Day One
Start with an afternoon arrival at the picturesque castle in Tuscany. You will be staying in the converted buildings in the castle grounds, taking breakfast each morning in the castle itself. After checking in you will be served with a welcome drink and then receive a briefing from your guide/instructor who will be looking after you throughout the week.
Day Two
This morning you will be walking down to the stables which are located in the grounds of the castle. Here, the instructor will allocate you a horse and you will begin your riding. Novice riders may choose to take a lesson whilst more experienced riders will be enjoying an introductory hack around the castle grounds, an ideal opportunity to start to get to know the local area.
Day Three
Today you will be exploring this stunning area on horseback, visiting picturesque hamlets, passing through vineyards, olive groves, beautiful woods and forests. Keep an eye out for wildlife – you may be lucky enough to see deer, wild boar with their piglets, foxes and if you are lucky, porcupines! The horses and ponies are suitable for both experienced and less experienced riders with experienced riders able to enjoy long canters alongside the fields of sunflowers, wheat or maize. The castle is located on the famous Brigands Trail; this route was formally used by outlaws fleeing from the authorities and now offers a myriad of hacking opportunities along forest pathways and sandy tracks.
Day Four
Today you will be riding towards the picturesque Lake Bolsena. This is a fabulous spot with breathtaking views of the area stretching from the impressive crater of Lake Bolsena on one side, to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano on the other side. On a clear day you can see the sea 40 km away, shimmering like a mirror. As you head back to the castle along this ancient ‘outlaws highway’ you will pass through mature oak woodlands dotted with original farm dwellings built in the traditional tufo rock.
Day Five
Today is a rest day from riding and we have arranged for you to take a trip to the local hot water spa. Here you will find a natural hot water pool where you can relax and ease away any aches and pains. Treatments and massages may also be booked (extra charge). The owners offer a number of local excursions including a trip to an ancient Etruscan settlement in his four by four or an olive oil tasting visit. Alternatively, mountain biking is offered for the more energetic amongst us!
Day Six
Today ride out along the famous Brigands Trail once more; this route was formally used by outlaws fleeing from the authorities and now offers a myriad of hacking opportunities along forest pathways and sandy tracks. Breath taking views of the local area will accompany our excursion all the way. Scattered throughout the countryside, archaeological sites with Etruscan tombs will serve to remind us of how ancient this beautiful land really is.
Day Seven
Today we have arranged a wine tour you will be taking a trip to the local vineyards and wine cellars where you can taste the local wines (not to be missed!). If you want to ride this afternoon this can be arranged but will cost extra.
Day Eight
Sadly today it is time to bid farewell to your castle home and this spectacular region, but if you can’t bear to go home just yet we can organise an additional night or two for you in Rome.
Transfers from both Rome airports are available on request. In peak season they will run from 10am – 1pm unless otherwise arranged. You will be met by someone from the castle in arrivals, they will have a sign. The cost of transfer from Ciampino is €250 and from Fiumicino €200 per car return and is payable directly to the castle on arrival. Transfers from Orvieto train station are available on request. The cost of transfers is €130 per car return and is payable directly to the castle on arrival. There are good train connections from Rome to Orvieto which take approximately 1.5 hours.
The horses are a mixture of thoroughbred and warm blood crosses all chosen for their excellent
temperaments, their patience and their delight for travelling through this enchanting
countryside! 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 is between 1 and 5.
There is a single supplement charge of £140
Optional activities at the castle include:
• Swimming pool (01st June - 30th September)
• Tennis court (€15 per hour)
• Mountain bikes (€20 per person per day)
• 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.
Note
The price above includes clean towels once a week and bathroom soaps and shampoos are provided. There is no daily cleaning of your room or room service with change of linen on this package. Extra clean towels will be provided on request at a price of €15 per set of 3 pieces.
Breakfast will include cereals, fruit, yoghurts, bread, toast, butter, jam as well as a selection of croissants and cakes.
Alternatively for those wanting additional services we offer a ‘gold package’ that costs £225 per week per room and this includes:
A daily room cleaning service with three changes of towels and bed linen per week.
Breakfast includes the above plus scrambled eggs or boiled eggs, ham, salami and cheeses.
The learn to ride horse riding holiday in Italy is perfect for you if you would like to learn to ride or alternatively, mix lessons in the arena with trail riding in the beautiful Tuscany countryside. For more choices please click riding holidays Italy.
We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.
The riding stables has a wide selection of horses and ponies for all abilities.
We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.