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Italy - Lazio Castle Ride

Welcome to our beautiful eighteenth century castle which is situated in Lazio between the hills of Tuscany and Umbria (barely 200 km / 125 miles) from Rome.

The castle was once the residence of a Cardinal who kept the Vatican's treasures safe here during the 1848 revolution. He chose the palace as his home and now his descendants, Count Antonio and his family, have opened up his home for riders from all countries. Horses have once again been given a central role on the estate.

With its fairytale turrets, the castle is a romantic and comfortable environment for exploring the surrounding culture and history by horseback.

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Program - Lazio Castle Ride

Mile after mile of perfect riding trails surround this magnificent property and you only need to cross a road now and then. On one day, you will head off on an all-day ride to see some more of the local area. 
NOTE! During July and August, you only ride half-day rides due to the heat. The full-day ride is then changed to a half-day ride. It is only possible to book week program in August (not weekends).

Lazio Castle ride, week: 7 nights, 5 days riding: 1 full day (4-5 hours), 4/2 day (2 hours / day). NOTE! During July and August, you only ride half-day rides due to the heat. The full-day ride is then changed to a half-day ride. 

Lazio Castle ride, long weekend: 4 nights, 3 days riding: 1 full day ride (4-5 hours), 2 half-day rides (2 hours / day). NOTE! During July, you only ride half-day rides due to the heat. The full-day ride is then changed to a half-day ride. 

Below is a sample itinerary for the riding days during a week or weekend. Paths can change according to the weather and the organization.

Half Day Ride 18km. We ride towards the hills framing the west plateau on which the castle is situated. A fantas:c spot for a breathtaking view of the area; from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding lake Mezzano.

Full Day, Lake Mezzano  32 km
We ride through farmland on the Brigands Path into the wooded hills which surround Onano, we glimpse stone pine trees atop an ancient Etruscan site and arrive on the flat plain of the Mezzano crater. We stop at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant and meet for lunch. You can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. After a delicious meal, we ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle.

Half day
We will be heading out along The Brigands Trail towards the picturesque Lake Bolsena. This is a fantastic spot with breathtaking views of the area stretching from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena on one side, to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano on the other side. On a clear day you can see the sea 40 km away, shimmering like a mirror. As you head back along this ancient ‘outlaws highway’ you will pass through mature oak woodlands dotted with original farm dwellings built in the traditional tufo rock.

Half Day Ride 20 km.
Once again this morning we take the Brigands path, we head north through the hills towards Onano, a fortified village with a medieval castle which was the stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area during the Middle Ages. At the Madonna delle grazie church we will follow the track north through enchanting countryside back to the castle.

Half day ride 16km
Following an old Etruscan trail, we will ride up through thick woods to the top of the crater surrounding lake Bolsena. Here, we will enjoy remarkable scenery including vineyards, Etruscan tombs, the prominent volcanic lake and the panorama dominated by the famous Farnese palace in Gradoli; a gift made by the Pope in 1500 for his nephew for his wedding - what a present! We will return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. In particular, we will enjoy a canter across a tunnel made by oak trees above an old shepherds path.

Accommodation and Food

Large parts of the castle are now a museum. Just below the castle is a large building from the nineteenth century that has been converted into a hotel and restaurant / bar. The farm has a total of fourteen double rooms (ca 14kvm) and twin rooms (ca 10kvm) ensuite. And eight charming apartments fully equipped for self-catering (contact us for price)

It is possible to book a single room (price for single supplement available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be payable.

Safe deposit box: No
A/C: No
Hair Dryer: Yes, on request.
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: In apartments.

On the ground floor there is a large "taverna" with brick vaulted ceiling. It features a restaurant and a billiards room and a kitchen that is also used for cooking classes.

The food here is traditional Italian food and includes local specialties along with a few new and delicious recipes. Lunch is between 1 pm and 2 pm lunch. Dinner is between 8 pm and 9 pm dinner.

Breakfast is included in the price. You can choose half board or full board (price for half- and full board available under Dates & Prices - Book on request).

If you have booked self-catering, it is still possible to eat at the restaurant if you let them know the day before, and pay on site.

During the summer, you can dine al fresco on the terrace overlooking the pool. The pool is open between 1 June and 30 September.

Horses

There are about twenty horses, Maremma-, Dutch- and Irish half-bloods and about 160-170 cm (63-67 in).
Weight limit: 90kg

Travel Information

Ability description: Trail ride level 2-3 >>

Included in the price. Accommodation, riding, breakfast.

Not included: Flights, transfers, personal insurance, drinks and extras not mentioned.

Half- full board:  Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices.

Travel: Fly to Rome, Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino Airport) or Ciampino Airport.

Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay in cash direct to the riding centre.

From the airport you can take train to Orvieto Train Station and have transfer from there (about 50km), different times during the day. Train time table at Tren Italia >>.
Price (roundtrip): 1-2 people ca 150 EUR. 

If you want transfer directly from the airport Fiumicino Airport - (150 km) or Ciampino Airport - (170 km).
From Fiumicino: Price (roundtrip): Up to 3 people ca 390 EUR.  4-7 people ca 600 EUR. Meeting point: in front of EXIT 3 of TERMINAL 3

From Ciampino: Price (roundtrip): Up to 2 people ca 390 EUR. It requires 2 cars  for 4 people.

