Tuscany Short Break

5 Days | From £762pp

Italy ( Best airport: Rome Ciampino / Rome Fiumicino)

Head to this 17th century castle and indulge in riding, spa treatments and wine tasting on this short break in Tuscany. Explore the charm of this region, crossing vast, unspoiled territory, dotted with lakes, traditional villages, palaces and vineyards.The castle offers the perfect location for exploring the south of Tuscany, nestled inbetween the neighbouring historic towns of Orvieto, Sorano, Pitigliano and Bolsena.

The Riding

This trail consists of two 2 half day rides (2 hours duration) 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. Full-day rides last 4-5 hours and may involve long trots and canters over undulating ground. Half-day rides are shorter (2 hours) but may still include faster riding and hilly terrain. Additional lessons and relaxed trails can be arranged as an alternative as long as prior notice is given, subject to availability. the minimum age for riding is 9 years old (14 for trail riding).

All programmes are flexible and operated according to current situations – weather, availability, other activities etc. Therefore whether the riding takes place in the morning or afternoon will be decided on-site between guests and guides and subsequently a set itinerary for these programmes is not followed. Please note that in July and August full day rides will not be organized due to high temperatures.

Out on the trails riders may be required to walk beside their horse for around 10 minutes on certain rides, usually for steep or slippery ground. If you are not able to mount/unmounts easily these rides can be avoided. Riders are welcome to assist the guides/stable staff with the horses, such as grooming and tacking up/un-tacking but this is not required.

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 90kg.

Guides and Group Size

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

Any questions?

The Horses

There are 22 horses and ponies at the riding centre coming from a wide variety of breeds such as the Italian Maremmano and Murgese, German and Dutch warmbloods, French, Anglo Arab, Thoroughbred and cross breeds. Thanks to the reasonably mild year-round climate, the horses get to live out in 100 hectares of green paddocks around the castle estate and it is obvious to see that they are happy and enjoy their work. They are treated as part of the family.

Each horse is carefully selected according to their experience and to match the rider’s ability. They are schooled throughout the year making them well balanced. Their temperaments range from forward-going to calmer, confidence-givers and everything in-between! They are ridden in English style tack with snaffle bits.

Tack and Riding Equipment

Please note it is mandatory for all riders to wear a riding hat – there is a selection of hats, boots and body protectors and half leg chaps available to borrow on-site but we recommend that you take your own. The horses are all ridden in English style tack.

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 double 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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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 Full day ride of 32km. 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 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 5 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.