On the Etruscan Trail
Crossing the river

This is a point-to-point horseback riding vacation through the Etruscan region of Italy The natural environment is varied and impressive with mountain pastures, the wilderness of the Fiora river valley and canyons of tuffo-rock. Ride along the pastures of Montevitozzo, through the Etruscan necropolis of Poggio Prisca and across ancient Etruscan cavern roads. Western saddles are utilized on this equestrian vacation. The horseback riding trail passes the famous Tomb of Ildebranda and leads through the Lamone Forest Natural Park on the shore of the volcanic Mezzano Lake; an absolute paradise. This equestrian vacation is a wonderful way to discover the nature and culture of the area.

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 JL of Wettswil on 30/05/2024

Ride Summary
I enjoyed it! The staff was very friendly, well organised, always available. Horses and humans were treated with highest respect and professionalism during the whole holiday.
What was your overall impression of the holiday
Overall impression
Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments
Horses and Tack

Additional Comments
Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

Was this trip accurately described to you beforehand?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
Actually I can’t rate less then 5-star. The riding facility and the tour was well organised. There was nothing they wouldn’t have thout of. They put their heart into their work completely.
Was there anything you should have known and were not told? YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
As I was a first time trail ride holiday participant (i did only daily rides before that), I faces some challenges with the packing list. I googled it and could get good tips, no doubt, but if you would give more details what to pack would be appreciated.
Like: padded biker shorts to avoid saddle sores / heavy duty phone case with strings to hang in your neck / fanny pack for personal items to be quicker to pack in and out of saddle bags
This is really a minor recommendation. Otherwise I felt well informed.
What could we do to improve this ride?
Keep it as it is! Don’t change on it, it’s so good! Perfect combination of programmes, I loved it
How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?
7
Please explain why you scored it as you did:
It’s 6 hours in the saddle every day. You need stamina and beed to be weather resistant. You ride on different terrain, steep ground, stones, water, high grass, thick forest -> you have to be confident to handle it, therefore it’s good if you have experience with it. Or at least you’re a quick learner and have good reactions
Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
Qiuck and friendly answers, everything went uncomplicated.
May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?
YES
Any other comments:
Thanks for the good experience, dear Unicorn Trails!
Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! :)

Day 1
Arrive at airport or train station (see notes) and transfer to accommodation. Meet the guides and fellow riders over the evening meal.

Day 2
The entire day is spent on horseback, allowing riders to get to know their horses and ensuring that the horse and rider are completely compatible. Lunch is a picnic. Return to the riding centre, dinner served in the evening.

Day 3
The ride starts from the riding centre, along the pastures of Montevitozzo to the banks of the Fiora river, stopping for a swim and a picnic. Afterwards, ride along ancient Etruscan roads (Vie Cave), cut deep into the tuff rock more than 2000 years ago, passing the most famous monument in this part of Etruria, the Ildebranda Tomb. Spend the night in a country house close to the medieval village of Sovana.

Day 4
From Sovana, travel through vineyards and olive groves to the river. Cross the Fiora River and continue towards the necropolis of Poggio Buco until reaching the accommodation for the night.

Day 5
Today begins with a longer ride in the morning, heading along the river Fiora until the hermitage of Poggio Conte (where 16th century hermits built a chapel entirely dug out of the tuff rock). Lunch at Pietraitta, a farm that breeds and trains Maremma horses using traditional methods. In the afternoon, the group will be joined by the Butteri (Italian Cowboys), moving their Maremma Horses and cattle. Head back to the accommodation to relax at the swimming pool before dinner

Day 6
The journey continues along the Olpeta, deep cut Etruscan road and cross the Olpeta River to climb up to the site of the ancient city of Castro to reach the Lamone Forest Nature Reserve. This dense woodland, with its wild flowers and birds, has grown up on rocky volcanic terrain. Pass the Maremma cattle that live in the clearings of the forest. Stop for a picnic before leaving the forest, to cross rolling hills with spectacular views. Accommodation for the night is near lake Mezzano, a volcanic crater lake and an absolute paradise. There will be time for a swim before dinner.

Day 7
From lake Mezzano, ride along field tracks until reaching first San Quirico, then Vitozza, a village rich in medieval treasures, castle ruins and a church, built alongside numerous caves that served as houses until the end of the eighteenth century. From there, descend to the source of the Lente river, climb up to Sorano, then continue along Etruscan roads (Vie Cave). The journey continues toward Montevitozzo before returning to the riding centre. Say goodbye to the horses before enjoying a final meal, where every participant will receive a small souvenir and a map of our journey.

Day 8
Departure 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.

Horses & Riding

There are more than 60 horses, that live in small groups, outdoor on 100 acres of pasture land, in accordance to their natural needs of socialization and movement. There are about 40 working horses, including Haflingers, Appaloosas, Maremmanas, Arabs and Anglo-Arabs and some horses of mixed breeds. The horses live in different herds in big pastures throughout the year. They are reliable and secure, which makes it easy for you to deal with even the most difficult situations like steep slopes or the fording of a river. Western saddles are utilized for comfort and ease. Simple guidelines will be given for those who have not ridden western before - it is very easy, relaxing and addictive.

There is some difficult terrain which the horses are experienced in and know how to deal with. The main gaits are walk, trot and canter where possible. The total trip length is approximately 100 miles with daily trips of 12 to 25 miles. The routes are predominantly field tracks, sunken Etruscan roads hew in tuff-rock and dirt roads. An experienced guide rides with the group. Daily riding time is about 5 - 6 hours shared between the morning (longer ride) and the afternoon.


Rider requirements

Intermediate to advanced. Riders should be able to walk, trot and canter and be able to mount and dismount unaided. Western experience or riding in rough terrain is nice to have but not essential by any means.
Riders will be asked to assist with the care of their horses such as grooming and saddling. The minimum riding age for this holiday is 14 years.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

On the first, second and last night's, riders stay at the base - the horses' home. Here the accommodation consists of comfortable double rooms. Some rooms have a private bathroom, but guests may have to share a bathroom with one other room. On the trail riders stay in local establishments known as agriturismos. They are chosen for to their local character, the quality of their cuisine and comforts, as well as their suitability for the horses overnight. Accommodation is in double rooms. An assistant takes the luggage to the overnight destinations by vehicle. Breakfast and dinner are served in the agriturisms with picnic lunches carried in saddlebags, or by the support team.

Meals are traditional Tuscan dishes, with influences from the cuisines of Umbria and Lazio and are homemade with a lot of the products locally grown.

The guesthouse is located 800 meter above sea level and it can be chilly in early mornings and evenings. Please pack suitable warm clothes.


Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

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


Climate Summary

The coastal regions, have a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot and generally dry summers.

Climate Chart

Health

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

Health (ride specific)

A supply of common medicines is kept at the camp and the guide keeps an emergency kit in his saddle bags. Specific needs of medicines or specific health-problems must be communicated before starting the trekking. Participants with allergies should carry along their usual medicines, just as all participants allergic to common medicaments.

Electricity

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.

Mobile, WiFi and charging

There is electricity to charge batteries on each night. The nearest villages on the trail are 20km+ away so we recommend bringing all necessary equipment with you.
There is internet access available on the first, second and last nights.

Packing List

Clothes should be comfortable and already worn (especially shoes) as new clothing might mean unpleasant surprises.

Accommodation for night 1, 2 and 7 are at altitudes of 800m so even during the hottest periods you need some warm clothes for the evening and early mornings. The luggage should be reduced to the minimum as space on the means of transport is limited, avoid using hardtop suitcases.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- 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)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots). Avoid smooth soles. Comfortable for walking.
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Waterproof jacket
- Jersey
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Sunglasses with string
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Torch
- Binoculars
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Small Knife

Programmes

8d / 7n programme with 6 riding days. Available on set dates.

Departure Dates

2025: 3 May (Full); 30 Aug; 13 (Full) Sep

Pricing
No single supplement payable if willing to share with someone of same sex. Should you wish to book a single room, please see supplement price below.

Single room weekly supplement available - High season 15/07-26/08, Low season rest of the year.

No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
20258d/7n6double pp1,549
20258d/7n6single supplement165
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
20258d/7n6double pp1,825
20258d/7n6single supplement195
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
20258d/7n6double pp1,999
20258d/7n6single supplement215
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
20258d/7n6double pp21,815
20258d/7n6single supplement2,329
Recommended Reading

 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


Wildlife

Wildlife that may be seen includes deer, wild horses, porcupines and wild boar.

Other Information

The accommodation is at 800m above sea level and can be cool in the mornings and evenings, even in mid-summer. Please be sure to pack some warm clothes.

Other Country Information

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.

Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
Chiusi Train Station, Rome Fiumicino Airport or Rome Ciampino Airport
Transfer:
2025 (TBC): From Rome Ciampino/Rome Fiumicino airports on Saturdays and based on the number of guests being transferred: 1 x person €260 return (sliding scale for up to 4 pax) return. approx. 2.5 hours or Chiusi-Chianciano Terme railway station approx.€40 return, approx. 1 hour) - set times on Saturdays. Other times on request (extra charge). Guests outside the group might be included in the same transfer vehicle
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) return from £120pp (Season Dependent)
2025: London to Rome Ciampino (CIA) return from £190pp (Season Dependent)
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