This transfer service is available between the hours of 09:00 am and 8:00 pm. After 8:00 pm it will be 20 EUR extra.

Car: We recommend renting a car if you want to explore the area around the equestrian center, there is a lot to discover when you are not riding. 

Season: April - November. Low season 12/3 - 15/6, 17/9 - 6/11. High season, 16/6 - 16/9 and bank holidays.

Arrival day: Weekend: Wednesday afternoon (check in from 14.30, at the latest 10.00pm), departure Sunday after breakfast.
Week: Saturday afternoon and departure following saturday after breakfast.

Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.

Currency: Euro
Credit card: Accepted at riding center (the transfer cost is paid in cash)
Tipping: Not required but appreciated.

Wifi: Yes, it is best in the reception and restaurant.

Group size: Lazio Castle Ride: 1-6 riders. If more than 6 riders it will be 2 guides.  

Age limit: 14 years old, together with an adult.

Closest village: 5 minutes by car with restaurants, pubs, sight seeing.
Beach: 15 minutes by car.
Pool: Yes, open June-September.

Insurance: NOTE! Mandatory to be able to show an insurance covering riding. If this is not the case, you must purchase an insurance on the spot upon arrival. EUR 35 per person and valid for 2-7 days.

Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet, boots, chaps.
Saddle bag available: No
Special diet: Inform when booking.

Other activities

The farm is very well suited as a base for the whole family. There are two pools, a tennis court and plenty of space for active children.

It is possible to rent bicycles with or without a guide. Antonio is an avid cyclist who can advise you about good routes. You can also meet up with the horse riders at lunchtime.

Climate

Temperature: about 20 ° C (68 F) in spring and autumn, approximately + 15 ° C (59 F) during winter and about + 25-30 ° C (77-86 F) during the summer.

Feedback from our travellers

We were warmly welcomed. The rooms were tidy and cosy with a nice view to the garden and pool. We also had a common space with a small kitchenette to use. The food was delicious traditional Italian and tasted home made. 
Riding and cycling were fun.
The horses were picked fir us according to our skill level and personal wishes. All of us were happy with our horses. They were in good size and shape, obedient and forward going, just as we had hoped.
The staff was ready to fulfill our wishes and we felt very welcome."
Päivi Tammilehto

"The highlight was the incredibly friendly and family-like hospitality from the hosts, Antonio and Cristina, who invited us into their home in the castle and joined us at every dinner. They were exceptionally attentive to ensure everyone was happy with the accommodation, food, and riding.
An hour of massage was also included, which was wonderful."
Jenny Driving

"The accommodation was excellent in every way. Super great! So delicious! I recommend full board. We enjoyed so many delicious Italian dishes and very good wine.
The riding was fantastic, with great horses.
Everyone was so friendly and kind, which rubbed off on all the guests, who were super nice. A truly amazing week. Cristina and Antoniello are so lovely, caring, and welcoming."
Pia Janson

"A three-course lunch was served, as well as a three-course dinner. Generous portions, and wine was included.
Reliable and forward-going horses—truly fantastic animals.
Plenty of beautiful riding trails and long, exhilarating gallops. Stunning horses, very well cared for.
Fantastic service—wonderful staff. The count himself invited us for wine and a tour of the castle. A very kind and friendly owner. You can tell the staff enjoys working there."
Magdalena Bernhardsson

"Very well-prepared and flavorful food. Skilled guides who truly cared about ensuring we had the best experience. Many fun and exhilarating gallops in a beautiful landscape.
I had a fantastic and pleasant horse for the entire week.
The hosts continuously organized small surprises—like drinks, a tour of the castle, excursions to the beautiful surroundings, and a visit to a nearby town that sold 'Italy's best ice cream.' It was absolutely delicious.
I had a truly top-notch week at this beautiful place. Highly recommended."
Helene Murdoch Edman

Dates and prices

"Book on request" means that we cannot confirm your booking immediately, but we will get back to you as soon as possible with a booking confirmation, normally within 24 hours on weekdays.

DateDaysName of tripPrice from
09/04/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
12/04/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
16/04/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
19/04/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
23/04/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
26/04/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
30/04/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
03/05/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
07/05/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
10/05/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
14/05/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
17/05/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
21/05/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
24/05/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
28/05/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
31/05/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
04/06/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
07/06/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
11/06/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
14/06/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
18/06/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
21/06/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
25/06/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
28/06/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
02/07/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
05/07/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
09/07/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
12/07/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
16/07/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
19/07/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
23/07/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
26/07/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
30/07/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
02/08/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
06/08/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
09/08/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
13/08/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
16/08/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
20/08/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
23/08/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
27/08/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
30/08/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
03/09/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
06/09/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
10/09/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 822Book on request
13/09/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,326Book on request
17/09/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
20/09/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
24/09/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
27/09/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
01/10/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
04/10/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
08/10/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
11/10/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
15/10/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
18/10/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
22/10/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
25/10/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
29/10/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request
01/11/20258Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, WeekEUR 1,200Book on request
05/11/20255Italy, Lazio Castle Trail, Long WeekendEUR 750Book on request

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