Ride Overview

The paths once traveled by the “Briganti” to escape the law 200 years ago now offer an extraordinary experience to explore this beautiful region on horseback, just as these outlaws did! The magnificent horses and expert guides will show you a week steeped in history. Every day you’ll explore one of the most pristine territories in Italy. This is a week full of breathtaking nature and a journey into history among castles and archaeological sites that frame this historic landscape.

Your incredible accommodations for the week are an amazing 17th century castle – the family of whom still own it today. It’s location is ideal – at the crossroads of Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria – a perfect blend of nature, wellness and culture – all within 1.5 hours of Rome!

The castles ivy shrouded farmhouse and out-buildings – your home for the week – have been restored to not only offer incredible comfort but true authenticity. In all, they offer 8 cottages and 14 private bedrooms. All rooms are furnished with original pieces, many of which came from the castle itself.

The grounds offer lovely walking or relaxing as well as a welcome swimming pool (open on June 1 annually).

On the main floor of the Farmhouse is the large “taverna” with brick vaulted ceilings. The space contains the dining room, billiard room, ping-pong room, plus a large kitchen equipped for cooking courses but also open to guests during the stay.

Dates: Weekly from Sunday-Sunday, March-October
Rates: $3,060.00 USD (or 2550,00€) per person in a single/double room.

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 5 days of guided riding (half days, 1 full day)
  • All meals
  • Horse and all tack
  • Guiding services
  • Wine tasting on one day
  • Afternoon visits on 3 days
  • 1 - 30 minute massage
  • Full use of the swimming pool, tennis court and onsite amenities

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Airport transfers from Rome
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Afternoon transfers for tours (based on group size, paid onsite)
  • Activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for the team at the end of your stay

Day 1: Arrival

After check-in and a welcome drink, you will meet your guides for an introduction to the program and a guided tour of the castle.

Dinner in the castle.

Day 2:

After breakfast (served in the old stables of the Castle from 8AM-10AM), you will meet your horse at 10AM to begin your ride towards the hills that frame the western plateau on which the castle stands. A spectacular panoramic point with a breathtaking view, from the crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano.

With the hilly terrain, this is the perfect way to not only get to know your horse for the week, but to get a feel for this area - not just under saddle, but to experience the panoramic views and to see why this location was so strategic.

You'll have lunch back at the castle before being taken by vehicle to a wine tasting at Fattoria Aldobrandesca Antinori at 3:30PM. While savoring the vintage, you'll learn about Tuscany's rich winemaking traditions.

Afterward, you'll have the chance to visit the enchanting town and medieval fortress of Pitigliano before coming back to the Castle for dinner.

Day 3:

Another lovely breakfast in the stables before you head out on today's ride, again at 10AM. You'll have the chance to take a different route which will show you more of the lush landscape of this area, again with incredible views in all directions.

Enjoy lunch back at the Castle before you head out to visit the town of Bolsena and a guided tour of the Palazzo Cozza Caposavi and the Basilica of Santa Cristina.

Dinner back at the castle.

Day 4:

Today is a full day ride - so be sure to enjoy a nice breakfast!

You'll will mount up and ride through ancient paths - entering the wooded hills surrounding Onano, passing by maritime pines that tower over an Etruscan site. You will reach the Mezzano crater plain and have lunch at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant, where you can also cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Lake Mezzano is the second smallest volcanic lake in all of Europe.

After lunch, you will climb back up through centuries-old chestnut woods to return to the castle. About 6 hours/32 km).

Day 5:

Mounting up a bit earlier today at 9AM, you, today you will ride in the surrounding area for a couple of hours before you leave for lunch and a visit to the city of Sorano "the city of rocks", carved from volcanic rock.

Visiting it is like taking a journey through time: a typical and charming village with the little houses all leaning against each other and picturesque alleys - it's thought that it was initially inhabited by the first known civilization of the Iron Age followed by the Etruscans.

After lunch you'll enjoy the Sorano Thermal Bath before returning back to the Castle.

Day 6:

After breakfast, you have a chance to relax before you begin your hands on cooking class at 11AM - learn how to make authentic dishes from this area and about the local ingredients, all of which are farm to table.

Enjoy the feast that you've created for lunch with a nice glass of wine.

Afternoon ride at 3PM before coming back to the Castle for dinner.

Day 7:

The morning is free for you to enjoy as you wish - you can relax at the castle and use the swimming pool, tennis court, game rooms or treat yourself to a massage or go for a walk in the surrounding lands.

But after lunch, at 3PM, you have a guided visit to the town of Orvieto one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. You'll marvel at its magnificent cathedral and fascinating history.

Day 8:

After one last breakfast, it's time to say Ciao and arrivederci.

***This program may be changed due to weather, unforeseen issues or to better suit guest needs during any week.