Medieval Castles

Introduction
Tuscany Italy
Step back in time as we ride through Tuscany's quaint villages. This is a special week dedicated to a riding program which leads riders across our beautiful region. We start by exploring the two lakes (Mezzano and Bolsena) set in the craters of the extinct volcanoes surrounding the Castle. We'll ride around Onano, Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, and Vitoza. All nights will be spent at a fabulous 17th century castle.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location during the trip.

Description
Just below the castle stands a handsome 18th Century farmhouse, the original centre of the estate’s farming activities. The farmhouse has been skillfully converted with careful attention to conserving authenticity together with comfort and privacy, in a pleasant combination with communal living. The large farm now contains eight charming apartments and 14 double bedrooms (no twin rooms available) furnished with original pieces and all equipped with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access.
The ground floor of the farm house opens onto the main terrace, which overlooks the swimming pool. On the ground floor there is a large “taverna” with brick vaulted ceilings. The space is divided into three main areas: dining room, billiard room, ping-pong room, plus a large kitchen available for all the guests and equipped for cooking courses. 
We also have a washer and dryer that guests can use for a small fee.


The outdoor pool is open from June 1st to September 30th. There is a tennis court as well as Volleyball courts, mini football pitch, and Jacuzzi on site.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applied.
Single room accommodations are subject to availability.



Meals
All meals are included for this trip (except for lunch on Day 4).
We prepare local traditional food, like lasagna, handmade pasta with ragù, roll meats.
Dinners will be served either in local restaurants or at the castle estate.

Some wine is included with lunch and dinner.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

Riding

Riding
This trail includes 5 riding days: 1 full day (4-5 hours) & 4 half days (2-3 hours). You can also add a 50-min private lesson to your package for 40€ pp.
This trip can suite all riding levels from beginners (lessons in the arena) to experts. Excursions in the countryside on medium / long distances require rider’s ability to control the horse at the three gaits, including canter.
The overall pace of the ride is moderate with trots and canters.

Horses
Our horses have been selected for their attitude and breed. We have 20 horses at the moment that come from a wide range of breeds including: Italian Maremmano and Murgese, German, Dutch, French, Anglo Arab and cross breeds. They are our most important partners that we take a lot of pride in.
Most of the year, they live outside in the large paddocks with shelters. We also have a stables area with boxes and comfortable shelter when the weather is bad or the horses are ill and need to recover.
Around the castle, there are 100 hectares of green, sheltered fields where the horses are left free to graze. They definitely lead a good life.
We do our best to choose the best horse for our guest according to their level.

Riding Equipment
Helmets and body protectors of different sizes are available for our guests so that they can ride safely.
Some boots of different sizes are provided but if you have your own boots and helmets it is advisable to bring your own.
All guests MUST wear a helmet!

Facilities
Two large sand arenas are available for our guests to test their skills. The ground is made of volcanic sand, typical of the area. One arena is used mainly for the flat work and the other larger arena is used for show jumping. The flatwork arena is also lit with floodlights. At the opposite side of the castle we have created a 2.000 m cross-country course with beautiful wooden jumps and soft reliable ground.

Staff
Antonio is an ENGEA equestrian guide as well as the owner of the estate. He has several years of experience, riding, training and keeping horses in the countryside. He believes that the new methods of training such as Monty Roberts' and Pat Parelli have improved enormously the relation between humans and horses and our horses are benefiting from that. His knowledge of the trails of the area as well as his passion for horses and for this place will make your trip really special.
Kylie is our Kiwi guide and instructor. She has been riding all her life. After graduating university, she decided to combine her love of horses with her passion for travel and became a horse trekking guide in various countries including Australia, England, Greece, Chile, Egypt and Spain.

Insurance
Insurance covering horse riding accidents is mandatory. You have to tell the booking office in advance if you are uninsured. If you have no insurance, please consider that we need at least a 48 hours’ notice for activating one for you.

