Colorful Umbria

Introduction
Umbria Italy
Visiting Umbria on horseback will not leave you disappointed. The Umbrian countryside offers magnificent landscapes (including, fields of wildflowers, forests, plains and rolling hills), making it a rural region ideally explored from the back of a horse.

This riding tour takes place around the city of ​​Spoleto, near the "sacred wood" of Monteluco. Spoleto is one of the most fascinating art cities of Umbria. Built in 90 BC, it maintains an intact medieval structure as well as evident influences from the Roman era.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Overnight in a farmhouse located a few kilometers away from the beautiful city of Spoleto. The property is surrounded by unspoiled nature.
You will be accommodated in one of the 5 fully furnished apartments (capacity of up 2 to 6 people each). All the apartments enjoy a view of the surrounding mountains and are equipped with a heating system as well as free Wi-Fi.



Guests also have access to an outdoor swimming pool.

Room Occupancy
In case you are a solo traveler, the single supplement fee is mandatory.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Picnic lunches feature fresh bread, salad, cheeses, olives, cold cuts and local specialties,
Dinners consists of tasty home recipes.

Dietary Restrictions
We can usually cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
The stables has over 70 horses, including Anglo-Arabs and sure-footed Maremma horses. All of them are well schooled and responsive, so that experienced riders can be sure of finding a good mount, but novice and nervous riders will also feel safe and comfortable.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that the itinerary below is to be considered indicative. It may be subject to variations due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
It is possible to do a shortened version of this itinerary starting on Wednesday (5 days / 4 nights). It is possible to have half board with free dinners.
 
* In August, our special program includes a full day ride in the beautiful flower-covered valley of Castelluccio di Norcia

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Spoleto train station and transfer of about 20 minutes to the Equestrian Center (transfers also possible from Perugia airport on request).
You are accommodated at the riding center. Welcome dinner in the evening. 
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Riding center near Spoleto

Day 2: Valle San Martino
After breakfast, assignment of the horses followed by an introduction ride so that everyone gets to know and becomes familiar with their horses. We will descend from the plateau and ride through the chestnut woods of Valle San Martino. You will have time to admire the sumptuous centuries-old trees with their gnarled trunks. These trees have provided chestnuts to many generations of locals. You will also discover the wild cyclamen and other flowers that grow in the woods. Several sections of the route are perfect for a gentle canter, on the way to the picturesque village of Strettura.
On the way back, we will see the church of San Pietro Martire, a small chapel located in the middle of nowhere, still used by some faithful locals from the surrounding villages. Return to the stables in time for lunch.
Free afternoon.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Riding center near Spoleto

Day 3: Monte Fionchi Ride
Today will be more demanding but a lot of fun. The terrains and landscapes are varied along our 35 km track. Through winding paths across the woods, we will reach the small town of Torrecola, before meeting a delightful stone church and heading towards some wider paths.
Then, we will start our long but gentle climb to Monte Fionchi (1300 m). At the top, a huge mountain meadow awaits, where riders can restore themselves by drinking fresh spring water. A tasty picnic will be served in a meadow close to the Church of Sant'Antonio.
The return journey will take us through the wild and breathtaking landscape of the Valnerina, passing through abandoned villages clinging to the sides of the mountains or lying on the hills.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours (35 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Riding center near Spoleto

Day 4: Mount Acetella Ride
Our ride for the day has many opportunities for those who want to canter with truly spectacular views.
From the stables, we will head towards the medieval town of Montebibico, through the chestnut groves that surround it. From there, a series of paths, which run alongside small farmhouses, gently head towards the foot of Mount Acetella, today's destination.
Along these paths there are many possibilities to canter, without forgetting to stop and enjoy the wonderful views. In the distance you can admire the peaks of the nearby massifs and the village of Montebibico. We will then climb up to the top of Monte Acetella, with again jaw-dropping scenery.
We will return to the stables via other trails, in time for lunch.
Free afternoon.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Riding center near Spoleto

Day 5: Pianella Ride
Pianella is the destination of today's excursion. On the way, we will ride through the woods and along paths that will take us down into a hidden valley where we will stop to admire the delightful village of Castagnacupa, whose stone houses have recently been restored. From here, we will go past a wonderful Romanesque church and through other woods, before reaching a beautiful shaded meadow, where, having placed the horses in the post office, we will stop to eat.
After lunch, we will head towards the ancient village of Pompagnano, and then go back to the stables along hilly paths. Before arriving to the stables, we will stop in the splendid village of Catinelli, which stands on a rock massif.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours (35 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Riding center near Spoleto

Day 6: Butterfly Park Ride
This morning, we ride through a magnificent property called “La Tenuta dello Schioppo”, commonly known as the Butterfly Park.
The wide paths are perfect to speed up our pace. Everywhere you look, you can enjoy splendid views of the mountains, valleys and villages nestled in the hills.
In a small wood clearing, we will stop for an aperitif. During the months of May and June, these woods are carpeted with wild strawberries.
Return to the stables and free afternoon that can be used to enjoy relaxation or to visit Spoleto and its surroundings (for those who do not have a car we can organize transfers at extra for a fee).
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Riding center near Spoleto

Day 7: Monastery of Battiferro Ride
For our last day in the saddle, we will go to the now uninhabited Monastery of Battiferro.
Leaving the stables behind us, we will cross the village of Montebibico and continue along paths and mule tracks until we reach the mountain village of Cecalocco, and, again through vast chestnut groves, the small village of Battiferro, still inhabited, despite its isolated position.
Then, a path through the woods will lead us to the monastery, located on a promontory with a magnificent view of the Valnerina. Here, we will stop to enjoy a well-deserved packed lunch, before returning to the stables through a different itinerary.
 Tonight a goodbye aperitif will be waiting for us.
Riding approx. 5 hours (35 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Riding center near Spoleto

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the Spoleto train station.

Rates and Dates for Colorful Umbria

Dates Note: Custom departure on request from April to October (min 4 pax)
Shorter package (5d/4n) possible on request

Other Info
Meeting: Acqualacastagna
Airport: Perugia airport
Transfer: Spoleto train station

Climate:
                                                Spoleto area