Brigands Trail
Riding alongside lakes and through local villages, 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 riding on this trail is at all paces so you'll need to be confident cantering in a group on a well schooled horse. From the top of the castle tower there are 360-degree views across three regions – Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany. This is a vast 250-hectare estate and the land includes woods, gardens with olive trees, and of course incredible riding trails. Alongside the castle is the internationally renowned equestrian centre, with a stable of well trained horses.
Short on time? Take a look at the Tuscany Short Break.
This trail consists of 4 half day rides and one full day ride. You'll head out on a different trail each day, there is very little roadwork and the castle is surrounded by stunning countryside. For those who want to improve their riding there are instructors on site and you can book extra tuition in one of their sand arenas. There are also special intensive training programs with lessons in flatwork and showjumping available on request.
During July and August it is too hot to run the full day trail, instead you will ride on two shorter hacks of around 2 hours duration (6 hacks in total) during your stay.
- Follow the ancient trails once used by the legendary Brigands of southern Italy.
- Discover a region rich in history, folklore and traditional rural culture.
- Enjoy scenic hacks in the saddle on well-schooled horses, with spectacular views over the Italian countryside, riding alongside lakes, fields and local villages.
- Stay in family-run Castello Santa Cristina and enjoy the facilities of their renowned equestrian centre where you can take extra tuition in flatwork and jumping.
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. You will return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. You'll enjoy a canter through a tunnel formed by oak trees above an old shepherd's path.
Day 8
A final breakfast at the castle before checkout which usually is between 10am - 12pm, although a late checkout can be arranged subject to availability.
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Brigands Trail
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
This trail is for intermediate riders onwards, you will need to have previous experience riding in open countryside and happy at all paces (including canter and gallop). The full day ride includes five hours in the saddle so you will need to be relatively riding fit. The weight limit is 90kg.
Group sizes are between 1-6 riders and you are usually guided by one of the qualified instructors or by your hosts themselves. All guides speak English fluently.
There are 30 horses here, a mixture of thoroughbreds, warmblood crosses and Italian native breeds, all are ridden in English tack. The majority of the horses are between 15 -17hh although there are some ponies available for children.
Price includes
- 7 nights accommodation based on two sharing (single rooms available for a supplement)
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- Riding - 4 half day rides (2 hours) and 1 full day ride (4-5 hours)
- Guided tour of the castle
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Airport Transfers
Accommodation
This splendid castle, Castello di Santa Cristina, has been the property of the Caterini family for generations and is still lived in by the family. Accommodation is in the castle’s 18th century ivy-covered farmhouse where there are private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
The ground floor of the farm house opens onto the main terrace which overlooks the swimming pool (open from 1st June to the end of the summer). 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 and ping-pong room.
There is also a wellness centre onsite providing a range of holistic and Ayurvedic treatments with a qualified therapist.
Brigands Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Single supplement
Low Season £205
High Season £225
HIGH SEASON 2025: 17th April - 4th May and 16th June -15th September
Flights & Airport transfers
Transfers can be arranged from both Rome airports
FCO Airport - €180 one way per car
CIA Airport - €200 one way per car
Surcharge for transfers required before 09:00 or after 18:00; €20 (per person, paid locally).