This is a point-to-point trail ride, at all paces through the historical Italian region of Tuscany. Your ride will take you through a range of landscapes, from mountain ridges to dark larch forests and across flowing rivers. This trail ride offers bucket loads of history as you explore roman church ruins and ancient caves, stay in the beautiful 1000 year-old Porceno Castle, and ride along old Etruscan roads. One highlight of this trail is a guided visit on horseback around the famous Vulci Archeological Park, where you will visit Etruscan tombs and enjoy a delicious meal in the park's restaurant, you will also have some time to explore the park on foot in the afternoon or rest under a tree and read a book.
This ride offers a variety of accommodation from medieval castles to quaint hotels, all very comfortable, some with swimming pools and serving great quality food. Wine and beer is included with your evening meal. The ride is assisted by a Jeep that will transfer your main luggage from one location to another, this allows for cantering on the trails, were the terrain is suitable.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from RS of Chippenham on 24/06/2024
Day 1 Sunday
On arrival at the resort in Sovana. Settle into the rooms and join the guide for an aperitif and briefing, before a welcome dinner.
Day 2 Monday: Sorano – Castel Porceno
After a relaxed breakfast meet the horses and head Northeast, following the Lente river on the way to the citadel of Castel’Ottieri, named for one of the most influential families of the middle ages. Relax for a picnic lunch, before heading off through changing landscapes, eventually arriving in an area of hills and white roads that are ideal for cantering. Spend the night in the beautiful Porceno Castle owned by an ancient family from Ferance. (4.5 hours riding)
Day 3 Tuesday: Proceno – Selva Del Lamone:
Leave at 10:00 on horseback to cross the Strdolone river and pass through the Montorio lands (2500 hectares with many houses belonging to Mussolini’s nephew), while heading to towards San Quirico. Stop for lunch in Vitozza, an old Etruscan necropolis where riders can visit the remains of a roman church and a fortress from the same period. One of the main characteristics of Vitozza is that it has 200 caves inhabited by the people of San Quirico as recently as the early 1900s. Continue towards the Mezzano property in the afternoon. The lake takes its name from the small volcanic lake of Mezzano. Finish the day in the dark and mysterious forest of Lamone. Leave the horses here at the Coalman’s Cabin for the night and transfer to the Frà Viaco farmhouse for the night. Owned by the Zapponi family, it is situated on the Mazzano lake (or similar). (5.5-6hrs riding)
Day 4 Wednesday: Selva Del Lamone – Vulci:
This morning, ride towards the ruins of the Etruscan-Roman town of Castro for lunch before taking the Etruscan route of Castroan in the afternoon. The destination is Vulci, the famous route of Robbers of the past, like the famed Tiburzi. Cross the lands of Torlonia, which was owned by the Prince of Torlonia and his sons, before reaching a small castle with roman bridges (ponte del diavolo). Follow a narrow country path to the farmhouse "Il Paglieto di Vulci". Tend to the horses and settle into comfortable rooms before dinner. Enjoy an after dinner swim in the natural warm thermal pool under shooting stars. (5hrs riding)
Day 5 Thursday: Vulci Park on horseback:
After breakfast, ride to the Vulci park and enjoy lunch in the park restaurant, followed by a free afternoon. If open, visit the Etruscan museum in the castle, or visit the park by foot, rest in the shade of an oak tree along the Fiora River back, or just be cradled by the sound of the waterfall within the park. Return on horseback to the farmhouse to relax with swim and dinner. (2 hrs riding)
Day 6 Friday: Vulci – Selva Del Lamone:
Ride along the Fiora river riding and through the forest of Monte Calvo before stopping for lunch adjacent to the river. In the afternoon follow the route through fields, hills and the Etruscan path of Castro. Follow the route that runs along the ancient village of Farnese,once home to Duke Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother. Reach the woods of Lamone and spend the night in a different farmhouse near Farnese, the luxurious agrotourism "il Podere di Marfisia". (6 hrs riding)
Day 7 Saturday: Selva del Lamone – Sorano:
Set off in the direction of Vitozza by crossing the Mezzano property and passing the renowned Il Voltone farmhouse. After lunch in Vitozza, head in the direction of Sorano along a spectacular canyon along the Lente river. This is one of the most beautiful and adventurous stages of the ride and leads riders straight to the host's base in Sovana where the group say goodbye to the horses and transfer back to the same resort as the first night to relax and freshen up before before a farewell dinner. Overnight Hotel Resort Sovana or similar (5 hrs riding)
Day 8 Sunday:
Departure by taxi after breakfast.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
There are a total of 10 horses of mixed breeding and size, some have been homebred. The horses are forward going but responsive to their rider, they have a lovely temperament and are in excellent condition. They wear English tack, which is regularly renewed, are well schooled, confident and surefooted on all of the types of terrain ridden on these trails. If they could talk they would be your guide. You are sure to have a truly unforgettable ride.
Riding will be at walk trot and canter and while the guides are happy to assist nervous riders, experience of trail riding in open space is required. You will need to be able to mount and dismount for lunches out on the trail. Riding helmets are compulsory, for safety. Minimum rider age 14. Maximum rider weight 80kg.
