Sunflowers and Cyprus Trees Trail

Relax and Ride in Tuscany

 

This trail is designed especially for the warmer Tuscan months of July and August, where riding is best enjoyed early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, allowing long siestas through the warm hours of the day, best enjoyed at close proximity to Belmontes panoramic swimming pool.
In summertime we avoid the hot hours of the day for the wealth of the horse and the rider and start our tours at 5 pm or 8 am.

The farm is located just outside the ancient village of Iano, justly famous for its unique natural beauty and excellent climate. The estate covers 200 hectares of rolling hills covered with forests, juniper, sunflowers, olive trees, wild rosemary and cyprus trees. Deer, wild boar,badgers,rabbits and porcupines populate the area. The pacing of the rides is moderate with trots and collected canters forexperienced riders.

Groups are small with no more than eight riders led by an attentive multi lingual guide. You will traverse a wide variety of Tuscan terrain and take new trails each day. Experienced riders will appreciate the riding centres well bred horses and beginners can benefit from instruction given before and during the ride so that they too learn to feel and connect with their horses.This package includes 2 hours of trail riding per day for 4 days and one full day riding with a picnic. Private lessons and extra rides are available at extra cost.

The fixed siesta break between morning and afternoon rides, means you have more time to enjoy our 350 sq metre pool ,which enjoys sunshine from dusk untill dawn. A fixed day midweek allows time to brush up your tennis with private lessons at the farms own tennis court, or spend a day at nearby San Gimignano, Volterra or Florence.

New Zealand /Italian couple Paolo and Jess use a natural style of training on their horses, picked up from working around Australia, New Zealand and Italy. Our centre has a relaxed informal atmosphere and is especially recommended for those coming alone, or couples with a non riding partner.

This is a fabulous active way to spend a week in Tuscany exploring the countryside. On willing well trained horses, you will visit unique sites and discover the beauty of the Chianti wine region, the wilderness of the Selva di Camporena, and the harmonious landscapes of the Val d'Elsa and Val d'Era.

An excellent holiday for people with a non-riding partner,or children as the riders return every evening to the same location.There is so much to do on the farm, that this is also an ideal family holiday when some member of the group ride, and some dont.

Car hire is reccommended to provide flexibility to visit the many local villages and vineyards nearby.

Accommodation is in apartments equipped with all the best comforts: air conditioning, sattelite TV, WiFi internet, and fully serviced kitchens where guests can prepare their own breakfasts using local ingredients delivered to them including fresh bread and croissants delivered daily. Meals are either served in the local restaurant, or are "al fresco" BBQ style, on the sunny terrace.

There are two thermal sulpharic pools, and a private fishing lake for guests usage only.The panoramic swimming pool has hydro-massage and there is a seperate swimming pool for children. A selction of 8 mountain-bikes are also available at all times, and the local Castelfalfi golf course is only ten minutes drive away.

This trail is suitable for riders of all levels, complete beginners have the possibility of learning the basics, advanced riders can enjoy great riding in a relaxed enviroment under the Tuscan sun. Families are welcome as are non riders.

Day 1


Arrive at and transfer to the farm.
Days 2-6

The 4 half day rides go out twice a day (you can choose to ride morning or evening )and you will explore the wonderful countryside riding in a different direction every day.
Rides leave at 8am and 5 pm respecting the hot hours of the day.
Fresh Tuscan paninis are delivered daily for lunch.

Dinner is served every evening at the restaurant where we will all eat as a group.

On the first day you will be introduced to our style of riding before we set out on the trail.There is plenty of guidance too for those new to western riding and you are encouraged to take a natural horsemanship approach when around your horse.

Half day rides visit enchanting destinations such as:

Casterfalfi and Tondi: Castles and forest trails

Vignale: the abandoned hamlet in the forest.

The Mysterious convent of San Vivaldo

The ruins of Pietrina Sactuary

Natural Springs of Bagni di Mommialla

Villamagna and the Volterra hills

Castagneto: Ancient village

Day 5 is a free day to visit Florence

Day 7

Today there is a full day ride to Montaione and the Roman Cistern, stopping off to enjoy a Sardinian style BBQ for lunch. The ride back to the farm takes you via a different route with impressive panoramic veiws.
Dinner tonight is around the campfire telling tales!
Day 8

Departure at 10.30

Trip length: 8 days/7 nights from Saturday to Saturday

Departure Dates:
2010: July: 3-10,10-17,17-24,24-31. August: 31-7,7-14, 14-21,21-28,

Ride Price: 950 euro per adult, Children under 16: 850€

Approximate riding time per day: 2-4 hours

Riding ability required:All levels. Groups will be based on level of experience

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