Horseback Riding in Italy
MEDIEVAL TREASURES RIDE
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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.
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 Medieval
Treasures Ride features a varied schedule of
riding combined with sightseeing to destinations
of cultural and historical interest. Return to
the convivial atmosphere of the Castello's
spacious dining room and Tuscan kitchen for a
memorable finale to the days' activities.
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.
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Itinerary |
| Day 1: |
Meet your guide in
Siena at 5.30pm. Transfer to Castello di
Tocchi, 25 minutes outside Siena, and
relax with a welcome drink and dinner.
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| Day 2: |
Mount up and ride
past medieval villages to the hamlet of
Orgia for an elaborate picnic lunch.
Then a three hour ride with trots and
canters along the crest of the hills
with a beautiful view of the southern
province of Siena, returning to the
Castello for dinner and conversation. |
| Day 3: |
Ride to explore the
beautiful valley surrounding Castello di
Belagio. Climb up an ancient stone road
to visit a horse farm, which specializes
in breeding Maremmano, the horses
historically used by Italians for
working cattle. Indulge in a picnic
lunch “Italian style” before returning
to the stables by a different route.
Enjoy dinner at the Castello with
recipes from the La Cucina Del Castello
Cooking School.
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| Day 4: |
A full day visiting
two of the most beautiful hill towns of
Tuscany. In the morning explore Siena
with its lovely Duomo, and visit the
site of the famous Palio horse race.
Learn about the Contrada and medieval
traditions from a native Sienese. After
lunch in Siena, travel to the famous
City of Towers, San Gimignano, to enjoy
the frescos, views, and shop in this
wonderfully preserved medieval jewel.
Meet for dinner at a restaurant favored
by the locals.
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| Day 5: |
Ride through forests
to see the endangered Amiata donkey and
Chianina cows (an ancient breed from
Roman times), with some good
opportunities enroute for canters along
ancient roads. Return to Castello di
Tocchi after a picnic lunch, and enjoy a
relaxing afternoon with time to read,
have a massage, or swim. |
| Day 6: |
This is a full day of
riding with some long trots and canters
through huge pine forests and along a
river. The destination is San Galgano
Abbey, an inspiring structure that has
been partially restored but remains open
to the sky. The abbey, associated chapel
and beautiful surrounding valley will
invoke images of the times of wandering
knights and cavaliers. There will be
plenty of time to learn about the area
and hear intriguing tales over an
Italian-style picnic lunch.
Weather permitting, a leisurely
afternoon ride proceeds along the Merse
River for several miles where the
overhanging branches create a green
tunnel. Return to Castello di Tocchi for
a memorable last dinner and overnight.
(6 hours riding)
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| Day 7: |
After breakfast
transfer to the Siena train station.
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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 2 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 some western |
| Horses |
Italian
cross, Anglo-Arab, Lipizzaner |
| Weight
Limit |
230 lbs
Age limit: 14 |
| 2006 Dates |
Feb
19-25, March 5-11, Oct 22-28 |
| 2006 Price |
$2,400 |
| Single
Supplement |
$625 |
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