Along the Via Francigena. The Ancient Medieval Road

5.0 (2)
7 days 6 nights
Italy
Photo Sergio A.
5.0
Sergio A.
Tour Provider
View Sergio’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Upscale
Weight limit

The Via Francigena has represented over the centuries, since the early Middle Ages (year 476 AD - 1000 AD), the route followed by pilgrims from central-northern Europe, to reach Rome, seat of the Papacy and heart of Christianity.

In 2004, this route was declared a "Great European Cultural Itinerary" by the Council of Europe, similarly to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

What is known today as the Via Francigena is the 1800 km route taken by Archbishop Sigerico in the year 990 to return to Canterbury from Rome after meeting Pope John XV. In addition to the Sigerico route there are many paths, variations, used by pilgrims, merchants, soldiers for convenience, climatic conditions, for minor destinations, or to reduce the distances and difficulties of their journeys.

$1,788
per tourist for 7 days
Departing from
La Selva Agriturismo, Strada del Pian del Lago, 19, Siena, Province of Siena, Italy
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Sergio A.
Sergio A. is the provider and guide of this trip
The provider speaks: English
When you see a horse for the first time you can have two reactions: fear or amazement. I had the second one, I was five years old. I began a journey made of sacrifices, lessons, competitions in various disciplines at various levels, even important ones, in an environment where sporting results at increasingly higher levels count. Then I changed my point of view. Great women and horsemen, famous or not, who fortunately I met, taught me that technique is very useful and you can learn it, training is fundamental with the right times, healthy competition is not negative if it respects a living being cognitive and complex, but it is important to "observe, wait and listen". In that moment everything changed, the sacrifices, the comparisons, the frustrations increased, and then in small steps we reached the goal: doing things "for" the horse and not just "with". This is what I do with horses and this is what I try to convey to my students, and sometimes when the results are slow in coming I always remember a phrase from a great horse man, Ray Hunt: “… believe in your horse and he will believe in you”. In 1999, after long training, I obtained the third level federal instructor license for hippotherapy and equestrian guide and in 2000 I began to deal exclusively with teaching and equestrian tourism and since 2013 I have been doing so here in Tuscany, in Siena, with my legally registered business, organizing various types of equestrian experiences, including horseback riding trips. I am aware that the horse arouses emotions, fascinates, but you must approach it safely and with the awareness of "meeting" a cognitive, intelligent and different living being compared to others, for many reasons. For this reason I do not "rental" horses but propose, with great passion, "tailor-made and quality" activities for guests, with particular attention to safety and fun. With my equestrian experiences I want to share the passion for these splendid animals, for nature, the millenary history and the excellence of this part of Tuscany, combining them with the ancient and slow rhythm of traveling on horseback. Anyone who wants to "take time" and have an equestrian experience in the Tuscan nature is welcome. Nothing and no one is perfect, but what I do I do with great passion!

Tour highlights

Ride Along the Ancient Medieval Road
Riding on the Via Francigena is like going back in time
Discover Historical Places
Visit the most typical for this part of Tuscany places
Admire Tuscany Nature
Ride on the hills and endless fields

Route details

Day 1
Arrival

Meeting at the Siena railway station, airport or directly at the equestrian center. Assignment of accommodation and at dinner you will meet your equestrian guides, who will explain the trekking program to you.

Day 2
Towards the Abbadia Isola
Day 3
San Gimignano
Day 4
Montagnola Senese
Day 5
Historical Route
Day 6
Via Francigena
Day 7
Saturday
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

The journey doesn’t hide any particular difficulties, lasts five and half days with approx. 4/6 hours in the saddle per day. In case and if possible we can modify the gait.

The trip is for riders of medium experience who have control at all paces. 

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Upscale
Hotel
6 nights

For the stay of our guests, the Agriturismo La Selva, within the estate, offers various types of accommodation.

In ancient and typical Tuscan farmhouses, welcoming and comfortable rooms are available apartments, all with private bathrooms and fully furnished.

6 nights
La Selva Farm House

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
La Selva Agriturismo, Strada del Pian del Lago, 19, Siena, Province of Siena, Italy
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

  • seven days / six nights in a double room in full board formula;
  • a shuttle service will take care of all guests transfer;
  • the itineraries;
  • lunch stops along the routes and dinners include beverages;
  • wine tasting in the farm.

Extras

  • transfer from / to airport.

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

7 days
6 nights

It's important to know

Cancellation of booking

In case of early cancellation of the reservation, we will be forced to withhold from you a percentage of the price paid:

  • 30 days before - 25%
  • from 29 days up to 3 days before the start - 50%

Reviews

5.0
Based on 2 reviews
  • A
    Alessandro
    10 Jan, 2024
    about provider
    Sergio really loves what he does and knows a lot about it. My wife and I didn't spend that much time here but he made sure the activity suited us perfectly. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot. Riding around the ranch was really enjoyable and safe. Grazie.
    10 Jan, 2024
  • V
    Valentina
    6 Oct, 2023
    about provider
    Il trekking con Sergio non è solo camminare a cavallo. Oltre alla sua bravura equestre e ai suoi ottimi cavalli, c'è tanto altro: la vita vissuta, la conoscenza del luogo, della storia, della cucina, il tutto accompagnato dalla sua gentilezza e simpatia! Grazie Sergio per le splendide giornate dell'estate!
    6 Oct, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • $1,788
    29 Dec, 2024 – 4 Jan, 2025 7 days 6 nights
    Request to book
  • $1,788
    12 – 18 Jan, 2025 7 days 6 nights
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  • $1,788
    9 – 15 Feb, 2025 7 days 6 nights
    Request to book
  • $1,788
    9 – 15 Mar, 2025 7 days 6 nights
    Request to book
  • $1,788
    6 – 12 Apr, 2025 7 days 6 nights
    Request to book

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