Running from February to November (not avaiable August)
Avoiding children's holidays in the summer when a family holiday is offered.
Wednesday
Arrive today. 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 you will meet with your guide/instructor who will be looking after you throughout your stay.
Thursday
Today your riding programme will begin, choose from a lesson (compulsory for beginners) or for experienced riders you can start with a ride out in the countryside that surrounds the castle.
Experienced riders will today ride from the castle on an 18 km ride towards the hills and to a fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area. You'll see the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena across to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano.
Friday
This morning experienced riders will be heading out for a full day ride of 32 km along The Brigands Path into the wooded hills which surround Onano. A fabulous excursion that will take you through the most unspoiled of Tuscan countryside to Lake Mezzano. We stop for lunch at a village restaurant and afterwards you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Once back on the horses we ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle.
For less experienced riders a lesson and a shorter hack are available.
Saturday
Today we will be heading out along the Brigands Path towards 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. In the afternoon you can either get involved in the activities at the Castle or relax by the swimming pool or even treat yourself to a masssage.
If you are a beginner you can choose between a lesson and a shorter ride out or a longer ride out if you are safe and secure in the saddle.
Sunday
Sadly today it is time to bid farewell to your castle home as you come to the end of your riding holiday. Check out is between 10 & 12 noon.
If time allows we can offer you another ride out this morning, or if you would prefer a lesson in the arena (not included in price).
Prices
Low Season 28 September 2024 - 15 June 2025 = Intermediate & Experienced riders £995pp
High Season: 16 June - 14 September 2025 and Easter week = Intermediate & Experienced riders £1175pp
Single room supplement £120
Non Rider low season £725pp or high season £825pp
Included in the Price:
- 4 nights accommodation in twin rooms with ensuite facilities
- Half board including table wine
- Welcome drink and guided tour of the castle.
- 3 riding days as described above (experienced 1 x full day & 2 x half days)
- Flexible package of trail rides or lessons or both!
- Multi-lingual guide.
Transfers
Airport transfers - Transfers from both Rome airports (Fiumicino & Ciampina) 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. The cost is from €360 - €400 return. All transfers are payable directly to the castle on arrival.
Train station transfers - Return transfers from Orvieto train station are available on request for €150. There are good train connections from Rome to Orvieto which take approximately 1.5 hours. 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
Optional activities at the castle include:
• Swimming pool (01st June - 30th September)
• Tennis court
• 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. During July and August due to the heat, we do not do full day excursions and instead do 2x half day rides.
Your riding level will be assessed and if the instructor does not feel you are in control of your horse at all paces, more instruction will be given before hacking commences.
We do not offer a short stay in August.
Feedback
"Absolutely fabulous trip! Perfectly designed for people who want to both ride and relax. The horses and guides are fabulous, and the setting picturesque. Thank you for a great trip!!"
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. 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.
To read Equestrian Escapes reviews click on the link!
Do you want a short horse riding holiday away from the stresses of everyday life? If you do you will be extremely well looked after on this horse riding holiday Italy. You will enjoy great riding and accommodation in a breath-taking location.
We inspect all the horses in our 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.