Indulge in the Heart of Italy

The morning is yours to enjoy as you wish—sleep in, savor a leisurely breakfast, or pursue any activity you like. 

Before lunch, there's a safety briefing. Following that, we'll groom and saddle the horses, and watch a brief demonstration of western riding. After lunch, the trek begins. 

After lunch we do a test-ride (3 hours) to enable you to get acquainted with the horse you are going to ride all week. Some riders like to ride different horses during the week which is also possible. We visit the new riding centre inclusive Bistro from our host which is close by and looking forward for having a fresh prepared dinner.

Around 10 a.m., we set out from the house. Our journey begins with a long ride through a dense wood, eventually opening up to expansive fields where we can enjoy a canter. 

We’ll stop for a picnic at an idyllic spot. 

After lunch, we are treated to a picturesque view of the village of Vastogirardi. Continuing our ride, we traverse miles of serene beech woods, eventually arriving at “Valle Fredda” (Cold Valley), perfect for another exhilarating canter. 

In the evening, we will be served delicious food prepared by our gracious host.

Today, we begin by passing the new riding center and heading down to the village of Carovilli. Here, we tie up the horses and enjoy a refreshing aperitif in the Piazza, soaking in the local atmosphere and catching up on the latest news from the villagers. Our next destination is Castiglione, a nearby small town. At the hilltop in Castiglione, we can visit a church ruin that houses a still-functioning bell we can ring. From here, we enjoy a stunning view of the Carovilli valley.

After a picnic, we ride back to the farmhouse. The late afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Relax with a book in one of our hammocks at the Bistro, where you can find a selection of books near our cozy fireplace, including those in English, Dutch, and German. If you prefer, you can take a refreshing dip in the pool of the neighboring town or visit the castle in Pescolanciano—we’ll be happy to take you there.

Our journey begins with a crossing of a small river, immediately followed by a steep and adventurous climb. We continue uphill along narrow paths flanked by wild berry bushes until the forest clears. Here, we pause for a picnic, with a view to the north where the Abruzzo mountains begin.

After our break, it’s a short ride to Pietrabbondante, which means "plenty of stones." Here, we can admire the ancient theatre and the two Samnite temples. The Samnites were the original inhabitants of Molise, and it took the Romans three centuries of war to conquer this region, which then became part of the Roman Empire in 79 B.C. 

After exploring this historical site, it’s time to ride back home.

After breakfast, we head downhill towards Pescolanciano. Just before reaching the village, we join the Tratturo, a 2,000-year-old track still used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. From this point, we enjoy a beautiful view of the village's old castle. Before arriving in Pescolanciano, we’ll have a few exhilarating canters through the fields.

Lunch is served at a charming little restaurant known for its homemade ice cream. Afterward, it's time for a swim—so get your trunks out! Adjacent to the horses' resting place is a small pool built a few years ago where we can relax and cool off.

The final stretch of our journey takes us over open heathland and through dense oak woods. Around 6 p.m., we return to the farmhouse, unsaddle the horses for the last time, and gather for a farewell dinner.

Departure after breakfast.

N.B. Due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances the programme may have to be adapted.
Alternative program: Bell Museum Agnone, Castle visit Pescolanciano, Western riding lesson in the  round pen of the new riding centre.