Etruscan Trail Tuscany
A fully structured week-long trail through the Etruscan heartland of southern Tuscany. The program builds progressively: two days of riding and lessons at the farm, a third day of open-country riding with a picnic lunch to prepare horses and riders for the journey ahead, followed by three days of point-to-point trekking through the landscapes of Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano. The route winds through the ancient sunken roads of the Etruscan vie cave and includes a visit to the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana. Horses remain at each overnight stop while guests return to Il Cornacchino by shuttle. On the final day, riders make their way back to base on horseback.
itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Il Cornacchino and settle into your accommodation. In the late afternoon, enjoy a welcome aperitif with drinks and a selection of snacks. You'll meet the Il Cornacchino team and riding guides, who will introduce you to the programme, the horses and what to expect during the week.
Day 2
After breakfast, head out for your first guided ride in the beautiful countryside surrounding Il Cornacchino. Depending on the needs and experience of the group, a Natural Western Riding lesson may be offered instead. After lunch, there is the option to take part in an additional afternoon riding activity for an extra charge.
Day 3
After breakfast, continue getting to know your horse with another guided ride through the countryside surrounding Il Cornacchino. Alternatively, depending on the group, you may have a Natural Western Riding lesson. After lunch, an optional additional riding activity is available for an extra charge.
Day 4
Today you'll set out on your first full-day ride through the Tuscan countryside. Lunch will be prepared and delivered by the support team along the route. This longer day in the saddle is the final preparation for the multi-day Etruscan Trail ahead. In the late afternoon, ride back to Il Cornacchino.
Day 5
After breakfast, set out on horseback for the first stage of the Etruscan Trail. Ride through the beech forests of the Monte Penna Nature Reserve, following ancient trails towards the valley of the Fiora River. Lunch will be prepared and delivered by the support team along the way. In the afternoon, follow the river and enjoy several river crossings before reaching the end of today's stage.
The horses remain overnight at an equipped stopping point while you return to Il Cornacchino by shuttle, a journey of approximately 30 minutes.
Day 6
After breakfast, transfer by shuttle to rejoin the horses and begin the second stage of the trail. Ride through the landscapes surrounding Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano, following quiet country trails and the ancient Vie Cave of Sovana. Along the way, stop to visit the fascinating Etruscan necropolis of Sovana. Lunch will be prepared and delivered by the support team. At the end of the day's ride, return to Il Cornacchino by shuttle. Dinner and overnight at Il Cornacchino.
Day 7
The final stage of the Etruscan Trail takes you through the Etruscan necropolis of Sorano and the medieval village, before continuing along further sections of the ancient Vie Cave. Ride through the landscapes of southern Tuscany, with panoramic views across the valleys and several stream crossings along the way. Lunch will be prepared and delivered by the support team.
For the final stretch, you and your horse return to Il Cornacchino on horseback, completing the trail loop.
Day 8
After breakfast, check out of Il Cornacchino and begin your journey home.
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Etruscan Trail Tuscany
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
This trail is designed for experienced, confident riders with a good level of riding fitness. It's also a good introduction to multi-day trail riding for experienced riders who haven't previously completed a longer point-to-point style ride.
The week has been deliberately designed to build progressively. Your first two riding days are based around Il Cornacchino, with guided rides or Natural Western Riding lessons depending on the needs of the group. This gives you time to get to know your horse before progressing to a full day in the saddle.
The latter part of the week takes you onto the Etruscan Trail itself, with longer days exploring the forests, rivers and historic landscapes of southern Tuscany. Expect varied terrain including woodland tracks, ancient pathways, stream and river crossings and the remarkable Vie Cave cut into the area's volcanic rock.
The weight limit is 100kg.
Our partners in Italy have more than 30 years of experience in organising riding holidays. Your guides are very knowledgeable about the horses, local culture and history and make sure you are well looked after for the whole duration of your holiday.
There are a maximum of 7 riders in a group.
The horses on this trail have been trained with natural horsemanship methods and with Western riding style. They are well-mannered, responsive rides and have had extensive training for riding through challenging terrain, making them extremely surefooted. The horses live out in a herd all year round on 100 acres of natural pasture land.
The tack used on the trail is Western style. The saddles have a large and comfortable seat which ensures an enjoyable experience during the long riding days. Saddle bags are provided so you can carry daily essentials while riding.
Price includes
- Seven nights accommodation at Il Cornacchino
- Full board throughout your stay
- Welcome aperitif with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks
- 6 days of riding
- Entrance to the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana
- All local transfers during the trail
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
Accommodation
You'll stay at Il Cornacchino, an atmospheric agriturismo set in a restored stone hamlet in the countryside near Castell'Azzara in southern Tuscany. Accommodation is spread between several traditional buildings. Casa della Miniera has seven rustic guest rooms, along with a shared lounge and large terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside. Casa di Quinto has five guest rooms on the first floor, with the restaurant and kitchen downstairs, while Casa della Fonte offers a separate ground-floor room for guests looking for a little more privacy.
The property's central facilities are housed in the Officina del Cornacchino, where you'll find the reception, bar, a cosy relaxation room with a fireplace, yoga room, massage room and meeting spaces. Free Wi-Fi and an internet point are available here.
There is also the option to camp or stay on site in a teepee for a reduced rate. Please see current prices for this in the booking section at the bottom of this page.
The food is a real highlight of any trip to Tuscany and you can expect to eat extremely well on this trip. Lunches are provided picnic-style while out on the trail while dinners are lively affairs which include a series of appetizers, two first courses, a second course and three side dishes, fruit and dessert. All food is local, seasonal and sustainable with many ingredients coming from your hosts’ organic farm.
Special dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for with advance notice.
Etruscan Trail Tuscany
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Do not book flights until you receive the Booking Confirmation from saddletravel.com
Flight and transfer information
- Arrival airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Rome Ciampino (CIA)
- Arrival time: Flights should arrive in time for the Saturday group pick-up at 3pm from Ciampino or 4pm from Fiumicino.
- Departure time: The return transfer leaves Il Cornacchino at 9:30am, arriving at Fiumicino at approximately 12pm and Ciampino at approximately 1pm. Book departing flights with sufficient time after these arrival times.
- Transfer arrangements: Group transfers from Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino cost €260 per person return or €140 one way. Alternative transfer times can be arranged on request for an additional charge.
For a cheaper option, take the train to Chiusi–Chianciano Terme station, on the main Rome–Florence railway line. Transfers between the station and Il Cornacchino cost €40 per person return for arrivals between 9–10am or 5:30–6:30pm. Outside these times, transfers cost €60 per person one way.
Hiring a car can also be a cost-effective option and gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding area during your stay.
Single room supplement: €196 per person for single use of a private room.