Farmhouse Tuscany, Italy
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Maremma, Sardi and Appaloosa
Nature of horses:
Forward going but calm, well balanced
Number of horses:
35
Height of horses:
14-16 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg (experienced riders over 90 kg please call the office)
Tack type:
Western
Pricing
Stationary Programme
Price includes seven days full board accommodation, food, drinks, riding, tuition and guiding. Prices are based on shared occupancy and for group bookings we have available rooms with additional beds at a reduced rate.
12 hours riding is £450
18 hours riding is £558
Non riders is £350
Children 10-16 years
12 hours riding is £430
18 hours riding is £490
Non riders is £320
Monte Giovi Trail
Price of £620 and includes double occupancy accommodation, food, drinks, riding and guiding.
Vallombrosa - The Forest Trail
Price is £620 and includes double occupancy accommodation, food, drinks, all riding and guiding.
Colline Di Fiesole Trail
£630 per person (shared accommodation).
Children's Programme
£475 per child (10 -18 years)
Please enquire for price for accompanying adult(s).
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
The farm is situated in the midst of typical Tuscan countryside in the province of Pontassieve, only 20 kms from Florence. Your host Franco has been here for over twenty years and is only too happy to share his home with guests - not only is he a skilled guide but a fantastic horseman with years of experience. Franco uses his wealth of experience to train the horses and provide instruction to those guests wanting to take full opportunity of Franco's skill, both as an instructor and horseman, in the farm's 35 - 75m menage.
Franco and his horses will lead you through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside - its varied terrain being suited perfectly to both horses and their riders, providing the best work out for the Western horse and spiritual tonic for the riders. There are several different trails available each with an interesting itinerary. There is also a special holiday for teenagers usually in July where children will increase their confidence around horses and have a lot of fun.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The typical stone farmhouse is surrounded by green pastures and beautiful olive groves, vines and woods. It is steeped in history having originated from a watchtower which belonged to the Guidi Counts in the 11th Century.
There are six bedrooms with two or more beds and four bathrooms. The rooms are very spacious, typical of an old Tuscan rural home and can sleep groups of people. We can also offer double bed rooms adjacent to the farmhouse. Everyone dines together either indoors or on the terrace which offers stunning views of the Florentine countryside.
Here the food is authentic Tuscan country cuisine. The cook is herself Tuscan and is always happy to satisfy all your culinary wishes. It is possible to stay half board although many of the guests that visit are full board, probably because your hosts are known for their great range of pasta dishes and tables which are never lacking in olive oil or flasks of Chianti.
Lunch and dinner start with two different type of pasta such as orecchiette with broccoli, fusilli with tomatoes, olives, parsley and olive oil, lasagne al pesto or tortellini. Then comes meat usually cooked in the old Tuscany way with wonderful fresh vegetables. In the evenings you will be served a delicious home made dessert.
Activities
Tuscany is well known for its beautiful landscape. There is much to see and do. You can cycle through the steep hills of the Chianti Valley and you will find yourself back in the middle ages as you explore the unspoilt Tuscan villages. You may prefer to walk through centuries old villages, visit Etruscan tombs, tour the churches, museums and the medieval architecture. Wine lovers will enjoy visits to local wine producers. For the golf lover, there are beautiful manicured, tree lined courses set in rolling hillside.
Further Details
Languages: English, Italian and German
Health requirements: Fit & Healthy
Age limit: None
Tuition: Yes
Included: All food, accommodation, drinks and riding.
Not included: Transfers
Travel Information
Ryanair have regular low cost flights into Pisa (Florence) from the following airports:
Glasgow (Prestwick)
Dublin
Liverpool
East Midlands
London Stansted
Bournemouth
A combination of train and taxi transfer is by far the easiest and cheapest way of reaching the Farmhouse Tuscany. Traveling by train in Italy is a very easy, efficient and cheap method of travel.
You will need to board a train from Pisa airport station to the town of Pontassieve. This journey takes approximately 2 1/2 hours including one easy change. You can access timetables and buy tickets from the Trenitalia website. However, we will be more than happy to help you arrange this so please do not hesitate to contact the office for any assistance.
