Tuscan cowboys at work in Italy
Europe > Italy

The Maremma Trail & Butteri Traditions

Set out on a multi-day horse riding holiday in Southern Tuscany and discover the Maremma, one of Italy’s most evocative riding landscapes. This is a region of rolling hills, Etruscan sites, rivers, nature reserves and volcanic lakes - best explored from the saddle. At the heart of the experience are the Butteri, the traditional Tuscan cowboys of the Maremma. Spend several days riding alongside these skilled horsemen and gain a rare insight into their way of life, as you help with traditional cattle work on horseback.
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Trail Riding
8 days / 6 days riding
From £2,018
  • Working with cattle on horseback in Tuscany, Italy
    The Maremma trail in Italy
  • Working with the butteri in Tuscany
    Horseback riding in Tuscany
  • Butteri on horseback in Tuscany, Italy
    Spend one day working alongside the Butteri, Tuscan cowboys
  • Maremma trail riding holiday in Tuscany
    Discover the Maremma trail and its equestrian traditions
  • Horse back rider driving a herd of cattle in Tuscany
    Riding holiday in Tuscany
  • Buttero crossing a river on horseback
    Trail riding holiday in Tuscany
  • Horseback riders in Tuscany, Italy
    Riding in Tuscany

Itinerary

Highlights

- Enjoy a horse riding trail through the Etruscan landscapes and unspoilt countryside of Southern Tuscany and the Maremma.

- Immerse yourself in the world of the Butteri, the traditional Tuscan cowboys, and take part in authentic cattle work on horseback.

- Learn traditional techniques, including the "lacciaia", a Maremman lasso.

- Discover the ancient Vie Cave, the Archaeological Park of the Cities of Tuff, Vulci Castle and the remarkable Etruscan and Roman remains of the Vulci Archaeological Park.
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  • Day 1 1 : HOME - ROME - CASTELL'AZZARA

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Fly to Rome airport. Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request.

    Please keep in mind that the following schedule:
    - Pick up from Ciampino is at 3pm
    - Pick up from Fiumicino is at 4pm

    On arrival you will be met by one of the local team and driven to your guest house. In the evening, you will have the chance to get settled in, to meet your guides and the other riders in your group. On the menu for the evening is a traditional Tuscan dinner after which you will spend the night at the guest house.

    Please note that depending on the departure this trail can run in the opposite direction.

  • Day 2 2: INTRODUCTORY RIDE - 5 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Today you'll have an introductory ride to get familiar with your horse. You will ride through the Tuscan countryside and stop along the way for a picnic lunch.
    You will then return to Il Cornacchino for dinner and overnight.

  • Day 3 3: ISCHIA DI CASTRO - 5 hours riding

    Today you descend towards the Maremma along the Etruscan Via Cava di San Carlo, reaching the Lente River below Sorano, in the heart of the archaeological park of the cities of Tuff.
    You’ll ride along ancient Etruscan roads with their paved floors and high walls.
    After crossing Sorano's medieval section, you will ride towards Lazio, and eventually reach Lake Mezano, a crater lake of volcanic origin.

    Dinner and overnight at an agriturismo.

  • Day 4 4: SELVA DEL LAMONE & MAREMMA - 5 hours riding

    Maremma Farm
    Today you'll ride through the Selva del Lamone reserve, following winding trails through moss-covered volcanic rock formations. Eventually, you'll cross the Olpeta River before reaching the Butteri's farm, where the horses will spend the night.
    From here, riders will be transferred to the overnight accommodation. There will be time to enjoy the thermal swimming pool before enjoying a hearty dinner.

  • Day 5 5: CATTLE WORK WITH THE BUTTERI - 5 - 6 hours riding

    Maremma Farm
    Today will be dedicated to traditional cattle work. You'll take part in rounding up the animals in the pastures and driving them to the pens.
    There will be an opportunity to try the "lacciaia" , a traditional Maremman lasso.

    Lunch will be a barbecue with the Butteri and will feature local products.

    In the afternoon the cattle work activities will continue.

    Dinner and overnight at the Maremma farm.

  • Day 6 6: VULCI ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK - 5 - 6 hours riding

    Maremma Farm
    Today you'll ride with the Butteri through the Baccano woodland towards Vulci Castle. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a visit to the museum of the Castle of Abbadia.
    In the afternoon, you'll cross the Devil's Bridge and enjoy a horseback excursion through the Vulci Archaeological Park, where you will witness the remains of this ancient Etruscan city.

