Ride Overview
In the heart of Tuscany; a 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.
End each day with a flavorful meal from fresh ingredients while sipping a glass of your favorite Chianti or Pinot Grigio.
***Note: This program has two itineraries both of which are exceptional. One is a 7 night/6 day ride and moves south in direction. The other is a 6 night/5 day ride and heads north into Siena.
2024 Dates/Rates:
7N/6D Dates: May 5-12, May 26-June 2 June 9-16, June 23-30, July 21-28, Sept. 22-29, Oct. 6-13
7N/6D Rates: $2,745.00 USD per person in a shared room ($430.00 USD Single Supplement)
6N/5D Dates: March 17-23, March 24-30, April 14-20, May 19-25, June 16-22, July 7-13, July 14-20, Sept. 1-7, Sept. 15-21, Oct. 20-26
6N/5D Rates: $2,495.00 USD per person in a shared room ($360.00 USD Single Supplement)
(A 4N/3D option is also available on the following dates: March 14-18, Oct. 3-7, Nov. 7-11, Nov. 14-18, Nov. 21-25. The rate is $1,445.00 USD per person in a shared room, Single supplement of $375.00 USD)
Included
- 6 or 7 nights accommodation
- 5 or 6 days of riding
- Horse and all tack
- Guiding services
- All meals
- Drinks during meals
- Luggage transfers
- All local taxes
Not Included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Drinks outside of meals, sodas, hot drinks
- Visits not outlined on the itinerary
- Transfers on the first and last night
- Gratuities for the team at the end of the week
Italy’s Tuscany Inn to Inn Itinerary - 7 Night
Day 1 - Sunday: Arrival
Meeting in Tuscany at the lodging at Sovana Hotel. Aperitif, briefing, dinner and night at the hotel.
You will enjoy natural and typical Tuscan cuisine: almost everything that will be served during the ride is produced by local farmers or the owners of the farms you will ride through and around each day!
Day 2 - Monday: Sorano - Proceno Castle
After breakfast, you will ride along the river Lente to discover the Middle Age castle Caste Ottieri, named by a very established and old family of this historical country. It’s an ideal spot for a stop to appreciate an amazing lunch.
In the afternoon, you will ride through stunning hills and forests and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the landscape as you make your way to the Casel Proceno, where you will stay for the night.
Day 3 - Tuesday: Proceno – Lake Mezzano
After breakfast, you will cross the Stidolone River heading to Vitozza, through the Montorio’s property (Mussolini’s nephew).
Lunch break at the village with some time to discover all the treasures of Vitozza: an old Etruscan necropolis, Roman church from that time, a fortress from the MIddle Ages, but also 200 caves - still inhabitaed until the 19th century.
In the afternoon, you will ride through the mysterious and fascinating Lamone Forest to your next lodging at the”Mezzano” resort. Night in B&B by the lake, near the pretty little village of Farnese.
Day 4 - Wednesday: Selva del Lamone - Vulci
After the discovery and visit of the Castro Estruscan-Roman ruins in the morning, you will have worked up an appetite and appreciate a good lunch.
In the afternoon, you will follow the old Castro’s Etruscan way to Vulci, a typical Tuscan village. From there, you will step on the “outlaw way” the same way as Tibursi, a famous 19th century bandit.
After crossing the property of Prince Torlonia, with its old Roman bridge “ponte diavolo” (devil’s bridge), you will reach the “Vulci’s Park”, an important Etruscan archeological area.
Dinner an overnight at the hotel “Cascine”.
Day 5 - Thursday: The Park of Vulci
You begin by enjoying a Visit of Vulci’s Park before your departure on horseback to visit the archeological park where you will discover the Etruscan tombs and other interesting wonders of the period.
Relax over a first class lunch in the park’s restaurant before a free afternoon. Several fun activities are at your disposal: visit the Etruscan Museum, spend leisure time in the park, or just rest in this peaceful area.
Day 6 - Friday: Vulci - Selva del Lamone
Today, you will ride along Fiora’s River until reaching Romitori, an old place where monks used to pray and worship. You can’t help but be in a rather mystic mood as you sit down for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will discover different landscapes: fields, hills, small trails ... all to reach the village of Farniese where the likes of the Duque Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother, resided. Dinner and overnight in Frà Viaco’s guesthouse.
