Tuscany :
The Sienna Countryside
An incredible diversity of the landscapes and sights of the that immense territory of Italy : Tuscany. In the heart of this colourful region - between mountains, valleys, hills and forests - you will discover the ridges of the Sienna mountains or “Sienna’s costum”, which were, until the year 1800, the boarder between the great duchy of Tuscany and the Papal State. An historical experience too, as you discover the remains of the mysterious Etruscan civilisation…
Day 1 : Arrival in the evening for dinner, at the “agroturismo aïa del tufo”. An “agroturismo” is an Italian label delivered to guesthouses being faithful to the Italian farming tradition (“agriculture/tourism”). You will enjoy natural and typical Tuscan cuisine : almost everything that will be served during the ride is produced by local farmers or the owners of the farms where you will stop !
Day 2 : You will start near the archaeological park of “citta del tufo”, the birthplace of the Etruscan civilisation. You will ride towards totally different landscapes, passing by two typical and authentic small villages : Castell’ottieri, with the remains of its medieval fortress, and S. Giovanni Delle Contee. You will then ride along the riverbed to the agroturismo of “La Franciola”. Beautiful sight the medieval village of Proceno, situated just across the canyon. Dinner and night in “La Franciola”.
Day 3 : Today, you are heading towards the equestrian center of Il Poggio, by the small village of Celle Sul Rigo. You will ride across hills of various heights on clayey paths, since this is an ancient volcanic terrain ! A typical Sienna landscape ! You will stop on the way to enjoy a copious lunch… On the afternoon, admire beautiful sights of the perched village of Radicofani. You will get to the equestrian center in the afternoon. Optional visit of Radicofani, its medieval castle, its fortress, its church and its small habitations which are characteristic of the charm and authenticity of Tuscany’s villages. Night and dinner in agroturismo, at Il Poggio.
Day 4 : Head for Sarteano ! After a good day ride through magnificent landscapes, you will get to this Renaissance style village, scarcely known by the tourists, with its theatre dating back from the Renaissance era and its typical houses. Night and dinner in 3* hotel, “La Lanterna”.
Day 5 : Back to Il Poggio equestrian center, but this time passing by Monte Cetona (1148 m) where you will enjoy a 360° view on the surrounding country ! On the way down, you will already enjoy good views on Radicofani, which used to be a “village boarder” between the great duchy of Tuscany and the Papal State.
Day 6 : Back to “La Franciola” taking a completely different route, riding across immense hills as far as the eye can see… You will ride on the ancient “Cassia”, wich used to link Firenze to Roma, and keep going along the new cassia.
Day 7 : An unforgettable experience ! You will ride towards S. Quirico and Prato Lungo. Lunch by Vitozza, an ancient Etruscan necropolis, with more than 200 caves, and the remains of a roman church and fortress : the heart of the archaeological parc of “Citta del Tufo”. After lunch you will hand-lead your horse down the narrow trails of the park. You will then get back on and ride along a river bed, wich will lead you at the bottom of the impressive village of Sorano, built on a cliff. A beautiful Etruscan road digged in the “tufo” (volcanic rock), and surrounded by impressive cliffs will lead you up to a roman church. You will go up the Etruscan road on foot and let your horse climb up by himself. Amazing view of Sorano. Back to the equestrian center. in the late afternoon. After feeding your travelling companions you will let the horses loose in the fields to roll and rest. Night and dinner in agriturismo.
Day 8 : End of the trip after breakfast.
Accommodation : agritourism and small hotels, rooms 2-3 people, single rooms available with supplement.
Riding level : to be comfortable with walk, trot, canter.
Guide : certified English-speaking guide.
Catering : an assistant will take care of the luggage transfer, and will cook and bring delicious lunch to the riders, on the ride.
Horses : country horses, Maremmani or anglo-arabs.
Price includes : 7 nights, all meals (water and 1/4 l. of wine per person during meals included), 6 days of guided trail ride, horses, tack, luggage transfer, taxes.
Price does not include : visits.
Period of time : from Sunday evening to the following Sunday after breakfast.
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