Italy - Magic of Tuscany

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 EF of Herzogenburg on 04/10/2024

Please choose from the following four options for your horse riding holiday: Discovery Week, Star Rides, Trail to the Coast, Maremma Trail

Discovery Week: Learn to ride in the Italian countryside on safe homebred horses. With experienced help, beginners and novices will be comfortable with the important fundamentals of trail riding after the 10 hours in the saddle included in this package. As soon as riders feel relaxed and confident to step out of the ring, they are ready for their first trip out. New riders quickly learn to trust the quiet, balanced temperament of the Maremma horses. This ideal combination of riding lessons and outings is individually structured for each guest. Each evening, the riding instructor will discuss the next day's lesson. Please note there is no riding on one day of the week, making a total of 5 riding days. Guests can arrive on any day of the week for this programme

Star Rides: Discover the beauty of Tuscany on a week of 'Star Rides' - stay centre-based at the hotel and ride out in different directions each day discovering the local area and all it has to offer. This programme is nice and flexible; and riders can book for either half-day rides (2-3 hours in the saddle) or full-day (4-5 hours in the saddle) rides. Extra riding can be booked and paid for on-site. For example; if guests have booked the full-day ride package, then they will simply return to the stable with their horse in the evening. Please note there is no riding on one day, making a total of 5 riding days. For this programme guests can arrive on any day of the week.
Here is a selection of the daily rides on offer:
LAGONI: Hot springs and sulphur vapours that gush out of the ground mark the Cecina valley. The horses are used to the hissing sound of the geysers, so riders can quietly study from horseback how geothermal energy is used.
MINES OF GERFALCO: A wild-romantic path leads to the former silver mines, from where there is a wonderful view to the sea. The afternoon ride leads through the small medieval valleys of the village of Gerfalco, followed by a bizarre landscape of meadows with unusual layers of Tuscan earth colours.
GALLERAIE: The ride to the springs of the Cecina and along the river leads to the hotel Galleraie, where riders visit ruins of antique baths dating back to the Etruscans. In the afternoon, enjoy an endless view over the provinces of Grosseto and Siena.
PRATA: Old trade and animal paths cross through these native forests. In this area one often meets wild animals such as fox, deer, wild boar or porcupines. From the “Poggio di Prata” guests can enjoy a wonderful view to the sea and to the island of Elba. A full-course picnic awaits near the mining village of Prata.
RIVER MERSE: Overgrown fruit trees surround crumbling farmhouses. Ride through the clear waters of the Merse River, experience how nature has recaptured former agricultural land through the years. On warm days, the high point of the riders' week is a swim for riders and horses in the river. After a picnic there is the possibility to visit the abbey ruins of San Galgano, with its mystical atmosphere around the standing remains of the Romanesque chapel, making this one of the most interesting visits in Tuscany.

Trail Rides: The two 5-day circular trails are for destinations farther afield and have set departure dates. Unlike the star rides, the horses will stay overnight where the the trail ends in the evening, while riders return to the& hotel.

Trail to the Sea:

Day 1
Saturday: Arrive and transfer from the train station or airport. Settle into the accommodation and enjoy an evening meal with fellow riders

Day 2
Sunday:Heading towards the coast, enjoy an adventurous ride through the thick, unspoiled Macchia with an astonishing variety of wild Maremma animals and plant life, before reaching a typical Maremma farm in the late afternoon.

Day 3
Monday: In the morning the ride leads through a typically cultivated agricultural area, passing by olive groves and vineyards. Ride on old trade trails that lead through Cork Oak and Mediterranean bushlands on the way to the coast.

Day 4
Tuesday: Catch the first breath of ocean air as the route climbs up the last hills. Then the riders on their horses finally arrive to the nature park of Cala Violina.

Day 5
Wednesday: Today riders experience the sea with a nice canter along white sandy beaches and a refreshing dip in the ocean (if there are not too many beach guests). Luxurate in the Mediterranean plant life, steep rocky shores and romantic sandy coves that stretch as far as the eye can see. After a picnic in an idyllic nature park, riders can enjoy the beach.

Day 6
Thursday: A day of rest for the horses gives riders the possibility to follow their own plans. We will also be glad to coordinate an excursion with the other guests.

Day 7
Friday: Back in the mountain, the group start for the ride to the springs of the Cecina passing along the river until reaching the abandoned hotel Galleraie, to visit the ruins of the antique baths that date back to the Etruscans. In the afternoon, enjoy endless views over the provinces of Grosseto and Siena.

Day 8
Saturday: After a last breakfast at the hotel say a fond farewell and depart.

Maremma Trail:
Day 1
Saturday: Arrive and transfer from the train station or airport. Settle into the accommodation and enjoy an evening meal with fellow riders

Day 2
Sunday: Full day ride "Hot spring area Galleraie" (see above for description).

Day 3
Monday: A light day ride to to Lagoni, a hot springs area. The landscape loses its wildness to more charming agricultural developments typical of centuries of occupation - picture-book Tuscany. Pass by abandoned farm houses, across fields and small rivers. Leave the horses overnight close to the village of Chiudino.

