Group of western riders in Tuscany, Italy

Family Programme in Tuscany

On this centre-based holiday you will be exploring the open prairies and woodlands of the Tuscan region. This programme is perfect for beginners and families alike: with shorter riding hours, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the nearby locations and set out on your own adventures.
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Centre based holidays
8 days/ 6 days riding
From £587
Open to non-riders
  • Stationary riding holiday in Tuscany
    On horseback in Italy
  • Riders on a trail ride in italy
    Spend a week riding on a ranch in Italy
  • Group of western riders in Tuscany, Italy
    Riding holiday in Tuscany

Itinerary

Highlights

- Experience western riding in the Tuscan countryside
- Ride across the 100 hectares property which is also home to over 60 horses.
- Enjoy traditional home cooked meals - a feast every night!
  • Day 1 1 : Home - Rome - Il Corna Guesthouse

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    On your arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport, you will be met by one of the local team and driven to your guest house (approx. 2h 30 mins).

    Flights are not included but can be booked on request. Transfers are also not included and will be invoiced at the time of booking – alternative transfer options are available, please see “dates and prices”.
  • Day 2 2 : Agriturismo - 2 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the common room. Today, you will start out with a lesson in the arena followed by the first ride in the wood, through forests and valleys. Depending on your riding abilities, you will mostly walk and trot with possibilities to canter if you are a more advanced rider. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.

    Note: Depending on availability, one or two extra lessons in the arena can be arranged on request (to be arranged locally).
  • Day 3 3 : Agriturismo - 2 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    After breakfast, you might have an extra lesson in the arena (if requested) and afterwards you will depart on a new adventure that might take you through forests and rocky terrain. Lunch and dinner at the farm.
  • Day 4 4 : Agriturismo - 2 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    After breakfast, you might have an extra lesson in the arena (if requested) and afterwards you will depart on a new adventure that might take you through forests and rocky terrain. Lunch and dinner at the farm.
  • Day 5 5 : Agriturismo - 2 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Today you will continue to explore the property. Enjoy the mountain’s fresh air and the quiet surroundings. As you ride you will get to experience the beautiful panoramas of Tuscany.
    After the ride you can go on hikes, relax at the farm or, if you have rented a car, you can visit the beautiful lake or the nearby villages. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.
  • Day 6 6 : Agriturismo - 2 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Today you will continue to explore the property. Enjoy the mountain’s fresh air and the quiet surroundings. As you ride you will get to experience the beautiful panoramas of Tuscany. As you get more comfortable in the saddle you might even canter when the terrain allows it.
    After the ride you can go on hikes, relax at the farm or, if you have rented a car, you can visit the beautiful lake or the nearby villages. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.
  • Day 7 7 : Agriturismo - 2 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Today you will continue to explore the property. Enjoy the mountain’s fresh air and the quiet surroundings. As you ride you will get to experience the beautiful panoramas of Tuscany.
    After the ride you can go on hikes, relax at the farm or, if you have rented a car, you can visit the beautiful lake or the nearby villages. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.
  • Day 8 8 : Il Corcacchino - Rome - Home

    After a final breakfast at the guest house, you will be driven to the airport in Rome for your flight back to the UK. Flights booked to take off after 1:30 pm are advised.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room.

- The above prices are per person, sharing a double room, full board, and based on one 2-hour trail per day.

- Single supplement £155/€180/$190 per week.
This fee will not be charged if you are willing to share a room with another rider.

- Groups are made up to 8 riders of varying nationalities. Your guide will speak Italian and English.

- Young riders from the age of 10 yo are welcome provided they are accompanied by an adult (9 year olds on request)

- Non-riding children are welcome. If under 4 years old, their stay is free of charge. From 5 to 6 they will receive a 50% discount, and from 7 to 9, a 30% discount. For children aged between 6 and 9 years the ranch can organise a two hour lesson/day (basic vaulting exercises), at the same time as the adults ride.

- The transfers to and from Rome airport to the guesthouse are not included in the price and vary according the number of people (prices are per person, return rate):
> 1 Pax - £220/€260/$265
> 2 Pax - £185/€220/$225
> 3 Pax - £155/€180/$185
> 4 Pax - £130/€150/$155
> Saturday pick-up in Rome Ciampino: 3:00 pm. or Rome Fiumicino: 4:00 p.m.
> Saturday departure from the centre at 9:30 a.m, arrival in Rome between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m.

- It is also possible to take the train from Fiumicino airport to Chiusi Chianciano - tickets found here http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-fr. Return tickets cost around €40-€50 and the trip takes around 2 hours 40 to 3 hours. The return transfer from Chiusi Chianciano to the guesthouse is €40/£35 (1 hour drive). Transfers to and from Chiusi Chianciano train station are on Saturday between 9:00 and 10:00 am and between 17:30 and 18:30 pm. Private transfers can be organised outside of these hours but at an extra cost of €80/£70 return rate per person.

