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Our equestrian tours in Italy 
Horseback riding vacations in Italy
Horseback riding in style in Italy is our motto. Explore the romantic, the beautiful and invigorating countryside on horseback with us. Our equestrian vacations in Tuscany, Lazio, Campania and Sicily offer a wide variety of horseback riding experiences from deluxe to rustic and authentic. Stylish, cultured, good-humored and volatile - Italy, with its golden light, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Perhaps more than any other country, it has influenced the course of European development, particularly in culture and political thought.
Throughout the country visitors can find vineyards and cellars to taste fine regional wines, workshops where crafts are produced by hand, and friendly trattorie where simple but superb dishes are served.
A mild climate, a rich history, high standards in art and architecture, a lush Mediterranean landscape, a famous cuisine, and outstanding wines have attracted visitors for thousands of years. Whether Italians like Dante or Leonardo da Vinci, or foreign visitors such as Goethe, people naturally flock to this country.
Solitary farm houses, medieval villages, rows of vines, olive trees, cypresses: this is Italy. You can walk down dusty white farm paths, horseback ride alongside vineyards and olive orchards or explore trails to discover the many facets of this country. Don't forget to test the local products including famous D.O.C. wines, olive-oil, meats, and cheeses. Explore this beautiful country on horseback to really discover its hidden jewels. Our horseback vacations combine excellent equitation with history, culture and fine cuisine.

On horseback in Tuscany
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See Mini Country Guide
Holidays on horseback in Italy
Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
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Relaxed Tuscan Ride
(IT-ITSR01-BB)
Tuscany, Italy
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate
$1,125
You’ll stay on a beautiful estate that has regained its ancient splendor after the restoration that has transformed it into an elegant and refined hotel with restaurant. Minimum riding level: Low Intermediate+

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Chianti Country Ride
(IT-ITSR10)
Tuscany, Italy
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate
$1,885
The farmstead of S. Margherita, built at the end of the nineteenth century and home of the Chianti riding centre and farm, is situated in the senese Chianti in the centre of the Siena, Florence, Arezzo triangle. Surrounded by meadows and woods, with a view of a... Minimum riding level: Intermediate
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Italy Mini Guide Source: World Travel Guide
Overview
Stylish, cultured, good-humoured and volatile - Italy, with its golden light, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Perhaps more than any other country, it has influenced the course of European development, particularly in culture and political thought.
Today, besides the renowned cities of Venice, Florence, Siena and Naples, each with its own unique identity and architecture, Italy features romantic medieval hill towns, such as San Gimignano in Tuscany, and unspoilt fishing villages, like Positano on the Amalfi coast. Operatic productions are staged in Verona's ancient amphitheatre, while the influence of Federico Fellini is celebrated in Turin's museum of cinema.
Throughout the country visitors can find vineyards and cellars to taste fine regional wines, workshops where crafts are produced by hand, and friendly trattorie where simple but superb dishes are served.
The most important early settlers were the enigmatic Etruscans, but by the third century BC their culture had been displaced by the mighty city state of Rome.
At its greatest extent, the Roman Empire stretched from Egypt to England and for several centuries conferred on its inhabitants the benefits of the Pax Romana: culture, law, relative peace and comparative prosperity. This sophisticated society left a rich architectural legacy - Rome is still dominated by buildings like the mighty Colosseum.
In the 15th century, Italy was at the heart of the Renaissance, an extraordinary flowering of art and culture. It produced artists such as Fra Angelico, Raphael, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, whose works take pride of place in Italy's galleries.
