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UMBRIA HORSEBACK RIDING
VACATIONS
"Malvarina Equestrian Center" is located 2 miles east of Assisi,
known world-wide as the birthplace of Saint Francis. Perched on the slopes
of Mount Subasio, it is a tourist center of extraordinary historic and artistic
interest. The "Rocca Maggiore" fortress rebuilt in 1365 on its original
location by Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, towers above the city. For over a
century-and-a-half, the fortress played a dominant role in the dramatic
political events during which Assisi was under domination of Biordo Michelotti
(1349-1398), Giangaleazzo Visconti (from Visconti family of Milan), Guidantonio
da Montefeltro (1409-1419), Braccio Fortebraccio da Montone (1419-1424),
Francesco Sforza (1438-1442) and Niccolo` Piccinino (1442). On the northeastern
end of the city walls is the "Rocchicciola" or "Rocca Minore" again built
by Cardinal Egidio Albornoz in 1367 as protection of the city in the direction
of Mount Subasio. The small fortress consist of an internal court dominated
by a majestic tower and a chapel decorated by a "Crucifixion" painted by
Renaissance master Matteo da Gualdo." (Not open to visitors) Ancient Fonte
Malvarina (Malvarina mineral water source) has given its name to a small
strip of land between Assisi and Spello. Originally the fountain was part
of the castle of San Savino, which, converted into a villa, in 1554 became
the seat of Accademia del Monte, one of the most active cultural centers
in the Umbria region. Spello, located on the east end of Mount Subasio,
with a structure that is reminiscent of that of Assisi, the "Splendidissima
Colonia Julia" willed by the Emperor Augustus, has Roman archeological remains
such as the Amphitheater, the Theater of Propertius, the Consolar Gate.
Medieval and Renaissance structures coexist harmoniously in the alleyways
and squares, giving the town its very unique personality. Of special interest
are the Pinturicchio frescoes in Santa Maria Maggiore, the impressive Villa
Fidelia, a typical Renaissance villa with Italian gardens, and the "Urbani
Loggia."
ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Sun. Morning arrival at Rome airport, transfer to Malvarina
welcome cocktail drink. Rest of the day at disposal to recover jet-leg or
to explore the country side. 8:00-8:30PM dinner.
Day 2 - Mon. Assisi Ride
8:00-9:00AM breakfast. Fresh Ricotta cheese and home-made "marmellate" (jams),
freshly baked "biscotti" or cakes from MariaÕs kitchen, toasted bread, fresh
fruit, Italian espresso, Caffelatte, are some of the delicacies youÕll enjoy
daily at Malvarina. 9:00-10:00AM Riders mount up. Follow bridle path past
Malvarina fountain, go through miles of olive groves, meet men collecting
snails or hunting truffles, continue through forests of pine and oak trees
to the city of Assisi. Ride outside of city walls with great views of the
city and its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Stop for lunch at "Vecchio
Molino" (Old Mill) near the Tescio River at foot of Mount Subasio. After
lunch tour the "Rocca Maggiore" and "Rocca Minore" (big fortress and little
fortress), the two forts that once defended Assisi during her most turbulent
times. On the way back to Malvarina, follow the Tescio River, past many
Roman ruins and roads. Beautiful views of surrounding villages on the way
home. Total ride about 5 hours. 8:00-8:30PM dinner.
Day 3 - Tue. Eremo delle Carceri (Hermitage) Ride
8:00-9:00 breakfast. 9:00-10:00 Mount up and leave
from Malvarina. Take winding roads up through olive groves to Gabbiano Vecchio
(a small church dating back to the 16th century). Ride continues through
forests of oak and holm oaks, vineyards and excellent views of surrounding
hills and villages. Past "Sasso Rosso" (Red Rock) an iron-rich limestone
bluff visible overhanging Malvarina striking with its red hues. Dismount
horses and walk to picturesque "Font Bregno" fountain. This water fountain
is one of the large networks of fountains scattered on the slopes of Mount
Subasio and used, in the past, by shepherds for their flocks. Ride continues
to "Eremo delle Carceri" (The Hermitage), a tiny convent hidden in a deep
gorge at an elevation of2400 feet. The convent was built in 1426 over the
grottos where St. Francis and his followers, often used to "retire" in solitary
meditation fasting and praying. Riders will dismount to walk up to this
holy place, enjoying the beautiful views ofthe valley, incredible history
and peaceful "silenzio." After touring the Hermitage riders mount up again
for the ride to "Le Tre Fontane" (Three Fountains) for lunch. After a sumptuous
lunch, ride will continue to "San Benedetto Abbey" a Benedictine abbey built
in 1051 by the monks of "Farfa" a powerful religious center on the outskirts
of Rome. After a stop here back to Malvarina. Total ride 5 1/2 hours. 8:00-8:30PM
dinner.
