LA DOLCE VITA IN TUSCANY
It’s apt your host, Selvaggia’s name means ‘Wild’. Descended from a long line of horse woman, Selvaggia’s mother is one of the only women to ever ride in the infamous Palio horse race in Siena. The race has been run since the middle ages. This year Selvaggia has created a race track in the grounds of the castle because year, it’s her turn to race the Palio.
Selvaggia’s family have lived in Castello Del Calcione since the 1400s. The earliest records of Calcione date back to 984 AD, a contract drawn up "in castrum Calcionis". Throughout the centuries Calcione has gone through a great variety of identities. From a fortress-monastery, to an important Florentine military outpost, an old border rampart, an agricultural epicenter with a strong focus on innovation, to a modern country house. Angelo Lotteringhi della Stufa bought Calcione on the 27th September 1483. Since then, history, tradition and quality of life unite this ancient family to this place. Its thousand year history can be discovered by booking a visit of the castle,
Overview
FAST FACTS
3 nights / 4 days
Cost: From €1,650
Operator: Ride Tuscany
Where: Tuscany, Italy
Riding level: Intermediate to advanced. You must be comfortable at all paces including extended fast gallops.
Weight limit: Maximum of 95kg/210lbs
Time in the saddle: 2 to 8 hours a day
HORSES
The horses are Italian warmbloods and most were born and bred on the castle grounds and have had careers as competition horses so they are well schooled. They are therefore responsive, elegant and fit.
All the horses are ridden in english tack with comfortable sheepskin seat savers.
The riding is free and open on the rolling countryside with many opportunities for a fast gallop.
ACCOMMODATION
One night is spent in Castello Del Calcione. A medieval fairytale castle complete with two towers. The castle estate has 40 bedroom, manicured gardens, swimming pools, private lakes and best of all - horses on your doorstep.
Two nights are enjoyed at neighbouring, and equally magnificent, Castello di San Fabiano near Sienna, the home of the Palio.
GET IN TOUCH
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Shared accommodation, all horse riding, guides, meals, alcohol and soft drinks are included. Whiskey, gin, vodka, wine and beers are always available but please let us know should you have a special request.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international or domestic flights, travel insurance, or staff tips ($20 a day) or transfers. Full medical and holiday insurance is required to join the ride.
TRANSFERS
The trail begins at Castello Del Calcione. Your hosts can arrange transfer from Siena or Arezzo train stations; or Rome, Florence and Pisa airports.
You are able to have your own room for a single supplement of €210.
Book your return flight
Transfer costs can change do the changing oil price. We will confirm the price at the time of your booking.
You will return to Calcione at 6pm.
MEALS
Dinner, rago pasta, fresh hand made pasta, tiramisu, crostate, cake, calducci, fresh seasonal produce. Slow food from the castle vegetable gardens. Taliata, classical tuscan meats.
Picnic * 2 (Panini) Hot picnic, wine.
Restaurant in Sienna (local restaurants, ragu, game meats, pastas) http://osterialelogge.it/.
WHAT TO PACK
W Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday. We recommend our favourite power bank and other gear here.
Should you wish to dress like a local for your ride, we are happy to recommend places to buy beautiful country clothing and traditional berets - all essential items to dress as a local.
Helmets are not provided. Please bring your own if you choose to wear one.
Saddle bag with water and snacks but your luggage is moved from hotel to hotel.
There may be short areas where you need to walk your horse down steep slopes.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
You will arrive at the Castello Del Calcione around 6pm You have the option of staying at Castello del Calcione at a special rate (including dinner and breakfast) of €120pppn for safari riders.
You are welcome to extend your stay at Castello del Calcione. You can indicate this on the rider form and we will share a quote including or excluding meals.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Departures Thursday to Sunday. Private groups on request.
Maximum group size of 6.
TUSCANY
Currency is the euro (EUR). You can pay your tips in euro.
Time Zone: GMT +1
Climate: Enter weather chat here
YOUR ITINERARY
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Arrival at Castello del Calcione, either by car, or transfers can be arranged from the stations of Arezzo or Sienna, or from Florence, Pisa, Perugia or Rome airports.
Castello del Calcione is an ancient family owned estate, surrounded by untouched woods, lakes, wildlife, farmhouses, olive groves, horses, authenticity and a lot of freedom.
Once arrived in Calcione you will be shown to your room in the castle and given the time to settle in. You will have the possibility to try out the horses and find your perfect companion for the adventure.
Aperitivo and drinks will be followed by dinner in the castle’s main dining room.
Accommodation in Castle Calcione.
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After enjoying a substantial breakfast, we’ll meet at the stables around 9:30 and set off for the ride. We will first cross the town of Rapolano, where we’ll stop for a quick coffee before getting lost into the Senese rolling hills, where, after a couple of hours, we will break for lunch in a spot chosen for its breathtaking views.
The route will continue all the way to Monteroni d’Arbia in the afternoon. Aperitivo and dinner will be served on the ancient tower of Castello di San Fabiano.
Accommodation is in Castello di San Fabiano.
5 hours riding
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Late in the morning we will set off for the Leonina Trail, which is the famous historical route used by the Palio jockeys to train their horses. We will stop for a light picnic in Vescona, which is the house of Bastiano, a famous jockey who won multiple times the Palio, before riding back to the Castello di San Fabiano.
In the afternoon you can choose between a variety of different activities, whether it is a walk in the center of Siena, a relaxing bath at the Bagni di San Filippo or a wine tasting in the nearby wineries.
Accommodation at Castello di San Fabiano
3 Hours Riding
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The ride back will start around 10 AM and will explore another type of landscape.
You cross two small towns, Mucigliani and Torre a Castello, as well as oak forests and olive groves. You will stop again for a picnic in a carefully selected spot before riding back to Calcione.
5 Hours Riding
THE PALIO OF SIENA
BIO ABOUT SELVAGGIA AND THE INSPIRATION FOR THE RIDES HERE
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Departures weekly on Thursday to Sunday from April to November.
All departures are €2,200 per person sharing. Private groups are welcome with a maximum of 5 guests.