Day 4
Tuesday: Ride from Chiudino to a well-known cultural monument in Tuscany - the abbey ruins of San Galgano. This cloister was built in the 13th. century and used to be the cultural and economic centre of the region. Once the tour ends, canter into wide open meadows and follow the legendary “Ancient path of the Maremma” until the castle “Luriano”.

Day 5
Wednesday: Cross the beautiful grounds belonging to the Countess of Luriano and move on to the romantic riverbed of the Merse. Watch how the trout flash through the rushing water away from the hooves of the horses. Experience the soft beauty of the Maremma hills and after a steep climb, turn back to the hotel.

Day 6
Thursday: No riding today. Riders are free to relax or discover the area. We would also be glad to organise excursions to Massa Marittima, Siena or to the sea.

Day 7
Friday: Full day ride: "Hill of Prata" (see above for description).

Day 8
Saturday: Depart after breakfast.

Please note the order of this ride is subject to change depending on local conditions.

Read more about riding in Tuscany in our blog article Horse Riding in Tuscany – Indulging all senses!

Getting there:
The transfer meeting point is Follonica Train Station. It is an easy 1hr40m train journey from Pisa Centrale train station. If arriving at Pisa Airport, get the PisaMover bus to the train station. It runs every 10 minutes and takes around 5 minutes. The train from Pisa to Follonica runs approximately hourly, please see The Trainline website for more information.

Children:
The minimum riding age for children is 6-years old and it is recommended that children are booked onto the Discovery Week with lessons. If the child is classed as a 'good' rider by the instructor then they may be able to take part in half-day trail rides but parents must take full responsibility. This is discussed and arranged on-site. For purposes of pricing, a 'riding' child is classed as 6-14 years old and a discounted price may only be charged for a child when they are sharing a bedroom with 2 full-paying adults.

Non-riding activities:

Self-guided walking and hiking tours:
There is an extended and well-marked network of hiking trails beginning directly in front of the hotel. The hiking tours offer fantastic views and lead along gravel roads or small trails up to 1000m above sea level. On the trails, one hardly meets anybody except for wild boar, deer or other animals. Most tours are of an intermediate level. Waterproof hiking shoes are recommended for crossing small rivers.
Please find below a list of possible tours. We will give you good maps and will also explain the tours to you personally.
• Round trip tour around the “Poggio of Montieri”: (10 km, height 200 metres)
• Round trip tour from the hotel to the top of the Poggio di Montieri”, 1051 m: (4 km, height 400 metres)
• Round trip tour from the hotel to the village of Gerfalco: (12 km, height 300 metres)
• Round trip tour from the hotel to the village of Travale: (14 km, height 300 metres)
• Round trip tour from Gerfalco to the Top of the Cornate (1060m, natural park): 8 km, height 400 metres)
• Round trip tour from the hotel to the village of Montieri: (3 km, height 100 metres)

Guided excursions and treks
Discover an untouched and “wild“ region of Maremma Tuscany. The territory is criss-crossed by a dense network of country lanes and pathways that, in the past, were vital communication routes between the urban centres and places of work and trade. The abandonment of agriculture and the closure of the mines have led to an inexorable loss of pathways. For many years the tracks have been covered by thick vegetation. It is only during recent years that several of them have been cleared and an extended network of trails has been created for hikers. Most of the treks follow easy to walk trails, some on gravel roads, some through thick vegetation and some over fields and through woods without proper paths. We recommend waterproof trekking shoes for crossing small rivers. On most tours you can also participate only half way. This flexibility makes the treks suitable for all hikers, including those with minimum fitness. You will be guided by an experienced and knowledgeable guide, who holds a recognised qualification from the Tuscany Government.
Please click here for an example of a guided week itinerary.

Self-guided mountain bike tours:
There are wonderful views in the Alta Maremma where cyclists find interesting uphills and exhillerating downhills. The beautiful rugged landscape guarantees pure mountain bike pleasure! Consider the following tours (about 5 hours daily, from easy to difficult). The trails can be changed, shortened or lengthened. Four tours start and finish at the hotel. On these days, cyclists have the possibility to meet the riders and hikers for a picnic at lunch time. Cyclists wanting to spend a bike-free afternoon, can go back to the hotel with the picnic bus. There are bikes for rent but guests can bring their own. There is a specially allocated room for bicycles with a washing place and help with small repairs (if needed).
Please click here for an example itinerary.

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.

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 around 10 Maremma horses and other breeds of various sizes available for riding. They range from small, large, quiet and playful. They are all sturdy, reliable and experienced horses. The sheer will of the local Maremma breed to survive in the wilderness of the Maremma has resulted in a strong, warm-blooded horse that makes ideal trail companion. At the hotel, the horses are raised together in the meadows of the Maremma. Friendships and an organised hierarchy mark the life of the horses and, as a result, develop strong, quiet characters through the security of the herd.

The horses are all ridden in English style in English or trail saddles and with a loose rein. The pace of riding is steady with some well-controlled canters and trots through gently rolling countryside with secure footing. The stables are approximately 300m from the hotel and facilities include an outdoor arena for teaching. The riding instructors and guides all speak English.

