Tuscany Trails - Italy
The Horse-riding adventures are based in the wildest of the Chianti regions of Tuscany, with acess to 36 000 hectares of national park land, lakes, rivers and endless farmland and provide exciting once-in-a-lifetime horseback adventures in Italy. The accommodation is at the Colognole wine estate where you wil find an atmosphere inspired by a genuine love of the local traditions of the places, people and culture that surrounds it. This 18th century estate has recently been completely restored and divided into country style apartments preserving original, rustic and farm-like characteristics. Food produce is local, and where possible is organic and typical of the area, reducing food miles. Wine is produced on the very terrain you ride across, and is of a very good quality. Local staff are employed. During this holiday you will meet real people, and experience the culture that most tourists to Tuscany miss.
Your hosts: Paolo Cadoni and his New Zealand born wife Jess run the trails in small personalised groups that eat together, laugh together and enjoy some fantastic riding on some great horses. Paolo and Jess are very experienced in running riding tours and are especially trained with full FITETREC ANTE qualifications. You will always feel comfortable and confident whilst in their care as they really know the horses and the rides very well. You will find them helpful, friendly, professional, and always ready for a good laugh!
The horses: The horses live out in an established herd during the summer and the winter. Paolo and Jess believe that it is important for the horse’s mental and physical well-being that they get time to 'be a horse'. They need time to play, groom, roll and interact with other horses at some point during every day - this is the horses way of relaxing. They live as close to nature as practical and this is what makes them happy, relaxed and a pleasure to handle and ride. They will all take care of the most nervous of riders whilst always being ready for a gallop when asked.
The horses are all locally bred and trained, some have arrived from the Slovenian/Italian border, the rest all from Tuscany. You will find amongst the horses halflingers, Arabians, Italo-Arabians, Italian saddle breeds, an Argentine Criollo, Lipizzaners and a Slovenian/Lipizzaner draught mare. There is a selection of horses as every rider is different, as is each horse- so it is easier for them to match rider to horse (and vice versa).
The Rides: Three different rides to choose from:
Trail 1: The Chianti Rufina week
Discover Tuscany on horseback - You will stay all week at the 18th century farm estate, the Colognole, drink fine wine, dine on Tuscan cuisine, and enjoy the countryside on horseback. The holiday includes three full day rides and two shorter half day rides (2-3 hours), enabling riders to spend time by the pool or to visit nearby Florence. The rides take you all over Tuscany, visiting local farms for special lunches as well as a wine tasting tour at the XVth century Villa Colognole. You will discover the beauty of the Chianti Rufina wine region, the wilderness of the Monte Giove National Park, and the harmonious landscape of the Mugello.
Tuscany is renowned for its cities of art, its history and its famous artists and their works. But, it is the landscape and warm hospitality of the people, the solitary farmhouses and medieval villages, rows of vines, olive trees and cypresses that make it a perfect area to explore on the back of a horse. Combine this with an excellent climate, superb food, fabulous wine and well-schooled horses and you have the makings of an ideal holiday!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Pick up from Pontassieve station; transfer to Colognole farm. Welcome drink with your hosts Jess and Paolo before dinner.
Day 2: Accustom yourself to your horse and tack before departing for Monte Giove. Negotiate tracks used in world war two by partisans hiding in the area, and on arrival at the cross, take in the breathtaking panoramic views that stretch over the Florentine Basin right over to Florence herself. On your return stop for a typical Tuscan lunch out on the terrace of a local rustic restaurant.
Day 3: Today you will have a half-day ride to the Roman road, hidden deep in the valley like a Mayan ruin. After negotiating forest tracks, ride through Massimos cattle farm under the watchful eye of his sleepy cows. After a canter we pass by Antonellas farmhouse, with her array of donkeys, ponies and abandoned baby deer. After passing through the valley ride to the "Spugna" popular with rock climbers and then ride up through the vineyards and terraced olive groves to the farm. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 4: Today is a free day to spend in Florence (only 20 minutes by train from Rufina). Check out the famous Uffizi gallery or enjoy the stunning historic city centres many beautiful shops and cafes. A return transfer is provided to and from Rufina where you can catch the train.
