Price
2027
High season: 1st to 6th April, 1st to 19th May, 16th June to 15th September
Low season: 7th to 30th April, 11th May to 15th June & 16th September to 8th November
Brigands Path Ride
7 Nights
Low Season
Single - €1,875 B&B
Double/Twin - €1,375 per person, B&B
High Season
Single - €2,000 B&B
Double/Twin - €1,500 per person, B&B
4 Nights
Low Season
Single - €1,125 B&B
Double/Twin - €925 per person, B&B
High Season
Single - €1,200 B&B
Double/Twin - €1,000 per person, B&B
Dates & Prices
ITALY
Tuscany Castello Di Santa Cristina - 2 Itineraries
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
95 kg / 14.9 stone / 209 lbs
Group size
5 max
Accommodation
17th century castle
Included
All riding as per itinerary, accommodation, breakfast, guided tour of the Castle, pool, tennis courts and WIFI.
Extras
Single room supplement as above.
7 Nights
Half Board supplement: €350 per person
Full Board supplement: €613 per person
4 Nights
Half Board supplement - €200 per person
Full Board supplement - €350 per person
Non-riders welcome, please contact us for rates.
Cyclist Option - Bring a friend or partner who doesn’t ride but loves cycling – please enquire for prices.
Excluded
Flights, lunch & dinner unless half or full board added, drinks (other than water at meal times) and tips.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your peace 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 around an hour and a half 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 approximate 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
2027
April to Mid-November
Riding & Itinerary
During the hottest months, from mid-June through September, full-day rides are replaced by two separate hacks for the wellbeing and safety of the horses in the heat.
Depending on the group and the program, beginners would start with a specialised program of lessons, working up to a possible ride out.
7 Nights Brigands Path Ride
Day 1
After check-in and a welcome drink, you’ll meet the guides for an introduction and program briefing and take a guided tour of the castle.
Day 2
Hack 2 hours
Ride towards the hills framing the west plateau on which the castle is situated. A fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area; from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano.
Day 3
Lake Mezzano Full Day Ride
Ride through farmland on the Brigands Path into the wooded hills which surround Onano, glimpses of stone pine trees atop an ancient Etruscan site and arrive on the flat plain of the Mezzano crater. 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, ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle. Please note the full-day horseback excursion is subject to weather conditions, especially in July and August. In the event of high temperatures, for the safety of both guests and horses, it will be replaced with two additional half-day excursions.
Day 4
A day-off for sightseeing
The local area is full of interesting archaeological and historical sites. A few suggestions include the village fortresses of Pitigliano, Sorano, and Solano. It is definitely worth visiting the marvelous Italian gothic church of Orvieto – Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the ‘Dying Town’. Alternatively, you can choose to relax at the castle and take advantage of the swimming pool, tennis court, indoor and outdoor games. Have a massage or take a cooking class.
Day 5
Hack 2 hours
Head 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 kilometers 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.
Day 6
Hack 2 hours
Once again this morning, take the Brigands path, 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, follow the track north through the enchanting countryside back to the castle.
Day 7
Hack 2 hours
Following an old Etruscan trail, ride up through thick woods to the top of the crater surrounding lake Bolsena. Here, 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!
Return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens, and enchanting woods. In particular, enjoy a canter across a tunnel made by oak trees above an old shepherd’s path.
Day 8
Departure
Having had many amazing experiences and exhilarating adventures, you will prepare for your onward journey taking with you many happy memories. Check-out is usually between 8.30am - 11am, although a late check-out can be arranged subject to availability.
4 Nights Brigands Path Ride
Day 1
After check-in and a welcome drink, you’ll meet the guides for an introduction and program briefing and take a guided tour of the castle.
Day 2
Half-day ride
Ride towards the hills framing the west plateau on which the castle is situated. A fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area; from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding Lake Mezzano.
Day 3
Lake Mezzano – Full day
Ride through farmland on the Brigands Path into the wooded hills which surround Onano, glimpses of stone pine trees atop an ancient Etruscan site and arrive on the flat plain of the Mezzano crater. 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, ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle.
Day 4
Half-day ride
Head 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.
Day 5
Departure
Having had many amazing experiences and exhilarating adventures, you will prepare for your onward journey taking with you many happy memories. Check-out is usually between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., although a late check-out can be arranged subject to availability.
Please Note: The itinerary can be changed according to weather, horses, riders’ experience level, or circumstances beyond the control of the management of the castle. Safety is Santa Cristina Castle’s primary concern.
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
95 kg / 14.9 stone / 209 lbs
Group size
5 max
Accommodation & Meals
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.
There's a choice of double and twin bedrooms, along with self-catering apartments. The rooms are traditionally furnished, comfortable and full of character, with private bathrooms.
When you're not riding, there's an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings.
Breakfast is served inside the castle each morning, with a continental buffet to start the day. You can choose to stay on a bed and breakfast, half board or full board basis.
Meals are traditional Italian-style set menus. Lunch includes a starter, main course and fruit or dessert, while dinner is a more leisurely affair with several courses, including a main dish, second course, vegetables and dessert or fruit. Water is included with lunch and dinner.
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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