Italy - Medieval Castle

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 ZM of Edinburgh on 24/09/2022

Check-in is available from 2pm to 5:30pm and check out is by 10am. If guests wish to arrive or depart outside of these hours please contact us and alternative arrangements can be made.

Sample Itinerary
Monday - Friday:
Morning: After breakfast at 9.30am, riding, horse care and handling lessons will last approximately 1.5 hours for each group of riders.
Lunch will be served on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool at 1.30pm. Relax and free time until 3.30pm.
Afternoon: From 3.30pm until 5.00pm: swimming pool, tennis, indoor games or volley ball.
Evening: From 5.00pm until 7.00pm:  Grooming and riding lessons at the school, excursion in the countryside, or pony games.
At the end of the day the horses are fed, cleaned and turned away for the night.
Dinner is served in the taverna at 8.30pm.
NB: A parent/guardian must accompany any children booked on this week, see other packages and speak to your Travel Consultant.

Please note that during the month of August there is a minimum of 7 nights stay.

Week Long Stay
This includes 7 nights full or half-board with 5 days riding. This holiday is suitable for all level of riders, with a flexible programme of trails and lessons available for beginner and novice riders. There is 1 full day ride of 4-5 hours and 5 half-day rides of 2-3 hours. The half-day rides can be substituted for one-hour lesson as wished and, subject to availability, 2 half-days can be combined to do a full-day ride. There are many trail rides in all directions and 4 different full day rides. Beautiful nature abundant with history, with castles and archaeological sites frame the sweeping views. 

Long Weekend
4 nights full or half-board with 3 days riding. This is a flexible package of trail rides or lessons - for example, for intermediate and advanced riders: 1 full-day (4-5 hours) and 2 half-days (2 hours) or for beginners and novices: 3 lessons + 2 half-days riding.

Non-rider prices available on request.

Please note that full-day rides last 4-5 hours and may involve long trots and canters over undulating ground. Half-day rides are shorter but may still include faster riding and hilly terrain. Riders should have the experience and fitness to cope with this. If you have any concerns about this please talk to the team before your holiday or on arrival at the castle. Additional lessons and relaxed trails can be arranged as an alternative as long as prior notice is given, subject to availability. There will be a charge to collect any rider that cannot manage the full ride (excluding in emergency).

Pony Camp Week (ages 9-17 years)
The children have 6 days of a riding lesson (50’) in the morning and a hack (1 hr) in the afternoon with a riding instructor. The children are divided into groups of similar ability with the aim is to increase their confidence and skills so that they can learn to ride safely in the arena and in the countryside. Between riding, they will learn about caring for horses, feeding, grooming, cleaning tack etc under supervision. The accommodation is full board and they can also use the swimming pool, tennis courts etc and there is free WiFi. 

Due to very high temperatures in July and August, full-day rides will not be organized, the itinerary will include 6 half-day rides.

New Years Eve

5 nights accomodation in a double or twin room in the Old Granary of the Castle with an ensuite bathroom. Full board with wine and coffee included. 4 half-day riding excursion. Included in the stay is a 50 minute massage by one of the professional physiotherapist. Any extra Spa treatments are payable on site. New years eve dinner at the castle with music and fireworks, Typical Traditional Tuscan Menu - Crostini & Bruschetta, Polenta with boar meat sauce, Risotto with local mushrooms, Roasted pork fillet with vegetables sauce, Traditional new year’s eve dish with local lentils with “cotechino”, Salad and our roasted potatoes from the farm, Dessert, Spumante at Midnight to toast to the New Year.

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE A 50min MASSAGE

Transfers: From Flumicino (FCO) €320 per car (max 2 people)
                  From Ciampino (CIA) €340 per car (max 2 people)

Other Activities (Non Riding)
There are so many activities and thing to do both onsite and in the local area that a car rental is highly recommended to let you take advantage of all the possibilities should you wish to explore.
On site and included in price: swimming pool, football field, trampoline, volleyball, ping pong table, pool table
On-site but not included in price: tennis court, cycling and spa treatments. Guided cycling can be booked from €65 including bike rental with an experienced cycle guide. Guided trekking can also be arranged on request.

Off site and not included unless stated in programme (transfers available, fees apply):

• Thermal hot springs at Sorano
• Wine tasting
• Lake Bolsena 9km away: boat trips or sunset cruise and many water activities: canoe rental, windsurfing, swimming
• Golf 10km away par 3, 9 hole golf club
• Visit local highlights - within 30min
  Civita di Bagnoreggio: the dying town. On a peninsula connected to land by a long bridge, Civita is holding onto a hill of volcanic rock that is slowly eroding. This incredible town has remained frozen in time since the middle ages.
  Orvieto: see the famous Duomo and the old town centre
  Pitgliano, Sorano, Sovana, Tuscania, Acquapendente
• Visit local highlights - within 30min
  Viterbo, Bomarzo, Vico Lake, Vulci, Tarquinia, Capabio, Pienza, Saturnia Spa, the seaside with PADI scuba diving
• Rome is 1 hr 45 min away, Siena is 1 hr and 15 min away, Firenze is 2 hrs and 30 min away.

