Horseback Riding in Italy
FEAST OF THE CONQUERORS
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The fortresses and castles which
were so important earlier, especially during the
15th century conflicts between Florence and
Siena, are now partially in ruins. Much of the
land is going back to nature, which is all the
better for riding, and the soft beauty of the
countryside is enhanced. This ride features a
real celebration of food and wine. Your hosts
also run a delightful cooking school.
Situated in a tranquil region southwest of
Siena, the circular stone walls of the Castello
di Tocchi serve as a hospitable central base for
either full or half-day rides into the
surrounding countryside. From the lovingly
restored suites of this medieval hamlet, which
was built on the foundations of a 12th century
castle, riders have an opportunity to experience
the enduring magic of Tuscany. The Feast of
the Conqueror's itinerary cleverly combines
riding with an investigation of the region's
gastronomic delights.
Il Palio, which takes place in July and
again in August, is more than a horse race. This
complex Italian festival has existed for
hundreds of years and continues to be full of
excitement, colorful in its costumes and flags,
and involving the entire city for weeks. The
ride that includes the Palio excursion will have
a modified and flexible itinerary to allow
riders several opportunities to experience the
various Palio events during the week, which will
include the Contrada Dinner the night prior to
the race, and of course, a balcony view of the
famous horse race around the Piazza del Campo.
Wonderful atmosphere a gracious, clever host.
Would certainly do this ride again. Vittorio
wisely leaves the horse care to his very capable
staff and tends to his guests in a most charming
way.
- Lynn Hartmann
This was
a wonderful ride with great horses, well cared
for and ready to go! The accommodations were
spacious, comfortable, charming and clean.
Vittorio was a wonderful, considerate and
entertaining host. Can't say enough about the
food - fabulous! I would definitely recommend
this trip to friends. Oops - of course the
scenery was gorgeous.
- Judy Keller |
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Itinerary |
| Day 1: |
Meet your guide at
the train station in Siena at 5.30pm.
Drive to the 1,000 year old Castello di
Tocchi (a 25 minute drive). Settle into
the rooms where you will be staying for
the week, and relax with a welcome drink
and aperitivo. Dinner at the Castello
follows; a cooking demonstration and
introduction to the Italian Kitchen with
the famed Tuscan Chef of La Cucina Del
Castello cooking school.
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| Day 2: |
Meet your horses and
take a 5 hour ride through fortified
villages and forest on a ancient road
that once connected Siena to the sea.
Enjoy a long Tuscan picnic lunch in a
meadow. In the afternoon ride along the
ancient sea floor to a stable near the
monastery of Lecceto. Return to the
Castello for an elaborate Tuscan dinner
with local wines.
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| Day 3: |
Ride past Montagnola
Senese with its vines, medieval castles
and renaissance villas for a picnic at
the famous convent of Lecceto. Following
lunch view the wonderful gardens of
villa of Cetinale and learn about
Italian garden design at its greatest
beauty. Later visit the famous Enoteca
Italiana in Siena for a tour and wine
tasting before returning to the Castello
for dinner. |
| Day 4: |
An early start for
the 6 hour return ride to the Castello,
riding along the crest of the hills with
wonderful views to Siena. A special
picnic lunch at a wild boar hunters shed
before returning to the Castello. Dinner
at the Castello following a cooking
class (for those interested), with a
Chef Mama – learning to make traditional
Tuscan recipes.
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| Day 5: |
Set out for a
three-hour ride through delightful
countryside along ancient roads
connecting the castles of the Republic
of Siena. Here, during the medieval
ages, the Sienese fought endless battles
against the neighboring Florentines.
Return to Castello di Tocchi for a light
lunch with some good opportunities for
canters enroute. After lunch travel to a
farmhouse to make ricotta and pecorino
cheeses with a Sardinian shepherd.
Dinner tonight will be Sardinian ravioli
and roasted piglet and lamb.
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| Day 6: |
Today's destination
is the romantic San Galgano Abbey. Ride
through the forest and past ancient
villages to arrive for a picnic set up
in front of the partially restored 13th
century Cistercian abbey. Visit the
site, and take a short walk to the
Chapel at Monte Siepi. Hear the story of
the Saint, the Sword, and the Stone.
Ride back through the river, an
experience the horses enjoy as much as
the riders. Return to the Castello for a
farewell dinner and final night.
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| Day 7: |
Depart for Siena
after breakfast. |
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THIS ITINERARY IS
FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO
WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN
CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting
Point |
Siena |
| Length of
Ride |
7 days,
6 nights and 3 full and 2 half days
riding. |
| Riding
Ability |
Intermediate |
| Group Size |
Minimum-6 Maximum-11 |
| Riding Per
Day |
3-6
hours |
| Pace |
moderate |
| Tack |
English
and Western |
| Horses |
Anglo-Arab, Lipizzaner, Italian cross |
| Weight
Limit |
230 lbs
Age limit: 14 |
| 2006 Dates |
March
19-25, May 21-27, June 18-24, Aug
13-19*, Aug 27-Sept 2,
NEW DATE: Sept 10 - 16
Sept 24-30, Oct 8-14, Nov 12-18
*includes Palio visit |
| 2006 Price |
$2,550
*Add additional cost of $875 for special
excursion to the Palio |
| Single
Supplement |
$625 |
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