Week-long Trailriding in Tuscany, Italy

Trailriding in Tuscany is a special adventure even for experienced riders who have ridden in other places of Italy or abroad. In spring and automne we offer two week-long horse trekkings that take you out into the wild-romantic Maremma Tuscany. The difference between the week-long horse treks and the day trips is that the horses will stay overnight where we arrive in the evening on a particular day. This allows us to explore some different environments around Tuscany. Our mini-bus will transport you to and from Hotel Rifugio Prategiano each day. The two options for week-long horse trekkings (5 days in the saddle) are:

This horse trek leads to one of the best beaches of Maremma Toscana and all Italy. The beach is called Cala Violina and is found in the Nature Park of "Bandite di Scarlino". Here, you will have the oportunity to gallop along white sandy beaches.

Sunday: Heading towards the coast, you will enjoy an adventurous ride through the unspoiled, thick Macchia. Along the way, you will see a variety of wild Maremma animal and plant life, and in the late afternoon we will reach a typical Maremma farmhouse.

Monday: In the morning we will ride along a cultivated agricultural area, passing vineyards and olive groves. Before you can savor the first breath of ocean air, we must climb a few hills over old trade trails that run through cork, oak and Mediterranean bushlands.

Tuesday: This day begins with a ride within the Natural Coastal Park. Before a gallop along the white sand beach we will see fantastic Mediterranean plant life, steep rocky shores and romantic sandy coves. We will stop for a picnic lunch at the beach "Cala Violina, and after you may spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Wednesday: A day of rest for the horses. Today you may be your own guide and do what you wish. We will also be glad to coordinate an excursion to Siena or other culture cities together with the other guests.

Thursday: A trot along the gray-green shimmering olive groves, a gallop along a never-ending avenue of Cyprus trees: today you will live memories of Tuscany you will never forget.

Friday: After a demanding climb and a last glance at the coastal panorama, we will enter the cool chestnut tree woods that will take us back home. After this fantastic riding trip a cool beer or a glass of excellent wine will wait for you at Hotel Prategiano.

On this horse trek, one will experience the beauty of this region of Tuscany up-close. One will also participate in some cultural sightseeing trips.

Sunday: To help you build confidence on your horse and to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area of Montieri, we will begin with a lovely, relaxing trip to a river in the Cecina valley and to the old thermals of "Galleraie".

Monday: Huge old trees and thick undergrowth are an indication of the native forests of the Alta Maremma Toscana. During our picnic lunch, you can admire the classic panorama of the valley that looks towards the sea. The rocky path that climbs up to the Fosini Castle has a unique beauty. Towards the evening we will reach the Province of Siena and the magnificent Renaissance Estate of Anqua. The horses will stay in the meadows belonging to this friendly Sienese noble family.

Tuesday: From Anqua we will ride to the hot steam area of Lagoni. The landscape changes to a charming area of agricultural fields - picture-book Tuscany. We will pass by abandoned farmhouses and cross fields and small rivers until we arrive at a friend's stable, where we will leave the horses overnight. Here, you will be introduced to the world of the Butteri, the cowboys of the Maremma.

Wednesday: A day to rest and discover the surrounding area. We can also organize trips to Massa Marittima, Siena or the seaside.

Thursday: This trail ride will lead us to one of the most well-known cultural monument in Italy - the abbey ruins of San Galgano. This cloister, built in the 13th century, was once the cultural and economic center of this region. After we have viewed the legendary walls of this church, we will gallop into open meadows and follow the legendary "Ancient Road of the Maremma" until the castle "Luriano". Here, we will have the chance to see the rare race of "Persano" horses.

Friday: This morning we cross the beautiful grounds belonging to the Countess of Luriano and move on to the romantic riverbed of the Merse River. Riding back up to the Trail Riding Center Prategiano, you will have a wonderful view of the hilly Maremma landscape. Back at the stables, the horses will enjoy a nice roll and you may enjoy a soak in our heated jacuzzi.