Horse Riding in Tuscany for Experienced Riders: Full-day Trail Ride

Review of the Full-Day Horseback Riding Experience in Tuscany

This horseback riding tour out of San Gimignano offers a full day in the untamed Maremma Toscana—a chance for lovers of riding to explore Tuscany’s countryside on sure-footed horses. With a duration of roughly seven hours, it’s designed for riders with at least an intermediate to advanced skill level, meaning if you’re comfortable walking, trotting, and cantering, you’ll feel right at home. For around $240, you get a guided adventure that promises not just riding but a taste of authentic Tuscany, complete with a picnic lunch in the middle of nature.

What really makes this experience stand out are the reliable horses, well-trained and cared-for, and the knowledgeable guides who seem to balance safety with fun perfectly. Many reviewers, like Holly, mention how guides such as Karla make the day enjoyable with friendly chat and attentiveness. Plus, the opportunity to canter along meadows and cross small rivers offers a mixture of activity and scenic relaxation that’s hard to match. A delicious picnic lunch adds a hearty, local touch to the day, making this not just a ride but an all-around Tuscan adventure.

One thing to keep in mind is the tour’s physical demand—it includes a good amount of up and down terrain, so it’s best suited for those who are physically fit. Also, since the ride primarily stays on a main trail that is mostly walk, with opportunities for trot and canter, some riders might find the pace more strenuous, especially in the full-day format. No worries, though—if you’re accustomed to riding and looking for a more active, authentic experience, this full-day trip hits the mark.

Key Points

• Designed for experienced riders who are comfortable with walk, trot, and canter.
• Includes a hearty picnic lunch in the Tuscan countryside, adding a real local flavor.
• Reliable horses and an experienced guide, often praised for friendliness and attentiveness.
• Amazing scenery with woods, rivers, and medieval villages—perfect for nature lovers.
• Operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.
• Limited group size (max 4 travelers), ensuring a personalized experience.

What to Expect on Your Horseback Journey in Tuscany

As you set out from Montieri around 9:00 am, you’ll meet your guide and get fitted with a helmet, which is included in the price for your safety. The tour begins on a main trail that is primarily on foot, but the real thrill is the opportunity to trot and canter across blooming meadows and wooded areas. The horses are described as well-trained and forward-going, ideal for riders who already have a good grasp of riding techniques. You might find that the experience is quite physically engaging, especially if you choose the full-day option, which lasts about four to five hours in the saddle.

The route takes you past medieval villages, offering glimpses into the region’s history and charm. Many riders, like Jo, mention that the horses are very fit and clearly well cared for, making the ride enjoyable and smooth. The guide will share insights about the landscape, the local flora, and the history of the area, creating an educational undercurrent to your adventure. Along the way, you’ll cross small rivers—a refreshing break from the riding—and enjoy the scenic views of Tuscany’s rolling hills.

Midday, everyone gathers for a delicious picnic lunch amid the countryside. Many reviews, such as Holly’s, highlight how friendly and attentive the guides are—Karla, in particular, gets praise for her warm demeanor. The lunch adds a satisfying pause and a chance to savor local flavors in a relaxed setting.

In the afternoon, the ride continues with opportunities for more trotting and cantering. The terrain can be a bit strenuous, so be prepared for some uphill and downhill sections. If you have children or less experienced riders, note that children must be accompanied by an adult, and the maximum weight is 85 kg (around 185 lbs), with options for heavier riders only on request. This is not a casual ride—it’s an active, immersive experience rooted in the rugged beauty of natural Tuscany.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for experienced riders craving a full day in nature, not a beginner’s introduction. It’s perfect for those who enjoy active outdoor pursuits and are comfortable riding for several hours, with good stamina. If you like the idea of riding through woods, over small rivers, and passing by medieval villages, this is your kind of Tuscany. Food and wine lovers will appreciate the local picnic lunch, which offers a taste of regional produce along with the scenic backdrop.

Reviewers consistently mention the friendly guide, Karla, and the horses’ reliable temperament, making it suitable for travelers who value well-cared-for animals and a personal touch. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the operating in most weather conditions makes it a reliable choice for most seasons.

If you’re after luxury or beginner-friendly riding, this might feel a bit more strenuous, but for confident riders, it offers a genuine, hands-on experience of Tuscany’s wild side.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am at the meeting point in Montieri. It includes a professional guide, helmet use, and parking fees—everything you need for a hassle-free day. The cost, at just over $240, covers lunch, guide services, and riding equipment, but excludes hotel pickup and drop-off, as transportation to the meeting point is not included. If you’re staying nearby, this is easy enough to organize, especially since the tour operates year-round.

The group size is limited to four travelers, which keeps things personal and allows for a more relaxed pace. Keep in mind that confirmation happens within 48 hours of booking, so plan accordingly. Also, travelers should be in good physical condition to handle the ride’s activity level, especially if opting for the full-day experience. To stay comfortable, dress for the weather and prepare for some physical exertion—think sturdy riding shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This is a fantastic choice for experienced horseback riders seeking to explore Tuscany’s wild, scenic side in the most authentic way possible. If you love riding through forests, crossing rivers, and passing medieval villages, this tour offers a real taste of rural Italy. The small group size and friendly guides ensure a personalized adventure, while the reliable horses and skill level requirements filter the crowd to serious riders.

It’s especially well suited for those who want more than a quick trail ride—this is a full-day immersion into Tuscany’s countryside, with plenty of opportunities to trot and canter. The inclusion of a delicious picnic makes it a well-rounded experience, blending physical activity, outstanding scenery, and regional flavor.

However, if you’re seeking a beginners’ ride or a very relaxed, scenic tour without much physical exertion, this might not be the best fit. Also, travelers who aren’t willing to organize their own transportation might find the lack of hotel pickup a minor inconvenience, as the tour starts in Montieri.

In sum, if you’re a confident rider eager to experience Tuscany in a way that’s active, immersive, and authentic, this full-day horseback adventure will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, this ride is designed for riders with intermediate or advanced experience. It involves trotting and cantering, with a ride duration of about four to five hours in the saddle.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers lunch, the services of a professional guide, helmet use, and parking fees. It does not include hotel transportation.

What should I wear?
Dressing appropriately for weather and activity is important. Wear sturdy riding shoes, layered clothing for different temperatures, and sun protection if necessary.

How many people will be on the tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of four travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, the maximum weight is 85 kg (about 185 lbs). Heavier riders can inquire about horse availability on request.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, travelers need to arrange their own transportation. The tour starts in Montieri, which is about 300 meters from Hotel Prategiano.

Can children participate?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. This tour is best suited for confident, experienced riders.

This full-day horseback ride through Tuscany offers a rare opportunity to experience Italy’s countryside with all your senses—scenery, history, and the thrill of riding on well-trained horses. It’s a perfect match for riders who want a more active, authentic adventure and are prepared for a physically engaging day.