Brigands Trail

8 Days | From £1249pp

Italy ( Best airport: Rome Ciampino / Rome Fiumicino)

This riding holiday in Tuscany will give you the opportunity to explore the charm of this region, crossing vast, unspoiled territory without restrictions. Riding through beautiful nature, lakes, villages, castles, palaces and archeological sites, your guides will lead you along old trails used by the “Brigands” (outlaws) to escape from the law 200 years ago.

The castle offers a perfect location for an authentic country holiday in the south of Tuscany, where you can explore neighbouring historic towns of Orvieto, Sorano, Pitigliano and Bolsena.

Short on time? Take a look at the Tuscany Short Break.

The Riding

This trail consists of 4 half day rides and one full day ride; however the riding can be tailored to suit individual requirements and abilities. For those who want to improve their riding there are instructors on site to offer tuition in one of their sand arenas. There are also special intensive training programs with lessons in flatwork and showjumping available on request. The equestrian centre is a perfect place for family holidays, with riding programs and summer camps available for children aged over 5 years old.

During July and August it is too hot to run the full day trail, so instead a half day trail will be offered with a massage at the wellness centre.

Level of Riding and Fitness

All riding abilities are catered for and your stay will be tailored to your specific requirements. Beginner and novice riders will be offered a mix of tuition and easy trail rides, more experienced riders can enjoy a full day trail ride as well as lessons and half day rides. The weight limit is 100kg.

Guides and Group Size

Group sizes are between 1-6 riders. Groups are separated based on ability.

Any questions?

The Horses

The horses are a mixture of thoroughbreds, warmblood crosses and ponies, ridden in English tack.

Accommodation and Dining

The breathtakingly splendid 17th century castle, Castello di Santa Cristina, has been the property of the noble Caterini family for generations. It is located in Southern Tuscany half way between Orvieto and Siena, closely bordering with the regions of Umbria and Tuscany and one and a half hours away from Rome.

The castle’s 18th Century ivy-covered farmhouse and out-buildings have been carefully restored over the past ten years to retain their authenticity. Now they offer fantastic accommodation, in 8 self-catering cottages and 14 private bedrooms. All rooms are furnished with original pieces and offer you the chance to enjoy a unique holiday in Italy.

The ground floor of the farm house opens onto the main terrace which overlooks the swimming pool. On the ground floor there is a large “taverna” with brick vaulted ceilings. The space is divided into three main areas: dining room, billiard room, ping-pong room, plus a large kitchen available for all the guests and equipped for cooking courses.

There is also a wellness centre onsite providing a range of holistic and Ayurvedic treatments with a qualified physiotherapist.

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Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 After a check-in and welcome drink, you'll meet the guides during dinner for an introduction and programme briefing before enjoying a guided tour of the Castle.

Day 2 Half day ride of 18km. After breakfast you will ride towards the hills framing the west plateau on which the castle is situated. This is a fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area; from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding lake Mezzano.

Day 3 Today you will ride through farmland on the Brigands Path into the wooded hills which surround Onano. Take a glimpse of the pine trees atop an ancient Etruscan site as you arrive on the flat plane of the Mezzano crater. Stop for lunch at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant, where you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. After a delicious meal, you will ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle.

Day 4 Free day from riding. The local area is full of interesting archaeological and historical sites, including the village fortresses of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovano. It is definitely worth visiting the marvellous Italian gothic church of Orvieto - Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the ‘Dying Town’. Alternatively you can choose to relax at the castle and take advantage of the swimming pool, tennis court, indoor and outdoor games. Have a massage, take a cooking class or hire a bicycle to explore the area.

Day 5 Half day ride. Today you will be heading out along The Brigands Trail towards the picturesque Lake Bolsena. This is a fantastic spot with breathtaking views of the area stretching from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena on one side, to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano on the other side. On a clear day you can see the sea 40 km away, shimmering like a mirror. As you head back along this ancient ‘outlaws highway’ you will pass through mature oak woodlands dotted with original farm dwellings built in the traditional tufo rock.

Day 6 Half Day Ride 20 km. Once again this morning you will set off on the Brigands path, heading north through the hills towards Onano, a fortified village with a medieval castle which was the stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area during the Middle Ages. At the Madonna delle grazie church you will follow the track north through enchanting countryside back to the castle.

Day 7 Half day ride 16km. Following an old Etruscan trail, you will ride up through thick woods to the top of the crater surrounding lake Bolsena. Here, you will enjoy remarkable scenery including vineyards, Etruscan tombs, the prominent volcanic lake and the panorama dominated by the famous Farnese palace in Gradoli; a wedding gift made by the Pope in 1500 for his nephew. What a present! You will return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. In particular, you will enjoy a canter across a tunnel made by oak trees above an old shepherd’s path.

Day 8 Having had many amazing experiences and exhilarating adventures, you will prepare for your onward journey taking with you many happy memories. Checkout is usually between 10am-12pm, although a late checkout can be arranged subject to availability.

Brigands Trail

8 days / 7 nights / 5 riding days
£1249pp

£1255 pp – low season
£1345 pp – high season
Single supplement – £124

Flights & Airport transfers

Transfers can be arranged from both Rome airports for a minimum of 2 people.

FCO Airport – €300 return
CIA Airport – €330 return

Surcharge for transfers required before 09:00 or after 18:00; €20 (per person, paid locally)

Price Includes

Accommodation
All meals including wine
Riding - 4 half day rides and 1 full day ride
Guided tour of the castle

Price Excludes

Flights
Transfers
Additional activities
Treatments

Join a ride - Select your date:

18th June 2023 - 4 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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16th July 2023 - 6 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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22nd July 2023 - 2 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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29th July 2023 - 8 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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5th August 2023 - 8 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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12th August 2023 - 8 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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19th August 2023 - 8 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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26th August 2023 - 8 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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2nd September 2023 - 2 Saddles Available - £1320pp

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16th September 2023 - 1 Saddle Available - £1320pp

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14th October 2023 - 8 Saddles Available - £1260pp

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20th October 2023 - 3 Saddles Available - £1260pp

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Brigands Trail

The Riding

Level of Riding and Fitness

Guides and Group Size

The Horses

Accommodation and Dining

Gallery

Itinerary

Brigands Trail

8 days / 7 nights / 5 riding days £1249pp

Flights & Airport transfers

Join a ride - Select your date:

8 days / 7 nights / 5 riding days
£1249pp