The incredible diversity of the landscapes and sights of the immense territory of Italy: Tuscany. In the heart of this colorful region between mountains, valleys, hills and forests, you will discover the ridges of the Sienna Mountains or “Sienna’s costum” which were, until the year 1800, the border between the great duchy of Tuscany and the Papal State.
This active ride takes riders through some of the most pristine and lovely parts of Tuscany. The paths and trails are scenic and around every bend is a new village situated on the hillside, or a panoramic view of the rolling hills dotted with the noble Cypress trees.
Each day, riders will cover between 18-25 miles over varied terrain with ample opportunities for long canters and gallops. The itinerary each day showcases the history and culture of the area. Beginning with the archeological park of “Citta del Tufo” you will understand the history of the original Etruscan (the people of ancient Italy) civilization and come to appreciate their life in this lovely and diverse landscape.
A visit to Radicofani is also a welcome part of the itinerary and after the chance to ride up the cobblestoned streets to the fortress, there will be ample time to climb up the steps and take in the complete 360° view from the top of its towers. This fortress, which divides the Orcia and the Paglia valleys is significant in that it is one of the remaining places to see this ancient architecture up close.
End each day with a flavorful meal from fresh ingredients while sipping a glass of your favorite Chianti or Pinot Grigio.
Dates: April 17-23, May 15-21, May 22-28, May 29-June 4, June 12-18, Sept. 18-24, Oct. 9-15
Rates: $2,080.00 USD per person in a shared room ($250.00 USD Single Supplement)
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Testimonials:
I’ve now taken a total of five riding vacations and I still call my ride through Tuscany “the best week of my life.” I had such a fabulous time that I’m considering doing it again!
I’ll never forget dining with the three-generation family at their farmhouse just outside of Proceno and eating the Gradmother’s hand-made pasta….or tasting their very own wine made from the grapes of their very own vineyard….or that clip-clop sound of my horse’s hooves on the old cobblestone streets and the little old lady who was tending her garden looking up, smiling and saying “Bella, Bella!”….or encountering a sweet elderly man who proudly gave us an impromptu tour of the town’s centuries-old church that was every bit as beautiful as the churches I saw in Rome….or the time the local shop owner cut cheese and sausages and opened wine for us and refused to let us pay….or the unexpected finding of a goat farm where we tied our horses up and feasted on the best cheese I’ve ever tasted….or the breathtaking views of the Tuscan farmland and trees that I see in all the artwork here at home….or the dreams that went through my head of fixing up the old farmhouse ruins we rode by….or the naps under a tree after a lovely lunch and a glass of wine….or the excitement of looking up at a hilltop fortress and our guide telling us we’d be there by dark and lo and behold – we made it! And last but not least, the tears that went down my face on that last canter as I was so overwhelmed with the blessings of the week.
In short, it was the best adventure of my life. Riding to a different town every day was just thrilling. I can’t say enough about the guides, the horses, the food, the wine, the accommodations, the scenery. What an extraordinary way to soak up Tuscany. You simply must experience it!
- Holly Gauthier