On the trail of noble lords and dreaded bandits, this riding tour through sunny Tuscany takes you back to the dark Middle Ages and the time of the Etruscans. Ride on centuries-old Etruscan and Roman roads through the unique tufa region of the Maremma, past historic tombs and through archaeological parks. Experience one of the most impressive and unspoilt areas of Italy on horseback and immerse yourself in history. The riding tour starts in the south of Tuscany, but the largest part of the journey leads through Lazio.

Itinerary

Etruscan ride

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in the evening at the Sovana Hotel & Resort, where you will be welcomed with an aperitif before the tour briefing and dinner.

Day 2: San Valentino - Proceno
At around 10.00 am, you set off along the River Lente, which takes you to the fortified village of Castel Ottieri. Before the picnic to ride you go up to visit the medieval village . In the afternoon, you leave the forest and enjoy a ride along wide paths that invite you to take long, beautiful gallops. You enjoy the view of the wide hill as far as the medieval Proceno. You get there via winding paths that take you through fragrant bushes to lead. You spend the night in the beautiful Proceno Castle. Riding time: approx. 4.5 hours. 

Day 3: Proceno - Selva del Lamone
After breakfast, you first cross the river Stridolone and then ride through the impressive Montorio estate. Wild paths to lead first take you through the Mediterranean forest. The route continues between fields and colorful flowering meadows, where there are plenty of opportunities for trotting and galloping. Lunch break near San Quirico. In the afternoon you continue your ride to the Mezzano estate to end the day in the dark and mysterious Selva del Lamone. About 6 hours at saddle. 

Day 4: Selva del Lamone - Vulci 
Today you to ride to the ruins of the Etruscan-Roman town Castro. Before that, however, you continue through the mysterious Selva del Lamone. You will find yourself on the Sentiero dei Briganti (path of the bandits) and in the quaint forest. Continue on to ride through olive groves and flowering meadows and enjoy the view of the gentle hilly landscape. At midday you reach the ruins of the once important town Castro. Afterwards to ride you descend along the narrow Etruscan roads carved out of tuff to the picnic area next to a pilgrimage church. After a delicious picnic lunch, you cross the estate of the Prince of Torlonia until you reach the pretty Castello dell Abbadia. Here you cross the so-called Devil's Bridge, a narrow, high Etruscan bridge that crosses the idyllic river Fiora. You have now arrived at Vulci Park. Riding time: approx. 5-6 hours. 

Day 5: Vulci Park on horseback
Today you get to see the impressive Vulci archaeological park and the Etruscan tombs. You to ride along the well-preserved Roman road, past the ruins of thermal baths, temples and a huge Roman villa. From here, you ride over the river Fiora to the Etruscan tombs, the most important of which you visit (Tomba Francois). The ride continues down to river, which at one point forms a small idyllic lake with a waterfall. Then to ride to the park's restaurant, where you will have lunch today. The afternoon is at leisure. About 3 hours at saddle. 

Day 6: Vulci - Selva del Lamone 
You leave Vulci across wide yellow fields. Today you can once again enjoy beautiful gallops along wide paths. You follow the river Fiora initially through horse and cattle pastures, later in the forest, where you enjoy your picnic in the shade. In the afternoon, to ride you cross picturesque fields and typical Tuscan hill until you reach the starting point of the mysterious Etruscan road of Castro again, which you now ascend in the opposite direction to ride. Continue along wide dirt tracks along the bandits' path, which takes you back to the Selva del Lamone. You release the horses at pasture and return to the Agritourismo at Mezzano lake for the night. Approx. 6 hours at saddle.

Day 7: Selva del Lamone - Sorano
Today you to ride through the Mezzano estate. Stop for lunch in Vitozza (near San Quirico), an ancient Etruscan necropolis. After lunch in Vitozza to ride you walk down a narrow historical path to river Lente. You are in the Città del Tufo archaeological park (tufa park). A wild path leads above the river through the rustic forest to the picturesque Sorano, perched high up on the rocks. You cross the river to climb another adventurous Etruscan path on the other side. The route continues through olive groves, meadows and the hilly Mediterranean forest, through which you finally return to stable . Riding time: approx. 5-6 hours.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you start your journey home.

Etruscan Mini Trail

This short trail is a shortened version of the Etruscan Adventure Ride. You can read the de ion of the individual days above.

Day 1: Arrival 

Day 2: San Valentino - Proceno 
Riding time: approx. 4-5 hours.

Day 3: Proceno - Selva del Lamone 
Riding time: approx. 6 hours.

Day 4: Selva del Lamone - Sorano
Riding time: approx. 5-6 hours.

5 Day: Departure

Accomodation
You are accommodated in ed agriturismo, hotels and in a castle.

Saddle & Tack: English and trekking saddles

Experience: You should be comfortable in all gaits and in varied terrain. The terrain is demanding, with some narrow and difficult paths. Not for timid riders. Where the terrain permits, there are long gallops and trotting sections. Maximum 40 km per day. Rider weight up to 80 kg.

Horses: reliable italian breeds and arabian(-mixes), well trained and going forward.