Italy ~ Tuscany & Lazio
6 and 7 nights, riding between village guesthouses and country hotels, available March to October (excepting August). For fit, intermediate riders and above.
Where Exploring the border country of Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria, about 2 hours drive north of Rome.
What is it like Beautiful and unspoilt Tuscan landscapes, rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves, forests of mediterranean oak and hazel. Fortified villages and hamlets often top the hills, isolated farmhouses and traditional stone villas adorn the valleys. Riding is along ancient trails, sometimes narrow paths that wind through rocky gorges in the forest, sometimes wide dirt tracks that follow high ridges with views onto iconic Tuscan scenes of cypress trees and fields of wheat studded with poppies.
Who does it suit Anyone who enjoys energetic riding and the sense of 'journey', but also likes to be well looked after! Nights are in village hotels and guesthouses, so there's a comfortable night's rest after an active day - with evenings made all the more enjoyable by the Italian focus on good food and wine.
Why we love it Its a wonderful way to see this classic part of Tuscany. Rich in Etruscan histroy with ancient dwellings and tombs dug into the volcanic rock, the area is also famous for its local produce. We loved riding past grazing sheep which produce the pecorino cheese you have for lunch, vineyards and olive groves which produce the oil & wine you sample at dinner and the grey-horned cattle and wild boar which may be part of the evening meal!
7 night & 6 night rides are scheduled most weeks from March to October, excepting August.
SUMMARY
Riding: 5-6 hours a day.
Horses: local Maremma crosses, Anglo Arab, Sicilian, Andalucian & Apaloosa crosses
Pace: moderate overall, some good chances to move on.
Riding ability: suitable for intermediate riders and above.
Weight limit: 80kg (12st 8lbs).
Accommodation: country hotels and agriturismos.
Group size: maximum 10.
Season: March to October (excepting August).
Price: 6 nights from 1750 Euros (approx £1540) per person
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: There are 16 or so horses of mixed breed, some Maremma crosses, Anglo Arabs and Apaloosa crosses, averaging about 15.2hh. All are a responsive, willing and enjoyable ride as well as being calm and sensible to handle. Tack is English style and most horses are ridden in snaffles. The rider weight limit is 80 kgs (12st 8lbs) although with prior notice, heavier riders may sometime be acceped. Contact us if you are over 80kgs to check. Rides are limited to a maximum of 10 guests.
Hours: Generally between 5 and 6 hours riding a day.
Pace and experience required: Rides are at a fairly relaxed pace overall but there are good chances to canter each day and to participate, you need to able to control a well schooled horse at all paces in open country. Most of the riding is on the white dirt tracks which link farms & fields to villages - however you will also follow narrow paths through the forest, climbing up to ridges and down into deep valleys so should be well balanced on a horse, with a good independent seat.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in village and farm guesthouses and Agriturismos. The style of accommodation varies but is a good standard throughout, chosen for its character and location. In most cases bedrooms have their own bathrooms (adjoining or en suite) and there is a swimming pool at most properties.
RATES & DATES
|
Rates 2024 |
Ridges of Siena (6 nights) |
| Dates 2024 | Ridges of Siena 19th to 25th May 2024 16th to 22nd June 2024 7th to 13th July 2024 14th to 20th July 2024 1st to 7th September 2024 15th to 21st September 2024 20th to 26th October 2024 Etruscan Ride 5th to 12th May 2024 26th May to 2nd June 2024 9th to 16th June 2024 23rd to 30th June 2024 21st to 28th July 2024 22nd to 29th September 2024 6th to 13th October 2024 |
ITINERARY
Itinerary in brief - Ridges of Siena (please enquire for Etruscan Ride itinerary)
| Day 1 | [Arrive Rome airport mid afternoon and transfer to Sovana]. Meet your guide for dinner and overnight at a hotel in Sovana. |
| Day 2 |
Breakfast and a short transfer to meet the horses then set off riding towards the small town of Proceno stopping for a picnic lunch on the way. The night is spent in the walls of the castle of Proceno. Dinner at your hosts restaurant. |
| Day 3 |
Breakfast and set off riding northwards towards the hilltop town of Radicofani. The route crosses the river Fiora and then climbs to high ridges between the valleys. Stop for a picnic lunch with views to Radicofani. Descend into the forested valleys and then climb again, reaching your destination close to Radifocani. Dinner and night Agriturismo Sterposi. |
| Day 4 |
A morning ride to the tower and fortress of Radifocani. Stop for a picnic lunch with wonderful views towards Siena. In the afternoon a short ride back to you accommodtion, then time ot relax by the pool (or take a taxi to Siena). Dinner and the night Agriturismo Sterposi.. |
| Day 5 |
Breakfast and set off riding by a different route back to Proceno. A picnic lunch by the river then follow tracks past cattle and sheep farms back to Proceno. A guided tour of the castle walls by your host whose family have lived here for 3 centuries. Dinner and night Proceno Castle. |
| Day 6 |
Breakfast and the last days ride back to Sovana. Lunch will be a picnic at Vitozza, close to the town of San Quirico, where you will see the ancient cave dwellings. Continue back through forested valleys, finally climbing to the plateau with views of Sovana. Farewell to the horses and a short transfer to your hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant nd the night Sovana. |
| Day 7 |
Breakfast and onward travel (transfers can be arranged to Orvieto or Rome). |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions. |
TRAVEL
The meeting point for these rides is the village of Sovana, but transfers are possilbe on request from either at Orvieto station or Rome airport.
Transfer prices are approximately 240 euros each way per vehicle from / to Rome Fiumicino airport; 130 euros per vehicle each way from / to Orvieto.
You can also hire a car and drive yourself to the start point which is about a 2 hour drive from Rome Fiumicino airport.
There are direct flights to Rome Fiumicino with British Airways from London Heathrow. Easy Jet, Ryan Air, and Jet2 fly from several regional UK airports to Rome (either Fiumicino or Ciampino). Flights start from around £150 return
