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Chianti Hills Explorer
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.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Farm
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Airport:
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Florence
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Transfer:
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Montevarchi Train Station
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include*:
Accommodation, Most meals including wine, 5 riding days & Transfers
| A | 2024 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | €2460 | $2705 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
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Transfer from/to Montevarchi train station at set times included
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Your host, Jenny will meet you at Montevarchi Train Station for about 7 pm on Day 1
Rates do not include:
Transportation and lunch on Day 5, Travel insurance (mandatory) & Gratuities
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
Meeting:
Farm
Airport:
Florence
Train station:
Montevarchi
Transfer:
Montevarchi Train Station
Your host, Jenny will meet you at Montevarchi Train Station for about 7 pm on Day 1
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Local Sicilian and Maremma
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Pace:
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Moderate with some trots and canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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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!
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
Montevarchi area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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49
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52
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60
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66
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75
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82
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89
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89
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79
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69
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57
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50
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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34
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35
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40
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44
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51
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58
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62
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61
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55
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50
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42
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36
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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9
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11
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16
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19
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24
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28
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32
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32
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26
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21
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14
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10
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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1
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2
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4
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7
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10
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14
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17
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16
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13
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10
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6
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2
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Central Italy benefits from a kind of ocean climate with mild winters and temperatures are hot but bearable (thanks to the ocean) for the summer. The climate in Tuscany is very mild and the seasons each have their merits.
Spring and autumn are particularly good times to visit.
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 colors and you can see the farmers prepare for the olive and grape harvests.
For riders essential items are: helmet, riding-trousers (jeans are not always comfortable), riding boots or walking shoes + half-chaps (easier to pack), full-length raincoat (yes, it can rain in Italy, too!), and gloves if you are used to wearing them. Otherwise dress according to the season. Remember that you don’t have to bring out your finery! There is a washing-machine and an iron if you need them.
Other useful items: sun cream, lip salve, personal medicines, small camera with strap you can put round your neck, gilet with pockets or bumbag.
Remember that there are plenty of good books at the farm and that there is free WIFI.
All guests are advised not to bring too much luggage: bulky suitcases hamper you on your travels (there are steps everywhere!).
Reserve some space, however, for anything you might want to buy during your stay. Buy your shampoos and suchlike when you get to Italy to avoid having to show them at the airport.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel Documents and Voucher |
| Personal Travel Insurance |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs |
| Riding boots and Mini-chaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Rain jacket |
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| 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 |
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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 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.
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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.
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Tack:
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English
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|
Horses:
|
|
Local Sicilian and Maremma
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with some trots and canters
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Age:
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|
Min
14
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
190 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
6 riders
|
|
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!
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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Chianti Hills Explorer
Tour Code:
IT-ITSR16
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
May & Sep-Oct
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. |
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