All abilities can be catered for here; from beginner riders looking to learn how to ride in a beautiful setting to experienced riders who would like to explore the rolling Italian countryside.

The minimum age for riding is 6 years old. Children (6-14 years old) should book the Discovery Week with lessons and if the instructor feels that the child is ready, they may be able to take part in half-day trail rides. This is at the full responsibility of the parents/carers. Such decisions will be organised on-site.

The maximum weight for this ride is 95kg on request. The decision is taken pre-booking and depends on the workload of the horses, the ability of the rider and the chosen programme. Please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The hotel is situated in a peaceful and scenic location within a large property surrounded by meadows and woods. Close-by (10 minutes walk) is the medieval village of Montieri. Enjoy the warm, rustic atmosphere of a Tuscan house with wooden-beamed ceilings, open fireplaces, red stone walls and terracotta statues completing the picture of this little gem.

There are 24 bedrooms (14 bedrooms in the main building and 10 in the annex near the swimming pool), a restaurant, a small meeting room, a bar and a large living room area with beautiful views and large TV. Wi-Fi connection and internet points are available for free. The bedrooms have the same commodities as that of a good 3-star hotel and are furnished in a simple and comfortable style. All of the bedrooms have a shower, toilet, telephone, TV, security safe and electric kettle for boiling water for coffee and tea. Many of the large double bedrooms have the possibility to add one or two more beds for extra adults or children. Some bedrooms are connected and are particularly suitable for large families.

Please note that child prices are valid for children sharing a room with an adult. Infants under 2 years old are free of charge when sharing with adults but please be aware that you must provide your own travel cot. There are a few single rooms which can be booked for no single supplement, but please note these are very small with not much free floor space. Should you require a larger room (often good to have with riding boots/chaps/helmet etc) it is advisable to book a double for single use and pay the modest supplement.

The garden is perfect for a drink while watching the sunset over panoramic views. There is a swimming pool and table tennis area as well as covered and uncovered car parks. The swimming pool is open from mid-May to mid-September. The hot water provides a welcome feeling of wellbeing that you need after a long day of sightseeing, excursions, horse riding, hiking or mountain biking in Tuscany.

The Tuscan-styled food is based on simple dishes. Among the specialties are: Tuscan Soup with beans, pappardelle pasta with a venison meat sauce, risotto with leeks and walnuts, Maremman tortelli, a chickpea cream soup and wild porcini mushrooms, braised meat in red wine, steamed wild boar, sliced meat with rocket salad and grana cheese and many more. Vegetarian or other dietary requests before arrival please.

It is also important to try some of the most famous wines of the region: Morellino from Scansano, Montereggio from Massa Marittima, or the wines from the Chianti area. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Dinner is a 3-course meal where you can choose from 2 starters and main courses (one of which is vegetarian), or you may choose “a la carte” dishes.

Holidays are booked on a half-board basis and guests can choose to have breakfast and either lunch or dinner, The dinner is served in the restaurant, the lunch consists of a 3-course picnic seated at a table at the start/finish of your riding (if doing a half day) or in the middle of the day if doing full day rides. The picnics all happen in scenic Maremman locations and include wine and coffee. These picnics are not to be missed - they are very social and enjoyed by the horse-riders, cyclists, hikers alike. Breakfast is served as a continental style buffet daily. During the day guests can purchase small snacks at the bar.

Nearby in the village of Montieri (approximately 10 minutes' walk) there are several small restaurants and bars.

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 hotel lies at 750m above sea level meaning that guests can enjoy a year-round pleasant climate, even through the summer months. The spring months bring the wild flowers and autumn is equally as beautifully with the changing colour of the landscape.

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.

Cameras and phones can be charged every night. There is free Wifi for guests and good mobile phone signal.

- 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
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Informal/casual wear for evenings
- All terrain sandals
- Lightweight rainwear
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses with string
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with 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
- Copy of passport

Wearing a waist pouch is a handy method for keeping items such as camera and lip-balm readily accessible.

Travel cot if travelling with a child under 2 years old

8d / 7n programme with 5 riding days. Available throughout the year. Saturday arrival for the Discovery and Star Rides booked online and for the trail rides. Discovery and Star Rides can be arranged for any start date through one of our consultants.

2025: Discovery week/Star rides Saturdays 19 April to 31 Oct
2025: Trail to the Sea 13 - 19 October
2025: Maremma Trail 22 - 28 September
2025: High season 19 April - 9 June & 1 July - 15 Sept
2025: Low season 10 -30 June & 16 Sept - 31 Oct

Child prices 30% discount on accommodation and meals, please enquire

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 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

An abundance of flora and fauna can be seen in the surrounding Tuscan countryside. From thick native oak and chestnut forests to the evergreen plant of the Mediterranean "Macchia" bursting with wild flowers. Experience the typical Tuscan scenery of olive groves, vineyards, pines and cypresses. Depending on the time of day you may see wild boar, deer, porcupines, rabbits and badgers. Birdlife includes buzzards and goshawks. Even wolves have been sighted on the hotel's video surveillance cameras!

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.