Chianti Rufina
Tuscany is famous for its cities of art, its history, its' famous men and their works. But, it is the landscape, the warm hospitality of the Tuscan people, the solitary farm houses, medieval villages, rows of vines, olive trees, and cypresses that make it a perfect area to explore on the back of a horse. Combine this with an excellent climate, superb food, fabulous wine and well schooled horses and you have the makings of an ideal holiday!
You will stay on alovingly restored 18th century farm estate, drink fine wine, dine on Tuscan cuisine, and enjoy the countryside on horseback. It is an excellent option for couples with a non riding partner or children, as the riders return every evening to the same location.
The holiday includes three full day rides and two shorter half day rides enabling riders to spend time by the pool or to visit nearby Florence. The rides take you all over Tuscany, visiting local farms for special lunches as well as including a wine tasting tour at the XVth century Villa Colognole. You will be able to discover the beauty of the Chianti Rufina wine region, the wilderness of the Monte Giove National Park, and the harmonious landscape of the Mugello.
- Day 1 (D)
- Pick up from Florence station; transfer to farm. Welcome drink with your hosts before dinner.
- Day 2 (B,L,D)
- Accustom yourself to your horse and tack before departing for Monte Giove. Negotiate tracks used in world war two by partisans hiding in the area, and on arrival at the cross, take in the breathtaking panoramic views that stretch over the Florentine Basin right over to Florence herself. On your return stop for a typical Tuscan lunch out on the terrace of a local rustic restaurant.
- Day 3 (B,L,D)
- Today you saddle up early for an adventurous ride into the National Park forest land and the Pontassive heights. Ride through the wine making village of Rufina, and onward to the beautiful vineyards above Pontassieve. Take in the sights and smells of Tuscany, including fields of wild flowers, lakes, and the ever present rolling landscapes typical of the area. Ride into a village called Acone, where there is a fantastic view over the surrounding landscape. From Acone wind your way down to an ancient Roman bridge and then stop for lunch amongst the vineyards. After a good Tuscan meal ride down the valley surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves, crossing the river Sieve for a long canter along the flatlands, before crossing the river again to return to base.
- Day 4 (B,D)
- Ride through farms, medieval hamlets, and along ancient partisan tracks on this morning ride down to the River Sieve. Take an exhilarating canter alongside the river before cooling off in the river . Occasionally you will even see a lazy trout swim past. The ride takes in a pretty waterfall, before returning back to the farm in time for dinner and a hot shower.
- Day 5 (B,L,D)
- Another full day ride. Head through the village of Dicomano, up through private vineyards and farmland to "Il Lago", where in the warmer months riders can swim in the secluded private lake which nestles amongst pine forest. After a picnic lunch on the banks, and a lazy siesta under the shade of the trees, return to the farm via lush vineyards, forest tracks, cool chestnut woods and olive groves. Pass old abandoned homesteads and grazing cattle, and canter along the corn fields before wetting your horses legs in the refreshing River Sieve.
- Day 6 (B,D)
- Day at leisure. Take a late afternoon ride through the Colognole Chianti vineyards, down past the XVth century Villa, with the option to stop and enjoy a wine tasting. Return as the sun begins to set in time for dinner and a hot shower.
- Day 7 (B,D)
- Free day to relax or take advantage of one of the excursions available. Keen shoppers have the option of taking a guided trip to the Outlet mall in Incisa with self-confessed shopping addict Jess, where all the top Italian labels (from Valentino to Diesel) have their outlet shops. Lovers of Italian cuisine can choose a cooking class, or you can simply work on your tan by the pool.
- Day 8 (B)
- Drop-off at the station after breakfast.
- Cost per Person:
- Ride Only: £930
- Includes: Return transfers from Florence station, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding. Transfers can be arranged from Florence Airport for a supplement of £38.
- Single Supplement: £210
- Departure Dates: 17, 31 May, 28 Jun, 12, 19 Jul, 02, 09, 23 Aug. 27 Sep, 11 Oct.
- The Accommodation: Accommodation for the week is at the B&B at the Ville de Colognole, which is located in a very unique clearing high above Rufina between Dicomano and Monte Giove summit, right between the Chianti Rufina wine region (vineyards below the house) and the Mugello National Parks (forest directly above the farmhouse). At night you will hear fallow deer barks, owls hooting and will occasionally see a pair of friendly porcupines who frequent the area. You will stay in beautifully restored rooms in an 18th century farm building. Each room has its own bathroom and a fabulous view. The swimming pool is just a stone's throw from the building and affords wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. It is equipped with a changing area (including showers) and is sheltered by a laurel hedge and a stone wall.
- Food & Drink: Meals are based on local ingredients and traditions. In Italy there is a special emphasis on "la Cucina" and this is evident in the meals. Breakfast and dinner are served daily at the gorgeous little restaurant looking over the Rufina valleys. Generally on the last night Paolo will prepare his famous Sardinian spit roast over the open fire. Lunch will be provided on full day rides, on other days riders can choose to eat at various local restaurants or a prepared lunch can be organized (at extra cost). Those with special dietary requirements can also be catered for if notice is given.
- Laundry: There is a wahing machine on site that can be used by guests.
- Children : Children of 12 and upwards are welcome providing they are accommpanied by an experienced adult rider.
- Non-Riders: Are welcome and can chose from a variety of activities such as long walks, mountain biking,fishing, enjoying the warm summer sun at the side of the swimming pool, well heated in the off-season months or simply relax with a good book in the shade of an old tree.