Day 7 - Saturday: Selva del Lamone – Sorano
You will have a fun and active morning ride through the Mezzano’s property, and reach Vitozza where a succulent lunch will be waiting for you.
The afternoon ride follows along the “Lente” river and you will admirate the “Città del Tufo” - the famous archeological park.
Going through Sorano, you will reach your destination at Caggio’s farm. After taking care of the horses, your companions during this wonderful week, you will meet for a last night at Castel Serano’s lodging.
Day 8 - Sunday: Departure
After the breakfast, independent transfer to the airport or train station.
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Italy’s Tuscany Inn to Inn Itinerary - 6 Night
Day 1 - Sunday:
Arrival in the evening before dinner, at the Sovana Hotel. Meeting with your guide and presentation of your ride.
Day 2 - Monday:
You will start your ride near the archaeological park of “citta del tufo”, the birthplace of the Etruscan civilization. You will ride toward totally different landscapes, passing by two typical and authentic small villages : Castell’ottieri, with the remains of its medieval fortress, and S. Giovanni Delle Contee.
You will then ride along a riverbed to the agroturismo of “La Franciola”. Relaxing with a glass of wine, you’ll enjoy the beautiful sight of the medieval village of Proceno, situated just across the canyon. Dinner and night in “La Franciola”.
Day 3 - Tuesday:
Today, you are heading to Radicofani, passing by the small village of Celle Sul Rigo. You will ride across hills of various heights on clay paths, since this is an ancient volcanic terrain - you’ll love this area - a typical Siena landscape!
You will stop on the way to enjoy a copious lunch… and then in the afternoon, admire beautiful sights of the perched village of Radicofani. Dinner and night in a hotel in Radicofani.
Day 4 - Wednesday:
Departure after breakfast for a ride around Radicofani. You will cross the Orca Valley, the centre of SienaTuscany .
A lovely picnic lunch awaits you along the crests of the hill with the breathtaking sight of Radicofani fortress (you can see it up to 20 km away).
In the afternoon, you will ride back to your hotel and will have the opportunity to visit Radicofani, its medieval castle and to climb up to the top to see the views in all directions. There is ample time to wander in the village and admire its stone houses, characteristic of the charm and authenticity of Tuscany. Night and dinner in a hotel in Radicofani.
Day 5 - Thursday:
Back to “La Franciola” taking a completely different route - today you will ride across big hills spreading as far as the eye can see … You will ride on the ancient “Cassia”, the road that used to link Florence to Rome, and keep going along the new Cassia.
After some nice canters, you will make your way back up towards “La Franciola”.
Day 6 - Friday:
Today is an unforgettable experience ! You will ride towards S. Quirico and Prato Lungo before taking lunch by Vitozza (an ancient Etruscan necropolis, made out of over 200 caves), and the remains of a Roman church and fortress : this is the heart of the archaeological parc of “Citta del Tufo”.
After lunch you will hand-lead your horse down the narrow trails of the park. You will then get back on and ride along a river bed, which will lead you at the bottom of the impressive village of Sorano, built on a cliff. A beautiful Etruscan road created in the “tufo” (volcanic rock) and surrounded by impressive overhanging cliffs - all of which will lead you up to a Roman church.
You will go up the Etruscan road on foot and let your horse climb by on their own. It’s an amazing view of Sorano that awaits you. After you have had a chance to relax and take photos, you mount back up to head to the equestrian center in the late afternoon. After feeding your travelling companions you will let the horses loose in the fields to roll and rest. Night and dinner in agriturismo.
Day 7 - Saturday:
After the breakfast, independent transfer to the airport or train station.
Holly G.
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!
Liz D
The week was fabulous!!! Duska and his horses and team were all great. I’d say we really got our money’s worth. The hospitality was great! All a lot of fun. I tried to spread the word about the trip and Active Riding to people I met on the plane coming back. I will let my horse friends know about this trip as well as the other trips you offer. Thank you so much for your support. Make sure that Duska hears how much “Liz” who rode Gionic loved the trip. All the best.