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Tuscan Wine Trails
Tuscany
Italy
During this relaxing riding holiday, you will enjoy peaceful rides through the Tuscan countryside.
When you are not riding, you will get to learn more about the local products such as wine, cheese and olive oil.
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Family Vacation
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Bucine
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Airport:
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Florence
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Transfer:
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Bucine Train Station
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodation, Most meals including wine, 4 riding days & Transfers
| A | 2024 | 6 day trip | 6d / 5n | €2460 | $2705 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
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Transfer from/to Bucine train station included at set times
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€
0
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$0
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2024
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Single supplement
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€
100
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$105
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Pick up from Bucine train station at 6:30 pm on Day 1
Rates do not include:
Travel insurance (mandatory) & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival to Bucine train station in time for transfer (departure from train station at 6:30 pm) to the guest house “Il Belvedere”, a traditional tuscan country house. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Ride
At 9 am, short transfer to the stables. After matching every rider to their horse, we go on a short ride to “Il Belvedere” for lunch.
In the afternoon visit the Fattoria ‘Casabianca’, where we will meet Aldo the owner of the winery. After a short tour through his property, we will have a wine and olive oil tasting, including their prized “vin santo” a traditional dessert wine of Tuscany.
Back to the guesthouse for dinner.
Riding approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 3 (Tuesday): I Tribbi Ride
We aim to get in the saddle for 9:30 am. Today, we ride to “I Tribbi” a 19th century villa above the Ambra valley, where we will have our lunch. Then we ride back through the hills back to “Il Belvedere”.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 4 (Wednesday): Vineyards Ride & Cheese Farm Visit
This morning, our ride offers frequent canters through the vineyards of the “Pianacci” before heading back to the guesthouse in time for lunch.
In the late afternoon, visit to a local cheese farm where Alessandro, the owner, will show us how pecorino cheese is made, followed by cheese tasting of his amazing products.
Riding approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 5 (Thursday): Last Ride
Today, we ride back to the stables. We will cross the flat area of Perelli and ride up to the Balze of Noferi. We stop for picnic below Podere Brogi.
After our ride, short transfer to the guesthouse for our farewell dinner.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 6 (Friday): Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the Bucine train station.
Meals included: Breakfast
Non-Riders
Non-riders are welcome to join this tour. Please inquire about rates.
Meeting:
Bucine
Airport:
Florence
Train station:
Bucine
Transfer:
Bucine Train Station
Pick up from Bucine train station at 6:30 pm on Day 1
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Local Sicilian and Maremma horses
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Pace:
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Moderate with some trots and canters
Approx 2-5 hours in the saddle per riding day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Max
90
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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Riding
In a week's stay, you will never do the same ride twice. This is not fast riding country, but there is so much to look at that speed is not an issue. You will follow trails through pretty vineyards, olive groves and woodlands without any landowners objecting and without meeting a single gate, something that never ceases to amaze.
Horses
There are 12 horses on our property and they are of various breeds, as we believe that it is the temperament of the horse, not the breed that matters.
The horses are kept in the stables immediately behind the house or in the surrounding fields.
The horses, all trained in the English style of riding, are sleek, fit and even those which are stable-kept spend some hours in the paddocks every day if they are not ridden. They all have good characters, strong hooves and plenty of stamina. All the horses do arena work as well as riding out on the trail, so they are obedient and responsive to the aids on all occasions.
There are also 2 ponies available, but they are lively little fellows and are not suitable for children less than ten years old.
If riders feel inclined, they are welcome to help with the grooming and tacking up of the horses, an excellent way of making friends with their mounts.
Staff
Eraldo (qualified as a BHS instructor) is in charge of the riding side of activities. He is very knowledgeable about birds, is an experienced instructor and guide, a keen fisherman and hunter – and a charming fellow with a great gift of the gab!
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport Note(a) Italy is. more
Montevarchi area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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49
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52
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60
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66
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75
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82
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89
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89
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79
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69
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57
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50
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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34
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35
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40
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44
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51
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58
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62
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61
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55
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50
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42
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36
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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9
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11
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16
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19
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24
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28
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32
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32
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26
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21
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14
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10
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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1
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2
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4
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7
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10
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14
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17
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16
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13
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10
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6
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2
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Central Italy benefits from a kind of ocean climate with mild winters and temperatures are hot but bearable (thanks to the ocean) for the summer. The climate in Tuscany is very mild and the seasons each have their merits.
Spring and autumn are particularly good times to visit.
Spring is a delightful time to visit when the trees and flowers are blooming, the air is warm and the nightingales are singing day and night.
Autumn brings glorious colors and you can see the farmers prepare for the olive and grape harvests.
For riders essential items are: helmet, riding-trousers (jeans are not always comfortable), riding boots or walking shoes + half-chaps (easier to pack), full-length raincoat (yes, it can rain in Italy, too!), and gloves if you are used to wearing them. Otherwise dress according to the season. Remember that you don’t have to bring out your finery! There is a washing-machine and an iron if you need them.
Other useful items: sun cream, lip salve, personal medicines, small camera with strap you can put round your neck, gilet with pockets or bumbag.
Remember that there are plenty of good books at the farm and that there is free WIFI.
All guests are advised not to bring too much luggage: bulky suitcases hamper you on your travels (there are steps everywhere!).
Reserve some space, however, for anything you might want to buy during your stay. Buy your shampoos and suchlike when you get to Italy to avoid having to show them at the airport.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel Documents and Voucher |
| Personal Travel Insurance |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs |
| Riding boots and Mini-chaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Rain jacket |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Casual pants |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Lightweight rain jacket |
| Casual footwear |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.
Description
You stay in a beautiful guesthouse surrounded by a large lawn and a small outdoor pool. There are 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in the guesthouse plus an additional bathroom in an outbuilding, by the pool.
It is also possible to accommodate 2 extra beds in the attic.
On the main floor, there is a large living room with a TV and fireplace.
Free Wi-Fi is available at this location.
Room Occupancy
Single room accommodations are available for an extra fee, subject to availability. If you are a solo traveler willing to share a room but we are unable to find you a roommate, the single supplement fee will apply.
Meals
All meals are included in this trip.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
|
|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Local Sicilian and Maremma horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with some trots and canters
Approx 2-5 hours in the saddle per riding day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
14
|
Max
90
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
190 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
6 riders
|
|
Riding
In a week's stay, you will never do the same ride twice. This is not fast riding country, but there is so much to look at that speed is not an issue. You will follow trails through pretty vineyards, olive groves and woodlands without any landowners objecting and without meeting a single gate, something that never ceases to amaze.
Horses
There are 12 horses on our property and they are of various breeds, as we believe that it is the temperament of the horse, not the breed that matters.
The horses are kept in the stables immediately behind the house or in the surrounding fields.
The horses, all trained in the English style of riding, are sleek, fit and even those which are stable-kept spend some hours in the paddocks every day if they are not ridden. They all have good characters, strong hooves and plenty of stamina. All the horses do arena work as well as riding out on the trail, so they are obedient and responsive to the aids on all occasions.
There are also 2 ponies available, but they are lively little fellows and are not suitable for children less than ten years old.
If riders feel inclined, they are welcome to help with the grooming and tacking up of the horses, an excellent way of making friends with their mounts.
Staff
Eraldo (qualified as a BHS instructor) is in charge of the riding side of activities. He is very knowledgeable about birds, is an experienced instructor and guide, a keen fisherman and hunter – and a charming fellow with a great gift of the gab!
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart 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 below 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
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Tuscan Wine Trails
Tour Code:
IT-ITSR15
6 days /
5 nights
Dates :
May & Oct
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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