Italy combines art, history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes: the turquoise waters of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda offer one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of sand, sea and sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
Passport/Visa
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Passport Required? |
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British |
Yes |
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Australian |
Yes |
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Canadian |
Yes |
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USA |
Yes |
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Other EU |
1 |
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Visa Required? |
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British |
No |
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Australian |
No |
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Canadian |
No |
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USA |
No |
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Other EU |
No |
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Return Ticket Required? |
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British |
No |
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Australian |
No |
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Canadian |
No |
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USA |
No |
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Other EU |
No |
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations: (a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period; (b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Money
Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Currency Exchange
Traveller's cheques, cheques and foreign money can be changed at banks, railway stations and airports and very often at major hotels (generally at a less convenient rate). Many UK banks offer differing exchange rates depending on the denominations of currency being bought or sold. Check with banks for details and current rates.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Diners Club, MasterCard, American Express and Visa are widely accepted.
Traveller's Cheques
Traveller's cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Currency Restrictions
Restrictions apply.
Banking Hours
These vary from city to city but, in general, Mon-Fri 0830-1330 and 1500-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators
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Date |
Jul 08 |
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£1.00= |
€1.25 |
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$1.00= |
€0.63 |
Health
Vaccinations
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Special Precautions |
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Diphtheria |
No |
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Hepatitis A |
No |
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Malaria |
No |
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Rabies |
No |
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Tetanus |
Yes |
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Typhoid |
No |
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Yellow Fever |
No |
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Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited. |
Food and Drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is available. The inscription ‘Acqua Non Potabile' means water is not drinkable. Milk is generally pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Recent outbreaks of brucellosis in southern regions means unpasteurised buffalo mozzarella is best avoided. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat.
Health Care
For European visitors who are taken ill or have an accident, free or reduced-cost treatment is available - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment and replaces Form E111, which is no longer valid. Most dentists are private.
Getting There
Getting There by Air
The national airline is Alitalia (AZ) (website: www.alitalia.com).
Approximate Flight Times
From London to Rome is 2 hours 50 minutes, and from New York is 9 hours 45 minutes.
Main Airports
Rome (FCO) (Fiumicino) (website: www.adr.it) is 32km (20 miles) southwest of the city (journey time - 30 to 55 minutes). To/from the airport: There is a direct rail link to Termini Station in central Rome and a bus service to the city centre and to Ciampino airport. Taxis are also available to the city. Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, car hire, ATMs, bank and bureau de change and bar/restaurants.
Rome (CIA) (Ciampino) (website: www.adr.it) is 15km (9 miles) from the city (journey time - 30 to 40 minutes). To/from the airport: Buses are available to the underground station Anagnina and to the city centre. Taxis are also available. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, car hire, duty-free and souvenir shop and cafe.
Pisa (PSA) (Galileo Galilei) (website: www.pisa-airport.com) is 1.6km (1 mile) north of Pisa (journey time - 10 minutes). To/from the airport: Trains and buses run from Pisa airport to the centre of Florence (journey time - 1 hour). Rail services connect with arrivals and departures of all international flights and major domestic services. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, car hire, shops and cafe.
Milan (MXP) (Malpensa) (website: www.sea-aeroportimilano.it) is 45km (29 miles) northwest of the city (journey time - 30 minutes). To/from the airport: The Malapensa Express train connects terminal one with the centre of Milan (journey time - 40 minutes). A free shuttle bus connects the airport terminals. Taxis are available. Facilities: Duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, business centre, left luggage.
Departure Tax
None.
Getting There by Water
Main ports: Ancona (website: www.autoritaportuale.ancona.it), Brindisi (website: www.porto.br.it), Naples (website: www.porto.napoli.it) and Venice (website: www.port.venice.it).
Main ferry operators: Superfast Ferries (website: www.superfast.com), SNAV (website: www.snav.it), Ustica Lines (website: www.usticalines.it) and Navigazione Libera del Golfo (website: www.navlib.it). The main international routes are from Greece and Croatia. There are also links from Tunisia to Sicily. Cruise ships call at ports such as Genoa.
Getting There by Rail
Trenitalia runs regular services covering national and international routes (tel: 892 020 from local land lines or (199) 166 177 from mobiles or land lines; website: www.trenitalia.com). The Artesia Service is the fastest railway link between France and Italy.
