Horseback Riding in Italy
SAINTS AND WARRIORS |
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.
Situated in a tranquil region southwest of Siena, the circular stone walls of the Castello di Tocchi serve as a hospitable central base for rides into the surrounding countryside, and a delightful cooking school at times during the year. 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. If you prefer full days of riding and an exhilarating pace, then the Saints and Warriors Ride is a good choice.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be met at the Siena train station at 5:30pm. Dinner and overnight will be in the medieval hamlet south of Siena called Castello di Tocchi.
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| Day 2: | After breakfast, transfer to the stables of ‘La Ripa’ to meet the horses and ride through the countryside to the village of Orgia, where lunch will include specialties of the area. The afternoon’s ride continues through forests, vineyards and cultivated fields with views of typical Tuscan villages and castles on the hilltops, then climbs up to the stables where the horses will stay tonight. |
| Day 3: | Ride toward the village of Murlo, which was built hundreds of years ago upon an even earlier Etruscan town. The museum in Murlo holds many fascinating Etruscan archaeological treasures. It is currently collaborating with an American university to scientifically prove with DNA studies that the present residents are related to these “lost” Etruscans.
After lunch and a bit of shopping (bring along some cash or a credit card), the route follows an ancient road leading to Buon Convento, with opportunities for canters and gallops on the quiet roads past vineyards. The horses will remain at Bibbiano, and riders transfer back to Castello di Tocchi after dinner (about a 30 minute drive). |
| Day 4: | Today is the longest day of riding, covering about 20 miles. The trail lends itself to long canters across the fields of the ‘Crete Senese’ (Clay Hills), a wonderful contrast in landscape to the previous days’ rides. The destination today is Montalcino, a fortified hill town most famous for its Brunello wine. Lunch in Montalcino includes an opportunity to sample this delicious wine. The horses will again stay at Bibbiano, and riders return to Castello di Tocchi for dinner. |
| Day 5: | Ride through unspoiled Mediterranean forests, quiet villages, past abandoned farm houses, stopping for another sumptuous lunch before riding on to La Ripa and dinner at a local restaurant. |
| Day 6: | A very early start to join the Butteri, the last of the legendary Italian ‘cowboys’, as they check their cattle in the unspoiled national park of Maremma, 5,000 acres of pristine woods near the ocean. You will be mounted on the Maremanno horse, a special, hardy breed that is raised here semi-wild. Ride to the sea past isolated stone towers where once lookouts kept watch for Barbary pirates. Lunch will be in Grossetto (huge platefuls of pasta and fresh fish), then on to Roselle, a remarkable site for Etruscan and Roman ruins, in the process of restoration. Farewell dinner at the Castello. |
| Day 7: | After breakfast depart Castello di Tocchi for the train station in Siena.
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| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Riding with the butteri (Italian cowboys)
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Siena |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 5 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-11 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate (but the fastest of the three Castello Rides) |
| Tack | English and Western |
| Horses | Anglo-Arab, Lipizzaner, Italian cross |
| Weight Limit | 230 lbs Age limit: 14 |
| 2008 Dates | June 1-7, Sept 14-20, Oct 19-25 |
| 2008 Price | $3,030 for 4-6 riders
$2,830 for 7-12 riders
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| Single Supplement | $750 |
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