Horseback Riding in Italy
FEAST OF THE CONQUERORS |
Preparing the evening meal
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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.
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 40 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. |
| Day 2: | Ride to the village of Casciano di Murlo through forests and rolling hills. There will be wonderful hilltop views of the surrounding countryside with beautiful Siena in the distance. Pass Castello de Capraia en-route to a special picnic lunch at Castello di Poderina. After lunch, ride on to the hamlet of Via Maggio, where the horses will spend this night and the next. Transfer to the Castello for an elaborate Tuscan dinner with local wines. |
| Day 3: | Return to your horses at Via Maggio and ride to the village of Ville di Corsano and Sant’Ansano, passing vineyards and fortified medieval and renaissance farms. This is old Tuscany at its best. Ride back to Via Maggio for lunch, followed by wine tasting at an Enoteca. Dinner at the Castello with wines of the region. |
| Day 4: | Transfer to Via Maggio and ride through countryside and trails typical of the area, arriving at Castello di Montepescini for a picnic lunch. This day you will find beautiful Mediterranean forests melting into clay hills, and see the beginning of a geological ocean from ancient times. After a relaxing lunch continue on to Castello di Tocchi for dinner with lots of conversation and tales of the day’s ride. |
| Day 5: | Morning ride along ancient roads and through delightful countryside of pretty little villages where farmers of long ago stayed, to reach the medieval village of Iesa. Return to Castello di Tocchi for a light lunch with some good opportunities for canters en-route. After lunch travel to a Sardinian shepherd’s farmhouse, visit the farm and taste their cheeses. Afterward the wife of the shepherd will teach you some Sardinian recipes. Dinner tonight will be Sardinian ravioli and roasted piglet and lamb. |
| 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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Brick-oven pizza
The dinner table
Castello di Tocchi
Old stone house and garden
Cantering below the Villa Ferraria
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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 some western |
| Horses | Anglo-Arab, Italian cross |
| Weight Limit | 230 lbs Age limit: 14 |
| 2010 Dates | April 18-24, May 9-15, May 28-June 3, June 6-12, June 20-26, *June 27-July 3 (with Palio), **Sept 5-11, **Sept 26-Oct 2, **Oct 10-16 |
| 2010 Price | $2,990
**$2,550 Special discount fall dates
*Additional $1,290 for Palio Extension (See Palio details in ride description above) |
| Single Supplement | $800 |
| Transfers | Included from and to Siena at specific times |
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