For adventure horse riders looking for a week of exciting intrepid horseback riding, our horse trekking package offers a different style of trail ride every day, discover medieval castles and abandoned churches on horseback;take a fast canter alongside the river at the bottom of a beautiful canyon; visit a friendly artisan for an aperitif at his workshop in the Pisan hills; and perhaps enjoy a super Italian style BBQ down at the lake accompanied by the farm’s own Chianti wine. The riding is suitable for intermediate to experienced riders. The speed is mixed, and experienced riders can be guaranteed some lovely canters and interesting mixed terrain. On more challenging terrain riders can enjoy a calmer pace, experiencing the wonderful landscape on sure-footed horses.
Price: 500€
NB This package is for riding only. Accommodation and meals can be added to suit.
Saturday
Arrival at Castellare di Tonda, make yourself at home with a glass of our wonderful Chianti wine looking out over the panoramic vista of the Chianti hills.
Sunday
Meet your guides and your horse then embark on a ride into the 800 acre estate, visiting the lake and exploring forest trails deep into the canyon.
In the afternoon you ride out following the old dirt trails of the estate towards Montaione, the main village of the area. Riding through rolling vineyards and farmland, you pass donkeys, ponies and chickens as you ride up to the artisan Riccardo's house. A highlight of this fragrant ride is a long canter along high on the top of a grassy ridge, with the beauty of Tuscany unfolding in every direction.
Monday
Today you head out for the day through olive groves and over rolling hills to Pietrina, an ancient medieval convent near Volterra. In the past "Pietrina" was called 'Pietra' whilst today that name indicates the opposite hill where the ruins of an old watchtower sit between the two lakes of Montaione.
Tuesday
Another full day ride takes you to Sughera, a small red colored village dating back to 1100, surrounded by rolling Tuscan farmland. Behind the village is an old merchant trail that will take you to Barbialla, a truffle plantation and Chianina cattle farm. The Chianina is one of the world’s oldest breeds of cattle and historically of immense cultural value to the Tuscans.
Wednesday
Today is left as a free day from riding
Thursday
Ride to the Castelfalfi castle deep into the canyon you cross a stream and ride up into Castelfalfi, a hilltop borgo and castle that was built by the Long bards.
Friday
Ride through forest trails, creek crossings, open fields, abandoned ruins, and finally the highlight of San Vivaldo monastery.
Constructed between 1500 and 1600 on ruins that date back to 1100, San Vivaldo became known as the Jerusalem of Italy. Return to the stables via the trail of the wolf, an old forest trail that has been used for hundreds of years by travelers on their way to Volterra.
Saturday
Departure
