Saturday
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in to either of Rome’s airports and you will be transferred to the picturesque castle location. At the castle you will meet the count owner of the castle and the rest of the staff and horses. In the aftertoon there will be a tour of the fabulous 17th Century Castle. This evening there will be a welcome dinner before it is time to go to sleep!
Sunday
Enjoy a delicious breakfast this morning in the 17th century old stables room of the Castle. The first ride (approx 3 hours) takes the Brigands Path as we head north through the hills towards Onano, a fortified village with a medieval castle which was the stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area during the Middle Ages. We return to the Castle for lunch before the afternoon visit to the magical Sorano Fortress. After a short tour of this Tuscan gem we will be heading to Fattoria Aldobrandesca Antinori vineyard to taste the most famous wines of the area. Dinner in the castle this evening.
Monday
This morning we ride through the neighboring farmland and the chestnut woodlands using ancient tracks which carry us high above the crater of Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. The descent of the crater starts from the village of Gradoli which is dominated by an impressive renaissance palace, purported to be the wedding gift of Pope Paulus III Farnese to his nephew around the middle of 1500. Whilst riding, we will witness some breath–taking views of the lake and the surrounding area and of the two islands Isola Bisentina and Martana. We will ride along the shores of Lake Mezzano; an area of great interest both historically and naturally. The lake was formed in a volcanic crater and is now a historical site with traces of human settlements dating back to the pre-etruscan era. Here you will have the opportunity to canter along wooded tracks as we reach the top of the plateau with its spectacular scenery of local farms, chestnut woods and of course the lake. On top of the hill, overlooking the lake we stop for lunch at a small rural restaurant where the horses can enjoy a rest in their shady corral whilst we eat, relax and maybe enjoy a refreshing swim. In the afternoon we will ride back following the old Brigands trail, taking in more wonderful historical sights along the way. This evening you may enjoy dinner at the castle.
Tuesday
Today we head for Lake Mezzano which was once a volcanic crater and is now a historical site with human settlements going back to the pre-etruscan era (aprox 2700 years ago) later it was submerged by water due to earthquakes. It is now part of the Selva del Lamone National Park due to it’s beauty and to the fact that many birds find a shelter there. Our excursion takes horses and riders through the beautiful countryside, up into the wooded hills which surround Onano. Here, the horses have the opportunity to canter along a wonderful natural pass surrounded by trees. At the top of this plateau, we have a chance to take in the dazzling scenery, before we carry on down past local farms into an ancient wood of huge chestnut trees that leads us into a flat open plain which offers great scenery. Here, if desired, horses can canter up the old tracks, before we reach the marshlands and vineyards which surround Lake Mezzano itself. In a wonderful position on top of a hill and overlooking the lake is the small farm where the restaurant for lunch is based. During the warmer months you may swim in the lake with its crystal clear waters. In the afternoon, we ride back following the old Brigands trail, taking in a few historical sights on the way. Dinner in the castle tonight.
Wednesday
After breakfast this morning we will be taking the ship farm castle trail located in the hills framing the west plateau of the castle. We will return to the castle for lunch before heading to the castle of Proceno this afternoon. Dinner in the castle this evening.
Thursday
Today there will be a day off from riding. After breakfast you will visit majestic Orvieto. Sites not to miss are the Duomo and St. Patrick's Qell. The Underground Orvieto tour takes you into the caves below the city and departs from the Tourist office. Lunch is at a beautiful restaurant in the historic center, afterwhich we will continue to Civita di Bagnoregio, the dying city. The morphology of this village was caused by erosion and landslides. The territory is made up of two different formations of rocks, different in chronology and in constitution. The most ancient formation is that of clay; it comes from the sea and it forms the base layer which is particularly subject to erosion. It is situated in a solitary area and it is reachable only by a reinforced concrete pedestrian bridge. Dinner at the castle this evening.
Friday
Today we will be riding to Vitozza, the most extensive rock settlement in central Italy, already inhabited from the 12th to the 17th centuries. Touched by the clear waters of the Lente stream, and hidden by the luxuriant wood, two hundred caves, the “columbaria” and the remains of the medieval village still survive today. Picnic lunch today at this remarkable site. This afternoon our masseuse will be waiting for you, we have included a relaxing massage for everyone after an intense horse riding week! Dinner in the castle tonight.
Saturday
Sadly today it is time to bid farewell to your castle home, but if you can’t bear to go home just yet we can organise an additional night or two for you in Rome.
2024 Prices:
Price £ 2395.00 in a double/twin room with 2 in the room
Single Occupancy £2550
Non Rider £1895
Horses
The horses are a mixture of mix of thoroughbred and warm blood crosses, anglo-arabian and ponies. The tack is English tack. There are two outdoor arenas and lessons are available for all ages and levels in both dressage and jumping. The maximum weight allowed is 100kg and the numbers of riders on each excursion are between 1 and 5. Riding helmets are mandatory - no helmets = no riding. The castle has a veriety of helmets but it is always advisable to bring your own.
Additional Info
Optional activities at the castle include:
• Swimming pool (01st June - 30th September)
• Tennis court
• Mountain bikes
• Mini football Pitch
• Volleyball
• Ping pong
• Billiards
ATTENTION: The excursions can be changed according to weather, horses and riders conditions by the riding management of the castle.
To read Equestrian Escapes reviews click on the link
Equestrian Escapes also specialises in horse riding holidays in Spain. Our riding holidays in Andalucia are suitable for all ages and cater for all different riding experiences.
If you are interested in riding in Spain you may like to look at some other holidays that we offer a few of which can be found below.
Trail Riding Holidays Spain
Epona Trail and Train Riding Holiday
Beach & Desert Riding
For our full range of horse riding holidays and short breaks please click here. Please note that all of these riding holidays are tailor-made for you so you can choose your accommodation, the amount of riding you want to do and the places you want to visit. Please also take some time to view Friends of Equestrian Escapes.
Our horse riding holidays will have something for everyone.
We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.