Non-Riding Activities
The estate has many other activities to offer to non-riding guests such as cooking classes, cycling, tennis, swimming and massages. There are also a number of attractions that are located in close proximity to the estate. Please, inquire for more information.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

This sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.

Day 1: Arrival   
As you arrive at the castle you will meet your guides and the staff of the castle. Upon arrival you will also meet with the owner of the castle and get to know the horses.
Then, enjoy a fabulous 17th Century Castle Tour (tour starts at 7 pm)!
In the evening, lovely dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 2: Morning ride to Onano & Wine tasting
Enjoy a delicious breakfast (available from 8 to 10 am) at the 17th century old Stables room of Castle! Then, it is time to start our first hack (approximately 3 hours) around Onano. This morning we take the Brigands path, heading north through the hills.
Onano is a fortified village with a medieval castle which was the stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area during the Middle Ages.
After lunch at the Castle, you will be picked up (around 3 pm) and transferred to visit the magical Sorano Fortress. After a short sightseeing of this jem in Tuscany, you will be transferred to Fattoria Aldobrandesca Antinori vineyard to taste the most famous wines in the area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 3: Bolsena Lake
We leave in the morning (aiming to depart at 9 am) and ride through the neighboring farmland, across chestnut woods on an ancient track which will carry us right above the crater of Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. The descent of the crater will start from the village of Gradoli dominated by an impressive renaissance palace, which was meant to be the wedding gift of Pope Paulus III Farnese to his nephew around the middle of 1500.
While riding, we will witness some breath–taking views of the lake and surrounding area and of the two islands: Isola Bisentina and Martana. The shore of the lake will be reached after crossing the fields. We will then border the lake ending on the beach where horses will be set into a canter before fording a small river. After that we finally reach our mid-day stop.
Lunch is served on the terrace of a typical trattoria right on the beach, where Antonietta, the cook, will serve delicious local food. In the right season if you wish to cool off in the water, a swim in the lake can be done before starting riding again.
As we head up back to the castle, you will note many Etruscan tombs scattered throughout the countryside, some of which reused by farmers as cellars for their wine, but still serving as a reminder of the ancient history which abounds in this area. You will be passing through the archeological area of Pianezze literally full of Etruscan tombs dating back 2600 years. Once at the top of the crater, we turn right through some vineyards where again a breathtaking view of lake Bolsena will provide a wonderfull opportunity to rest the horses and take some photographs. After crossing the vineyards, we reach the shepherds' trail in the woods that will lead you back to the estate.
We should be back at the castle around 5 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 4: Sightseeing (no riding) 
After breakfast, meet your driver at about 8.30 am at the reception. Today you will explore 2 unique spots: Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto.
You will start by visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, before heading to Orvieto. We will visit the Cathedral, the center of the town and go shopping! The driver will wait for you at the famous st Patrick’s well.
You should be back at the Castle around 4 pm. Today's program includes a 50-min massage!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 5: Mezzano Lake Ride
Start the day (meeting at the arena at 10 am) with a 3-hour ride to Mezzano Lake. You will have lunch on top of a hill, overlooking the lake.
During the warmer months, you can also swim in the lake. In the afternoon, we ride back following the old Brigands trail.
Return at the Castle at approx. 5 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 6: Morning Ride & Sightseeing
This morning, we ride around the Castle (approx. 2 hours) before coming back for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will do some sightseeing. Your first stop is the beautiful Grotte di Castro. Then, you will taste the most delicious ice cream of the area in Acquapendente.
Finally, you will enjoy a guided visit of Proceno Castle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 7: Last Ride
For your last day of riding, we will do on 2 half-day rides (one in the morning and another in the afternoon).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle

Day 8: Departure
After a healthy breakfast at the castle, check out and depart.
Meals included: Breakfast



Extra Activities

Rates and Dates for Medieval Castles

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Grotte di Castro or Orvieto
Airport: Rome Fiumicino or Rome Ciampino
Transfer: Rome or Orvieto

Climate:
                                                Onano area