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Riding holidays and horse safaris

Italy ~ Tuscany & Umbria Border

The Santa Cristina estate, with its lovingly restored 17th century castle, is on the Tuscany Umbria border, close to Lake Bolsena. Property of the Caterini family for generations and once a favourite summer retreat of the young Pope Pius XII, Santa Cristina makes a wonderful holiday base. Daily rides out take you to the hilltop town of Onano, past ancient Etruscan tombs, along the infamous Brigand’s Path and to the shimmering crater lakes of Mezzano and Bolsena. You can visit the fortified towns of Sorano, Proceno and Pitigliano, there is a sand school for lessons or you can relax by the pool, play tennis, taste local wines, try a thermal spa or even have a cooking lesson! Perfect for families, riders and non-riders, this is a magical and peaceful retreat in the heart of Italy.



Riding: 2-5 hours a day and tailored to suit

Horses: Maremmani, TB and warmblood crosses, local crosses on Medieval Castle Ride

Pace: moderate

Riding ability: Medieval Castle Ride for intermediate and above; other programs confident novice and above

Weight limit: 100kg (15st 10lbs)

Accommodation: rural aprtments, some hotels

Group size: Sta Cristina can host 20+ guests, riding is in small groups max 5 (10 on Medieval Castle Ride)

For Santa Cristina testimonials please click here

 

The horses are mixture of Thoroughbred and warmblood crosses, and local Italian crosses, varying from 15hh to 17hh and also one or two childrens ponies. They are all a well schooled, responsive, willing and enjoyable ride and are very well looked after by Heidi who is in charge of the horses and also a qualified dressage teacher. Tack is English style. Rides are usually limited to a maximum of 5 guests.

Hours: On the specific riding programs there is generally 2 to 5 hours riding a day, broken with rests and for a long lunch. Riding can also be tailored to suit.

Pace and experience required: There is great flexibility at Santa Cristina - the ride programs are aimed at reasonably competent riders, who are secure, comfortable and in control on a horse at a walk, trot and canter in open country. The Medieval Castle Ride is for intermediate riders and above only. Other programs are more flexible and novice and even beginners can be catered for with lessons in the sand school.

Accommodation on all but the Medieval Castle Ride is based at Santa Cristina. The 'fattoria', the old farmhouse in the grounds of the castle, has been converted for guests and there are several apartments, a dining room and swimming pool. On the Medieval Castles Ride two other castles are used, the fortress at Sorano and Proceno Castle. All accommodation is in twin bedrooms which have private bathrooms with loo and shower. Food on the rides is excellent. Breakfast and dinner (three or four delicious courses with a chance to try many of the local specialities) are usually eaten at Santa Cristina (or at Sorano or Proceno for some nights of the Medieval Castle Ride). Lunch is either at Santa Cristina or maybe a picnic brought to meet you out riding.

Rates 2010

The Brigands Trail (7 nights) - Euros 1460;
single supplement - Euros 120
Mid Week Breaks (4 nights) - Euros 885;
single supplement - Euros 100
Long Weekends (3 nights) - Euros 800;
single supplement - Euros 100
Medieval Castle Ride (7 nights) - Euros 2125;
single supplement - Euros 225

Rates include - all riding, guiding and equipment, 7, 4 or 3 nights twin accommodation, meals, wine with lunch and dinner (and transfers from / to Orvieto on the Medieval Castle Ride).

Rates exclude - flights to Italy, transfers to Santa Cristina, personal medical insurance (compulsory), any visa fees, personal extras and tips.

Prices are quoted in Euros as the ride prices in Hungary are set in this currency. Payments to us can of course be made in pounds sterling if you wish and we can give you a sterling rate at the time of booking. 
Dates 2010 The Brigands Trail (7 nights) - Saturday to Saturday, on request

Mid Week Breaks (4 nights) - Sunday to Thursday, on request

Long Weekends (3 nights) - Thursday to Sunday, on request

Medieval Castle Ride (7 nights)
1st to 8th May
22nd to 29h May
29th May to 5th June
19th to 26th June
3rd to 10th July
28th August to 4th September
11th to 18th September
18th to 25th September
9th to 16th October
16th to 23rd October
Season March to early July & September to November

Rome is usually the best airport to fly to though Pisa is another good option. In most cases we recommend hiring a car and driving your self to Santa Cristina (directions will be supplied). Transfers can also be arranged from Rome or Orvieto for an extra charge.

For the Medieval Castle Ride the meeting place is Orvieto, usually at 16.00 on the first day, and transfers are arranged from here to / from Santa Cristina at set times. It is generally easiest to fly to Rome and to transfer to Orvieto from there. There are good train services from Rome to Orvieto (the cheapest and usually an easy way to transfer) or we can arrange collection from / to Rome for an extra charge. For flights to Rome from London budget around £150 economy return (varies with the season and availability).

 

 

Itinerary in Brief, The Brigands Trail (please enquire for other itineraries)

Day 1 Arrive Santa Cristina. A welcome drink with your host in the castle and a short briefing. Dinner and night at Santa Cristina.
Day 2
 Breakfast and meet the horses at the stables. Set off on a morning ride which takes you along the plateau between Lake Bolsena and Lake Mezzano. On a clear day the views down to the coast are wonderful. Return to Santa Cristina for lunch. Afternoon free. Dinner and night at Santa Cristina.
Day 3
 A full day ride to Lake Mezzano. This beautiful crater lake, once a volcano, has some interesting historical sites, pre-Etruscan settlements that are 2500 years old. Lunch in a small restaurant overlooking the lake. Ride back to Santa Cristina for dinner and the night.
Day 4
 Breakfast and set off riding to the fortified hill town of Onano. Return through enchanting countryside to Santa Cristina for lunch. Afternoon free. Dinner and night at Santa Cristina.
Day 5
 The ride today takes you to Lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. A picnic lunch on the shores of the lake and a swim for those who wish. In the afternoon ride back through the woods to Santa Cristina. Dinner and night Santa Cristina.
Day 6
 The day free from riding with time to visit local sites such as the fortress towns of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovano. Or you can just relax by the pool. Dinner and night at Santa Cristina.
Day 7
 The final day's ride takes you to another fortress in the town of Proceno. A beautiful ride crossing the Montorio game reserve. Lunch will be a picnic or in a restaurant in Proceno and in the afternoon ride back to Santa Cristina through vinyards and fields. Farwell dinner and night at Santa Cristina.
Day 8
 Breakfast and own arrangements for your onward journey.
  Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions