Lazio MEDIEVAL Castle Ride

(Italy)

Escape to a medieval castle in one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Italy, at the crossroads of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. You'll stay in a beautifully restored ancient farmhouse, just steps from the splendid 17th-century Castello di Santa Cristina, which has been owned by the noble Caterini family for generations. Set just north of Lake Bolsena and only an hour and a half from Rome, the castle is surrounded by 100 hectares of untouched countryside.

The estate has its own riding center, offering trail rides through the Tuscan countryside for experienced riders. Beginners can enjoy lessons with skilled instructors, while non-riders have a wide range of activities to choose from, including cycling, tennis, boat tours, beach getaways, and access to the swimming pool. You can also join yoga sessions, cooking classes, and wine tastings.

It’s a fantastic place for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers. You'll be welcomed into a warm, inviting atmosphere, enjoy delicious local food and wine, and experience the real ‘Dolce Vita’ !

Italian restaured farmhouse and medieval castle at the Lazio Castle equestrian center.

QUICK GUIDE

  • Airport: Rome (Fiumicino Airport or Ciampino Airport)

  • Duration: 4, 6 or 7 nights.

  • Price: From €985 per person based on two sharing accommodation

  • Riding level: Beginner to advanced, depending on the program
    (All levels welcome, there's a program for everyone!)

  • Who can join: Riders, non-riders, children…everyone is welcome!

  • Programs available: Short break and full week treks available for experienced riders. 6 day beginners program also available; Custom programs and length of stay also available on demand- please inquire!

  • Season: from April to November

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ride across one of the less inhabited areas in Italy, with beautiful nature, a lot of history, castles and archaeological sites along the way.

  • Guided tour of the 17th century Castle.

  • Free access to the swimming pool (June-Sept.) and to the tennis court.

  • Families with kids and non riders can enjoy cycling, boat tours, beach getaways, as well as yoga sessions, cooking classes, and wine tastings.

3 PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Lazio Castle Ride - short break

Two people riding horses in front of a medieval castle at the equestrian resort near Rome

This 3-day riding itinerary offers daily rides. It will take you along "The Brigands Trail", boasting stunning panoramic views that, on a clear day, extend to the distant, shimmering sea, all while passing through ancient oak woodlands and traditional farm dwellings, and providing expansive views of Lake Bolsena's crater. A full-day excursion to Lake Mezzano involves riding through farmlands and wooded hills, including a stop for lunch at a farm restaurant and a refreshing swim.

Group size: Min. 1 – Max. 6 riders

QUICK GUIDE:

  • 4 nights with half or full board options

  • Two hacks of 2 hours and + 1 full day hack

  • From €985 per person half board

  • Intermediate / Advanced riders

Lazio Castle Ride - Full Week

A rider riding a brown and white horse, galloping through a green field covered with flowers in the Lazio region in Italy

This 6-day itinerary offers an immersive Italian experience, blending horseback riding with cultural exploration. The itinerary features daily hacks, including a full-day ride to Lake Mezzano for swimming and lunch, and scenic rides to Lake Bolsena and through ancient Etruscan trails with breathtaking views. A dedicated day off allows for exploring local historical sites like Pitigliano and Orvieto or simply relaxing at the castle.

Group size: Min. 1 – Max. 6 riders

QUICK GUIDE:

  • 7 nights with half or full board option

  • Four hacks of 2 hours and one full day hack

  • From €1540 per person

  • Intermediate / Advanced riders

  • Non-riders welcome at reduced price

BEGINNER PROGRAM

Beginner riding a brown horse during a lesson with his instructor.

This programme covers a wide range of people looking to gain more confidence in the saddle. For five days, you'll enjoy one hour of riding per day, split between lessons to hone your skills and treks around the castle to explore the immediate surroundings.

A shorter version of this programme (fewer days and riding hours) can be arranged upon request.

QUICK GUIDE:

  • 6 nights with half or full board option

  • 5 riding lessons

  • From €1230 per person

  • Full beginners or beginners-advanced

  • TESTIMONIALS

    "I had the most wonderful stay at Santa Cristina! The owner was incredibly friendly- they even invited me to join them with their friends for dinner one evening, which was such a lovely gesture. All the staff were kind and helpful throughout my stay. I’d like to give a special shoutout to Suzi and Katie, the amazing women in charge of the horses and the trails. They’re doing a fantastic job! I know it’s not always easy to manage both horses and people, but they really prioritize the well-being of the horses and ensure everyone’s safety. It shows in everything they do. I was absolutely thrilled with my stay.
    The surroundings, the horses- everything was just amazing. Thank you so much for all your help!”
    — Victoria Andersson

  • TESTIMONIALS

    “I joined the Castle Estate ride in Italy in July with World on Horseback and couldn’t recommend it enough! What a fabulous getaway. I had always wanted to try horse riding and this was my first time. It felt wonderful being in a safe environment while also enjoying all the amenities at the estate with my husband and our daughter, who loved hanging out by the swimming pool! It was such a lovely little getaway for a few days, very different from the type of holidays we usually take, and the change felt like such a great idea. I would definitely do it again. We were shown around the beautiful castle by the owner, swam in the pool, played badminton, billiard, and explored the surrounding area. We even went on a boat ride on a nearby lake one afternoon. The food was incredible, authentic Italian dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. Between the nature, the food, the horses and all the activities, we had a wonderful stay and I cannot recommend this place enough. A big thank you to Mathilde from World on Horseback for recommending it and helping us organize everything! <3 “ - Luisa Ulhoa