On Etruscan Trails in Tuscany Tuscany Italy On Historic Trails in Tuscany on the Tracks of the Etruscans: Who were the Etruscans? Who were the Etruscans? The Estruscans were the early inhabitants of Italy, long before the Roman Empire existed. However, the Estruscan civilization is often overlooked despite its enormous influence on the region. Estruscan settlements were frequently built on the hillside - the steeper the hill, the better - and surrounded by thick fortress walls, well protected from intruders. Many of the Estruscan’s early water systems later contributed to the iconic Roman aqueduct. 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 their hilltop fortresses, old settlements and the imprint of their trading routes stretching from Naples to Venice. However, nowhere in Italy carries the Estruscan influence quite like Tuscany; in fact, Tuscany's name originates from the Italian Etrusci or Tusci, words used by the ancient Romans to describe the Etruscans. Let us explore and relive the history of this mysterious people! We provide three different itineraries for riders to choose from, as the history and landscapes available here is truly impossible to fit into one week alone! 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!    Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Castell'Azzara Airport: Rome Fiumicino Transfer: Chiusi-Chianciano station, Rome Ciampino or Rome Fiumicino airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers can be arranged for an extra fee. Pick-up at Chiusi train station for 5:30-6:30 pm. Drop off at Chiusi train sttaion for 9:00-10:00 am
We can also provide transfers from the airports in Rome if preferred.

NOTE: The programs below may be modified at any time due to prevailing weather conditions or for technical reasons.

Sample Itinerary: Etruscan Trail (for intermediate riders) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival and accommodation at the riding center. In the evening, meeting with the guide and the other participants to chat and get to know each other.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 2 (Sunday): Introductory Ride
Entire day on horseback to verify horse & rider compatibility, with picnic and return to Cornacchino.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to Sovana
From the farmhouse, we cross a nice beech wood forest and ride to the banks of the Fiora river, stopping for a swim and a picnic. Afterwards, we ride through the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana (Poggio Prisca) and along ancient Etruscan roads (Vie Cave) cut deep into the tuff 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 (we sleep in a country house not far from Sovana, but we do not ride to Sovana nor Pitigliano themselves). Dinner and night's stay.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo near Sovana

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride along the Fiora River
We ride trough vineyards and olive trees. We cross along the river Fiora and cross it by the Necropole "Poggio Buco" until we reach our second country house for the dinner and overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo near Fiora River

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride with the Butteri
Today a longer ride in the morning followed by a relaxing afternoon. We ride along the river Fiora until the hermitage of Poggio Conte, where 16th century hermits built a chapel entirely dug out of the tuff rock. For lunch, we are going to reach the country house, a farm that breeds and trains Maremma horses using traditional methods and the owners have a private collection of Etruscan artifacts which they are happy to show to guests. In the afternoon we are going to help the Butteri (Italian cowboys) working with their cattle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo near Fiora River

Day 6 (Thursday): Ride to Lake Mezzano
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo near Lake Mezzano

Day 7 (Friday): Ride back to Farmhouse
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. (it is not allways possible to visit Vitozza, therefore better to write that we riding through hills direction home. 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Breakfast and departure.
Meals included: Breakfast




Sample Itinerary: Maremma Tradition (for strong intermediate and experienced riders) - subject to changes

*Please note that our Maremma Trail in tents, which takes place in May, has deviations from the country house program from day 2 to day 5. The trail has 3 overnights outward (May 12-19) and 4 nights return (May 19-26) in tents. On these days we spend the nights in with the Butteri in tents.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival and accommodation at the riding center. In the evening, meeting with the guide, who explains us the week in details, and the other participants to chat and get to know each other.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 2: Introductory Ride
Entire day on horseback to verify horse & rider compatibility, with picnic and return to Cornacchino.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 3: Ride to Lake Mezzano
We leave the Farmhouse and start our two days-trail that brings us until Ischia di Castro. We head to the medieval village of Sorano, riding along an Etruscan road, and from here we continue through hills until we reach the Mezzano lake.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo near Lake Mezzano

Day 4: Lake Mezzano to Agriturismo Pietrafitta
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. In the late afternoon we reach our agriturismo Pietrafitta, where we are staying for 3 nights. In May we ride to our friends the Butteri, where we will camp for 3 nights.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo Pietrafitta or Camp at Butteri Farm

Day 5: Ride with the Butteri to Vulci castle
First day with the "Butteri" (Tuscan cowboys). We ride through the woods of Baccano and reach Vulci castle, where we have our pic-nic. In the afternoon we visit the archeologic parc and start working with the Butteri and their Maremma cows.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo Pietrafitta or Camp at Butteri Farm