Rail Passes
InterRail: offers unlimited first- or second-class travel in up to 30 European countries for European residents of over six months with two pass options. The Global Pass allows travel for a 22 day or one month period, or five days in 10 days or 10 days in 22 days across all countries. The One-Country Pass offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month in any of the countries except Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children's tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (website: www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).
Eurailpass: offers unlimited first-class train travel in 20 European countries. Tickets are valid for 15 days, 21 days, one month, two months or three months. The Eurailpass Saver ticket offers discounts for two or more people travelling together. The Eurailpass Youth ticket is available to those aged under 26. The Eurail One Country Pass allows travel for one month in one of 17 single countries. The Eurail Selectpass is valid in three, four or five bordering countries and allows five, six, eight or 10 travel days (or 15 for five countries) in a two-month period. The Eurail Regional Pass allows 3 to 10 travel days in a two-month period in one of 25 country combinations. Available from The Eurail Group (website: www.euraildirect.com).
Getting There by Road
Routes to Italy run through Austria, France, Slovenia and Switzerland and most routes use the tunnels under the Alps and Apennines. Trenitalia runs regular daily services called auto al seguito (trains carrying cars), especially during the summer holiday season, covering national and international routes. These services operate from special railway stations and are generally bookable at the departure station. Owners must travel on the same train.
The documents required are the log-book, valid driving licence with Italian translation, passport, Green Card insurance and national identity plate fixed to the rear of the vehicle. For more information on routes, contact the Italian State Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses).
Coach: Eurolines (tel: 0870 514 3219 or 0871 781 881, in the UK; website: www.eurolines.com) runs regular coach services from the UK to Italy. Passes: Travellers can book a 15- or 30-day pass. Available from Eurolines (website: www.eurolines-pass.com).
Climate
Summer temperatures in the south are far hotter than in the north – especially in the mountain regions which have heavy winter snowfalls. The north is the wettest area, while the wettest months are October to December.
Required Clothing
Lightweight clothes are worn during the summer, except in the mountains. Winter demands light- to mediumweights in the south, but warmer clothes elsewhere. Alpine wear is advised for winter mountain resorts.
Contacts
Italian Embassy in the UK
14 Three Kings Yard, London W1K 4EH, UK Tel: (020) 7312 2200. Website: www.amblondra.esteri.it Political enquiries only.
Italian Consulate General in the UK
38 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AN, UK Visa section: 136 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SA, UK Tel: (020) 7235 9371 or 7823 6519 (visa section) or 09065 540 707 in the UK (appointment booking; calls cost £1 per minute). Website: www.conslondra.esteri.it Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1200.
Italian State Tourist Board (ENIT) in the UK
1 Princes Street, London W1B 2AY, UK Tel: (020) 7408 1254. Website: www.enit.it or www.italiantouristboard.co.uk
Embassy of the Italian Republic in the USA
3000 Whitehaven Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA Tel: (202) 612 4400. Website: www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it
Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) in the USA
630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1565, New York, NY 10111, USA Tel: (212) 245 5618 or 4822 (brochure hotline). Website: www.italiantourism.com
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Lago di Garda Riding Holidays
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~
The small farm Scuderia Castello is located in the hills of the nature park at 600 ft above the Lake of Garda. Discover the charming landscape of the Brescian mountains on daily trail rides.
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Mediterranean Cilento Park Ride
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,280
South of Amalfi and Pompeii, just past the Gulf of Salerno the coast of Italy projects out into the sea in a series of dramatic headlands and broad sweeping bays. This is the area of Cilento, most of which is protected as a National Park.
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Mediterranean Cilento Ride and Cook
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,280
Discover with us the beauty of Cilento - a creative week in southern Italy among nature, art, gastronomy and sport! Located on one of the most beautiful spots in the Cilento National Park, just a few miles from the sea, your holiday farm awaits!
