Adventure in Perugia

You will start off in a fairly leisurely way on the first day to give riders the chance to get to know their horses. This three-hour ride takes you through the chestnut groves of Valle San Martino, which sweeps down from the plateau which is home to the stables. You will have time to admire the magnificent gnarled old trees which have supplied chestnuts to generations of people living in this area, and to spot the wild cyclamen and other flowers that grow in the woods.

Several stretches of trail are perfect for a canter, offering thrilling moments before you clatter through the picturesque village of Strettura. On the return journey, you’ll pass by the charming church of San Pietro Martire, a tiny chapel still in use by nearby villages. 

Enjoy a delightful lunch served in the clubhouse back at the stables, savoring authentic Umbrian cuisine in a serene setting.

Today, the serious riding begins, but it promises to be fun and varied over the 35 kilometers and 5-6 hours spent in the saddle. 

Winding through woodland trails, we’ll reach the hamlet of Torrecolla before passing a delightful stone church and continuing along some wider paths. 

Then, we begin a long but gentle climb up to Monte Fionchi, a vast alpine meadow atop a 1300-meter high mountain. Here, riders can refresh themselves with a drink from an ice-cold mountain spring. 

A leisurely picnic lunch will be served in a meadow near another lovely Umbrian country church, the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio. 

The return leg takes us through the wild and staggeringly beautiful Valnerina, past abandoned villages clinging to the mountainside, through other inhabited hill villages, and back to the stables.

Today's ride is less challenging in terms of time and terrain but offers faster-paced sections for experienced riders and spectacular scenery as a bonus. From the stables, we pass through chestnut woods to Montebibico, a medieval village where time seems to have stood still. From there, a series of trails winds gently past small farms and into the foothills of Mount Acetella, our destination for the day.

Along these paths, there are plenty of chances to canter, but don't forget to pause and take in the magnificent views. You can see high mountain peaks in the distance, with the stables and Montebibico nestled in the foreground – a perfect spot for a photograph. 

Afterward, we climb to the top of Mount Acetella, where you will be rewarded with more stunning views, feeling on top of the world.

We then head back to the stables via another series of trails for a well-deserved lunch.

Pianella, our destination for today's day-long trek spanning 5-6 hours and 35 kilometers, is a haven of tranquility nestled in the heart of the Umbrian countryside. To reach this picturesque spot, we traverse through woods and trails, descending into a hidden valley where we pause to admire the charming village of Castagnacupa. Here, the recently restored old stone houses exude timeless beauty.

Continuing our journey, we pass by a stunning Romanesque church and venture deeper into the woodland until we arrive at a shady meadow, the perfect spot for our lunch break. Here, we tether the horses to sturdy posts and rails and gather around wooden tables and benches thoughtfully provided for picnickers.

After lunch, we continue our exploration, passing through the historic village of Pompagnano, situated near Spoleto. Our route then takes us back over the hills, passing by Catinelli, a village perched dramatically on a rock outcrop. Home to just two inhabitants – an elderly man and a woman – who can often be seen tending to their animals, Catinelli offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life amidst breathtaking surroundings.

This half-day ride takes us through the grounds of a magnificent 600-hectare private estate called La Tenuta dello Schioppo, locally known as Il Parco delle Farfalle, or the Butterfly Park. The estate features wide avenues perfect for cantering for those who wish to, and trotting for those who prefer a gentler pace. Riders will enjoy splendid views of mountains, valleys, and hill villages in all directions.

In a woodland glade, a huntsman's table, crafted from local chestnut wood, serves as our stopping point for an aperitif. In May and June, the woods here are carpeted with tiny wild strawberries, adding to the enchantment of the ride.

We will return to the clubhouse for lunch, after which you have a free afternoon to relax or explore the nearby town of Spoleto. Transportation to Spoleto can be provided at a reasonable cost.

Today's final day-long ride is a pilgrimage to the now uninhabited Monastery of Battiferro, involving around 5 hours in the saddle and covering approximately 35 kilometers. Leaving the stables, we pass through Montebibico and continue along tracks and mule paths until we reach the mountain village of Ciecalocco. From there, we ride through ancient chestnut woods, eventually arriving at the remote village of Battiferro, still inhabited despite its isolation.

A trail through the woods leads us to the monastery itself, perched on a promontory with magnificent views over the Valnerina. Here, we will pause for a well-earned picnic lunch, taking in the serene beauty of the surroundings. 

Afterward, we return to the stables via a different route, enjoying varied scenery along the way. 

Our adventure concludes with a drink and farewell dinner at the clubhouse, a perfect ending to a memorable journey.

After breakfast transfer back to Spoleto train station.

 

This is a sample itinerary and treks may be altered as a result of local conditions especially weather.

In warmer months, and in times of a full (or nearly full) moon, it may be possible to replace a full day ride with a memorable Night Ride up onto the mountain of Monte Acetella. Riders are met by the stables' jeep, and served a camp-fire supper as they scan the skies for shooting stars. The return leg of the journey takes place by the light of the moon.

New feature: Optional rafting excursion available on all riding holidays instead of a half-day ride.
Supplement €50 payable locally. We will provide free transport.
The descent takes approx 2 hours on the beautiful River Corno and the whole excursion approx 4 hours. Each boat is manned by expert guides and this activity is suitable for all ages, from 5 to 75, as it is safe and relatively gentle rafting (though exciting enough to feel you have done something adventurous!) Wet suits, lifejackets and crash helmets provided.