- Rider weight limit: 100kg/ 15½ st/ 220 lbs
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English speaking horse guide

Logistics

One 2-hour trail ride every day

Accommodation

Double rooms in a guest house on the Ranch grounds.

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the final day (day 8). Water included at meal times.

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Transport

International flights that we can book for you upon request

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accomodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Airport transfers
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    30/03/2024 06/04/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    06/04/2024 13/04/2024 £687
    £587
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    €675
    $852
    $728
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    13/04/2024 20/04/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    20/04/2024 27/04/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    27/04/2024 04/05/2024 £687 €790 $852
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    04/05/2024 11/05/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    11/05/2024 18/05/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    18/05/2024 25/05/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    25/05/2024 01/06/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    01/06/2024 08/06/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    08/06/2024 15/06/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    15/06/2024 22/06/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    22/06/2024 29/06/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    29/06/2024 06/07/2024 £687 €790 $852
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/07/2024 13/07/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    13/07/2024 20/07/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    20/07/2024 27/07/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    27/07/2024 03/08/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    03/08/2024 10/08/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    10/08/2024 17/08/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    17/08/2024 24/08/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    24/08/2024 31/08/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    31/08/2024 07/09/2024 £687 €790 $852
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    07/09/2024 14/09/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    14/09/2024 21/09/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    21/09/2024 28/09/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    28/09/2024 05/10/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    05/10/2024 12/10/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    12/10/2024 19/10/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    19/10/2024 26/10/2024 £687 €790 $852
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    26/10/2024 02/11/2024 £687 €790 $852
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Equestrian info

Horses

A herd of 60 horses: Halfingers, Appaloosas, Pintos, Maremmano and Arabs. They have all been trained for outdoor western riding and trekking in particular. They are all very well trained, docile and reliable. They live year-round outdoors in small herds.

Guide & local team

Fabio has been raising, breaking in and training horses for over 30 years. He has made a reputation for himself through his skills starting young horses as well as reeducating, so-called, problem horses. Specialised in outdoor western riding; it is Fabio who supervises the horses' care and acts as blacksmith, as well as teaching horse riding and the taking care of the general management of the farm.
The team are all English speakers.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Riders of any levels are welcome however this programme is most suitable for novice/beginner riders. If there are riders of different levels, they will be sorted into groups to match their abilities.

Rider weight limit: 100kg/ 15½ st/ 220 lbs

Pace

The pace is mainly walk with some trots and there is also the possibility for some canters if the rider’s ability allows it.

Tacking ability and participation

Each person is responsible for grooming their horses. Horses will be tacked and untacked for you. You also have the option to assist with feeding and watering.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Previous experience of Western riding is a plus, but is not necessary.

Equestrian equipment

Western saddles and saddle bags

Helmets are mandatory for minors. We recommend all our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

You will be staying in a comfortable and welcoming guest house in the grounds of a horse farm. You will be staying in double rooms with either a private or shared bathroom.

Meals

The chefs always search out fresh and healthy products for their traditional Tuscan cuisine. The day's menu is never the same twice and each day there are delicious meat and vegetarian options. The dining room is also open to people who aren't staying at the guest house, giving you the chance to get to know the locals!

Water is included at meal times and wine can be paid for locally.

Climate

Tuscany has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, cold winters and a rainy season from the start of autumn to the beginning of winter. The months that are the most humid are October and December - often seeing heavy rain that can last for several days.
However, autumn and in spring, it is still likely that it will be hot during the day, with a lot of sunny days. July and August are the hottest and driest months.

Tips

Tipping is not obligatory, however one can be made to the local team at your discretion.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is strongly recommended, and mandatory for minors. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable.
- Sunhat: cap for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust

Upper Body
- Thermals in case of cold weather (long or short-sleeved T-shirts)
- Short or long-sleeved cotton shirts (to provide protection from the sun) or T-shirt in a quick-drying material
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm Goretex-style jacket (water-proof and breathable)

Legs
- 2 pairs of jodhpurs or long leather trousers
- 1 change of trousers (riding trousers or jeans)
- 1 pair of waterproof over trousers)
- A swim suit may be useful
- Cotton or synthetic underwear (non-irritant)

Hands and feet
- 1 pair Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- 1 pair of sandals
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Night gear
- Pyjamas or tracksuits or thermals for sleeping in

Other useful items
- Small bumbag to be worn whilst riding
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- Backpacks are not to be worn whilst riding. Everything should be kept either in pockets or in a bumbag : lip balm, sun screen, small camera, glasses, rope etc.
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it after use
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for you rubbish
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- A pair of binoculars

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Vitamin C tablets
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Painkillers
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

General information
- The airline allows only one bag to be checked-in per passenger. Make sure it weighs no more than 20kg; if it exceeds this weight, you will have to pay excess luggage fees at check-in
- Hand luggage is limited to 7kg (measuring 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm), it mustn't contain any sharp objects (knives, scissors, nail file or nail scissors, etc.) and the quantity of liquid allowed per passenger is limited to 100ml per container.
In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant over 100ml and all bottles can be decanted into small, clear, plastic ziplock bags. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.