Day 5: Another full day ride. Start off riding through chestnut and beech forests, and then head through the lovely village of Dicomano, up through private vineyards and farmland and then through to the river Sieve. After an invigorating canter along the cornfields, cool your horse's legs (and your own if you wish) and settle down for a picnic lunch on the banks, and a lazy siesta under the shade of the trees. Return to the farm via lush vineyards, forest tracks, and olive groves.
Day 6: Today you saddle up early for an adventurous ride into the national park forestland and the Pontassive heights. Ride through the winemaking village of Rufina, and onward to the beautiful vineyards above Pontassieve. Take in the sights and smells of Tuscany, including fields of wild flowers, lakes, and the ever-present rolling landscapes typical of the area. Ride into a village called Acone, where there is a fantastic view over the surrounding landscape. From Acone wind your way down to an ancient Roman bridge and then stop for lunch amongst the vineyards. After a good Tuscan meal ride down the valley surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves, crossing the river Sieve for a long canter along the flatlands, before crossing the river again to return to base.
Day 7: Morning at leisure, if you wish a wine tasting and cellar tour at the Villa can be arranged, otherwise spend the morning relaxing at the pool with a nice book or a cappuccino. In the late afternoon you will have a final ride through the spectacular Colognole Chianti vineyards.
Day 8: Transfer to the station after breakfast.
Trail 2: Pomino Wine Trail
Ride deep into Tuscany's spectacular landscape through the heart of the Casentino-Pomino, Chianti Rufina and Mugello regions. Discover the dramatic Mugello wilderness, take in some of the world's top wine regions, soak up Tuscan history, and indulge in local gastronomic delights accompanied by superb wines. Combine the charm of Tuscan villages with the beautiful countryside that the area has to offer. Ride along National Park tracks and through local vineyards to the beautiful Pomino and Sieve Valley areas. You will pass prominent castles and stay at a famous Medician villa before continuing through shady forests and up to the summit of Monte Giove.
Day 1 : Today depending on your arrival transportation, we will either meet you at Pontassieve train station to transfer you to the farm, or if you decide on car hire, we will meet you at the lodge itself (very easy to find from Pisa, Rome or Florence). After you have accustomed yourself with the surrounding landscape,we meet at Colognolo (the wine bar) for a drink on the terrace to discuss the weeks riding and events before dinner.
Day 2 : We pick you up in the truck after breakfast and transport you to the horses paddocks up the valley, there you will be introduced to your horse and tack.Our Sunday ride is a half day ride through the national park where you are given the chance to get used to your horse.Paolo your guide, will be leading you for the week, and is there to help you understand your horses, and answer any questions you may have.We lunch outside with a Tuscan style picnic.Dinner at Colognolo restaurant with Luigi the fantastic chef.
Day 3: Today's we head out on a full days ride through the heart of the Chianti Rufina vineyards, over the valley of Rufina herself. We ride past the Frescobaldi wine dynasty, and past the town of Pomino high towards the Consuma pass.After a Tuscan picnic in the vineyards with local wines, we ride up through cobbled streets to an ancient little church located on the edge of the Casentino national park. Accommodation at the spectacular Torremozze lodge, a huge olive oil farm and mill, redecorated in 2007 in tasteful Tuscan style, this lodge is totally self sufficient, and your meals are completely organic..
Day 4: After breakfast out on the sun lit terrace with milk fresh from the farm and homemade preserves, we start the day riding to Mollin del Piano and the village of Doccia.We ride past the Selvapiano vineyards and historical villa, and through rugged forest tracks. Lunch is taken in the vineyards, before we carry on past the village and up above Pontassieve to the nights accommodation in a restored farmstead. Dinner together out on the terrace whilst the horses graze nearby.