Pontassieve is only a 15 minute drive from the Farmhouse. From here we can arrange taxi transfer for a relatively small cost to be paid locally.
It is also possible to drive from Pisa airport to the Farmhouse although many people find the train an easier option. Detailed driving instructions will be given to those who prefer to hire a car. Airport transfers can also be arranged.
Airport: Pisa
Alternative Airport: Florence
Programmes
Stationary Programme
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Every week between March and January you are able to stay at the farmhouse and a riding programme will be available to suit your requirements. You may wish to ride for two hours in the morning or the afternoon or you may do both. It is possible to have a one hour lesson in the menage and then one hour in the countryside or just a two hour hack. On Friday you can enjoy a day trip with 4 to 6 hours riding with a stop for a picnic lunch. The menage has a panoramic view of the Val di Sieve and the beautiful Tuscan countryside with its widely varied terrain is ideal for western riding. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | All abilities including beginners |
| Type of ride: | Tuition and Hacks |
| Total riding time: | 12 hours or 18 hours |
| Departure dates: | March - January |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Monte Giovi Trail
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The Monte Giovi is a mountain range in the vicinity of Florence, which reaches an altitude of 982 metres. Thanks to both its extraordinary natural beauty and the historical sources dating from Etruscan and Roman times up until the recent partisan war found here, Monte Giovi is one of the most valued beauty spots in Tuscany. Monte Giovi is very dear to the Florentines, since due to its proximity to Florence - 12 km from the centre as the crow flies - they have always seen it as an oasis for Sunday strolls, worship or as a refuge during the war. The name comes from Latin, being the Sacred Mountain dedicated to Jupiter. The Monte Giovi is a national Park with a protected area of 19,000 hectares. On Saturday, you arrive to settle in to the farmhouse, get to know fellow guests and enjoy Tuscan hospitality. On Sunday you begin with a lesson in the schooling arena, followed by a hack out in the surrounding countryside. On Monday and Tuesday, now you are familiar with your horse, you will embark on a trail into the hills, and return to the farmhouses in the evenings. On Wednesday after breakfast you will embark on a full day trail resting for a picnic lunch in a scenic Tuscan spot. You will continue riding until you reach a farmhouse situated in the mountain forests where you will spend the night. On Thursday you will pass through the Chianti vineyards of the beautiful Vetrice villa (12th Century), and follow the River Sieve past the village of Rufina - famous for its wines - and forge the river twice. On Friday you climb to the top of the mountain range along age-old wooded paths and on reaching the top will be astounded by breath-taking views of the whole of the Chianti valley, the valley of the Arno and of Mugello. The trail back to the farmhouse allows you to delve into the landscape absorbing the nature and beauty of a Tuscany, laced with surprises unknown to mass tourism. These include the villa and chapel of Petroio, a tiny 12th Century hamlet which is perfectly conserved and looks over the mystic valley of the Argomenna torrent. On this last day lunch again will be a picnic - this time eaten whilst relaxing on the banks of a freshwater lake. |
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| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 9 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate but riding fit, |
| Type of ride: | Trails |
| Total riding time: | 5 - 7 hours a day on the trail |
| Departure dates: | 13th - 20th September 2008, 20th - 27th September 2008. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Vallombrosa - The Forest Trail
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During the Vallombrosa - The Forest Trail you will reach the forest of Vallombrosa, one of the finest and most complete forest ecosystems of Tuscany where you will visit the imposing Abbey of Vallombrosa dating from 1008. You will climb up to 1450m to the peak of the Pratomagno Mountains with its magnificent scenery. Your ride takes you to villages, castles and little churches and you will appreciate the artistic heritage of this side of Tuscany. On Saturday you will arrive or be transferred from Pisa or Florence and settle into your comfortable accommodation. Time to look around and enjoy a glass of wine and a sumptuous Italian dinner. On Sunday you will be introduced to your horse and start with a class in the schooling arena familiarising yourself with your new mount, followed by a hack out in the surrounding countryside. On Monday and Tuesday you will ride out on trails exploring the surrounding forests and hills and will return to your comfortable accommodation in time to relax and enjoy the Tuscan evening with a drink and another delicious dinner. On Wednesday you will begin the forest trail pausing for a picnic