Horseback riding in San Gimignano: Full-day Maremma trail ride

Canter through Tuscan meadows and cross small rivers on a full-day trail ride built for experienced riders.

A full-day horseback riding activity in San Gimignano, Tuscany, where experienced riders spend four to five hours in the saddle crossing native woods, small rivers and Medieval villages in the Maremma region. The ride includes a professional guide, picnic lunch and helmet. You must have advanced riding experience (walk, trot, canter, two-point seat) and weigh no more than 85 kg. A live guide speaks English or Italian, and children are welcome from age 10 when accompanied by an adult.

The experience

What separates this ride from a beginner trail is the terrain and the pace: you're not following a loop around a ranch, but crossing the wild part of Maremma Toscana on horses bred for the ground they cover. The main path is walk, but the route opens up several stretches where you can trot and canter along blooming meadows. You'll pass through native woods, ford small rivers and ride past Medieval villages. The horses are reliable and sure-footed, which matters when the trail narrows or the ground shifts under you.

The day runs about seven hours total, with four to five of those in the saddle. A picnic lunch break sits in the middle, so you're not riding hungry or stopping at a restaurant. Your guide is a professional who speaks English or Italian and knows the route and the horses. Helmets are provided. You need to bring or wear riding boots or sturdy shoes with a heel, and the operator asks that you dress for the weather. These rides run in all conditions. If you're planning to stay longer, the Hotel Prategiano is a five-minute walk from the meeting point and offers overnight rooms and a restaurant.

Weight matters here: the weight limit is 85 kg, though the operator has a few horses for heavier riders and can confirm availability only on request. Mention your weight when you book. Children from age 10 can ride if an adult is with them. The operator asks that all riders advise their weight at booking and let them know if you need a vegetarian lunch option.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Italian.
• picnic lunch.
• riding helmet.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Fontus s.r.l.

Is this one for you?You ride the whole day yourself. This is not a guided tour where you watch scenery pass. The shared group format means you'll ride with other advanced riders, and the fixed route and schedule are what keep the four to five hours in the saddle manageable inside a single day without hotel pickup logistics.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

Do I need to be an experienced rider to join this trail ride?

Yes. The ride is for advanced riders only. You need to be comfortable at walk, trot, canter and two-point seat. Beginners and intermediate riders are not suited to this trail.

How much time will I actually spend riding versus resting?

You'll be in the saddle for four to five hours out of the seven-hour day. The picnic lunch break falls in the middle, so you ride, stop to eat, then ride again.

What's the Maremma landscape actually like when you're riding through it?

The Maremma Toscana is wild terrain: you cross native woods, ford small rivers, pass Medieval villages and ride along blooming meadows with open views. The main path is walk, but you'll have chances to trot and canter on sections of the route.

What happens if I weigh more than 85 kg?

The standard weight limit is 85 kg. The operator has a few horses available for heavier riders, but availability must be confirmed at the time of booking: mention your weight when you reserve.

Is lunch included, and can I request vegetarian food?

Yes, a picnic lunch is included and eaten during a break in the middle of the ride. Vegetarian options are available if you let the operator know at booking.