Brigands Trail

8 Days  |  From £1240pp

Italy ( Best airport: Rome Ciampino / Rome Fiumicino)

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Explore the charm of Tuscany, crossing vast, unspoiled territory without restrictions. Riding alongside lakes through unchanged villages admire the castles, palaces and archeological sites that dot this region. Your Italian guides at this family run castle will lead you along some of the hidden trails used by the “Brigands” (outlaws) to escape 200 years ago.

The castle offers a perfect location for an authentic country holiday in the south of Tuscany, where you can explore the picturesque 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?

Contact us now on WhatsApp with any queries you have about this trail.

The Horses

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

Horse Riding Holidays in Italy

Accommodation and Dining

This splendid 17th century castle, Castello di Santa Cristina, has been the property of the 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 (open from 1st June). 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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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
£1240pp

Seasons 2024

Low season: 10th April – 15th June and 17th Sept – 12th Nov
High season: 16th June – 16th Sept

During July and August full day rides are not possible due to high temperatures. Instead half day rides will be added.

Prices are based on two sharing a double room.
Twin room reduction (room size: 10 m2): £40 per person per week
Single supplement: £125 per week

BEGINNERS: 6 lessons or easy treks. Reduction of £200
NON RIDERS: £430 reduction

Flights & Airport transfers

Transfers can be arranged from both Rome airports

FCO Airport – €320 return (max two people)
CIA Airport – €330 return (max two people)

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