Crete Senesi - Val d'Orcia

Itineraries include about 5 to 6 hours in the saddle each day (except day 4)

PROGRAM 5 DAYS


PROGRAM SHORT TREKKING (4 DAYS AND 4 NIGHTS)

WHERE
Hills of Siena and Viterbo

MEETING POINT
Sovana Hotel and Resort, in the village of Sovana - south Tuscany (afternoon arrival, usually on Sunday)

TRANSFER
Optional transfers to Orvieto train station, Roma airport, Florence airport.
Transfers are subject to change and they to be paid directly to the driver.
Orvieto train station (±1h drive):
±150 € / car from 1 to 3 people / each way;
±180 € / minibus from 4 to 8 people / each way.
Roma airport (±2h drive):
±300 € / car from 1 to 3 people / each way;
±350 € / minibus from 4 to 8 people / each way.
Florence airport (±2h30 drive):
±500 / car from 1 to 3 people / each way.

RIDER REQUIREMENTS
These rides are at a fairly relaxed pace overall but there are good chances to canter each day and you need to able to control a well schooled horse at all paces in open country. You will follow white dirt tracks, narrow paths through the forest, and will climb up to ridges and descend into deep valleys so should have a good independent seat. Suitable for intermediete riders and above. You should be reasonably riding fit and should have a fairly good level of general fitness as there can be long periods of trot and canter. You should be able to mount a horse without help, be confident on and around horses and comfortable, relaxed and secure in the saddle. There is some tarmac work every day, crossing roads, riding through local villages but you do have to cross busier roads occasionally but safe going that the horses are used to. You may be asked to get off from time to time to lead the horses over rough or stony ground. Pace: moderate overall, some good chances to move on, also fast canter. The pace will vary from day to day and will be limited by the terrain. There are good opportunities to trot and canter on the chalky white dirt track or when you cross agricultural land and ride through vineyards.
WEIGHT
No strict weight limit on these rides but, if you are over 14 stone / 85 kgs, please contact us to check that suitable horse is available.

PACE
These rides are at a fairly relaxed pace overall but there are good chances to canter each day and you need to able to control a well schooled horse at all paces in open country. Pace: moderate overall, some good chances to move on, also fast canter. The pace will vary from day to day and will be limited by the terrain. There are good opportunities to trot and canter on the chalky white dirt track or when you cross agricultural land and ride through vineyards.

HORSES
Well trained and looked horses. They are all responsive, willing and enjoyable to ride as well as being sensible and calm to handle.
They are fairly lively temperament but calm with traffic and surefooted.
Mixed breed. They are medium builded local Italian saddlebreds crossed with various other breeds. Some local Maremma crosses, Anglo Arab, Sicilian, Andalucian & Apaloosa crosses.

TACKS
Mostly English style and most horses are ridden in snaffles.
Mostly Wintec saddles or similar. Very comfortable - but don’t expect tack to be gleaming, or anything more than adequate.
There are pockets in the saddle blankets with room for water bottles, a light raincoat, suncream etc
Horses are prepared and tacked up for you each morning - some help with untacking etc at the end of the
day is appreciated.

GROUP
Rides are usually run for a minimum of 4, and
groups are limited to a maximum of 7 or 8, although occasionally up to 10, guests. If you are a group we can encrease the number.

ACCOMODATION
Accommodation each night is at comfortable agriturismos, country guesthouses or village hotels all of which have been chosen for their character, location, atmosphere and hospitality. They are simple and traditionally furnished; although simple, are all reasonably comfortable.
In most cases there is a swimming pool in the structure.
Bedrooms may be in small ‘apartments’.
Bedrooms have their own bathrooms with loo and shower.
You can have twin or double beds.
Most of the accomodations provide shampoo, shower gel and hairdyers; all provide towels
Back-up assistance will take care of moving luggages by vehicle.
*For Single travellers who are travelling alone: single rooms can usually be arranged on request for a supplement

MEALS
Mostly there is no menu and many courses comes.
House wine is included.
Water is provided on the trail.
Vegan, vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

- Strongly reccomended properly fitted riding helmet. Horses can kick up dust during the ride
- Jodphpurs, at least 2 pairs
- Ankle boots with a rubber sole confortable for walk and half chaps
- Lightweight windproof and rainproof jacket
- Vest with pockets or belt bag for personal items
- Swimwear
- Sun cream