Horseback Riding in Urbino: River Crossing in Furlo Gorge

Cross the Metauro River on horseback through the Furlo Gorge.

A 2-hour horseback ride through the Furlo Gorge Nature Reserve in Urbino's Marche region, designed for riders with some experience. You'll follow the Metauro Valley with a certified FITETREC-ANTE guide, cross the river on horseback, and pass the medieval tower of Brombolona and the twin peaks carved by the Candigliano River. The ride takes place at a sanctuary for elderly and retired horses, supporting ethical horsemanship. Helmet, insurance and all riding equipment are included. Guides speak English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride through Furlo Nature Reserve

• Meet guide and prepare horses
• Start route along Metauro Valley
• Cross river on horseback
• Continue trail with views of Monte Pietrasanta and Monte Paganuccio
• Pass medieval tower of Brombolona
• Return to riding stable

The experience

What makes this ride different is the river crossing itself: the moment the source names as the highlight, where you move through water on horseback for what the operator calls an authentic connection with nature. The trail starts at the riding stable in the Metauro Valley, surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, and builds toward that crossing as the centerpiece of the experience. After the river, the route opens onto the imposing twin peaks of Monte Pietrasanta and Monte Paganuccio, both carved by the Candigliano River since prehistoric times into the spectacular Furlo Gorge. You'll pass the medieval tower of Brombolona, an ancient lookout point still dominating the valley, before returning to the stable.

This is built for riders who already know how to ride. The operator specifies experience is needed for the more dynamic and adventurous route. The ride takes 2 hours total. A certified equestrian guide leads the group, and you get a helmet, liability insurance, and all necessary riding equipment. The experience operates at a sanctuary for elderly and retired horses, so the animals you ride are part of a welfare-focused operation. Light rain won't cancel the ride, though bringing a raincoat is recommended. Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash and under control, though owners bringing a dog cannot ride. They walk alongside the group instead.

The riding stable has a changing room and running water but no toilets or food service on-site. The operator recommends nearby farmhouses and restaurants in the area if you want to extend the experience with a meal. Minimum age is 14, and the maximum weight per person is 80 kg. Riders between 80 and 120 kg should contact the operator after booking so suitable horses can be reserved.

What’s included

• Certified FITETREC-ANTE equestrian guide in English or Italian.
• helmet and liability insurance.
• all necessary riding equipment.
• access to the sanctuary for elderly and retired horses.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 12 Sep 2027

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: 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.

Prices and times updated 21 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Italian, so you'll follow the commentary in whichever language works for you. This ride suits riders who already have experience in the saddle and want a more dynamic route: the river crossing and the terrain demand comfort on horseback, not a first lesson.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Do I need to have ridden horses before to do this?

Yes, the operator specifies this experience is designed for riders with some experience and requires a more dynamic and adventurous route than a beginner ride would offer.

What is the medieval tower of Brombolona, and how old is it?

Brombolona is an ancient lookout tower that still dominates the valley along the route. The source identifies it as medieval but does not provide a specific date of construction.

Can I bring my dog on the horseback ride?

Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash and under the owner's control, but owners bringing a dog cannot ride a horse themselves. They walk alongside the group with the dog on a leash instead. Well-trained dogs accustomed to horses may accompany the ride without a leash.

How long is the 2-hour ride, and what's included in the price?

The ride lasts 2 hours total. Included are the horseback ride itself, a certified equestrian guide, helmet, liability insurance, and all necessary riding equipment.