UMBRIAN ADVENTURE - ITALY
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Enjoy a week at an excellent riding centre with the Bevilacqua family, a large and very hospitable Italian family spanning 3 generations where you will end the week feeling like life long friends. The setting is glorious, surrounded by woodland and overlooking mountains and valleys on all sides.
This corner of southern Umbria is spectacularly beautiful and unspoilt, with varied landscapes ranging from craggy rocks and peaks to soft rolling hills and cool and quiet woodland, home to porcupines and wild boar. The countryside is dotted with medieval hill villages where life goes on much as it has done for centuries.
At the riding centre there is excellent riding available for experienced riders. Either tuition, with show jumping as a specialty, or endless rides in all directions to explore the surrounding countryside are available. Beginners and novice riders can also receive lessons appropriate to their level as can children.
For those wanting to explore further, the stables are just 13 km from Spoleto, a Roman, medieval and Renaissance jewel and a great place to spend some time, for riders and non-riders alike. The larger towns of Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto and Todi are all within easy reach as are many of the vineyards of the region.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - UMBRIAN ADVENTURE
There are several different programmes available. Please advise which you would like when booking.
Programme for experienced riders
This programme is available for experienced riders on each date except that those marked with a * may have the Summer Adventure Itinerary. Please see the itinerary here. Riders should be able to trot, canter and gallop, and manage varied terrain, including some reasonably steep slopes.
In warmer months, and in times of a full (or nearly full) moon, it may be possible to replace a full day ride with a memorable Night Ride up onto the mountain of Monte Acetella. Riders are met by the stables' jeep, and served a camp-fire supper as they scan the skies for shooting stars. The return leg of the journey takes place by the light of the moon. Lessons can be substituted for trail riding where one hour of lessons is equivalent to 2 hours of trail riding.
Programme for Beginner Riders
This programme is available for beginner riders on each date except that those marked with a * may have the Summer Adventure Itinerary. Please see the itinerary here. The week involves walking and some trotting and less time in the saddle than the experienced programme, though it does build up to two full day rides and one that is slightly shorter.
It is suitable for people who are relatively new to riding, including beginners, and the pace can be adapted according to ability. In warmer months, and in times of a full (or nearly full) moon, it may be possible to replace a full day ride with a memorable Night Ride up onto the mountain of Monte Acetella. Riders are met by the stables' jeep, and served a camp-fire supper as they scan the skies for shooting stars. The return leg of the journey takes place by the light of the moon. Lessons can be substituted for trail riding with about one hour of lesson time being equivalent to 2 hours of trails riding.
Umbrian Summer Adventure Programme
This special summer itinerary involves an optional night out camping on Day 2 where you will be served a 3 course meal on top of the world! Those not wanting to camp will be driven back to the stables and brought back after breakfast the next day. Please see the complete itinerary here.
There is a £110 supplement for this programme which takes place on the dates with a * in the dates section above. A minimum of 6 riders are required for this programme; if this is not met the standard Umbrian Adventure (beginner or experienced) programme will run.
Show Jumping and Dressage
At the riding centre there are excellent facilities to enable this special Show Jumping tuition and trail riding combination to take place. Lessons are taught by the very charismatic Count Adolfo Poli, a trained FISE instructor with years of experience teaching show jumping and dressage. There is a £70 supplement for this programme.Please see the complete itinerary here.
In addition to the invaluable lessons you will also have the chance to ride out and explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. Beginners and novice riders can also receive lessons appropriate to their level as can children.
NOTES - UMBRIAN ADVENTURE
Ryanair flies to Rome frequently as does Easy Jet. A transfer is available from there or Spoleto is an easy 2 hour train journey from there. Alternatively car rental is a good option. Once at your destination transport can be arranged to and from Spoleto (13km) and other nearby places for a modest charge. A hire car is a good idea if you wish to explore the area in the afternoons and evenings, whilst not in the saddle.
For dates in June, July and August please see the Umbrian Summer Adventure programme which will run instead with a minimum of 6 riders. If there are less than 6 riders, the normal Umbrian Adventure programme will run (as itinerary above).
GETTING TO the ride
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
The trip price includes all meals, a reasonable quantity of wine and liqueurs and canned soft drinks with meals, accommodation with en suite shower, toilet and bidet, horses, tack, qualified English speaking guide, round-trip transfers from Spoleto train station. Single supplements will not be charged if you are willing to share with another guest of the same sex.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Transport to and from Spoleto from the UK. Guests should bring a small quantity of Euros for personal expenditure or extra drinks from the bar outside meal times. Tipping is not expected on the premises. Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary are not included.
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