Horseback Riding in Italy
SEVEN CASTLES OF CHIANTI
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This ride follows a wide loop
through the rolling forested hills, verdant
farmland and vineyards, picturesque villages of
the Chianti Classico region north of Siena, and
begins and ends at the outfitter's home, a
400-year-old Tuscan farmhouse.
Accommodations enroute are in small hotels,
comfortable and typical of the area. The
Seven Castles of Chianti includes some
afternoon sightseeing excursions to points of
historical interest. The guide sets a moderate
pace suitable for enjoying the surroundings, but
interspersed with brisk trots and canters which
enable one to appreciate her well-trained
horses.
Every now and then a
vacation surpasses one's wildest expectations.
My Seven Castles of Chianti riding vacation in
May 2006 was a truly amazing experience. First
and foremost, Jenny Bawtree is extraordinary.
Her horsemanship is top-notch; her horses are
fit, well cared for, and much loved....We
cantered through grapevines in vineyards, walked
down old Etruscan roads, trotted through
ancient, picturesque villages, all flooded with
spring flowers. We crossed over some of the
Chianti hills and cantered along ridgelines with
breathtaking views of castles and villages. It
was a beautiful spring in Tuscany....and we had
day after day of sunshine and blue skies, no
jacket necessary. There were flowers everywhere
- red poppies, purple irises, yellow broom,
acacia trees with their heavenly scented white
blossoms. The Chianti countryside is
breathtaking, expecially in spring. No bugs,
warm but not hot, and flowers blooming
everywhere.
Jenny and her staff are the definition of
"hospitality".... We feel as if we left behind a
special family - and it was our privilege to
have been a part of their lives if only for a
week.
- Linda Giannino |
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Itinerary |
| Day 1: |
Arrive at Florence
Railway Station where you will be met
and accompanied on a brief train journey
to Rendola. Your hostess is Jenny
Bawtree who is English and very familiar
with Italian history and culture. Dinner
and overnight at Jenny's comfortable
farmhouse full of books and music.
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| Day 2: |
The horses are
assigned. Depart on a ride that leads
through the olive groves, vineyards and
woodlands of the Arno Valley passing
through pretty medieval villages. Return
to Rendola for lunch. In the afternoon
drive to the medieval village of Loro
Ciueffenna, built around a ravine. Enjoy
some Italian ice cream and then drive to
the Romanesque church of Gropina with
its 8th century pulpit and animal
carvings, Then on to the lovely village
of "Il Borro," once part of the Duke of
Aosta's estate, with its animated
Nativity and other moving models created
by the local priest. If you wish, walk
along the main street of Montevarchi on
the way home. Return to Rendola for
dinner and overnight.
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| Day 3: |
In the morning enjoy
a panoramic ride on the slopes of the
Chianti Mountains. After lunch at
Rendola drive to the Abbey of Coltibuono
to visit the cellars and gardens. If you
wish, you can purchase wine and other
products at the Abbey's little shop.
Then drive to Radda, one of the main
towns of medieval Chianti. It may be
possible also to visit the famous rose
garden at Cavriglia, which has the
largest collection of roses in Europe.
Return to Rendola for dinner and
overnight.
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| Day 4: |
Day-ride to a riding
centre near Castelnuovo Berardenga,
passing by the tower of Galatrona, the
medieval villages of Cennina and
Montebenichi and the castle of Montalto.
Dinner and overnight at the riding
center or return to Rendola.
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| Day 5: |
After some long
canters, ride along the spectacular
cypress avenue of Villa Arceno, and then
climb the Chianti hills, descending by
an ancient Etruscan trail. After a
picnic lunch at the farmhouse of Corbina
by courtesy of the present Baron of
Ricasoli, drive to the Castle of Brolio
to visit the chapel and gardens. This
castle dates back to the twelfth century
and was the home of Bettino Ricasoli,
one of the first prime ministers of
Italy when it was united in the last
century. He was also – more importantly
for us! – the inventor of the formula
for the Chianti Classico wine. Dinner
and overnight at Palazzo Ravizza, an
elegant nobleman's mansion in the heart
of Siena.
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| Day 6: |
Free day in Siena, a
city of wonderful medieval architecture
and art treasures: also a fine place to
shop! Dinner and overnight in Siena at
Palazzo Ravizza.
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| Day 7: |
A short drive to
Corbina to meet the horses, and then off
through the vast estate of Brolio,
passing the house where Bertolucci's
'Stealing Beauty' was filmed. Follow a
stream through a deep wooded valley to a
picnic site above the Castle of Meleto,
in view of three other castles. In the
afternoon cross the Chianti Mountains
near Monte Luco (2,500 ft) and return to
Rendola for a final dinner.
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| Day 8: |
Return to Florence
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 |
Florence |
| Length of
Ride |
8 days,
7 nights and 2 full and 3 half days
riding. |
| Riding
Ability |
Intermediate |
| Group Size |
Minimum-4 Maximum-8 |
| Riding Per
Day |
4-6
hours |
| Pace |
moderate |
| Tack |
English |
| Horses |
Local
Sicilian and Arab cross |
| Weight
Limit |
180 lbs |
| 2006 Dates |
April
22-29, May 13-20, Sept 23-30, Oct 7-14 |
| 2006 Price |
$1,990 |
| Single
Supplement |
$345 |
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