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Mugello Trail

8 days - Florence to Florence

This fabulous ride in Tuscany is a wilderness trail, not a gentle hack on flat vineyards - it is a ride for those who wish to see more than just the classic Chianti and takes you high into the mountains. Although the ride takes in the traditional Tuscan sights such as rolling hillsides, vineyards, and olive groves- you will ride deep into the Mugello region, up to the spectacular Muraglione pass and the Aquacheta falls where Dantes' Inferno was inspired.

You will ride into the Casentino, Mount Falterona and Campigna Forest National Parks - 36,000 hectares of protected land in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. These are some to the most ancient forests in Europe, an area rich in deer, wild boar, fox, owl and eagle, even the Apennine wolf. Beautiful sights await you at every turn, such as magnificent rock formations, deep ravines carved by the river and enchanted chestnut forests.

Tuscany is famous for its cities of art, its history, its famous men and their works. This ride enables you to see a Tuscany experienced by just a privileged few. Combine this with an excellent climate, superb food, fabulous wine and well schooled horses and you have the makings of an ideal holiday!

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 beginning the ride through the sun-drenched vineyards and silver tinged olive groves of the Chianti Rufina region (the wildest of the Chianti wine-making zones). Enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail in a secluded spot before continuing past abandoned stone farmhouses and sleepy-eyed beef cattle. There will be plenty of stunning long canter opportunities as well as river riding. Arrive at the farmhouse for a hot shower before dinner.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
Now that you are accustomed to your horse, head up into the National Parks in the direction of Castagna di Andrea. This region is an uncontaminated paradise, full of age old chestnuts, woods of beech trees, and rare species of plants and flowers. Stop for lunch on the trail and take in the wonderful views and spectacular flora and fauna before heading to the nights' accommodation.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
Today you will ride to the Muraglione Pass, that takes its name from the great wall that was commissioned by the Grand Duke Leopoldo II in 1836, gateway to the land of Romagna. Ride up to the world famous Aquacheta falls. The crystal clear water of the river spurts out among the rocks, gushing over large steps, creating a 90m waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by a forest of oak, chestnut and, beech trees. After taking in this natural beauty, continue on alongh the forest tracks, stopping for a picnic lunch, before riding to your nights' lodging.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
After breakfast set off towards the birthplace of famous artist, Giotto. Witness the complex Mugello countryside as you ride along past vast stretches of terraced hillside bordered by fields of wheat and sunflowers.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
After breakfast its back on the trail to ride back into the ever beautiful Chianti Rufina region. The horses pick up the pace knowing they are homeward bound, and you will take in some nice canters along the trail. After a tasty lunch and short siesta, wind your way through little vineyards and olive groves, over cool riverbeds, and back to Chianti Rufina and a refreshing swim.
Day 7 (B,D)
Free day to relax. Keen shoppers have the option of taking a guided trip to the Outlet mall in Incisa 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 spend the day in Arezzo or Florence before Paolo cooks up his famous lamb spit roast over the open fire.
Day 8 (B)
Transfer back to the station after breakfast.
Italy
  • Cost per Person:
  • Ride Only: £930
  • Includes: Return transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated, wine with evening meals and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: None if prepared to share and there is another person with whom to share. If not prepared or able to share £145.
  • Departure Dates: 21 Jun, 06 Sep.
  • The Accommodation: Accommodation for 4 nights will be in a villa 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 and the Mugello National Parks. 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. A TV set and the washing machineare at the disposal of guests. On the trail accommodations range from local farmhouses occasionally with shared bathrooms to bungalows. However you are always guaranteed a comfortable bed and a hot shower.
  • 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. Whilst on-site, 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. Those with special dietary requirements can also be catered for if notice is given.
  • Laundry: There is a washing machine at Colognole.
  • Children: Not suitable for children under 14. Those undeer 18 must be accommpanied by an experienced adult rider.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.