Car hire:
Many guests at the castle opt to hire a car to explore the surrounding area during their stay. Queues for car hire at the airports can often be very long and slow, so if you are interested in this you can arrange for a car through the castle. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred with your luggage to the castle, and then the driver will take you on to the local car hire centre to pick up your vehicle. This allows you to hire a smaller, cheaper car for local excursions. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like this option.

Price of car rental: from €50 per day
What is included: Rental of car (Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge, SMART Fortwo Coupe, or Peugeot 108 1.0 VTI Allure), road fee, maximum 150kms per day, administration costs, VAT, collision damage waiver, theft protection
What is not included: Fuel, insurance, extra milage

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 currently 22 horses and ponies at the riding centre coming from a wide variety of breeds such as Italian Maremmano and Murgese, German and Dutch warmbloods, French, Anglo Arab, Thoroughbred and cross breeds. Thanks to the reasonably mild year-round climate, the horses get to live out in 100 hectares of green paddocks around the castle estate and it is obvious to see that they are happy and enjoy their work. They are treated as part of the family.

Each horse is carefully selected according to their experience and to match the rider's ability. They are schooled throughout the year, well balanced and range from forward-going to calmer, confidence-givers and everything in-between! They are ridden in English style tack with snaffle bits.

At the riding centre there are two large sand arenas. The ground is made of volcanic sand which is typical of the area. One arena is used mainly for flat work and is lit with floodlights while the other larger arena is used for show jumping. There is a lunging ring for lunge lessons.

All programmes are flexible and operated according to current situations - weather, availability, other activities etc. Therefore whether the riding takes place in the morning or afternoon will be decided on-site between guests and guides and subsequently a set itinerary for these programmes is not followed.Please note that in July and August full day rides will not be organized. 

Out on the trails riders may be required to walk beside their horse for around 10 minutes on certain rides, usually for steep or slippery ground. If you are not able to mount/unmounts easily these rides can be avoided. Riders are welcome to assist the guides/stable staff with the horses, such as grooming and tacking up/un-tacking but this is not required.

This holiday is suitable for all abilities, from beginner to advanced riders. The based stays can be tailored to the riding ability, with lessons and gentle trail rides for beginners and trail rides for intermediate and advanced riders. Guests should have some physical fitness to be able to ride safely even if they are not experienced riders. Please note that riders can only ride out on trail rides if they are able to control their horse at walk, trot and canter.

Full-day rides last 4-5 hours and may involve long trots and canters over undulating ground. Half-day rides are shorter but may still include faster riding and hilly terrain. Riders should have the experience and fitness to cope with this. If you have any concerns about this please talk to the team before your holiday or on arrival at the castle. Additional lessons and relaxed trails can be arranged as an alternative as long as prior notice is given, subject to availability. There will be a charge to collect any rider that cannot manage the full ride (excluding in emergency).

There is a minimum age of 9 years old for lessons or 14 years old for trail riding depending on experience.

Please note it is mandatory for all riders to wear a riding hat - there is a selection of hats, boots and body protectors and half leg chaps available to borrow on-site but we recommend that you take your own. You MUST provide details of medical insurance to be able to ride.

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

The tastefully restored farmhouse, situated directly below the castle, houses 14 double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The bedrooms are furnished with original, antique pieces and are infused with the traditional rural style of the Italian countryside. Beautifully embellished with wooden trusses, these bedrooms, with elegant bathrooms, capture the fairytale atmosphere of Santa Cristina. In addition to the bedrooms there are also apartments and a cottage within the castle grounds. These are perfect for friends and families and have their own living rooms and kitchen (different costs may apply).

The maximum capacity of the farmhouse and castle grounds is 42 people, however the maximum capacity for riders is 10 at any one time. Although more riding can be booked on site this is subject to availability and it is wise to book the riding programme beforehand to ensure availability at peak times. The rooms may be double or twin upon request. Wi-Fi is available free of charge at the reception, inside the breakfast room of the Castle and in the restaurant area.

On the ground floor of the house, opening onto the main terrace overlooking the pool, there is a large basement with vaulted brick which was once a stable block. This area is now a common area known as the Taverna and the space inside is divided into three main areas: a restaurant area, a billiards room and a living room with a ping pong table and piano. These areas are suitable for both children and adults alike and makes for a great meeting point for all guests.