lunch in a scenic spot. A long day in the saddle but with much to see and enjoy. Your ride passes the villa of Grignano and you will wade the River Sieve close to the ruins of the old roman bridge. You will ride through the Chianti vineyards of Villa Selvapiana and the beautiful castle of Nipozzano, famous for its wines. After your picnic, full of tasty Tuscan treats, you reach the forest of Consuma passing by the castle of Ristonchi. The night will be spent at Podernuovo situated in the mountain forests, property of a composer and conductor. You will experience true Tuscan hospitality in his charming villa dating from the Napoleonic age. The villa is now a music school and is simple and charming, with familiar and typical cuisine. On Thursday, after a very comfortable restful night, you leave Podernuovo and climb to Monte Secchieta. You will stop to look over the large windy meadows of the peak of the Pratomagno at 1450m and from here there will be the most spectacular view of the whole of Tuscany - a truly magnificent sight. Once again you will stop for a picnic in the spectacular woods of Vallombrosa, one of the largest forests of Europe, beautiful and luxuriant with oaks, firs, and beech and home to a refreshing spring. You will ride on and will visit the impressive Abbey of Vallombrosa. The monastery was founded by the monk Giovanni Gualberto in 1008, and is enriched with many works of art. After enjoying looking round the Abbey, you will ride back to Podernuovo through the heart of the forest which has 1200 hectares and an abundance of flora, fauna and wildlife. Here is home to the tallest trees (Douglasie) in Europe - 60 metres high. Friday morning you will begin your ride back to the farmhouse passing through the old village of Castelnuovo close to the chapel of Tosina. Today you will picnic on the banks of the lake at Falgano where you have the opportunity to swim or perhaps just sit in the sunshine. Your ride finishes back at the farmhouse where you will enjoy a farewell dinner, no doubt discussing the week with your new friends. Saturday: after breakfast you will depart after sad goodbyes. |
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| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 9 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate but riding fit |
| Type of ride: | Trails |
| Total riding time: | 5 hours a day on the trail |
| Departure dates: | 7th - 14th June 2008, 21st - 28th June 2008. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Colline Di Fiesole Trail
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This trail passes over the Tuscan hills, through ancient vineyards and olive groves with visits to traditional wine cellars. It is based very much on the area surrounding Vallebona, in the centre of the Rufina and Pomino Chianti wine area. An ideal small trail, it also caters for those wishing to combine riding with relaxation and culture. Saturday : Arrival and settling in to the farmhouse, plus dinner. Sunday : A lesson in the arena followed by a hack in the surrounding countryside. Dinner at the farmhouse. Monday and Tuesday : Rides around the farm, returning to the farmhouse in the evenings for typical Tuscan cuisine for dinner. Wednesday to Friday : All day rides with pauses for picnic lunch. During the course of the trail you will visit the famous Villa Dermidoff and its monumental park, stop for lunch at Castello del Trebbio where you will also visit the cellars for a "wine tasting". You will be staying overnight on Wednesday and Thursday in a charming "Agriturismo" belonging to friends of your hosts situated 10km from Fiesole. Friday : Return to the farmhouse. Farewell dinner. Saturday : Farewells and departure. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Varies as described in the itinerary |
| Departure dates: | 12th - 19th April 2008; 24th - 31st May 2008 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Children's Programme
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A week full of fun and horse riding activities for young people from 10-18 years old taking place at the beginning of July 2008. (Children aged between 10 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult). The young people will learn to have confidence with the horses, to look after them and groom them. They will have lessons in the arena and ride out, and also follow lessons by a qualified vaulting (acrobatics on horseback) instructor. They will also do grid work, have a day out with a picnic, learn to ride bareback and how to put a cart on a horse. The most important thing is for the youngsters to want to be part of a team, to ride and learn something about their four-legged friends. During the week the young people will be introduced to the world of Equestrian theory, perhaps have a ride by night, a game , quiz and enjoy many other exciting activities, ensuring a fun filled week. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Beginners to advanced |
| Type of ride: | Tuition and trails. |
| Total riding time: | 20 hours in total (Varies according to the day's programme.) |
| Departure dates: | 30 June - 6 July, 7-14 July |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |