Horseback Riding in Italy
SAINTS AND WARRIORS
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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
rides into the surrounding countryside, and a
delightful cooking school at times during the
year. 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. If you prefer full days of
riding and an exhilarating pace, then the
Saints and Warriors Ride is a good choice.
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Itinerary |
| Day 1: |
You will be met at
the Siena train station at 5:30pm.
Dinner and overnight will be in the
medieval hamlet south of Siena called
Castello di Tocchi.
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| Day 2: |
After breakfast,
transfer to the stables of ‘La Ripa’ to
meet the horses and ride through the
countryside to the village of Orgia,
where lunch will include specialties of
the area. The afternoon’s ride continues
through forests, vineyards and
cultivated fields with views of typical
Tuscan villages and castles on the
hilltops, then climbs up to the stables
where the horses will stay tonight. |
| Day 3: |
Ride toward the
village of Murlo, which was built
hundreds of years ago upon an even
earlier Etruscan town. The museum in
Murlo holds many fascinating Etruscan
archaeological treasures. It is
currently collaborating with an American
university to scientifically prove with
DNA studies that the present residents
are related to these “lost” Etruscans.
After lunch and a bit of shopping (bring
along some cash or a credit card), the
route follows an ancient road leading to
Buon Convento, with opportunities for
canters and gallops on the quiet roads
past vineyards. The horses will remain
at Bibbiano, and riders transfer back to
Castello di Tocchi after dinner (about a
30 minute drive). |
| Day 4: |
Today is the longest
day of riding, covering about 20 miles.
The trail lends itself to long canters
across the fields of the ‘Crete Senese’
(Clay Hills), a wonderful contrast in
landscape to the previous days’ rides.
The destination today is Montalcino, a
fortified hill town most famous for its
Brunello wine. Lunch in Montalcino
includes an opportunity to sample this
delicious wine. The horses will again
stay at Bibbiano, and riders return to
Castello di Tocchi for dinner. |
| Day 5: |
Ride through
unspoiled Mediterranean forests, quiet
villages, past abandoned farm houses,
stopping for another sumptuous lunch
before riding on to La Ripa and dinner
at a local restaurant. |
| Day 6: |
A very early start to
join the Butteri, the last of the
legendary Italian ‘cowboys’, as they
check their cattle in the unspoiled
national park of Maremma, 5,000 acres of
pristine woods near the ocean. You will
be mounted on the Maremanno horse, a
special, hardy breed that is raised here
semi-wild. Ride to the sea past isolated
stone towers where once lookouts kept
watch for Barbary pirates. Lunch will be
in Grossetto (huge platefuls of pasta
and fresh fish), then on to Roselle, a
remarkable site for Etruscan and Roman
ruins, in the process of restoration.
Farewell dinner at the Castello. |
| Day 7: |
After breakfast
depart Castello di Tocchi for the train
station in Siena.
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THIS ITINERARY IS
FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO
WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN
CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Riding with the butteri
(Italian cowboys)
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Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting
Point |
Siena |
| Length of
Ride |
7 days,
6 nights and 5 days riding. |
| Riding
Ability |
Strong
Intermediate |
| Group Size |
Minimum-6 Maximum-11 |
| Riding Per
Day |
4-6
hours |
| Pace |
moderate
(but the fastest of the three Castello
Rides) |
| Tack |
English
and Western |
| Horses |
Anglo-Arab, Lipizzaner, Italian cross |
| Weight
Limit |
230 lbs
Age limit: 14 |
| 2006 Dates |
April
2-8, May 7-13, June 4-10, July 23-29 |
| 2006 Price |
$2,550 |
| Single
Supplement |
$625 |
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