Price
2026
Low Season: 10th April – 15th June (excluding 1–9 April) & 17th September – 12th November
High Season: 16th June – 16th September, plus Easter
Brigands Path Ride
7 Nights
Low Season
Single - €1,245 B&B
Double/Twin - €1,000 per person, B&B
High Season
Single - €1,455 B&B
Double/Twin - €1,105 per person, B&B
4 Nights
Low Season
Single - €765 B&B
Double/Twin - €625 per person, B&B
High Season
Single - €885 B&B
Double/Twin - €685 per person, B&B
Non-riders welcome and will receive a discount, please enquire.
Dates & Prices
ITALY
Tuscany Castello Di Santa Cristina
Overview
Castello di Santa Cristina is a strikingly beautiful 17th century castle, located just one and a half hours from Rome, between the rolling hills of Tuscany, Latium and Umbria. With its fairy tale style turret, it’s a romantic but comfortable setting for those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside and culture on horseback. There are miles and miles of trails surrounding this magnificent estate, which are a sheer joy to explore on one of their forward going TB or Warmblood Crosses in the company of a friendly and professional guide.
This is suitable for riders, non-riders, families and children and depending on their riding ability, they can ride half days or full. There is a full trail riding itinerary below called Brigands Path or we can make up a bespoke package to requirements, if you have a mixed level of riders, from Beginner to Advanced – just ask. All the trails are matched to the ability and preferences of the riders, experienced riders can enjoy the comfort of knowing that they can look forward to fast canters and interesting terrain on forward-going horses and equally novice riders can enjoy slower paced meanders through beautiful countryside.
Your holiday can be as active or sedate as you like or you can choose one of their flexible packages or we can tailor make something to meet your needs. Non-riders can enjoy mountain biking which is another one of Count Antonio’s passions in addition to his horses – there is a selection of bikes (including electric mountain bikes!) with well-marked trails and even the chance to meet up with riders at lunchtimes. The castle also has a wonderful pool and tennis courts, plus there is a spa nearby and opportunities for wine-tasting, golf and fishing. Lake Bolsena is fifteen minutes by car and is host to the carp fishing world championships. This is a superb base for all sorts of holidays for singles and mixed groups.
Location
Tuscany, Italy
Airport
Rome, Italy
Duration
4-7 nights
When to go
April-November
Riding level
All levels
Weight
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
5 max
Accommodation
17th century castle
Included
All riding 1 full day riding and 2 x 2 hour riding excursion, accommodation, breakfast, guided tour of the Castle, pool, tennis courts and WIFI.
Extras
Single room supplement as above.
7 Nights
Half Board supplement: €280 per person
Full Board supplement: €460 per person
4 Nights
Half Board supplement - €160 per person
Full Board supplement - €250 per person
Cyclist Option - Bring a friend or partner who doesn’t ride but loves cycling – please enquire for prices.
Excluded
Flights, drinks (other than what is included at meal times) and tips.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
We recommend you hire a car and drive to the Castle it’s within an hour’s drive from Rome and also gives you the opportunity to explore this glorious region outside of the castle.
We can also arrange for a train station and airport transfers.
The following costs apply for a return trip in a car of up to 2 people, prices on request for 3 plus:
Orvieto station (90km round trip) – €190
Fiumicino airport (300km round trip) – €320
Ciampino airport (340km round trip) – €340
Departure dates
2026
April to Mid-November
Riding & Itinerary
Depending on the group and the program, beginners would start with a specialised program of lessons, working up to a possible ride out.
Brigands Path Ride
Day 1
Upon arrival in the afternoon, you will check in and enjoy a welcome drink at the castle & briefing with your guide/instructor about riding and accommodation details and choice of the horses for the next few days. Dinner will be delicious!
Day 2
This morning on your first ride you will easily reach the hills framing at west the plateau on which the castle is situated. A fantastic spot for a breath-taking view of the area, going from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena on one side to the hills surrounding the little lake Mezzano on the other side.
Provided a sufficiently clear day the sea can be seen at 40 km in the distance like a glowing mirror. Starting from the castle, after 1 km. you will reach a large track winding through the beautiful hills and small woods on a steady and soft ground perfect to let the horses canter if wanted. At the end of the track, you will enter a big wood named Selva di Onano. The ride is about 18 km.