The weight limit for this ride is 176 lb/80 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
You will stay at multiple locations during this trail and including a mix of hotels and guesthouses. All accommodation is comfortable and some are described as luxurious. Your first night is spent in a beautiful Hotel & Resort in Sovana, a Estruscan town. On your second night you will stay in a stunning medieval Porceno Castle, over 1000 years old, with amenities and pool. Night 3 is at the Fra Viaco farmhouse on the Mazzano Lake or in one of the cute hotels in the village of Farnese. On night 4 & 5 you will stay in the lovely Le Casine hotel before returning to the Fra Vicao farmhouse on night 6. You will spend your final night in Sovana, either at the hotel resport Sovana or its sister hotel Hotel Scilla or similar.
The ride is assisted by a Jeep that will transfer your main luggage from one location to another, this allows for faster riding on the trails where the terrain permits.
All meals and drinks are included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day. The food is of very high quality. Breakfasts are continental style and plentiful, evening meals are large and varied, but always delicious. Expect a range of meals. During the day you will picnic on the trail in beautiful locations, with a range of homecooked Italian dishes, bread, cheese and wine . Wine or beer is included with your evening meals.
Hotel Sovana
Castle Proceno
Fra Viaco farmhouse
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The weather in Tuscany is a big attraction, Spring (April/May) and Autumn (October/November) are warm around 23/25 degrees with the chance of rain but with many dry sunny days these are ideal months to visit. May and June are the perfect time to see the spring flowers in full bloom while Oct and Nov you will be surround by gorgeous autumn reds and golds, both a beautiful time to visit Tuscany. In summer (July/August)the weather is sunny and hot, with temperatures of 30-35 degrees and little or no rain.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Italy and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites
In Italy the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
There will be opportunity to charge phones / cameras each evening at the various accommodation and most have wifi.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking
- Riding gloves
- Chaps
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
- Long sleeved shirts
- Lightweight waterproof
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone
Specific to this ride:
- Torch
- Hat or beret and a buff bandana (sometimes, especially when it is very dry, horses can kick up a lot of dust during the rides)
Provided by hosts:
- Most of the accommodations provide shampoo / shower gel and hairdryers, all provide towels.
- Water is provided on the trail.
8d / 7n programme with 6 riding days
2025: 27 Apr; 11 May (Cancelled), 25 May; 8, 22 Jun; 13 Jul; 14 Sept.
Available at request €300
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | per person sharing | 1,815 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 259 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | per person sharing | 2,099 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 299 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | per person sharing | 2,545 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 365 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | per person sharing | 24,055 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 3,439 |
Chickens Eat Pasta', written by Clare Pedrick
A valley in Italy: confessions of a house addict - Lisa St Aubyn de Teram
A Room With A View - E.M Forster
A Traveller in Italy - HV Morton
The Italian Tradition of Equestrian Art - Giovanni Tomassini
Privileged Horses. The Italian Renaissance Court Stable - Sarah Duncan
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com
A fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
As your ride takes you further from the villages and towns and deep into the Tuscan countryside you may come across European animals such as hare, deer, porcupines, red foxes, dogs, badgers, dormice, pheasants, wolves, and even wild boar. Grass snakes and Vipers are common in this area though you are less like to see them on route. Tuscany is also a great place to go bird watching. A wide range of beautiful birds can be spotted throughout the region. During the ride you will pass along high ridges, ride through thick forest and across open fields as well as cross flowing rivers.
The roads and ruins are carved from volcanic rock (tufo) and are an impressive site to behold. A highlight of this trail is visiting the famous Vulci Archaeological park, much of which is still untouched. Visit in late May, early June to see the beautiful wildflowers in full bloom lining the tracks with flecks of colour.
Italy forms a peninsula in Southern Europe extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, including the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Elba and about 70 other smaller islands. It is mostly mountainous, though between the Apennines (which form the spine of Italy) and the eastern coastline there are the fertile plains of Emilia-Romagna in the north and of Puglia in the south. The Alps in the north divide Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
The Roman Empire was once the most powerful in the world, covering Europe and extending into modern day Asia. Their horsemanship skills second only to the Mongols further east. The incredible sophistication of Roman culture still leaves its mark across Europe and has been the foundation for countless artistic movements, including the Renaissance, through cities such as Florence and the medieval university city of Bologna.
Italians are understandably proud of their heritage and are renowned as people of great taste and as having an eye for the aesthetic. Their architecture and fashion leave most of the world in their shadow, appearance is very important to them and the majority of Italians will never leave the house without ensuring they are impeccably and elegantly attired.
Italian food, from pizza to pasta, has been adopted by the rest of the world but you will never taste a better pizza anywhere else. As with the rest of mainland Europe meals are eaten late with plenty of wine and preferably al fresco.
Italy is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. (There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram).
The international dialling code is +39.
Important information regarding rail travel:
Visitors are often caught unawares by train and transport systems requiring validation. Tickets bought in Italy for Regionale and Regionale Veloce trains are not marked for any particular time or train and become valid only when time-stamped at a validation machine. Without this validation, train operators assume the rider is trying to fare dodge, since the ticket could be reused. So validation is absolutely essential before boarding, and there are small boxes in the station or near the platform. After being time-stamped, the ticket is valid for the amount of time shown on the ticket.