Outside there is a swimming pool (open from June 1st to September 30th) located just below the terrace measuring 16x6.5m. There are gazebo's and wooden sun loungers around the pool, as well as a smaller children's pool of 2x2m. In the grounds of the farmhouse guests will also find a mini football pitch, volleyball court and a tennis court, as well as pretty gardens with the horses grazing nearby. The riding arenas are approximately a 1 minute walk from the farmhouse.

Single supplements: if solo travellers are willing to share accommodation and a sharer can be found, the single supplement charge is not charged. If a sharer cannot be found then the single supplement is payable.

Meals:

There are two restaurant areas in and around the farmhouse. Breakfast is served buffet style in a large, charming room which was once the horse stables of the castle. The farm's products, such as eggs, jams and homemade cakes are available for breakfast to start a day full of energy.

Lunches and dinners are served in the restaurant of the riding club which is located below the main farmhouse. The cuisine produced at this restaurant is the result of the passion for traditional Italian cuisine with delicious dishes made with local products. The restaurant offers a set menu for each meal. The set menu for lunch consists of 3 courses with water, 1/4 bottle of wine per person and tea/coffee and for dinner, 4 courses with water, 1/4 bottle of wine per person and tea/coffee. 

During the winter season breakfast, lunch and dinner are served inside the cosy tavern at the ground floor of the main farmhouse. In summer you can dine on the terrace overlooking the pool under comfortable gazebo's.

Meal times:

Breakfast: 8am-10am

Lunch: 1pm-2pm

Dinner: 8pm-9pm

The nearest town is 3kms away from the castle and also offers a selection of good restaurants. Your hosts would be pleased to offer their recommendations.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests.

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

Expect year-round good weather with a Mediterranean climate. Winters are reasonably mild whilst summers are usually hot and quite humid. Spring and autumn are popular times to visit with warm days and cooler nights.

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

There are no specific health requirements for this ride but we do recommend a good mosquito repellent in the summer months. Please note that you MUST provide details of medical insurance to be allowed to ride.

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 mobile phones can be charged every night provided the correct adaptor has been purchased. Wi-Fi is available free of charge at the reception, inside the breakfast room of the Castle and in the restaurant area.

Riding trousers/jodhpurs
Riding boots, paddock boots or riding trainers (with heel) that are comfortable to walk in (a small selection is available on-site)
Hard hat (it is recommended to bring your own if you have one as this is always the best fit, a selection is available on site)
Half chaps (optional, a small selection is available on-site)
Riding gloves (optional)
T-shirts and shorts
Lightweight long sleeved shirts
Heavy sweater or sweatshirt
Informal/casual wear for evenings
Swimming wear
Lightweight rainwear
Sunblock
Sunglasses
Lip-balm with sunscreen
Personal toiletries
Insect repellent spray/cream
Binoculars (recommended)
Camera
Copy of passport

Items provided: towels, riding helmets, chaps, spare boots, water bottles, warm and rain/wind proof gear. Mosquito repellent and sunscreen is provided but we recommend that you take along your own supply too.

The castle is open from March to November, minimum of 3 nights. Non-riders are welcome, prices available on request.

2023: April to November.
Week-long programmes start on Saturdays,
Weekend programmes start on Wednesdays.
High Season is 16 June to 16 September and Easter Week (1-9 April). This can be flexible - please ask your travel advisor.

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This ride is also suitable for non-riders and is well-equipped for families. On-site you will find a swimming pool, ping pong, football, volleyball and a trampoline. For a small extra cost there is also a tennis court, bikes to rent and on-site spa treatments.

Off-site activities include boat trips, boat rental, guided tours of the area and wine tasting in Tuscany.

A definite must from the castle is a visit to Civita - the dying town. Just like an island, it is connected to the mainland by a long bridge. Civita is holding onto a hill of volcanic rock that is slowly collapsing with erosion. This incredible town has remained frozen in time since the middle ages with its churches and buildings. Next stop of course Orvieto and its famous Duomo is only a few km away.
In an area of 40 km guests can discover archaeological sites of the Etruscan culture (pre-Roman), admire the wonderful palaces of the Italian Renaissance that the Farnese family left in each town of the area, visit castles, or decide to relax in nearby thermal baths.
The sea is only 45 minutes away by car, the beach at Capalbio is beautiful and well worth a visit. Lake Bolsena is only 9 km away and offers many lovely spots for a swim and a boat trip or boat hire.

Destinations reachable within 30 minutes:
Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovana, Civita di Bagnoreggio, Tuscania, Lake Bolsena, Acquapendente, Orvieto.

Destinations reachable within 1 hour:
Viterbo, Bomarzo, Vico Lake, Vulci, Tarquinia, Capalbio, Pienza, Saturnia Spa.

Rome is 1 hour 45 minutes away
Siena is 1 hour 15 minutes away
Firenze is 2 hours 30 minutes away

There is an abundance of beautiful wild flowers in the countryside, along with flocks of sheep, wild pigs and numerous types of birds.

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.