Day 5: A day of fantastic riding up towards the Mugello area, where Medici castles and villas are nestled amongst spectacular landscapes. Today we ride to the castle of Trebbio, an ex fortress and then famed for housing the Pazzi and then Medici families. After lunch outside by the saffron fields, we ride on to Acone a hillside village, passing by an old Roman bridge covered in vines like a Mayan ruin.Accommodation and dinner in the lovely Agriturismo of Andrea, a working Olive farm, with Frantoio. Dinner is held in the suggestive cellar restored to former glory.
Day 6: Today we ride to the Monte Giove national park, a spectacular natural paradise high above Florence. Wild riding, through mountain trails surrounded by horse height green wild ferns, and purple wild flowers make this a fantastic final days riding. We ride to the “Croce” a cross at the top of Monte Giove, where we can look all the way out to Fiesole, and on a good day, even see the Duomo of Florence.We eat a picnic lunch together on the bank of a small lake set amongst the fields and forests of the park before riding back to Vicoferaldi via forest tracks and olive groves. Final dinner all together at Colognole.
Day 7: After breakfast, transfer to the station for a sad farewell !
Trail 3: The Monasteries Trail
One of the best rides on offer in Tuscany- that offers adventurous riders the chance to see all the best of Tuscany starting with the rolling vineyards of the Chianti Rufina "wildest of all Chianti wine-making zones before carrying riders into an area full of medieval heritage sites and panoramic views. You will be treated to some of the finest medieval sites in Tuscany, including the Trebbio castle, the stunning "Madonna del Sasso" retreat, and the Monte Senario Monastery, and ride over the Fiesole florentine hills, where you will be granted a truley amazing veiw of Florence city.
Riders can experience these hidden locations the way monks and pilgrims have visited them for centuries - on the back of a steady equine friend. The ride also takes in the beauty of Mugellos world famous nature, and visit both the giant Bilancino lake, and Monte Giove national park. Highlights include river fording, canters through sensational rolling fields, a swim at the lake, and of course excellent Tuscan cuisine and some lovely locally owned lodges where in at least one you can watch the horses graze from your personal terrace after dinner. All in all, a great adventure ride through some of Tuscany's most spectacular scenery. Groups are small, hospitality is great. What more can one ask for?
Day 1: Pick up from Florence; transfer to farm and breifing. Afternoon at leasure to relax by the pool or enjoy a glass of fresh proseco wine on the terrace. Welcome aperitif with your hosts before dinner. Dinner out on the terrace.
Day 2: Accustom yourself to your horse and tack and the area with a half day ride and picnic lunch full of typical Tuscan delights- taste the fruits of the vine-our local Chianti Rufina wines, with fresh ciabatta bread, local pecorino cheese, prosciutto, parma ham etc whilst we lap up the landscape “under the Tuscan sun”.
Day 3: We begin the trek with a ride through the rolling Tuscan hills, crossing the stunning Sieve river, and winding up through lines of cultivated vineyards, olive groves and shaded woods. Experience a thrilling canter amongst harmonious Tuscan landscapes before lunch is served on the trail. Later, we head up to Il Bardellone to experience an astonishing view right out to Florence and Il Valdarno, before heading down to the lovely Tuscan farmhouse of the very interesting “Fillipo” for a fantastic locally produced dinner and a comfortable bed to sleep.
Day 4: After breakfast we ride out with early morning Tuscan sun on our backs in the direction of the stunning Trebbio castle. Riding through golden fields and forested ridges the views are truly spectacular, looking out over medieval buildings and castles in the distance. After a lunch break in a forested clearing, we head toward the mountain side nunnery of Madonna del Sasso built hundreds of years ago after sightings of the virgin Mary were reported. Riding onward we head to the nights accommodation nestled high in the Florentine hills, as we ride down to the stables, we take in a truley unique veiw of Florence in the distance, with the Duomo sitting proudly in the red twilight haze. Dinner and accommodation at "Hotel Giotto" a proud historical villa.
