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Italy – Santa Cristina

Staying on a private estate in Tuscany, flexible duration, April to early November. Ideal for riders, non-riders, couples, families and mixed groups.
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Where is it?

On the Tuscany Umbria border, close to Lake Bolsena and about 40 mins drive from Orvieto.

What is it like?

A relaxed holiday base centred around a restored 18th C castle, with a choice of accommodation in individual apartments, small cottages or bedrooms in the converted ‘fattoria’. It’s privately owned and has been in the same family for generations. There are wooded grounds to explore, a swimming pool (open June on), a tennis court and the inviting ambience of an Italian family’s summer retreat. Riding is one of the activities offered, a lovely way to explore with lessons sometimes available too. You can also cycle, walk, use a hire car to visit neighbouring fortified towns or for a day trip to Lake Bolsena. Alternatively, just stay put and relax.

Who does it suit?

Families, mixed groups of riders and non-riders, anyone wanting a relaxed holiday with a chance to ride but also to be as self-sufficient as you wish. Morning and afternoon hacks explore the ‘Brigands Path’ passing hilltop towns and etruscan tombs; longer rides head to Lake Mezzano for lunch. There’s a chance for lessons for children and the more novice, and when not riding, you can visit the fortified towns of Sorano, Proceno and Pitigliano, enjoy the pool, play tennis, cycle, taste local wines, try a thermal spa or even have a cooking lesson! A flexible, peaceful retreat in the heart of Italy.

Why we love it

It’s flexible, welcoming and relaxed; you can come and go as you please and there’s plenty for all ages making it ideal for a family group. Ride to the lake for a picnic, have a day out on a boat on Lake Bolsena, swim, cycle, walk, meet in the vaulted bar, gather around the pizza oven, eat, drink, and enjoy.

Travel with trust

When you travel with Ride World Wide, you can travel with trust. We’re a member of ABTOT (the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust) which provides financial protection for your booking through our ABTOT bond and under the ABTOT ATOL franchise. If you have any questions please ask.

In a Nutshell

Riding
2-5 hours a day, usually split into morning and / or afternoon rides
Horses
TB and warmblood crosses, Anglo-Arabs, Italian crosses
Pace
Moderate
Riding Ability
Confident novice and above
Weight Limit
90kg (14st 4lbs)
Group Size
Santa Cristina can host 30+ guests, riding groups maximum 9
Accommodation
Twin or double bedrooms and rural apartments on the estate
2026 Dates
April to November, dates on request; see “Key Information” below
2026 Prices
7 nights stays from 1,385 Euros (approx £1,195) per person; see “Key Information” below
What you'll be doing

Itinerary in Brief

Full Week

Below is an example itinerary. Please ask us for other itineraries.

Day 1

Arrive Santa Cristina. A welcome drink with your host in the castle and a short briefing. Dinner and night at Santa Cristina.

Day 2

Breakfast before you meet the horses for your first morning ride. Set off riding into the hills on the west of the plateau on which the castle is situated. There is some good going on dirt tracks and you may be able to try your horse at a trot and short canter if you wish, before continuing on winding tracks, through wooded hills. Reach a forest, Selva di Onano, before returning by a different route to Santa Cristina. Own arrangements for lunch in the taverna or at a local restaurant. The afternoon free to relax by the pool, explore on foot or perhaps for a game of tennis. Dinner and night Santa Cristina.

Day 3

Another morning ride, perhaps towards Lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. The return route to Santa Cristina crosses the village of Gradoli, before arriving back at Santa Cristina. Own arrangements for lunch and the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and night Santa Cristina.

Day 4

Perhaps a full day ride to Lake Mezzano today. From Santa Cristina follow a route through farmland and hills thick with chestnut woods, then down towards the open plain where the lake lies. Lunch at a restaurant by the lake (payable locally), before riding back through woods to Santa Cristina (approx 30kms riding). Dinner and night at Santa Cristina. NOTE - full day rides are not offered during July or August when it is usually too hot to ride in the middle of the day.

Day 5

A rest day, free for you to make your own plans and perhaps visit some of the local sites. Dinner and the night at Santa Cristina.

Day 6

After breakfast, head out on a morning ride, perhaps following the Brigands Trail, through rural country - woods, small fields and along a forest track that winds around the hills to bring you out below the fortified town of Onano. Continue riding to the little medieval church of Madonna delle Grazie and along a winding country track back to Santa Cristina. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and night Santa Cristina.

Day 7

Your last morning ride out returning to Santa Cristina in time for lunch (extra charge) and the afternoon at leisure, to explore or just relax by the pool. Dinner and final night.

Day 8

Breakfast and own arrangements for your onward journey.
Our Rider Feedback

What People Say

“Fantastic horses. We were well matched by ability. My horse was beautifully forward going and responsive, but very safe and sensible. The food was incredible. 3 and 4 courses of home cooked Italian food every lunch and evening meal. So tasty! And our guides were always so helpful and kept the rides fun and informed us of local knowledge. We swam in the lakes and rode through endless fields of wildflowers and poppies. Heaven.”
LH (London)
“We have recently completed our Ride World Wide stay at Santa Cristina in Italy. I wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to you for organizing it for us. It really is the most magical place. The horses are charming and the ride scenery was breathtaking. All of the staff were so friendly and the food was amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better four days. Thank you again.”
PB (Cayman Islands)
"Easy holiday to recommend - riding was fun and horses were wonderful and well cared for. They helped to coordinate a horse ride and cycle ride where we all met for lunch on the beach of the lake - great fun! The scenery is amazing. Lots to do in surrounding area. The hosts really make it memorable".
KA (Suffolk)
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Key information

You’ll find all the information you need at the ‘Download Full Details’ link above. If there’s anything else you would like to know, please contact us to ask.

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Booking Request

To request a booking on a particular ride, please fill in the details below, and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. (Please note this is a request for space not a guarantee of booking!)

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