Day 3
From the Castle you will ride on an old track before reaching the the hills that frame the plateau to the west. You will continue through the chestnut woods to arrive at the top to experience fabulous views from the beautiful crater of lake Bolsena to the hills of the Mezzano lake. Then, if wanted, horses can be pushed into a canter following the old track crossing the plain before the lake along the fields and vineyards.
Bordering Selva del Lamone Naturale Reserve you will stop for lunch above the lake in a magical atmosphere. A small rural restaurant overlooking lake Mezzano will provide you with a beautiful view and a delicious lunch under the shade of the trees overlooking the lake.
From June to September those who want can have a refreshing swim in the lake when the season allows it. In the afternoon you will take the horses back through the wooded hills. The trail today is about 30 km.
Day 4
Once on the Brigands track you will go north through the hills, after crossing the provincial road. The beautiful scenery of mountains and hills in front of you will open onto a nice track which will take you around Onano. Onano is a fortified village with a medieval castle in its centre, providing an interesting site for the riders.
Centuries ago, it was an important stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area during the Middle Ages. Narrow crossings will alternate beautiful open fields with a view. Once at the little medieval church Madonna delle grazie you will follow the track north through enchanting countryside back to the castle.
The afternoon ride is approximately 12 km – from the castle you will cross the hill overlooking the castle with a fantastic landscape framing the background. Mount Amiata, the Radicofani fortress, the castle of Torre Alfina is part of this wonderful picture. You will soon join a track crossing hills and valleys.
The road turns to the left and after a while the horses can be pushed at a canter on the soft but steady ground between the chestnut woods. After a few kilometres the woods give ground to the pastures full of sheep, there you reach S.Luigi a dairy farm where fabulous “ricotta” cheese is produced. From there the old estate track will take you back to the castle along the hills. Today’s ride is about 20 km.
Day 5
From the castle you will follow an old trail down through the crater of lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. Breath-taking views of the lake will accompany your excursion all the way. Here and there, scattered around the countryside, archaeological sites with Etruscan tombs will remind you how old the beautiful land is. Once at the bottom lunch will be served on the beach of the Lake in a nice typical restaurant.
A swim in the lake Bolsena (summer) can be part of the day before hopping back on your horse. On the way back the magnificent Farnese renaissance palace in Gradoli will catch your attention while crossing the village. Once at the top of the crater of the lake an old track through the woods will take you back to the castle. The trail today is about 30 km.
Day 6
Today is a day off for local excursions. The surroundings of the castle are full of interesting archaeological and historical sites. Just a few suggestions – the village fortresses of Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovano. It is definitely worth visiting the marvellous Italian gothic church of Orvieto – Civita di Bagnoregio, called the ‘Dying Town’.
Day 7
Following an old Etruscan trail, you will ride up through thick woods to the top of the crater surrounding lake Bolsena. Here, you 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!
You will return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. In particular, you will enjoy a canter across a tunnel made my oak trees above an old shepherd’s path.
Day 8
Breakfast and departure.
Please ask about
Sightseeing
Thermal baths and spa
Wine tasting
Cooking lessons
Rent a boat
Sports: mountain biking, golf, football, tennis.
Horses
TB Crosses and Warmblood Crosses ranging 15hh-17hh plus some smaller horses and ponies.
Riding level
All levels
Type of riding
Arena lessons and hacks
Tack
English style
Weight limit
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
5 max
Accommodation & Meals
The castle has been the property of the noble Caterini family for generations. It was once the residence of a Cardinal who housed the Vatican’s treasure here to keep it safe during the revolution in 1848… needless to say it is crammed full of fascinating artefacts. He chose the castle to be his personal residence and now his descendants, Count Antonio and his family, use this enchanting place as their country home.
The family have lovingly restored the cottages and main farmhouse, once used by local farmers. It has become 8 self-catering apartments and 14 twin or double rooms, all ensuite. They are all elegantly designed and in keeping with the old worldly feel of the castle.
Accommodation
17th century castle
Single Supplement
Possible to have a single room, a single supplement will apply.
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
Drinks at meals included, otherwise payable.
The Destination
Tuscany is a region in central Italy. Its capital, Florence, is home to some of the world’s most recognizable Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s David statue, Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo basilica. Its diverse natural landscape encompasses the rugged Apennine Mountains, the island of Elba’s beaches on the Tyrrhenian Sea and Chianti’s olive groves and vineyards.
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