Ride or Cycle in Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria

Dates:

Flexible

Duration:

7 days/6 nights or
5 days/4 nights
or custom

Difficulty:

Intermediate/Advanced

Castello di Santa Cristina is a strikingly beautiful 17th century castle, located just one and a half hours from Rome, between the rolling hills of Tuscany, Latium and Umbria. With its fairy tale style turret, it’s a romantic but comfortable setting for those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside and culture on horseback.

The Briganti Trail, or “Brigands’ Path",” is a trekking route between Abruzzo and Lazio, in the shadow of the Central Apennines, which crosses a wild and uncontaminated nature, facing old mule tracks and descending into the atmosphere of medieval villages. Historically, it was the geographical border between the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and the Papal States, where the brigands moved from one side to the other on horseback, fighting the newcomers; the blurred border between justice and injustice, between the clandestinity chosen by those who could not afford the new taxes and kidnappings and abuses, facts and suffered.

While staying at the Castello Santa Cristina, explore this historic route and its sites on horseback.

Horses

There are 20 horses currently, a mix of mostly TB Crosses and Warmblood Crosses, ranging from 15hh to 17hh plus some smaller horses and ponies from 13.2hh. They all live out in herds in the large fields surrounding the castle with as much of a natural environment as possible.
All the horses are bought and trained by Antonio Mancini himself along with his chief Riding Instructor, Kylie Legg.

Riding

All the trails are matched to the ability and preferences of the riders, experienced riders can enjoy the comfort of knowing that they can look forward to fast canters and interesting terrain on forward-going horses and equally novice riders can enjoy slower paced meanders through beautiful countryside.

Accompanying non-riders are welcome!

Tack

Riders will ride English, and should be prepared for several hours in the saddle daily at all paces.

Accommodation

The castle has been the property of the noble Caterini family for generations. It was once the residence of a Cardinal who housed the Vatican’s treasure here to keep it safe during the revolution in 1848… needless to say it is crammed full of fascinating artefacts. He chose the castle to be his personal residence and now his descendants, Count Antonio and his family, use this enchanting place as their country home.

The family have lovingly restored the cottages and main farmhouse, once used by local farmers. It has become 8 self-catering apartments and 14 twin or double rooms, all ensuite. They are all elegantly designed and in keeping with the old worldly feel of the castle.

Dining

While this may be a riding tour, the real reason you visit Italy is for the food, of course! Meals will consist of farm-to-table ingredients, perfectly paired wines, and exquisite cuisine all around.

Itinerary

  • After a check-in and welcome drink, you'll meet our guides during dinner for an

    introduction and program briefing and take a guided tour of the Castle

  • We ride towards the hills framing the west plateau on which the castle is situated. A fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area; from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding lake Mezzano.

  • We ride through farmland on the Brigands Path into the wooded hills which surround Onano. We glimpse stone pine trees atop an ancient Etruscan site and arrive on the flat plain of the Mezzano crater.

    We stop at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant and meet for lunch.

    You can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake.

    After a delicious meal, we ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle.

  • The local area is full of interesting archaeological and historical sites. A few suggestions include 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 or take a cooking class.

  • We 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.

  • Once again this morning we take the Brigands path, we head 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 we will follow the track north through enchanting countryside back to the castle.

  • Following an old Etruscan trail, we will ride up through thick woods to the top of the crater surrounding lake Bolsena. Here, we will enjoy remarkable scenery including vineyards, Etruscan tombs, the prominent volcanic lake and the panorama dominated by the famous Farnese palace in Gradoli; a gift made by the Pope in 1500 for his nephew for his wedding - what a present!

    We will return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. In particular, we will enjoy a canter across a tunnel made by oak trees above an old shepherds path.

  • Having had many amazing experiences and exhilarating adventures, you will prepare for your onward journey taking with you many happy memories.

Dates

Flexible dates

Book Now

Price Includes:

  • All accommodations

  • All meals indicated in the itinerary

  • All riding activities, including tack and equipment

  • Admission to activities/sites indicated in itinerary

  • Transportation between riding locations

  • Train station pickup/drop off

Does not include:

  • Airfare to and from Italy

  • Transportation to/from the airport

  • Travel Insurance

  • Visas

  • Gratuities and personal expenses

  • Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary