Horseback Riding in Italy
FEAST OF THE CONQUERORS |
The fortresses and castles which were so important earlier, especially during the 15th century conflicts between Florence and Siena, are now partially in ruins. Much of the land is going back to nature, which is all the better for riding, and the soft beauty of the countryside is enhanced. This ride features a real celebration of food and wine. Your hosts also run a delightful cooking school.
Situated in a tranquil region southwest of Siena, the circular stone walls of the Castello di Tocchi serve as a hospitable central base for either full or half-day rides into the surrounding countryside. From the lovingly restored suites of this medieval hamlet, which was built on the foundations of a 12th century castle, riders have an opportunity to experience the enduring magic of Tuscany. The Feast of the Conqueror's itinerary cleverly combines riding with an investigation of the region's gastronomic delights.
Il Palio, which takes place in July and again in August, is more than a horse race. This complex Italian festival has existed for hundreds of years and continues to be full of excitement, colorful in its costumes and flags, and involving the entire city for weeks. The ride that includes the Palio excursion will have a modified and flexible itinerary to allow riders several opportunities to experience the various Palio events during the week, which will include the Contrada Dinner the night prior to the race, and of course, a balcony view of the famous horse race around the Piazza del Campo.
Wonderful atmosphere a gracious, clever host. Would certainly do this ride again. Vittorio wisely leaves the horse care to his very capable staff and tends to his guests in a most charming way.
- Lynn Hartmann
This was a wonderful ride with great horses, well cared for and ready to go! The accommodations were spacious, comfortable, charming and clean. Vittorio was a wonderful, considerate and entertaining host. Can't say enough about the food - fabulous! I would definitely recommend this trip to friends. Oops - of course the scenery was gorgeous.
- Judy Keller
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Meet your guide at the train station in Siena at 5.30pm. Drive to the 1,000 year old Castello di Tocchi (a 25 minute drive). Settle into the rooms where you will be staying for the week, and relax with a welcome drink and aperitivo. Dinner at the Castello follows; a cooking demonstration and introduction to the Italian Kitchen with the famed Tuscan Chef of La Cucina Del Castello cooking school.
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| Day 2: | Meet your horses and take a 5 hour ride through fortified villages and forest on a ancient road that once connected Siena to the sea. Enjoy a long Tuscan picnic lunch in a meadow. In the afternoon ride along the ancient sea floor to a stable near the monastery of Lecceto. Return to the Castello for an elaborate Tuscan dinner with local wines.
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| Day 3: | Ride past Montagnola Senese with its vines, medieval castles and renaissance villas for a picnic at the famous convent of Lecceto. Following a picnic lunch there will be an afternoon cooking class with the Castello’s famous chef before dinner at the Castello. |
| Day 4: | An early start for the 6 hour ride back to the Castello, along the crest of the hills with wonderful views to Siena. A special picnic lunch at a wild boar hunters shed before returning to the Castello for dinner and the night. |
| Day 5: | Set out for a three-hour ride through delightful countryside along ancient roads connecting the castles of the Republic of Siena. Here, during the medieval ages, the Sienese fought endless battles against the neighboring Florentines. Return to Castello di Tocchi for a light lunch with some good opportunities for canters enroute. After lunch travel to a farmhouse to make ricotta and pecorino cheeses with a Sardinian shepherd. Dinner tonight will be Sardinian ravioli and roasted piglet and lamb.
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| Day 6: | Today's destination is the romantic San Galgano Abbey. Ride through the forest and past ancient villages to arrive for a picnic set up in front of the partially restored 13th century Cistercian abbey. Visit the site, and take a short walk to the Chapel at Monte Siepi. Hear the story of the Saint, the Sword, and the Stone. Ride back through the river, an experience the horses enjoy as much as the riders. Return to the Castello for a farewell dinner and final night.
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| Day 7: | Depart for Siena after breakfast. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Siena |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 3 full and 2 half days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-11 |
| Riding Per Day | 3-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English and Western |
| Horses | Anglo-Arab, Lipizzaner, Italian cross |
| Weight Limit | 230 lbs Age limit: 14 |
| 2008 Dates | April 20-26, May 11-17, June 29-July 5 (with Palio)*, Sept 28-Oct 4, Nov 9-15 |
| 2008 Price | $3,100 for 4-6 riders
$2,880 for 7-12 riders
*Additional $980 for Palio Extension (See Palio details in ride description above) |
| Single Supplement | $750 |
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