Day 5: Today we have an early start as we head off in the direction of Monte Senario to visit the world famous Monastery built in 1245 on top of a 2500ft mountain by "the seven first fathers”. This site has panoramic views in of the Mugello and Chianti Rufina regions and is very special to Roman Catholics and Florentine citizens alike. then we carry on to the Mugello region, famous for producing artists such as Giotto and inspiring works such as Dantes divine comedy.Riding past picturesque farmland where stock graze under the watchful eyes of large Maremmano sheepdogs. We ride past another ancient castle as we wind our way down to the huge Bilancino lake. Here we can swim and take lunch by the waterside, The afternoons riding is fantastic, canters through golden fields, river riding down the Sieve, where the only noise you will hear is the gentle swishing of your horses legs as they wade through the cool water. Finally we ride up to the historical church of San Cresci, and let our horses free in a paddock next to the accommodation at Casa Morella, where Carla and Salvorio will prepare a hearty Tuscan meal with their own produce. Before dinner we can sit back on the terrace overlooking the horses as they play and roll in their field.
Day 6: After meeting our trusty steads we climb in the direction of the oo trail, above the village of Vicchio where Giotto was born. Then we head on towards Monte Giove, Wild riding, through mountain trails surrounded by horse height green wild ferns, and purple wild flowers make this a fantastic final days riding. We ride to the “Croce” a cross at the top of Monte Giove, where we can look all the way out to Fiesole, and on a good day, even see the Duomo of Florence.We eat a picnic lunch together on the bank of a small lake set amongst the fields and forests of the park before riding back to Vicoferaldi via forest tracks and olive groves. Final dinner all together at Colognole !
Day 7: Drop-off at station in the morning after breakfast.
Guest comments:
What a fantastic trip!!!! the only way to really see Tuscany at its best!! Jess and Paolo the best guides you could ask for, nothing to much trouble made me feel really at home and part of the family!!! The accommodations was excellent the food wine and everything outstanding!!! The perfect holiday. Will certainly try to return!!! best wishes to you all!! and thanks for a great week, Kelly.
Jess and Paolo: What a lovely week. I spent three weeks in Tuscany in September but after the week with you guys and the other motley crew that I met and rode with, I should have just headed on home. There was no comparison! I ride alot but I am a nervous trail rider and Brenna was just a trooper. She is so sensible and responsive. Thank you again for all of your hospitality and letting me see this beautiful region by the best mode of transport known - horses. Thanks again, Teressa.
Paolo and Jess, we had a wonderful time with you in September. Paolo is such a considerate guide for both horses and riders and was quick to acknowledge when he felt we were ready for bigger things!!! The horses were so well mannered and ready for anything. Your hospitality was excellent with great attention to detail and the lodging at Il Colognole was perfect. We will certainly return. All the best, Anne.
PRICES are per person on half-board without airport transfer. High Season (HS): April to October 31 Low Season (LS): November through to April.
Non Riders with a riding partner or family member (with half-board) : Adults Low Season £430 , High Season £581, Children: Low Season £286 High Season £381
Trail 1: Chianti Rufina week (day rides from the centre): Low season: £933 High Season: £1142
3 days full riding with picnic and 2 half days riding out. Midweek free day to explore Florence or relax.
This price includes : 7 nights 4 star accommodation at the Colognole wine estate, buffet breakfast and lavish dinner with Chianti wine and mineral water and lunches on the three full days riding.
Departure Dates: 21 Feb, 07 Mar, 21 Mar, 04 Apr, 11 April, 18 April, 02 May, 16 May, 23 May, 20 June, 04 July, 11 July, 18 July, 01 Aug, 08 Aug, 29 Aug, 19 Sep, 10 Oct, 24 Oct 2009.
Trail 2: Pomino and Casentino wine trail (mobile trail ride): Low Season: £952 High Season: £1190
1 half day riding locally and 4 full days inn to inn style adventure through the Casentino and Rufinese vineyards and national parks. Villa di Colognole start and finish, and three different Tuscan Guesthouses along the trail.
This price includes : 3 nights 4 star accommodation at the Colognole estate, and 3 nights at 3 fantastic local guesthouses in the region. Buffet breakfast, lavish dinner with Chianti wine and mineral water and all lunches.