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I Due Laghi Equestrian Country Estate
7 days / 6 nights, regular rate ~$1,975
Treat yourself to a riding holiday at this country club hotel just north of Rome. The equestrian centre has extensive show-jumping and cross-country facilities and a range of experienced horses.
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Mount Etna Ride in Sicily
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$2,540
To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, god of fire, and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. At approximately 10,050 ft it is Europe's highest active volcano.
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Alta Tuscany Ride
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,740
A castle and its “borgo” as your home and a horse as your friend. Explore one of the less inhabited Italian regions: Alta Tuscia.
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Chianti Country Ride
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,885
The farmstead of S. Margherita, built at the end of the nineteenth century and home of the Chianti riding centre and farm, is situated in the senese Chianti in the centre of the Siena, Florence, Arezzo triangle.
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Dressage training in Tuscany A
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,395
Strategically positioned midway between Siena and Florence sits the square stone farmhouse villa dating from 1700 owned by Gianni and Cristina, a couple who have dedicated their lives to the equestrian arts. The riding center appeals particularly to visitors with a passion for horseback riding, for the de Marchis offer everything from basic riding lessons to dressage training, and day outings through the gorgeous surrounding countryside.
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Explorer Rides in Tuscany
7 days / 6 nights, regular rate ~$1,960
We are proud to offer three fabulous new point to point treks in Tuscany, stretching across the municipalities of Scansano, Roccalbegna and all the way to Orbetello at the coast. Tuscany is famous for the beauty of the landscape, for its art and archaeology.
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Gourmet Ride in Tuscany
7 days / 6 nights, regular rate ~$1,860
Typical "Tuscan Hospitality", a superb cuisine based on purely taditional and organically farmed products and stunning views of a unique and spectacular countryside - combined with relaxing trail rides to explore the Tuscan hills. This is an opportunity for a refined equestrian vacations in the middle of Tuscany that combines first class accommodations, superb meals and relaxed rides into the beautiful countryside on well trained horses.
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Medieval Castles Ride in Tuscany
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$3,085
The Castle Trail follows the boundary between southern Tuscany and northern Lazio, where the tuff hills provide both the foundations and the building materials for spectacular towns like Sorano and Pitigliano - an area which displays a rich cultural and historical background – the first Etruscan settlements and the former border area of the State of the Vatican City. Follow the tracks of the oldest Italian inhabitants through the "Vie Cave" These are ancient Etruscan pathways carved out of the rock.
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Relaxed Tuscan Ride
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,125
You’ll stay on a beautiful estate that has regained its ancient splendor after the restoration that has transformed it into an elegant and refined hotel with restaurant. Ride each day through gentle hills, along meandering rivers, and through small forests.
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Relaxed Tuscan Ride & Cooking Classes
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,805
Trail rides, excellent culinary classes and SpaImmersed in this fairy countryside and close to the ancient town of Scansano, a characteristic village on top of a hill in the Alta Maremma in Tuscany, full of history and with, you will be the welcomed guests of the 4 stars hotel resort di Scansano: an old traditions ancient residence in Tuscany, a structure created after the restoration of a characteristic country farm in Tuscany. A fantastic place, immersed in nature, where you can reconcile enviable comfort with an exciting stay in a farmhouse in Tuscany.
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Seven Castles Ride
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$2,430
For many of us Tuscany is the essence of Italy. Over the centuries travelers have come here to visit the cities of Florence, Siena and Arezzo, as well as the charming hill towns of Montalcino and San Gimignano.
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Tuscan Discovery Week
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,960
Ride through the Chianti hills; the unspoiled region between Florence and Siena famous for good food, wine and stunning scenery. Our rides take you through the beautiful countryside, with terraced vineyards, cypress avenues and extensive woodland.
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Western Riding in Tuscany
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,345
A trek through the history and nature of Tuscany. The mystical beauty of the hill country surrounding Florence always been a special place amongst the forest-covered peaks.
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