Roman Chariots Trail of Umbria

Today, riders will be matched with their horses for the trail. The hosts are experts at matching horse and rider and, with a large stable, there are plenty of horses to choose from. To ensure that everyone is happy and to ease you into the next few days, riders will be taken on a half-day ride up onto the surrounding hills, with spectacular views. Then home for lunch at the trattoria.

Dinner and overnight.

This trail ride takes us to the charming medieval hill town of Monteleone di Spoleto, nestled in the wild and spectacular Valnerina valley. We begin our adventure in the village of Precetto, perched across the bubbling River Nera from its twin village, Ferentillo. Guarded by ancient towers, these villages seem untouched by time. From Precetto, we ride up a winding track into the hills, passing the old customs point between the Papal States and the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, marked by St Peter’s Keys.

The area, known as Salto del Cieco (Blindman’s Leap), is steeped in legend, once haunted by brigands. Here, we enjoy a picnic lunch, complete with wine, before continuing over the hill’s crest towards Monteleone di Spoleto. The journey offers breathtaking views in every direction as we follow winding trails.

Our destination is a comfortable agritourism just outside Monteleone di Spoleto, where we and our horses will stay for the next two nights.

Dinner and overnight.

Today, after enjoying a breakfast featuring local products, we embark on a ride along mostly level terrain, following gentle paths around Monteleone di Spoleto. About a century ago, a Roman chariot was discovered by a local peasant farmer in his field. Unaware of its value, he sold it to a trader for a very small sum. The chariot now resides in New York and has been the center of a bitter dispute, though you can admire a replica in the town itself.

We'll have a picnic lunch before continuing our ride around Monteleone, offering plenty of opportunities for canters for those who wish to partake.

Dinner and overnight accommodations will follow.

Today, we depart from Monteleone di Spoleto and follow a different trail, winding through the dramatically perched hill villages of Gavelli and Caso, where we will pause for lunch. From there, we continue our ride towards Scheggino, a charming town nestled on the river's edge, renowned for the trout that swim right through its center.

We proceed along gentle paths until we arrive at Sant’Anatolia di Narco, where we will stay in a former Benedictine monastery that has been converted into a hotel. The horses will be let out to graze nearby, fed, and settled in for the night.

Meanwhile, we'll have the opportunity to take showers, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night. Our bags will have been delivered by car in the meantime.

After breakfast, we saddle up and ride along the picturesque banks of the River Nera, passing an ancient abbey and several charming villages. There will be opportunities for trotting and cantering before we arrive at the village of Ferentillo, where the horse box and cars will be waiting to transport us back to our base.

Spend a peaceful morning by the pool before setting off on a magical evening ride to Monte Acetella. This three-hour trail takes you along the scenic paths, with chances for trots and canters through the mountains.

As the sun sets, a jeep from the stables welcomes you with a delicious three-course dinner, served under the stars. Watch the skies for shooting stars in a truly unforgettable setting.

The return ride is guided by moonlight and the glow of fireflies, adding a touch of enchantment to this extraordinary night-time adventure.

Breakfast and departure.

Please note, riders have the option to do just the trail ride section of this program. They should arrive on Sunday evening and depart on Friday morning. Please send an inquiry if interested.