Day 6: Cattle Work
We spent the entire day in Vulci with the Butteri and their cattle, including some lazos work. For lunch we have a barbecue, enjoying the products and recipes this beautiful region.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo Pietrafitta or Camp at Butteri Farm

Day 7: Last day with the Butteri
We ride back from Vulci to Pietrafitta, where in the afternoon we move Maremma foals from their fields to the corrals. In the late afternoon, we head back to the Farmhouse by mini-bus where we enjoy our final dinner together during which every participant will receive small souvenir and a map of our journey.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and departure.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Maremma Traditions Return Route (for strong intermediate and experienced riders) - subject to changes

*Please note that our Maremma Trail in tents, which takes place in May, has deviations from the country house program from day 2 to day 5. The trail has 3 overnights outward (May 12-19) and 4 nights return (May 19-26) in tents. On these days we spend the nights in with the Butteri in tents.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival and accommodation at the riding center. In the evening, meeting with the guide, who explains us the week in details, and the other participants to chat and get to know each other.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 2: Ride to Butteri Ranch
After breakfast we drive to the Maremma and reach our farmhouse, where we are going to stay 4 nights. We start our adventure riding through the hills of San Colombano, cross the river Fiora and the woods of Montecalvo and visit the hermitage of Poggio Conte, where 16th century hermits built a chapel entirely dug out of the tuff rock. In May, we ride to the Butteri Ranch where we will camp for 4 nights.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo Pietrafitta or Camp at Butteri Farm

Day 3: Ride with the Butteri to Vulci Castle
First day with the "Butteri" (Tuscan cowboys). We ride through the woods of Baccano and reach Vulci castle, where we have our pic-nic. In the afternoon we visit the archeologic parc and start working with the Butteri and their Maremma cows.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo Pietrafitta or Camp at Butteri Farm

Day 4: Cattle Work
We spend the entire day in Vulci with the Butteri and their cattle, including some lassos work. For lunch we have a barbecue, enjoying the products and recipes this beautiful region.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo Pietrafitta or Camp at Butteri Farm

Day 5: Ride to Pietrafitta
We ride back from Vulci to Pietrafitta, where in the afternoon we move Maremma foals from their fields to the corrals.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo Pietrafitta or Camp at Butteri Farm

Day 6: Pietrafitta to Lake Mezzano
Departure of the two days trail that brings us back to the Framhouse. We ride 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. 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Agriturismo near Lake Mezzano

Day 7: Ride back to Farmhouse
From lake Mezzano we ride though hills and head to the medieval village of Sorano, then continue along Etruscan roads 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and departure.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Terme di Saturnia area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	51	52	59	66	72	80	87	86	76	68	59	53
Average Low Temperature (°F)	43	43	48	52	59	66	72	72	65	59	51	46
Average High Temperature (°C)	10	11	15	19	22	26	30	30	25	20	15	12
Average Low Temperature (°C)	6	6	9	11	15	19	22	22	18	15	10	8
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	5	4	4	5	3	2	1	1	3	4	6	5

Source: NOAA


Seasons
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 and temperatures are pleasant.
In the winter there are sunny, mild days but at night it sometimes gets very cold.

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.

Your riding gear should be comfortable and most importantly, should not be brand new (especially footwear), since new gear often holds unpleasant surprises.
The footwear should be comfortable not only for riding, but also for walking, with a hard sole that permits a good contact between foot and stirrup. Footwear with a slick sole and very tight clothing should be avoided. The trousers should be comfortable and robust.

You may also need a raincoat, a light windproof jacket, a hat for protection, sun cream, a portable light, a small knife, swimwear, and a sleeping bag. You should bring along a light jumper for the evening.

The belongings together should not be too bulky since there is limited space on the transport vehicle and in the saddlebags. Please avoid suitcases with a hard surface. 
 

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Personal Travel Insurance

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

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

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

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

Average ratings from 3 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date kasia tolubinska 10/29/2017 margaret suchow 9/23/2016 oksana itkes 9/15/2015

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.

Description
You will be staying at different country inns, also called "Agriturismo" in Italy. They are carefully chosen by us taking into consideration their typicality, comfort, cuisine and stables for the horses and equipment.
If you would like to have a private bathroom please let us know in advanced. During the trail we overnight in small country houses and it is not always possible for everyone to get a private bathroom (even if single room was booked and confirmed).
Laundry facilities are available at the main farmhouse only for an extra cost.

