Horseback Riding in Italy
SEVEN CASTLES OF CHIANTI |
This ride follows a wide loop through the rolling forested hills, verdant farmland and vineyards, picturesque villages of the Chianti Classico region north of Siena, and begins and ends at the outfitter's home, a 400-year-old Tuscan farmhouse.
Accommodations enroute are in small hotels, comfortable and typical of the area. The Seven Castles of Chianti includes some afternoon sightseeing excursions to points of historical interest. The guide sets a moderate pace suitable for enjoying the surroundings, but interspersed with brisk trots and canters which enable one to appreciate her well-trained horses.
Every now and then a vacation surpasses one's wildest expectations. My Seven Castles of Chianti riding vacation in May 2006 was a truly amazing experience. First and foremost, Jenny Bawtree is extraordinary. Her horsemanship is top-notch; her horses are fit, well cared for, and much loved....We cantered through grapevines in vineyards, walked down old Etruscan roads, trotted through ancient, picturesque villages, all flooded with spring flowers. We crossed over some of the Chianti hills and cantered along ridgelines with breathtaking views of castles and villages. It was a beautiful spring in Tuscany....and we had day after day of sunshine and blue skies, no jacket necessary. There were flowers everywhere - red poppies, purple irises, yellow broom, acacia trees with their heavenly scented white blossoms. The Chianti countryside is breathtaking, expecially in spring. No bugs, warm but not hot, and flowers blooming everywhere.
Jenny and her staff are the definition of "hospitality".... We feel as if we left behind a special family - and it was our privilege to have been a part of their lives if only for a week.
- Linda Giannino
We just returned from the Seven Castles ride - everything about the experience far exceeded my expectations. Jenny and staff were wonderful and the meals, including the picnics were always special. I would highly recommend the ride - lovely, well-cared for horses, postcard scenery, good company, 'seat savers' - we really enjoyed ourselves!
- Joan Worrall
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Sat) Arrive at Florence Railway Station (Santa Maria Novella) where you will be met outside the main bar (look for the Self-Service sign) and accompanied on a 40 minute train journey to Montevarchi. Your English hostess and guide is Jenny Bawtree who is very familiar with Italian history and culture. Dinner and overnight at Rendola, Jenny’s comfortable 400 year old farmhouse full of books and music. |
| Day 2: | (Sun) Depart on a ride that leads through the olive groves, vineyards and woodlands of the Arno Valley passing near an 11th century castle and a 14th century church, returning to Rendola for lunch. In the afternoon drive to the medieval village of Loro Ciuffenna, built around a ravine. Enjoy some Italian ice cream, then drive to the Romanesque church of Gropina with its 8th century pulpit and animal carvings. If you wish, walk along the main street of Montevarchi on the way home to Rendola for dinner and overnight. |
| Day 3: | In the morning enjoy a panoramic ride on the slopes of the Chianti Mountains. After lunch at Rendola drive to the Abbey of Coltibuono to visit the cellars and gardens. If you wish, you can purchase wine and other products at the Abbey's little shop. Return to Rendola for dinner and overnight.
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| Day 4: | (Tues) Day-ride to a riding centre near Castelnuovo Berardenga, passing the medieval villages of Cennina and Montebenichi. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail before enjoying some long canters and arriving at a riding centre owned by a friend of your host. Dinner and overnight at the riding center or return to Rendola. |
| Day 5: | After some long canters, ride along the spectacular cypress avenue of Villa Arceno, and then climb the Chianti hills, descending by an ancient Etruscan trail. After a picnic lunch at the farmhouse of Corbina by courtesy of the present Baron of Ricasoli, drive to the Castle of Brolio to visit the chapel and gardens. This castle dates back to the twelfth century and was the home of Bettino Ricasoli, one of the first prime ministers of Italy when it was united in the last century. He was also – more importantly for us! – the inventor of the formula for the Chianti Classico wine. Dinner and overnight at Palazzo Ravizza, an elegant nobleman's mansion in the heart of Siena.
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| Day 6: | Free day in Siena, a city of wonderful medieval architecture and art treasures: also a fine place to shop! Dinner and overnight in Siena.
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| Day 7: | (Fri) A short drive from the hotel to Corbina to meet the horses, and then off through the vast estate of Brolio, passing the house where Bertolucci’s ‘Stealing Beauty’ was filmed. Follow a stream through a deep wooded valley and pass a farm raising long-horned Maremmana cattle. Enjoy a barbecue in the woods near a stream. In the afternoon cross the Chianti Mountains near Monte Luco (2,500 ft) and return to Rendola for a farewell dinner. |
| Day 8: | (Sat) After breakfast drive to Montevarchi for your return to Florence by train. If you are going to Rome, there are trains leaving Montevarchi every two hours. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Florence |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 2 full and 3 half days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-7 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Local Sicilian and Arab cross |
| Weight Limit | 180 lbs |
| 2010 Dates | April 17-24, May 15-22, May 22-29, Sept 25-Oct 2, Oct 9-16
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| 2010 Price | $2,385
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $2,110 |
| Single Supplement | $485 NEW PRICE: $430 |
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