Day 4 Wed. - Free day
8:00-9:00AM breakfast. Full day at disposal. Transportation will be provided
to the riders for an excursion to Perugia and Assisi. 8:00-8:30PM dinner
at Malvarina.
Day 5 - Thu. Collepino Ride (Pine Mountain)
8:00-9:00AM breakfast. 9:00-10:00AM mount up and departure
from Malvarina to "Eremo della Trasfigurazione" (Hermitage of Transfiguration)
and "Fonte di San Silvestro"-then into "Collepino" a lovely village overlooking
the valley at an altitude of 1800 ft. CollepinoÕs medieval castle has been
restored and well preserved. It has five defense towers and many parts of
the walls are still standing. Stop for lunch at "Taverna da Nando" superb
restaurant dating back to the Middle Ages. After lunch mount up again and
on your way back to Malvarina pass by "Spello," city of 100-churches and
home of the famous frescoes by Pinturicchio in the church of Santa Maria
Maggiore. On your way home youÕll enjoy beautiful views of Roman ruins along
the "Flaminia" road (old Roman road). Riders pass San Claudio church, a
Roman Theater and the ruins of the famous Round Church. Total ride time
6 hours. 8:00-8:30PM dinner.
Day 6 - Fri. Monte Subasio Ride (Mount Subasio)
8:00-9:00AM breakfast. Mount Subasio is the mountain
of Assisi. Subasio is a turtle-shaped mountain home to a National Park,
iand reputed to be hallow, an enormous cavern with many water tanks which
furnish water to numerous fountains scattered on its slopes. Leave Malvarina
passing by the Sermattei fountain, built in the 15th century by the Sermattei
family, one the most powerful families in Assisi during the Middle Ages.
Climbing up the hills, riders pass grazing sheep and horses, rolling hills
and, of course, a fantastic views of the surrounding area. Ascending to
the top, riders pass people looking for the famous mushrooms of the region:
Porcini and Turini, two varieties of mushrooms highly praised by all chefs.
At the top riders arrive at the National Park of Mount Subasio, high above
Malvarina, were the spectacular views make you feel like you are on top
of the world (3,800 ft.). The cities of Foligno, Spoleto, Bevagno, Assisi,
Spello, Montefalco, Colle Mancio, Bettona and the famous city of Perugia
(Perugina Chocolate) can all be seen. Riders will lunch at the Madonna della
Spella Shelter while taking in views including Mount Sibillini (7,500 ft.
altitude) in the distance. On the way back to Malvarina riders will pass
the Mortaro Grande Dolina "crater" (Doline are "holes" of various sizes
which, in the Spring, fill with water from rain and melting snow , a unique
characteristic of Mount Subasio, the Mortaro Grande is the largest, 150
ft. deep). Total ride time 5 1/2 hours. 8:00-8:30PM dinner.
Day 7 - Sat. End of tour
After breakfast, departure for your next destination or return home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• 6 days full board accommodations (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• 1 day half board (breakfast & dinner)
• 4 horseback rides as specified on itinerary
• 1 cooking class
• 1 wine tasting at local winery
• Meals include wine and espresso coffee
Package
cost does not include: Airport transfers, rider equipment (helmet,
gloves, boots, rain coat, chops etc.), telephone and personal expenses,
drinks, items not indicated in the itinerary.
PACKAGE PRICE: €1789, per person, based on double occupancy.
PLEASE NOTE: PRICE INDICATED IN EURO CURRENCY
USE THE CALCULATOR TO FIND THE EQUIVALENT IN USA
DOLLARS.
CURRENCY CONVERTER
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This package is, also, available for 3 nights (2 rides), please, call 1-888/287-8733 for price and availability.If improvement can be made we reserve the right to change itineraries,
FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: 1-888/287-8733 or email:
info@travelingtoitaly.com
Gabriele's Travels to Italy continually strive to improve tour itinerary and features. If improvement can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itinerary excursions and to substitute hotels and restaurants. Final documents and paperwork, sent out about three weeks prior to departure date, will include an updated itinerary.
We reserve the right to cancel any tour due to lack of participants or for circumstances beyond our control. In this case, a full refund of all payments will be made. Prices listed are based on tariffs and exchange rates at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
Gabriele's Travels to Italy is not responsible for typing mistake and/or tour description.
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