Horseback Riding with Wine Tour from Florence

Discovering Tuscany’s Spirit: Horseback Riding & Wine Tour from Florence

This horseback riding and wine tasting tour offers a charming taste of Tuscany’s landscape and culture without requiring prior riding experience. It’s perfect for those wanting a mix of outdoor adventure, historic sights, and delicious local flavors—all within a manageable 7-hour package. From the moment you head out of Florence, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush vineyards, rolling hills, and stories of medieval towns, making this a balanced and engaging day trip.

Two features that stand out are the small group setting—which means more personalized attention—and the guided visit to San Gimignano, where you’ll see its iconic towers and narrow streets, making it easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. The tour’s inclusion of a guided wine tasting paired with a light Tuscan lunch offers genuine value, especially if you appreciate well-crafted Chianti wines.

Of course, no experience is perfect—be prepared for the weather, as the ride is weather-dependent, and if it rains, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled. While the 1-hour horseback ride is gentle and suitable for beginners, those with mobility issues or pregnant women might need to consider other options. Still, the overall experience promises a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s countryside, history, and delicious local products.

Key points / Takeaways

• Small-group experience: Ensures a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere and personalized guidance.
• No riding experience needed: Designed to be accessible for first-timers and casual riders alike.
• Visit to San Gimignano: Offers postcard-worthy views, historic charm, and a chance to taste the famous gelato by Dondoli.
• Authentic Tuscan flavors: Light lunch paired with Chianti wine tasting and local products like balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
• Transport convenience: Comfortable, air-conditioned 8-seater minivan makes traveling between stops easy.
• Guide expertise: Tour guides like Lorenzo have earned praise for making the experience engaging and informative.

If you’re like me, a trip to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without its iconic landscapes, history, and wine. This Horseback Riding with Wine Tour from Florence combines those elements into a single day—offering a taste of the countryside, a splash of medieval charm, and a generous pour of Chianti. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances outdoor activity, cultural sights, and culinary delights, making it a worthwhile option for travelers seeking a deeper connection with Tuscany’s essence.

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins in Florence at a conveniently located meeting point near the city center, in front of Café Gamberini. Your guide, donned in Fun in Tuscany branding, will greet you and set the tone for a relaxed yet organized day. Traveling in a comfortable air-conditioned 8-seater minivan, you’ll leave behind the bustling city streets and head toward the countryside, a scenic ride that quickly immerses you in Tuscany’s pastoral beauty.

This mode of transportation is a key part of the experience—avoiding the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transport. It also means a small group, typically just a handful of fellow travelers, which allows for more interaction and personalized attention.

The Horseback Ride: A Gentle Stroll through the Vineyards

One of the tour’s highlights is the one-hour horseback ride. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before—the experience is designed for beginners, with a pre-ride orientation, helmet, and insurance included. That’s great news if you’re a first-timer or simply want a relaxing, scenic trot rather than an adrenaline rush.

What I love about this part of the tour is the chance to connect directly with the landscape. Riding through vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills, you’ll see some of the most quintessentially Tuscan scenery. It’s all about taking a breath and appreciating the slow, beautiful rhythm of the region.

A reviewer named Carly singled out their guide Lorenzo, praising him for making the experience the “best part of coming to Italy.” His knowledge and friendly demeanor seem to elevate the ride beyond just a sightseeing activity—they turn it into a memorable, genuine encounter with the Tuscan countryside.

Visiting San Gimignano: Medieval Marvels and Gelato

After your ride, the tour continues to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its medieval towers. From your vantage point, you’ll enjoy spectacular views across the Chianti hills—perfect for photos or just soaking in the timeless scenery.

Once in San Gimignano, you’ll have about an hour to explore its narrow alleys, charming shops, and historic sites. A highlight is the chance to taste the world-famous gelato by Dondoli, the reigning champion of gelato makers. The sweet, creamy treat is a perfect refreshment after your outdoor activity, and it’s noted as a real highlight by visitors.

Walking around the town, it’s easy to imagine medieval life here, with its towers symbolizing wealth and power. The guided visit makes sure you see the key sights, while leaving enough time for your own wandering and shopping.

Tasting Tuscany: Lunch and Wine

The final part of the tour takes you to a local winery nestled in the Chianti hills. Here, you’ll indulge in a light Tuscan lunch—think fresh, simple dishes paired expertly with Chianti wines. The guided tastings include wines, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, giving you a delicious introduction to the region’s culinary staples.

This part of the experience offers real value. Instead of just drinking wine, you get to learn about the different varieties, how they’re made, and what makes Chianti so special. You’re also welcome to purchase and ship genuine local products, which can make for authentic souvenirs or gifts.

The overall impression is that this is a well-balanced experience—combining outdoor adventure, cultural sights, and gourmet sampling—at a fair price considering all included activities.

Practical Considerations and Who Will Love This

This tour suits quite a range of travelers. If you’re curious about Tuscany’s landscapes but not interested in strenuous activities, the gentle horseback ride is ideal. The small group size ensures more personalized attention, and the guided visits add depth to your understanding of each site.

However, weather can be a factor. Since the horseback ride is outdoors, poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so it’s wise to check the forecast. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility problems, as it involves riding and walking.

At $226.57 per person, the price is fair given the length (7 hours), the inclusive nature, and the authentic experiences. For travelers wanting a full, memorable day outside Florence with manageable logistics, this offers good value.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience appeals most to those who love scenic landscapes, are interested in local food and wine, and enjoy a gentle outdoor activity. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a safe, guided introduction to Tuscany’s countryside. It also suits couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a memorable day with a mix of adventure and cultural discovery.

While it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or expecting a high-octane ride, the experience’s relaxed pace and small-group atmosphere make it welcoming for many.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior horseback riding experience required? No, the tour is designed for beginners. The guided orientation and gentle ride make it accessible for first-timers.

What should I wear for the horseback ride? Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended to stay comfortable and safe during your ride.

How long is the horseback riding portion? About one hour, allowing for plenty of photo opportunities and time to enjoy the scenery.

Can children participate? Yes, children 8 years and older who are taller than 1.10 meters can join the horseback ride. Infants aged 0-7 can participate in the tour but not the ride.

What happens if the weather is bad? Since the ride is outdoors, poor weather might lead to cancellation or rescheduling. You will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is included in the price? Transportation, tour guide, helmet and insurance, horseback ride, visit to San Gimignano, lunch with wine tasting, and local product tastings.

Is hotel pickup available? Not. The tour starts and ends at the designated meeting point in Florence.

How long does the tour last? About 7 hours, with starting times varying—be sure to check availability.

Can I buy local products? Yes, you can purchase and ship genuine Tuscan products like olive oil and balsamic vinegar at the winery.

Is there any age restriction? The horseback ride is for those 8 and older, with a height requirement. Infants under 8 are not allowed on the ride.

In closing, this horseback riding and wine tour from Florence is a well-rounded way to enjoy Tuscany’s landscapes, flavors, and history in one manageable day. It’s perfect for curious travelers who appreciate gentle outdoor activities, authentic local experiences, and small-group guidance. If you’re seeking a taste of Tuscany’s magic without the fuss, it’s a worthwhile choice.