Tuscan Wine Trails

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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.

Riding
 
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!

Itinerary


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.

Rates and Dates for Tuscan Wine Trails

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Bucine
Airport: Florence
Transfer: Bucine Train Station

Climate:
                                            Montevarchi area