Sunday
Meeting at the Equestrian Tourism Center for accommodation assignment and dinner.
Monday
Departure from the equestrian center at 9.30. The first part of the route crosses Pian del Lago, where until the mid-18th century there was a lake (or rather a swamp) called Verano which was completely reclaimed at the behest of the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo.
This stretch of the Via Francigena will lead you first to the Chiocciola Castle with its cylindrical tower located on the eastern side which contains a beautiful 'spiral' helical staircase and then to the Monteriggioni Castle built between 1214 and 1219.
After the lunch stop and still on the Via Francigena, you pass through Abbadia Isola. “Abbadia” stands for abbey, the church being a Cistercian foundation, while “Isola” reminds you of the fact that it originally stood on the marshy Lake Verano. After passing Castel Pietraio, you reach the horse-stopping point of this first stage.
Tuesday
The Via Francigena will lead you in the territory of Castellina in Chianti to Villa Trasqua whose first records date back to the year 1001. Since then the link between this farm and the territory has never been broken, continuing the production of Sangiovese and Chianti wines today 100% organic, which will accompany your lunch. The journey proceeds along the vineyards of this part of the Sienese Chianti, crossing oak and holm oak woods, to reach the horse rest point.
Wednesday
Today's route will be on the hills of the Chianti Senese north of Siena. A rural landscape with woods, vineyards, centuries-old olive trees, and sown fields will lead you to the Monaciano estate, and along the dirt roads of the estate, you reach the Villa di Monaciano dating back to the 18th century.
After lunch, which will be accompanied by the wines produced on this estate, you set off again to reach the horse stopping point in Mociano. This location is important for the Siena people because the selection and training activities for the horses of the Palio di Siena are carried out.
Thursday
Today from Chianti you move to the Crete Senesi area south-east of Siena. The name “Crete” derives from the clay present in the soil formed when between 2.5 and 4.5 million years ago this entire area was covered by the sea.
The landscape, depending on the seasons, can have a grey-blue color, almost lunar or green, with gently rolling hills, oaks, cypresses, and isolated farms.
After the lunch stop, you cross the territory of San Rocco a Pilli, an area already inhabited in Etruscan and Roman times, to then reach the horse rest point in Rinidia, home to an important farm that produces organic products.
Friday
Today is the last day of the trip. To return to the equestrian center, you travel along part of the Via Francigena on the Sienese Montagnola. Having crossed Ponte allo Spino, an early medieval village, the paths will lead you to the Villa Cetinale built in 1676, to the Romitorio di Cetinale, an eighteenth-century religious building, and to the Parish Church of Pernina, a church whose first records date back to 1078.
After the stop lunch, the route continues on the Montagnola Senese, until reaching the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago whose first certain information dates back to the year 1112. The Via Francigena will lead you to the equestrian center passing through the Pyramid, an obelisk in memory of the reclamation of Lake Verano.
Saturday
Breakfast and departure.
Note
Arrival on Sunday – departure on Sunday; seven days – six nights in a double room in full board formula.
The journey doesn’t have any particular difficulties. It lasts five days with approx. 4-6 hours in the saddle per day. In case and if possible we can modify the gait.
A shuttle service will take care of all guests transfer.
The itineraries may vary if circumstances require it. Lunch stops along the routes (picnic or in structures) and dinners include water and wine.
Upon booking, riders must complete the equestrian ability form to be able to entrust the most suitable horse to your abilities and provide information on particular dietary needs.