Horseback Ride in San Gimignano With Tuscan Lunch and Chianti Tasting

This Tuscan tour combines a scenic 1-hour horseback ride through picturesque vineyards and olive groves, a guided visit to the medieval UNESCO-listed town of San Gimignano, and a wine tasting lunch at a Chianti winery. You’ll be transported by 8-seater air-conditioned minivan from Florence and have an English-speaking guide accompany your small group of up to 8 people. The tour offers an immersive experience in the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. For more details on the accessibility, age restrictions, and cancellation policy, keep reading.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Florence.

Key Points

• This tour combines a 1-hour horseback ride, guided visit to San Gimignano, and a wine tasting lunch at a Chianti winery.
• The horseback riding experience takes place at a scenic winery location with experienced instructors and well-trained horses.
• The Tuscan wine tasting includes a guided exploration of Chianti wines and locally-produced olive oils paired with a traditional 3-course lunch.
• The guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Gimignano provides insights into its rich history as an Etruscan settlement and medieval town.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with accommodations for dietary restrictions and age restrictions for the horseback riding activity.

Tour Overview

Horseback Ride in San Gimignano With Tuscan Lunch Chianti Tasting

Tour Overview

This full-day Tuscan countryside tour combines a 1-hour horseback ride with a guided visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano and a wine tasting lunch at a Chianti winery.

You’ll be transported by a comfortable 8-seater minivan to the meeting point, where an informative English-speaking guide will lead you.

Before the horse ride, you’ll receive a pre-ride orientation and be provided with a helmet and insurance.

After the ride, you’ll enjoy an authentic 3-course Tuscan lunch with wine pairings at a local winery, where you’ll also taste a selection of wines and olive oil.

The small-group tour is limited to 8 people for a more personalized experience.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour begins with comfortable roundtrip transportation by an air-conditioned 8-seater minivan from the meeting point at Via Curtatone, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy, where you will gather at 9:00 am.

An informative English-speaking tour guide will accompany the small group of up to 8 people throughout the day.

The transportation is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants under 6 years old are allowed, though they can’t participate in the horseback riding.

Kids older than 6 who are at least 1.10 meters tall are welcome to join the horseback ride.

The transportation and meeting point logistics ensure a smooth and hassle-free start to the Tuscan countryside adventure.

Horseback Riding Experience

After the comfortable drive through the Tuscan countryside, participants arrive at the scenic winery where their horseback riding adventure begins.

A pre-ride orientation covers essential safety information and provides participants with protective helmets before they’re paired with their gentle, well-trained horses.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, riders embark on a captivating 1-hour horseback ride through the picturesque vineyards and olive groves, taking in the stunning vistas of the medieval town of San Gimignano in the distance.

The horseback ride offers a unique opportunity to take in the beauty of the Tuscan landscape, with the chance to explore the region’s natural wonders from a different perspective.

Tuscan Wine Tasting

Following the exhilarating horseback ride, participants head to the Chianti winery for an authentic Tuscan wine pairing lunch.

They’re greeted by their knowledgeable host, who guides them through a tasting of the winery’s selection of acclaimed Chianti wines and locally-produced olive oils.

As they savor each sip, the group learns about the region’s winemaking traditions and the unique terroir that gives these vintages their distinctive flavors.

The expert explains the subtleties of the different grape varieties, aging processes, and flavor profiles, engaging your in a lively discussion.

Paired with a traditional Tuscan meal of seasonal dishes, the wine tasting provides a holistic exploration of the region’s culinary heritage.

Authentic Tuscan Lunch

At the Chianti winery, participants indulge in an authentic 3-course Tuscan wine pairing lunch, savoring seasonal local dishes expertly paired with the estate’s acclaimed vintages.

The meal begins with an appetizer of prosciutto, salami, and Pecorino cheese, accompanied by rustic Tuscan bread and olive oil.

For the main course, guests enjoy a hearty pasta dish, such as pappardelle with wild boar ragù or spinach and ricotta ravioli, perfectly complemented by a selection of the winery’s renowned Chianti and Sangiovese wines.

To conclude the feast, a decadent Tuscan dessert, perhaps a creamy tiramisu or a slice of classic Florentine almond cake, is served alongside a sampling of the winery’s award-winning olive oils.

Guided Visit to San Gimignano

The guided visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano provides participants with an in-depth exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its iconic skyline of towering stone structures.

During the tour, the guide will:

1. Narrate the rich history of San Gimignano, dating back to the 3rd century BC when it was an Etruscan settlement.
2. Lead visitors through the charming streets, pointing out the well-preserved medieval architecture, including the famous 14 stone towers that once numbered 72.
3. Provide fascinating insights into the town’s cultural and economic significance, particularly its role as an important stopping point along the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route.

Exploring San Gimignano’s captivating past and picturesque present allows participants to enjoy the essence of Tuscany’s medieval heritage.

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

Wheelchair and stroller users can access this tour, which also welcomes infants aged 0-6 years, though they can’t participate in the horseback riding component.

Children older than 6 years are permitted to ride horses, provided they meet the minimum height requirement of 1.10 meters. This ensures the safety and comfort of all participants.

Dietary restrictions are also accommodated, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available upon request.

Whether you’re young or old, able-bodied or not, this Tuscan adventure offers an inclusive experience for everyone to enjoy the stunning countryside and cultural highlights of the region. The tour operator’s commitment to accessibility and flexibility ensures a memorable experience for all.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience are eligible for a full refund, allowing for flexibility in planning.

However, bookings canceled less than 24 hours prior to the tour don’t qualify for any refund.

Plus, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel the experience due to poor weather conditions, in which case they’ll offer either a rescheduled date or a full refund to customers.

The cancellation and refund policy for this Tuscan countryside tour is straightforward:

1. Cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour are fully refunded.
2. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior result in no refund.
3. The tour may be canceled due to inclement weather, with an alternative date or full refund provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 8 people. The tour is a small-group experience, which means it’s limited to a maximum of 8 participants to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Horseback Ride?

The minimum age requirement for the horseback ride is 6 years old, but the child must be taller than 1.10 meters. Infants under 6 years old are allowed on the tour, but they cannot participate in the horseback ride.

Can I Bring My Own Horse to the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own horse to the tour. The tour includes a pre-arranged 1-hour horseback ride with the tour provider’s horses and equipment. Participants are not allowed to bring their own horses for the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Horseback Ride Duration?

While the tour includes a 1-hour horseback ride, there’s no option to extend the duration. The package is designed to combine the ride with a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting within the tour’s set timeframe.

Are Photo Opportunities Available During the Tour?

Yes, the tour offers several opportunities for participants to take photos during the experience. The guided visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano and the wine tasting at the Chianti winery provide scenic backdrops for memorable photos.

Recap

This guided tour offers a captivating blend of outdoor adventure, culinary indulgence, and culture.

Guests can look forward to an exhilarating horseback ride through the Tuscan countryside, a tasting of renowned Chianti wines, and a savory Tuscan lunch at a local winery.

The tour also includes a guided visit to the historic town of San Gimignano, allowing participants to enjoy the region’s rich heritage and stunning vistas.