Saturday
Afternoon arrival at the picturesque castle location for our unique horse riding holiday. You will be staying in converted buildings around the Castle, 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.
Sunday
This morning you will make your way to the castle stables and meet your horse for your castle trail adventure. We will be heading out along The Brigands Trail towards the picturesque Lake Bolsena. This is a fantastic spot with breathtaking views of the area stretching from the beautiful 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 along this ancient ‘outlaws highway’ you will pass through mature oak woodlands dotted with original farm dwellings built in the traditional tufo rock.
Monday
Today you will be riding to Lake Mezzano, this is 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. We will be riding through the chestnut woods on the hillsides that surround the lake before riding up through valleys and hills and onto a plateau to witness the stunning Tuscan countryside.
Tuesday:
Today we will follow an old trail down towards the crater of Lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. Breath taking views of the lake 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. Today lunch may be enjoyed in a typical local restaurant and there will be the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake.
Wednesday:
Today is a free day. The owners offer a number of local excursions including a trip to an ancient Etruscan settlement in their 4x4 vehicles or olive oil tasting. Alternatively, you can choose to relax at the castle and take advantage of the swimming pool, tennis court and indoor and outdoor games. Other options are mountain biking or a cooking class!
Thursday:
Once again this morning we will be heading off along The Brigands Trail as we ride north towards the fortified village of Orano. Centuries ago this fortified village was an important stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area throughout the middle ages.
We will return to the castle for lunch. This afternoon the choice is yours, either relax in the beautiful gardens of the castle or get involved in activities. Maybe this afternoon book your free 50 minute massage!
Friday:
We ride today along an old Etruscan trail through thick woods to the top of a crater. This provides a natural vantage point enjoying the remarkable scenery of vineyards, Etruscan tombs and the volcanic lake. We return to the castle riding through vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods and there is an opportunity to enjoy a canter along an old shepherd's path through a tunnel of oak trees.
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. Check out is between 10 & 12 noon.
Prices
Low Season: April 10 - June 15 and 17 Sept - 12 Nov = Intermediate and Experienced riders £1295pp
High Season: June 16 - September 16 and Easter week = Intermediate and Experienced riders £1450pp
Non Rider Low season £895pp & High season £995pp
Single room occupancy add £35 pn
Included in the horse riding holiday Italy price:
7 nights accommodation in twin rooms with ensuite facilities (Saturday to Saturday)
Half board including table wine (picnic lunch on some rides)
Welcome drink and guided tour of the castle. 50 minute massage,
5 riding days - 1 x full day (4/5 hrs. per day), 4 x half days (2/3 hrs. per day)
Lessons available in the arena from beginners to intermediate
Please note no full day rides are possible in July and August due to the high temperatures. In these months the full day is divided into 2 x 1/2 day rides.
Transfers
Airport transfers - Transfers from both Rome airports (Fiumicino & Ciampino) are available on request between 10am-7pm. You will be met by your driver in arrivals, they will have a sign with your name on. €320 - €340 return. All transfers are payable directly to the castle on arrival.
Train station transfers - Return tansfers from Orvieto train station are available on request. There are good train connections from Rome to Orvieto which take approximately 1.5 hours. €150 return. All transfers are payable directly to the castle on arrival.
Although the above transfers are offered by the castle we highly recommend hiring a car for this holiday.
Equestrian Escapes are happy to reserve your transfers for you however, as payment for this service is made directly to the transfer provider this service does not form part of our contract with you. As such, we are unable to accept responsibility for any delays, missed transfers etc.
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 90kg 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
There is a single room supplement charge of £35pn.
Optional activities at the castle on the horse riding holidays Italy packages include:
- Swimming pool (01st June - 30th September),
- Tennis court
- Mountain bikes (€20 per person per day) or Ebikes (30€ per day)
- Mini football Pitch
- Volleyball
- Ping pong
- Billiards
ATTENTION: The excursions on the horse riding holidays Italy packages can be changed according to weather, horses and riders conditions by the riding management of the castle. In July and August it is impossible to offer full day rides due to the heat the full day will be divided into 2 x 1/2 day rides.
Your riding will be assessed on arrival and if the instructor fells you are not in control of your horse at all paces then further tuition will be given before you can ride out.
A number of different packages are available in the riding holidays Italy range including a learn-to-ride one week holiday, midweek and weekend breaks and family riding holidays .
Note
The price above includes clean towels once a week and bathroom soaps and shampoos are provided. Daily cleaning of your room or room service with change of linen on this package.
Breakfast will include cereals, fruit, yoghurts, bread, toast, butter, jam as well as a selection of croissants and cakes.
These horse riding holidays Italy offer fabulous trail riding for the more experienced rider and you can combine trail riding with lessons if you are a beginner. These riding holidays are flexible packages and trail rides and lessons can be combined on all our horse riding holidays in Tuscany.
Customer Feedback:
"Just to let you know what a fantastic holiday we had at the Castle in Italy. My daughter Beccy arranged it and we were there from 24th – 27th May."
To read Equestrian Escapes reviews click on the link
We inspect all the horses in our Equestrian Escapes horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.