Etruscan Trail Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Farmhouse
Night 3: Agriturismo near Sovana
Nights 4 & 5: Agriturismo near Ponte San Pietro
Night 6: Agriturismo near Lago di Mezzano
Night 7: Farmhouse

Mini Etruscan Trail Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1, 2, 3 & 4: Farmhouse
Night 5: Agriturismo near Sovana
Night 6: Agriturismo near San Quirico
Night 7: Farmhouse

Maremma Traditions Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Farmhouse
Night 3: Agriturismo near Lago di Mezzano
Nights 4, 5 & 6: Camp at the Butteri Farm or Agriturismo Castro (depending on the program you choose)
Night 7: Farmhouse



Farmhouse
It is an organic farm that is composed of six buildings, horse stables, and several outbuildings, all surrounded by 110 hectares of terrain. Rooms are nicely decorated and charming, but not luxurious. There are 13 rooms and 8 bathrooms (3 shared, 2 ensuite in room, 3 private but outside the room) as well as a living room with a fireplace, where there is Wi-Fi access.

Agriturismo near Sovana
This country house has a beautiful garden with many trees, and a patio. The rooms are simple and comfortable and all have their own bathroom. There is no Wi-Fi access at this property.

Agriturismo Castro near Ponte San Pietro
This farmhouse has an extensive garden with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and an outdoor terrace. The rooms are simply furnished with antiques and each room has a different color. Each room is equipped with a TV and a private bathroom. There is also a lounge where guests can relax and surf the internet.

Agriturismo near Lago di Mezzano
This old farm has been renovated in order to accommodate guests, but it kept its original style and charm (stonewall). It benefits from a great location, on the shores of the Mezzano Lake. The Agriturismo offers 8 bedrooms, featuring antiques and a rustic décor. Each room has a private bathroom, heating control, a TV and free Wi-Fi access. There is also a big garden, where guests can relax and read a book.

Agriturismo Podere Del Lepre near San Quirico
This beautiful country house dates back to the 18th century. The property is located on a hilltop and benefits from great views over the surroundings. Guests are welcome to explore the garden and cool off in the swimming pool. The rooms are all tastefully decorated and come equipped with a TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom. There is no Wi-Fi access.

Agriturismo Castro
This charming agriturismo offers simply decorated guestrooms with private facilities. The property has a lovely garden with an outdoor pool where guests can relax. There is free wi-fi access available.



Camp at Butteri Farm
For the nights spent camping, we provide a tent and sleeping mat but guests need to bring their own sleeping bags. There are washrooms and a hot shower in the house, which guests are welcome to use.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee does not apply.



Meals
All meals are provided during the riding tour.

Breakfasts and dinners are taken at the accommodations/camps with wholesome farm produced ingredients - you are in for a treat.
The picnic lunches are prepared in the morning and taken to the picnic destination by the support vehicle.

Red wine is included with lunch and dinner.

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

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Haflingers, Appaloosas, Paints, Maremmanas, South American Thoroughbreds, and some cross breds
Pace:		Moderate with trots and canters where possible - 5 to 7 hrs per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 14
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders

Riding Experience
These trips have been designed for intermediate riders who are comfortable at all gaits and are able to ride through steep and challenging terrain. They should ride on a regular basis and be in good physical condition.
The Etruscan Trail is suitable for intermediate riders and above.
The Two Lakes Trail is suitable for intermediate riders and above.
The Maremma Traditions Ride is suitable for strong intermediate and experienced riders only as you will be working with cattle and crossing some rivers.

Terrain
On the Etruscan Trail and the Two Lakes Trail, we ride predominantly on mountain paths, ancient Etruscan roads cut deep into the tuff rock, country roads and dirt roads (maximum altitude is 860 meters, minimum 250 meters above sea level.).
On the Maremma Traditions Ride, the trails consist in mainly mountain paths, country roads and dirt roads. At times, there are difficult fords and uneven trails.

Pace
We go at a walk, trot and canter where possible. Each riding day lasts for about 5 - 6 hours split between the morning (longer ride) and the afternoon. On average, we ride between 25 and 40 km per day.

Horses
We host more than 60 horses, who live in small groups, outdoor on 100 acres of pastureland, completely according to their natural needs of socialization and movement. All the horses are trained in Western riding and particularly suitable for trekking.

Horse Training
The horse training is personally overseen by Fabio, with his the method called ‘Natural Western’. The initial training consists of teaching the horses to trust humans, and subsequently to carry out all the necessary movements in the countryside: walk, trot, canter, gallop, back, side passes, gallop changes, transitions, jumping, and water crossing. The horses carry out much of their training in the countryside, learning while having fun and at the same time increasing their level of experience.

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. On the Maremma Traditions, during the 4 days with the Butteri, our guide and a buttero will lead the group.
Your guide can provide basic medication and will take along a first-aid kit on the trek. Any health conditions that require special medication should be brought to the attention of the guide before departure on the trek. Allergy sufferers should bring their own medicines, as those who suffer allergies from common medications.

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.