    Dinner and overnight at the Maremma farm.

  • Day 7 7: DAY RIDE - 3-4 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Today you will return to Azienda Pietrafitta and, after the picnic you will enjoy a last cattle work session on the farm.
    In the evening you will be transferred back to Il Cornacchino for dinner and overnight

  • Day 8 8 : CASTELL'AZZARA - ROME - HOME

    After a final breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport at around 9:30am.

    Please keep in mind that the following schedule:
    - Drop off at Ciampino is at 1pm.
    - Drop off at Fiumicino is at 12pm.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination are not included but can be booked upon request - please contact us for rates.

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

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 8 riders, plus a guide.

- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex. To guarantee your own room there is a single supplement of €195/£165/$220.

- The transfers to and from Rome airport to the guesthouse are not included in the price - €260/£225/$305 per person, return rate. This amount can be invoiced or paid locally.

Transfer schedule:
> Pick-up from Rome Ciampino: 3pm. or Rome Fiumicino: 4pm.
> Drop off at arrival in Rome between 12:00 and 1pm

- It is also possible to take the train from Fiumicino airport to Chiusi Chianciano - tickets found here. The return transfer from Chiusi Chianciano to the guesthouse is €50/£45/$60 (1 hour drive).
Transfers to and from Chiusi Chianciano train station are on between 9am and 10am and between 5:30pm and 6:30 pm.
Private transfers can be organised and cost €75/£65/$85, per way, per person.

- Young riders aged 14+ are welcome on this ride, provided they are accompanied by an adult and can match the riding requirements.



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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 and a Buterri guide for the days in Maremma

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 support vehicle and driver

Accommodation

Double/Twin rooms

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the final day (day 8)

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Transport

International flights
Transfers to and from the airport

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

Accommodation

Single room supplement
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    15/05/2027 22/05/2027 £2,018 €2,300 $2,603
    Open
    		Book now
    22/05/2027 29/05/2027 £2,018 €2,300 $2,603
    Open
    		Book now

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 breaking in 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 should be at ease at all three paces across uneven terrain. Riders need to have good control over their horses in order to be able to help the Butteri (local cowboys).

Rider weight limit: 100 kg/220 lbs/ 15.7 st

Pace

You will ride at all three paces and regularly have the chance to trot and canter.

Tacking ability and participation

Each person is responsible for grooming, tacking and untacking their horse. You also have the option to assist with feeding and watering.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

It is not necessary to be an extremely experienced rider, however it is preferable that you be a good rider who is confident riding outdoors.
You will be required to work with livestock.

Equestrian equipment

Western tack.

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

On this trail, you will experience 3 different locations:

- 3 nights at Il Cornacchino
- 3 nights at the Maremma farm
- 1 night at the agriturismo at Lake Mezzano

All accommodations are comfortable and showcase the Tuscan hospitality.

Please note that the Maremma farm features a pool.

Meals

Your lunchtime meal will be a picnic lunch and evening meals will be had at your guesthouse for the evening. Dinners will be made from local produce.

Climate

Tuscany and the surrounding areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate, characterised by mild winters (between 7 and 11°C), with the occasional cold snap coming from the Apennines; however, snow is rare
The summers are hot and dry with temperatures around 27-30°C, depending on how close you are to the coast. Rainfall is at its highest during the autumn storms.

Tips

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

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. This list must be adapted depending on the season and individual needs.

To help the team with logistics, please make sure to bring soft-sided bags.

Head
- Riding helmet
- 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
- Swimsuit
- Cotton or synthetic underwear (non-irritant)

Hands and feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- Sandals
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves

Night gear
- Pyjamas

Other useful items
- Water bottle
- Toiletries
- Ear plugs

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

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.

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.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Maremma is a coastal area of western central Italy, bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is made up of vast spaces, difficult terrain and marshland. It has long been the kingdom of the wild Maremma cattle and horse raised in numerous herds on large farms. It was traditionally populated by the butteri, mounted cattle herders. These skilled horsemen originally used to work with wild horses and look after the Maremma longhorn cattle – and some of them still do, today! The horse used by the buttero belongs to the Maremma breed: a sturdy breed, sure-footed and reliable.