short demonstration in western riding. After lunch we go for a 3-hour test ride to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse


Day 3 (Monday): Ride to Montedimezzo
We leave around 10 o'clock. After riding through a dense forest we cross many fields, where we can canter. We stop for picnic lunch in an idyllic place. After lunch, we pass by the remains of a small Samnite temple. The Samnites were the original population of Molise. The Romans fought a 300-year war before assimilating them to their empire in 79 BC. We eventually arrive at a hill where you can admire the Majella massif. From there, we descend towards Montedimezzo, the ancient hunting reserve of the Bourbons and the nobles of Naples. Today the forest is part of the MAB (Man and Bioshere) project of UNESCO. 
This is where today's ride ends. We stop for a drink at the kiosk while the horses will be loaded on a truck to reach Pietransieri, to spend the night in paddocks. We will go to stay overnight in a nearby hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Roccaraso


Day 4 (Tuesday): Pietransieri to Pescocostanzo
Today’s destination is the small town of Pescocostanzo. The trail takes us through increasingly high mountains. From there, we have a good view back to the hills of Molise. Up on the pass we stop for a picnic at the Pietra Cernaia, a viewpoint which shows us now a completely different Panorama. We can see Pescocostanzo from there. The village is about 4500 feet above sea level and directly on the steep slopes of the Majella Mountain. The terrain alternates with high plains pastures where we can have some nice canters before arriving in the stable for the horses. Having spent about 6 hours on horseback we are bound to be longing for a drink. Pescocostanzo has a nice square with several bars and restaurants. Taking a walk in this picturesque medieval town is pleasant for everyone and a must for those who are interested in architecture. We are staying at a small and cozy hotel. Dinner is at a restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Pescocostanzo


Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride though Majella National Park
The National Park Majella (75000 acres) is one of the biggest in Italy. It is a so-called Pan Park, which means that it is protected by WWF. Here are 30 Mountains over 6500 feet. Today, there will be a 6 hours ride in surrounding highlands. We expect to be able to have nice canters here. The night will be spent at the same hotel. Dinner, however, is at a different restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Pescocostanzo


Day 6 (Thursday): Pescocostanzo to Alfedena
This is going to be a demanding day spending about 7-8 hours in the saddle. First we return to Roccaraso, before crossing the plateau along the village of Rivisondoli. We then climb the pass to enter the great valley called Altopiano delle 5 miglia. We follow the edge of the valley and begin to climb the mountain with incredible view of the valley. Once we get to the top, we enter another valley called Aremogna, at an altitude of 1,600 meters. This valley lies under majestic mountains. We stope here to have our picnic. After lunch we follow a path in the woods that slowly leads us to the other side of the mountain. At the exit of the forest opens before us an impressive view of the mountains of Abruzzo and the Molise part of the Park up to the Matese and down the valley of Alfedena which is our destination.
From here, we have to go down the mountain. At some point the riders have to lead the horses on foot. The road is quite rocky up to the village of Scontrone. We climb back in the saddle a little more until we reach the Alfedena valley, where we leave the horses in a paddock. We move by car to Sandra's equestrian center where we can relax at the hotel and dine in her restaurant in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at an Agriturismo in Alfedena


Day 7 (Friday): Last Ride
Our last ride starts from the town of Alfedena. We then follow the road that leads us to the Lake of the Montagna Spaccata. From here, we begin to climb into the woods until we reach the plateau of Valle Fiorita where we stop for a picnic and to admire the mountains of Mainarde.
After lunch, we go back down to the valley and stop at Sandra's equestrian center where the horses will rest in the paddock and we will spend another night in the same hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at an Agriturismo in Alfedena


Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Departure after breakfast to Isernia train station.
Meals included: Breakfast

Due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances the program may have to be adapted.
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Majestic Majella Explorer
Tour Code: IT-ITMA01
8 days / 7 nights
Dates : September-October

Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
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.
CIntermediate
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.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Standard
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation

Check here for details and availability
Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 09/28 - 10/05 8d / 7n 8 day trip 5 /8 Reserve
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack: Western
Horses: Quarter, Haflinger, Appaloosa, Paint a...
Pace: Ride at all paces. 5.5 riding days 6-7...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport: Naples
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Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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