Italian castle hideaway break

If you are looking for a holiday in a rural hideaway set deep in the Italian countryside between Tuscany and Umbria and you like the idea of staying in a castle then please read on…….

Abandoned Etruscan settlements, lakes formed in volcanic craters and medieval edifices adorn the landscape of this enchanting Italian landscape. Located one and a half hours from Rome the splendid 17th century castle (complete with fairy tale turret) will be ‘home’ throughout your stay. The castle has two swimming pools, a tennis court and ample gardens and for those wishing to ride, a well run stables with professional instruction and miles upon miles of breath-taking trail riding awaits you.

A number of different packages are available including the following one week holiday (there are also short breaks and family holidays available).

Running from April to November but avoiding children’s’ holidays in the summer when a family holiday is offered.

Afternoon arrival (transfers from Rome airport available as a supplement). After checking in you will be served with a welcome drink and then receive a briefing from your guide/instructor who will be looking after you throughout the week.

This morning you will be heading out along The Brigands Trail towards picturesque Lake Bolsena. This is a fantastic spot with breathtaking views of the area stretching from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena on one side, to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano on the other side. On a clear day you can see the sea 40 km away, shimmering like a mirror. As you head back along this ancient ‘outlaws highway’ you will pass through mature oak woodlands dotted with original farm dwellings built in the traditional tufo rock.

Today you will be riding to Lake Mezzano, this is an area of great interest both historically and naturally. The lake was formed in a volcanic crater and is now a historical site with traces of human settlements dating back to the pre-etruscan era. We will be riding through the chestnut woods on the hillsides that surround the lake before descending onto the beaches that surround the lake. We will stop for lunch at a small rural restaurant overlooking the lake where the horses can enjoy a rest in their shady corral whilst we eat, relax and maybe enjoy a refreshing swim.

Once again this morning we will be heading off along The Brigands Trail as we ride north towards the fortified village of Orano. Centuries ago this fortified village was an important stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area throughout the middle ages.
We will return to the castle for lunch. This afternoon the choice is yours, either relax in the beautiful gardens of the castle or saddle up again for a shorter hack to a local dairy farm renowned for its fabulous 'ricotta' cheese.

Today we will follow an old trail down towards the crater of Lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. Breath taking views of the lake will accompany our excursion all the way. Scattered throughout the countryside, archaeological sites with Etruscan tombs will serve to remind us of how ancient this beautiful land really is. Today lunch will be served on the beach in a typical local restaurant and again there will be the opportunity to swim in the lake.

Today is a free day. The owners offer a number of local excursions including a trip to an ancient Etruscan settlement in their four by four vehicles, olive oil tasting or you could head off on mountain bikes!

We ride today from castle to castle, a fabulous excursion that will take us through the most unspoiled of Tuscan countryside, wading a ford in the Stridolone River before reaching the hilltop overlooking the fortress of Proceno. Along the way you may spot pheasant, fallow-deer, and wild boars. After lunch we will cross the river again and climb the side of a plateau through thick vegetation taking advantage of an old track once used by farmers.

Sadly today it is time to bid farewell to your castle home, but if you can’t bear to go home just yet we can organise an additional night or two for you in Rome.

Included in the Price:
7 nights accommodation in twin rooms with ensuite facilities (Saturday to Saturday)
Full board including table wine (picnic lunch on some rides)
Welcome drink and guided tour of the castle.
5 riding days, 3 full riding days (4/5 hrs. per day), 2 half days (2 hrs. per day)
Multi-lingual guide.
Lessons available in the arena from beginners to intermediate

The horses are a mixture of thoroughbred and warm blood crosses all chosen for their excellent temperaments, their patience and their delight for travelling through this enchanting countryside! The tack is English tack. There are two outdoor arenas and lessons are available for all ages and levels in both dressage and jumping. The maximum weight allowed is 100kg and the numbers of riders on each excursion is between 1 and 5.

Facilities at the castle include:
- Swimming pool (01st June - 30th September),
- Tennis court (15E per hour)
- Mountain bikes (20E per person per day)
- Mini football Pitch
- Volleyball
- Ping pong
- Billiards

ATTENTION: The excursions can be changed according to weather, horses and riders conditions by the riding management of the castle.

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