Transfers from Florence Train Station: (Campo Marte) on all inn to inn style rides.

Our long weekends and on-site holidays are located in a very unique clearing high above Rufina between Dicomano and Monte Giove summit. We are situated 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. Cintoia farmhouse is located on the same property as the riding centre and has a stunning pool that looks over the region, and a biq area.
The farmhouse nestles into the picturesque Chianti hills steeped in tradition and rich in history and art with century long ties to its rural heritage. The atmosphere at the farm  is inspired by a genuine love of the local traditions of the places, people and culture that surrounds it. It has recently been completely restored and divided into 9 country style apartments preserving original, rustic farm-like characteristics. On the trail accommodations range from local farmhouses occasionally with shared bathrooms to bungalows. We believe that most people would rather add a day or two to their trip, and stay in nice accommodations when possible, rather than return home feeling as if they had been on a forced horseback march, and the accommodations we use reflect this. Whether you choose an adventure trek staying at different spots each night, or prefer to stay onsite with the comfort of our amenities, exploring the direct area, you are guaranteed comfort and a hot shower.

Meals are based on local ingredients and traditions. These are usually prepared for you by your guides or a local restaurant. In Italy there is a special emphasis on "la Cucina" and this is evident in our meals. For onsite riders, breakfast and dinner are served daily at the gorgeous little restaurant looking over the Rufina valleys. Food is typical Tuscan cuisine. Those with special dietry requirements can also be catered for if notice is given. Lunches are served on the trail on long rides or treks, otherwise riders can either dine in the restaurant (not included in price) or prepare themselves lunch (cooking facilities in villa).

Each day you can choose from a variety of activities: aside from horseback riding  such as long walks, mountain biking, fishing, enjoying the warm summer sun at the side of the swimming pool, or simply relaxing with a good book in the shade of an old tree.

Our location high on the Florentine hills is somewhat more moderate than the Chianti Classico region, making riding much more comfortable over the hot and dry summer months. Mild weather year round makes riding possible in all seasons, although in Aug /Sept  riders are recommended to bring   a rain jacket in the case of an  expected storm or two. Winter riders should be prepared for occasional showers. The best months for riding are May -July and september and October. Though its is often warm enough to ride in T-shirts in the traditionally cooler months such as Febuary.

Accustom yourself to your horse and tack; begin 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), and through local farmland and shady forests. Picnik lunch on the trail in a secluded spot before continuing past abandoned stone farmhouses and sleepy-eyed beef cattle. Stunning long canter opportunities as well as river riding.. Arrive at the farmhouse for a hot shower before dinner.

After breakfast we set off again this time the direction of the birthplace of famous painter Giotto. An area full of history and natural beauty. Witness the complex mugello countryside as we ride-the vast stretches of terraced hillside bordered by fields of wheat and sunflowers. We dine and sleep in this lovely little town tonight.

After breakfast its back on the trail, as we say goodbye to the Mugello and its spectacular flora and fauna, to ride back into the ever beautiful Chianti Rufina region, noting the differences between the two. Our horses pick up the pace knowing they are homeward-bound, and we take in nice canters along the trail. After a tasty lunch and small siesta, we wind our way through little vineyards and olive groves, over cool riverbeds, and back to the Chianti Rufina region and our the refreshing pool for those who wish to cool their aching bones.

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 cooking class, or you can choose to spend the day in Arezzo or Florence before Paolo cooks up his famous lamb spit roast over the open fire.

Accustom yourself to your horse and tack and the area with a Chianti specialty - wine tasting! Guided ride through the world famous Chianti Rufina vineyards, before a wine tasting at Colognole XV villa, and light lunch. We return in time for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Today we have an early start as we head off in the direction of the Mugello region, riding past picturesque farmland where stock graze under the watchful eyes of large Maremmano sheepdogs. We ride past another ancient castle as we wind our way down to the huge Bilancino lake. Here we can swim and take lunch by the waterside, before we ride on through stunning Tuscan colours in the direction of our nights accommodation.

