Under the Tuscan Sun

2024 Dates:

April 13-20
April 20-27
May 25-June 1
September 14-21
October 21-26

Duration:

8 days / 7 nights

Difficulty:

Intermediate/Advanced

A Tuscan paradise where you can ride, cycle, walk, sightsee or simply relax with a glass of Chianti wine.

Situated at a thousand feet above sea-level on the slopes of the Chianti hills, Rendola Riding is a small organic farm with marvelous views over the Arno valley. Only 50km from Florence, it is easy to reach by car or train, but when you arrive you feel that you are entering a different world.


Horses

Rendola was founded in 1969 originally as a riding school, and became one of the first agriturismos (farm-holiday centers) in the region.

The horses, all trained in the English style of riding, are sleek and fit and even those which are stable-kept spend some hours in the paddocks every day if they are not ridden.


Riding

Intermediate-Advanced

Riders should be able to ride comfortably at all paces, and spend several hours in the saddle daily.

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

Accommodations will be in Jenny’s 400-year old Tuscan home in the Chianti countryside.


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

  • Arrival at the 18th-century farmhouse of Rendola Riding in the afternoon. A welcome glass of Chianti wine with your host Jenny is followed by a typical Tuscan dinner prepared by Isabella (cook and housekeeper).

  • Breakfast, followed by morning ride with your English-speaking guide Eraldo (responsible of the riding centre) through vineyards, olive groves and extensive woodland; return to the farmhouse and lunch.

    In the afternoon, cooking lesson with Isabella, preparing dishes such as: pasta fresca, ravioli, ragù “bolognese” and strawberries ice cream or tiramisù for dinner.

  • Breakfast and morning ride with breathtaking views of the Valdarno valley and frequent canters through the vineyards.

    After lunch, visit to the farm of Alessandro to discover how Tuscan pecorino cheese is made (and to taste it of course!), followed by wine tasting at Fattoria Casabianca, with Aldo’s top quality wine and award-winning Vin Santo. Dinner at home.

  • Breakfast and day ride with Eraldo in the Chianti hills south of Rendola, passing the medieval village of San Leolino, the Castle of Cennina, a pretty lake, with picnic nearby.

    Back home past the Castle of Lupinari with frequent canters (approx 5h hours in the saddle throughout the day). Dinner at home.

  • A free day to simply relax and laze around, take a train to visit Florence, Arezzo, Assisi, or engage in other activities we can suggest, such as: a trip with the qualified hiking guide Francesco to visit the spectacular “balze del Valdarno”; a guided e-bike tour; a walk through the countryside with Jenny; a workshop with Isabella to paint your personal pottery mug; a “truffle hunt” in the early morning with our friend Luigi and his dog . Dinner at home.

  • Breakfast, followed by a visit to the local street market, with typical Italian food, “porchetta”, cheese and fresh vegetables for your lunch.

    In the afternoon, after a short ride (one hour and half), a short walk to a local farmhouse to sample some homemade jams and visit the “Museo della civiltà contadina” (Museum of Rural Culture).Dinner at home.

  • Breakfast, followed by a final day-ride (approx 5 h riding throughout the day) with a stop to visit the typical medieval village of Montegonzi, with a light lunch at the local “osteria”.

    In the afternoon, leisurely ride home to Rendola for a rest and a nice cup of English tea, in the sitting room with your hostess .

    In the evening, a special farewell dinner.

  • Breakfast and short journey to Montevarchi station to meet the train, back to Florence or Rome.

    Note: our programs have a degree of flexibility for your own leisure, and some details may change due to weather or specific events such as grape harvest.


Dates


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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 (Montevarchi)

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