Duration: 7 days , Start and end point: Pontassieve, Accommodation :
Departure Dates:
04 July, 2 places left
11 July, 4 place left
18 July, FULL
01 Aug
08 Aug,
29 Aug,
19 Sep, Get Together week.
24 Oct
Operating Period : Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Oct
Level of Difficulty : Moderate
Trail 3: Medieval Monasteries Adventure trail (mobile trail ride): Low Season: £952 High Season: £1190
1 half day riding locally and 4 full days inn to inn style adventure over the Florentine hills, the Sieve valley, Mugello lowlands and Monte Giove wild bush.
This price includes : 3 nights 4 star accommodation at the Colognole estate, and 3 nights at 3 fantastic local guesthouses in the region. Buffet breakfast, lavish dinner with Chianti wine and mineral water and all lunchesDeparture Dates: 09 May, 30 May, 05 Sep, 03 Oct, 17 Oct.
Group minimum 4 riders, maximum 7 riders.
Experience level: Intermediate and above.
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Getting there
We recommend Pisa airport as the easiest airport to arrive in, as there is an excellent network of trains departing from the arrivals section of the airport. We are 1 hour 20 in the train from Pisa airport (where Ryanair and Easyjet fly into). Pontassieve train station in a short 20 mins by train from Florence central station. No direct trains.
Transfers: Free pick up from the meeting point: PONTASSIEVE train station. For groups of 6 or more arriving together we will pickup from the airport (Florence). We can arrange transfers to and from airports Pisa or Florence for a charge.
It is quite easy to reach by Rome since there are fast direct trains to Florence (around 3 hours) where you would have to change trains for Pontassieve. Flights to Rome Fiumicino airport (main airport with good train link to Florence/Firenze). The link to the train station from Ciampino is by bus.
Flights to Pisa:
Ryanair from Stansted, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Doncaster, Sheffield, Liverpool and Prestwick.
Jet 2 flies there from Edinburgh, Leeds/Bradford, Newcastle, Manchester and Belfast.
Thomsonfly has links from Glasgow, Doncaster, Sheffield, Manchester, Coventry, Bournemouth and Gatwick.
Easyjet from Gatwick.
Transfer from Pisa supplement required.
Flights to Rome Ciampino (the no frills airport) from Stansted, Luton, Nottingham, Liverpool and Prestwick.
Easyjet fly from Gatwick, Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle and Belfast.
British Airways and Alitalia have flights from Heathrow.
Jet 2 fly from Manchester and Leeds/Bradford.
BMI Baby from Birmingham.
By Rail: The quickest route is via Paris and Milan (just 11 hours) then on to Florence. Italian train timetables.
Train travel: For everything you need to know about any train journey visit Seat Sixty-One.
Lowcostseats - internet travel agent for charter flights offering good deals.
Jetnav - an independent website searching schedule services, budget airlines and some charters.
Dohop - searches charter and schedule services.
Travelocity - internet travel agents for schedule services.
Self-drive: Car rental can be booked easily and inexpensively online with Holiday Autos. Please tell us so that we can reduce the quote of your holiday. Avis car hire can also be arranged at the airport (approx €300 for 7 days).
Riding
Saddles: Western, Endurance, Trekking.
Style of riding : relaxed english/western. Caps and chaps are available but you are advised to bring your own.
Best time to go
Tuscany has a temperate climate due to the proximity of the coast, but it gets very hot in July and August. Riding in Tuscany is perfect in the Spring to see the glorious meadows filled with wild flowers and Autumn to see the red and golden colours of the beech and chestnut woods and of course, the grape harvest. Actual weather.
Tailor made
Different itineraries are available such as farmhouse tours, riding combined with Italian cooking courses, wine tasting weeks and spa visits. Non riders are also welcome. Please contact us for a price.
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to Italy at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
Consumer protection
As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), an Association approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, this company has provided a Bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. These regulations apply to packages sold in the UK and this Bond provides security for the money paid over by its UK customers and for their repatriation to the UK in the event of this company's insolvency.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
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