After meeting our trusty horses we climb in the direction of Monte Senario to visit the world famous Monastery built in 1245 on top of a 2500ft mountain by "the seven first fathers”. This site has panoramic views in of the Mugello and Chianti Rufina regions and is very special to Roman Catholics and Florentine citizens alike. After visiting this beautiful site we head on towards Monte Giove, stopping off in the shade of the forest for a picnic lunch. After riding up the Croce of Monte Giove (famous meeting point for Partisans and allies in WW2) we ride on down to the farmhouse where we dine out looking over the Florentine hills, and relax.

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 choose to spend the day in Arezzo or Florence before Paolo cooks up his famous lamb spit roast over the open fire.

Drop-off at station in the morning after breakfast.

Accustom yourself to your horse and tack, before departing for Monte Giove for Lunch. 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. Return to the farmhouse in time for a cool swim in the pool.

Today we saddle up early for an adventurous ride into the national park forest land into a town called Acone where there is a fantastic view over the surrounding landscape. From Acone we wind our way down the mountain to an ancient Roman bridge of around 8 metres in height. From here we ride up a local restaurant amongst the vineyards for lunch. After a good Tuscan meal we ride down the valley surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves, crossing the river Sieve for a long canter along the flatlands, before another river crossing on our return to the farmhouse.

Full day riding to "Il Lago", where riders can swim in a small private lake, nestled amongst pine forest. After a picnic lunch, we return to the farm via the lush vineyards, forest tracks and olive groves. Pass old abandoned homesteads and grazing cattle, and feel the warm Tuscan sun on your back

Wine tasting. After a relaxing morning, we take a twilight ride through the Colognole Chianti vineyards, down to the XV Villa to taste world famous Chianti Rufina wines and tour the villa. We return as the sun begins to set in time for dinner and a hot shower.

Free day to relax or take advantage of one of our excursions. 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 cooking class, or you can simply work on your tan by the pool.

Accustom yourself to your horse and tack before riding out in the direction of Dicomano , commencing with partisan tracks through chestnut forest, and moving onto the soft white dirt roads lined with Cyprus trees, witness the best of Tuscany. Olive groves and vineyards displaying their constantly changing colurs. In October witness the picking of the grapes, and in November the collection of the olives. Throughout all seasons the beauty of Tuscany is best displayed on the back of a horse, and we take you through tracks that best demonstrate the diversity of our region. Lunch is either served on the trail in picnic form, or back at the farmhouse next to the warmth of an open fire.

Dinner is at the gorgeous Colognolo restaurant, with delicious Tuscan specialties and fantastic wine. Colognole are producers of world famous Chianti Rufina, and it is a must-do to try their wines!!

After breakfast we ride out with Tuscan sun on our backs, through the Monte Giove national park, and around the Acone area, taking in the areas spectacular views and history. It was in this area that the Partisans from the Italian side hid out for months and organised the freedom of Florence from occupying troops alongside the allies. The Croce affords a view so spectacular that you are sure to be left in awe.

Dinner is at the delicious local trattoria "La Bottega" for some locally famous Tuscan cuisine. This restauorant is a hidden secret, located on one of the Florentine hills highest points. Here hunters, city slickers, and locals who appreciate fine cuisine meet for a great meal and a tipple of the fantastic grappa made with “monte giove water”. Over winter you may be impressed by the roasting of chestnuts on the open fire, or the many stories of bravado by boar hunters in the area.

Morning shopping trip to the Outlet “Mall” home of all the designer labels such as Gucci, Valentino, Versace and Diesel. Pick up a designer bargain with your self-confessed shopping addict guide.

Lunch at a delicious local trattoria, with fine wine and fine food served in abundance.

Afternoon options include wine tasting or a local cooking class- or you can choose to head to Florence or Arrezzo for some sightseeing.

As a final night special, Paolo cooks up his famous Sardinian spit-roast lamb over the open fire at home! A speciality not to missed. Vegetarians will delight in his many vegetarian specialities (learnt from la mama of course)

We bid you farewell at the local train station after a strong Italian coffee and typical Italian breakfast. A presto!!!