Discover Valdarno

The hidden side of the Chianti hills – 2024

Saturday Arrival at the 18th-century farmhouse of Rendola Riding in the afternoon. A welcome glass of Chianti wine with your host Jenny is followed by a typical Tuscan dinner prepared by Isabella (cook and housekeeper)

Sunday Breakfast, followed by morning ride with your English-speaking guide Eraldo (responsible of the riding centre) through vineyards, olive groves and extensive woodland; return to the farmhouse and lunch.
In the afternoon, cooking lesson with Isabella, preparing dishes such as: pasta fresca, ravioli, ragù “bolognese” and strawberries ice cream or tiramisù for dinner.

Monday Breakfast and morning ride with breathtaking views of the Valdarno valley and frequent canters through the vineyards.
After lunch, visit to the farm of Alessandro to discover how Tuscan pecorino cheese is made (and to taste it of course!), followed by wine tasting at Fattoria Casabianca, with Aldo’s top quality wine and award-winning Vin Santo. Dinner at home.

Tuesday Breakfast and day ride with Eraldo in the Chianti hills south of Rendola , passing the medieval village of San Leolino, the Castle of Cennina, a pretty lake, with picnic nearby.
Back home past the Castle of Lupinari with frequent canters (approx 5h hours in the saddle throughout the day). Dinner at home.

Wednesday (FREE DAY):Breakfast.
A free day to simply relax and laze around, take a train to visit Florence, Arezzo, Assisi, or engage in other activities we can suggest, such as: a trip with the qualified hiking guide Francesco to visit the spectacular “balze del Valdarno”; a guided e-bike tour; a walk through the countryside with Jenny; a workshop with Isabella to paint your personal pottery mug; a “truffle hunt” in the early morning with our friend Luigi and his dog . Dinner at home.

Thursday Breakfast, followed by a visit to the local street market, with typical Italian food, “porchetta”, cheese and fresh vegetables for your lunch.
In the afternoon, after a short ride (one hour and half), a short walk to a local farmhouse to sample some homemade jams and visit the “Museo della civiltà contadina” (Museum of Rural Culture).Dinner at home.

Friday Breakfast, followed by a final day-ride (approx 5 h riding throughout the day) with a stop to visit the typical medieval village of Montegonzi, with a light lunch at the local “osteria”.
In the afternoon, leisurely ride home to Rendola for a rest and a nice cup of English tea, in the sitting room with your hostess .
In the evening, a special farewell dinner.

Saturday Breakfast and short journey to Montevarchi station to meet the train, back to Florence or Rome.
Note: our programs have a degree of flexibility for your own leisure, and some details may change due to weather or specific events such as grape harvest.

For prices and bookings please contact us by e-mail rendolariding@gmail.com or your favourite riding agency.