Escape to the heart of Tuscany with our captivating horseback riding trip to Chianti, Italy. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the region as you journey through vineyards, olive groves, and ancient woodlands. Experience the warm hospitality of Rendola Riding, where a glass of Chianti wine welcomes you to their 18th-century country house. Indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine prepared by Isabella, your gracious host, and savor every moment of your stay. With expert guidance from English-speaking guide Eraldo, explore historic landmarks and picturesque landscapes that define the charm of Chianti. From leisurely rides through the Valdarno to unforgettable culinary experiences and cultural excursions, every day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Join us on this remarkable journey through Chianti and discover the true essence of Italy's enchanting countryside.

Rendola was founded in 1969 originally as a riding school, and became one of the first agriturismos (farm-holiday centers) in the region. The horses, all trained in the English style of riding, are sleek and fit and even those which are stable-kept spend some hours in the paddocks every day if they are not ridden. 

Riding Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Riders should be able to ride comfortably at all paces.

Speed: Walk / Trot / Canter

Distance: Riding distance will vary.

Ride Time: Ride times will vary, but riders should expect to spend several hours in the saddle each day.

Tack: English tack

Terrain: Hilltops, open fields, creek crossings, dirt and paved roads through quaint villages, vineyards, and the Italian countryside. 

Accommodations will be in Jenny’s 400-year old Tuscan home in the Chianti countryside with a wonderful view over the Arno valley. Outside, it has the typical characteristics of a seventeenth century farmhouse (actually parts of it may be older), with its small tower, arches, outside staircase and a balcony adorned with geraniums; while inside the floors are of terracotta and the ceilings have oak or chestnut beams.

Rendola has six bedrooms for guests, each with its own bathroom.  In the evening guests can gather in the comfortable sitting-room to read, chat and, when the weather is cool, enjoy the log fire. 

While this may be a riding tour, the real reason you visit Italy is for the food, of course! Meals will consist of farm-to-table ingredients, perfectly paired local wines, and exquisite cuisine all around.  At Rendola you will enjoy delicious Tuscan cooking, known throughout the world, at its very best. 

Guests may drive to Rendola or take the train (nearest major city is Florence). You will be advised upon booking which train to book for both your arrival and departure, and your host will meet you at the train station in Montevarchi when you arrive.

Arrive at Montevarchi. The train comes into platform 1 and Jenny, your host, will be there to welcome you. It takes just ten minutes to drive up to her 400-year-old typically Tuscan home near the tiny village of Rendola. Settle in and then enjoy a chat over a glass of Chianti Classico wine. Local wine is served at all main meals.

Breakfast and morning ride (about two and a half hours) with your English-speaking guide Eraldo through vineyards, olive-groves and woodland, passing near an 18th-century villa and a 14th-century church. On your return go to a local hostelry for your Sunday lunch. Walk home for a cup of tea and then join your host for a hilarious lesson in Italian pronunciation which will prove useful over the following days. Choose your pizza pronouncing all the ingredients correctly and enjoy it for dinner, followed by cantuccini, a Tuscan almond-flavored biscuit, dipped in vinsanto, a delicious dessert wine.

Breakfast and morning ride. After lunch Eraldo will accompany you to the farm of his friend Alessandro who will show you how Tuscan pecorino cheese is made. After some cheese-tasting you will be driven by Eraldo to Fattoria Casabianca to sample Aldo’s top-quality wine, as well as his award-winning vinsanto. Dinner back at Jenny’s home. 

Day ride with Eraldo in the Chianti hills south of Rendola.  You will pass the medieval village of San Leolino, the Castle of Cennina, a pretty lake and then have a picnic nearby. Back home past the Castle of Lupinari with frequent canters. Dinner at Jenny’s home. 

A free day to laze around or to make your own arrangements for sightseeing, perhaps to visit Florence (which Jenny knows well and will gladly show you the main sites, there are both culture and shopping opportunities galore!) Or you can visit one of the hill-towns in the area, Arezzo, Assisi, Cortona or Orvieto, take your pick. All four are a direct train journey from Montevarchi and you will be driven to the station and back. Dinner at Jenny’s home. 

Breakfast and then a ten-minute journey to Montevarchi station to meet the train back to Florence. Your own arrangements for your onward journey. For those going to Rome there is a direct and inexpensive train journey and you can buy a ticket at the station.