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Estruscan fortressed villages point to point ride
Discover a territory whose origins are lost in the mists of time. In Tuscany, particularly in Valdelsa - ride point to point to three fortressed villages rich in history and charm, filled with ancient monasteries and churches, castles and medieval buildings that are just waiting to unfold before your eyes.
We invite you on a horseriding holiday that is completely unique, riding through some of the most spectacular countryside,discovering Etruscan and Roman settlements and ruins, and staying in the beautiful local guesthouses.Improve your riding, by putting yourself to the ultimate test - an entire week of riding over diverse terrain,riding in the unrestricted open, and learning as much about yourself as you learn about your horse.You will negotiate narrow forest tracks, canter through wide valleys and swim in healing natural sulphar springs.
Highlights of this tour are two of the most famous cities in Tuscany.
San Gimignano is a tower studded diadem set upon a hilltop dominating the entire valley of the Elsa_ in the collective imagination the contours of San Gimignano are the quintessential symbol of the middle ages.The seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (the 3rd and the 2nd century b.c.), its history started around the 10th century.
Volterra is a city set in a spectacular position on a steep ridge above the Balze Volterra (Voterrean cliffs).This city was founded by the Etruscans, and was once one of the most prominent of the twelve cities of Etruria.
We are extremely excited about this ride. It offers some amazing riding through one of Italys most talked about regions.
Discover these spectacular Etruscan and Medieval cities with us, on a well chosen, willing and forward equine friend!
Day 1
Arrival and transfer from Pisa airport at 4.30 pm
Day 2
Breakfast at 9am. We start all our trails with a half hour lesson with your horse, here we explain our training techniques, and accustom you as to your western or Australian style tack. We then embark on a full days riding to Montaione, stopping off for lunch at the enchanting convent "San Vivaldo". The riding is excellent - soft forest trails that open into wide panoramic views over the Val D Elsa and Val D Era.You will ride through classical Tuscany hillside scenery, surrounded by the smell of typical mediterranean herbs.We then ride to the Roman cistern that lies just outside the old Etruscan village "Montaione"and then return in time for dinner in Iano.
Day 3
Today we depart for four days of point to point riding.We ride to the mysterious ruins of the Sanctuary of Pietrina, first recorded in a document from 1118, which has a magnificent panoramic view out to Volterra.We then ride to the village of Villamagna, cutting through cultivated fields of corn, sunflowers and small lakes.From Villamagna we ride on to the outskirts of the impressive fortressed city of Volterra where we feed and water our horses, and relax for the night with fine Tuscan food and wine.
Day 4
Once again we depart around 9.30am, this time to explore the Volterra countryside, entering the actual city perimeter to see the famous Roman ampitheatre and Etruscan ruins. The landscape is one of rolling wild hills scattered with Cyprus trees and stone farmhouses ste amongst fields of wild flowers. The picnic will be at the Volterra where we are able to savour the local wine and specialties of the region. Then we ride under the high cliffs of Volterra, thickly forested with views out to the sea to the nights accommodation for another fantastic Tuscan dinner.
Day 5
Depart around 9h30 in direction of San Gimignano. This world famous village is one of Italy’s great cultural and historical treasures. This beautiful city dominates the Elsa valley with its 11 towers. The seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (the 3rd and the 2nd century b.c.), its history started around the 10th century and the town takes its name from St. Gimignano, Bishop of Modena, who is said to have saved the village from hordes of barbarians. It developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena" a pilgrimage route that crossed it. For our picnic lunch, we stop near Castel D San Gimignano. Here you have a chance to visit the village. In the afternoon we’ll ride to the hills surrounding San Gimignano, and ride across vineyards to our nights accommodation. Dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 6
Depart around 9h30 in direction of Gambassi Terme, in the past this was a stopover point for Etruscans heading in the direction of Volterra, for Romans on the Via Clodia between Siena and Lucca and, in the late Middle Ages, for those travellers – in particular pilgrims – who were travelling along the Via Francigena. We picnic near this famous glass making village, before riding onwards through the mineral rich soil of the Montaione territory. We stop off at the thermal pools of Bagni di Mommialla for a picnic lunch in the countryside,The scenery is very varied: valleys, forests, vineyards and meadows. At the end of the afternoon, we arrive at Iano and taste famous Cinta Sienese steak at dinner.
Day 7
Today you have a free day to explore Florence, or relax by the pool.We will provide transfers to Casterlfiorentino to catch the train into the centre of Florence, where you can discover the heart of the Italian Renaissance.
Day 8
With a new enthusiasm for Tuscan food,wine and riding, you will be transferred to the airport or the train station after breakfast about 9.30, journey time around 1hr 15 mins.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Meals, wine with dinner, accommodation in double rooms with ocassional shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Transport to the meeting point, International travel, single supplement if required, alcoholic and canned drinks other than wine with dinner, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
Trip length: 8 days/7 nights from Saturday to Saturday
Departure Dates:
2010: April:17- 24 ,May: 01 -08, 22 -29,June:05 -12, 12-19, 26 -03 July,September:04 -11,18-25 ,October :02 -09
Ride Price: 1400 euro per person
Approximate riding time per day: 5-7hours
Accommodation:4 nights at Belmonte resort and 3 nights at different lodges of a very good quality on the trail.
Riding ability required:Intermediate and above
Group size:1-9
Transfer from Pisa airport and to pisa airport:35 € at set time.
Single supplement:2010: None if willing to share, otherwise €140
2010 Departures:
Trail Dates for 2010:
April:17- 24 ,May: 01 -08, 22 -29,June:05 -12, 12-19, 26 -03 July,September:04 -11,18-25 ,October :02 -09
Spaces are limited, so get in quick!
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