A vast range of incredible treks are possible from Castle S.Cristina. You just hop on your horse and we will lead you through a selection of the best excursions according to the riders level.
Mount Amiata on the north, lake Bolsena on the south, High Tuscia is there, waiting to be explored.

Half-day excursions

1) THE THREE WATERS ALONG THE 'BRIGANDS PATH'

Length:

ca 2h 30m

With this mini-trekking we will easily reach the hills framing at west the plateau on which the castle is situated. A fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area, going from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena on one side to the hills surrounding the little lake Mezzano on the other side. Provided a sufficiently clear day the sea can be seen at 40 km in the distance like a glowing mirror.

Starting from the castle, after 1 Km. we will reach a large track winding through the beautiful hills and small woods on a steady and soft ground good to let the horses canter, if wanted. At the end of the track we will enter a big wood named Selva di Onano.

2) NOCCHIETO & S.MARTINO

Length:

ca 2h 30m

This excursion follows north part of the old outlaws track, initially along the hills and later with a zig zag into the bushes and valleys hidden in between the oak woods. This track was used by famous outlaws of the last century to escape from the guards chasing them from the plains of Maremma. Soon we will reach the old farm named Nocchieto, ruined but still fascinating in its architecture leaning against the tufo rock.

The road changes from rock into soft ground and the horses can now be pushed into gallop until the old fountain, where they can stop for a rest. Here turning on the right we will enter a hidden and narrow line of gorges used by the sheperds. At the end we will reach the top of a hill with a beautiful view of Mount Amiata.

With a few ups and downs following an easy track, we will reach the farm of S.Martino from where through a road carved into the rock we will reach again S.Cristina.

3) TO THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH OF S.MARIA DELLE COLONNE

Length:

ca 2h 15m

From the castle we will climb up on the hill right in front through the old road carved into the rock. Beyond the hill we will find the old Brigands path that after passing by the old farmhouse of S.Prospero will turn on the left.

After going down through the cultivated fields the countryroad climbs again into the chestnut woods where the horses, if wanted, can be pushed into canter giving the riders the thrill of a nice ride through woods alternated with panoramic openings.

At a point the road starts going downhill and it is carved into the tufo rock as the roads were in the old times. At the bottom of the slope we find a fountain and a small medieval church, S.Maria delle Colonne. From there with a wide tour we will reach again the chestnut woods on the hill top. Another track will lead horses and riders through valleys of potatoes fields back to a farm and then to the castle.

4) TO THE PANORAMIC VIEW

Length:

ca 2h 30m

Who takes part in this excursion is rewarded with a magnificent breathtaking panoramic view filling your heart. Following the communal bridleway, we will reach the woods of Onano. From there crossing a few fields we can reach a small track going slightly uphill ideal for a canter in the woods. Once at the top of the hills while horses regain there strength at a walk we turn right. Along the hills’ cliff and at a certain point we turn right with a road cutting down and up onto this final hilltop where the great view is. You can see all the region from there, from side to side. Mountains, lakes, woods and castles: it’s all there at your feet, S.Cristina Castle in the distance in front of you. With this enchanting sight in your eyes the guide will lead you down the hills back home

5) TO S.LUIGI FARM

Length:

ca 2h

From the castle we cross the hill overlooking the castle with a fantastic landscape framing the background. Mount Amiata, the Radicofani fortress, the castle of Torre Alfina are part of this wonderful picture. After the hill we join a trak crossing hills and valleys. The road turns on the left and after a while the horses can be pushed at a canter on the soft but steady ground between the chest nut woods.
After a few kilometres the woods give ground to the pastures full of sheep, there we reach S.Luigi a dairy farm where fabulous "ricotta" cheese is produced. From there the old estate track will take us back to the castle along the hills.

6) AROUND ONANO

Length:

ca 3h

Once on the Brigands track we go north through the hills, after crossing the provincial road.

A beautiful scenery of mountains and hills in front of us, a nice track will take us around Onano.

Onano is a fortified village with a medieval castle in its middle, providing an interesting site for the riders.Centuries ago, it was an important stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area for ages during the middle ages.

Narrow crossings will alternate beautiful open fields with a view. Once at the little medieval church Madonna delle grazie we will follow the track north through enchanting countryside back to the castle

7) AROUND GRADOLI

Length:

ca 2h 30m

We will follow an old Etruscan trail zig zagging trough the woody hills, shaped by the volcanic eruptions ages ago. That will take us above the village of Gradoli and it’s fabulous renaissance Farnese palace.

Among vineyards and vegetable gardens riders have a beautiful view of the lake and it’s islands.A long loop on the hills above the lake will take us back to the castle.

Daily excursions

A) LAKE BOLSENA

Length:

ca 7h (pranzo - picnic included)

B) FROM CASTLE TO CASTLE

Length:

ca 7h / 8h (pranzo - picnic included)

An incredible experience. In this excursion you will have the opportunity to travel with your horse from Castle S.Cristina to another fortress: Castle Proceno.

We will reach the outskirts of the village of Onano and XVI cent. little country church of Madonna delle Grazie from where we will have a beautiful view of the medieval village walls. Now the country road turns north into enchanting countryside on the border between Lazio and Southern Tuscany.

Crossing Montorio game reserve, if we are lucky pheasants, fallow- deer, and boars can be spotted while horseriding. A fabulous excursion that will take us through the most unspoiled Tuscan countryside, wading a ford in the Stridolone river before making the hilltop overlooking the fortress of Proceno. After Lunch we will cross the river again on a easy wade and climb the side of a plateau through thick vegetation taking advantage of an old track once used by farmers.

C) LAKE MEZZANO

Length:

ca 7h ((pranzo - picnic included)