Medieval castle ride in Italy – Castello di Santa Cristina

Arrive at Castello Santa Cristina and settle into your accommodation on the historic estate. After check-in, enjoy a welcome drink and a guided tour of the castle, learning more about its fascinating history and the generations of the family who have called this remarkable estate home.

Morning/Afternoon Half Day Ride: Your first ride takes you into the hills surrounding Castello Santa Cristina, exploring the western plateau on which the estate sits. From higher ground, you’ll have wonderful views across the volcanic landscape, from the crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills around Lake Mezzano. It’s a gentle introduction to the countryside and the riding that makes this such a special horse riding holiday in Italy.

Rest of the day at leisure

Today is a full day in the saddle, following ancient trails into the wooded hills around Onano. You’ll ride beneath tall maritime pines and pass an Etruscan archaeological site before reaching the crater plain of Lake Mezzano.

Lunch is served at the Fra Viaco farmhouse restaurant, with time afterwards for a refreshing swim in the lake’s clear waters. The return journey takes you through centuries-old chestnut woods before heading back towards the castle.

The full-day ride is weather-dependent, particularly during July and August. If temperatures are too high for a full day in the saddle, the excursion will be replaced by two additional half-day rides for the comfort and safety of both guests and horses.

Today is yours to spend as you please. The countryside around Santa Cristina is packed with fascinating places to visit, from the medieval towns of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana to the magnificent cathedral of Orvieto and the extraordinary hilltop town of Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the “Dying City”.

Alternatively, stay at the castle and enjoy a slower day. Take a dip in the swimming pool, play tennis, relax in the grounds or make the most of activities such as a massage or cooking class.

Morning/Afternoon Half Day Ride: Saddle up for a ride along the atmospheric Brigands’ Path towards Lake Bolsena. The trail takes you through the hills, with views across the volcanic crater of Lake Bolsena and towards the surrounding countryside and Lake Mezzano.

On a clear day, you may even spot the sea around 40 kilometres away. Returning towards Castello Santa Cristina, the trail winds through mature oak woodland and past old farmhouses built from the region’s distinctive volcanic tuff.

Rest of the day at leisure

Morning/Afternoon Half Day Ride: Today’s ride follows the Brigands’ Trail once again, this time heading towards the hills surrounding Onano. This ancient fortified village is home to a medieval castle that was once owned by the powerful Monaldeschi family.

Continuing towards Madonna delle Grazie, you’ll ride through the peaceful rural landscapes surrounding the village, following quiet trails through fields and woodland before making your way back to Castello Santa Cristina.

Rest of the day at leisure

Morning/Afternoon Half Day Ride: For your final day of riding, you’ll follow an ancient Etruscan path through dense woodland towards the crater of Lake Bolsena. From the higher ground, the landscape opens out to reveal vineyards, Etruscan tombs and the striking volcanic lake below.

In the distance stands the magnificent Farnesiana of Gradoli, said to have been given by the Pope to his nephew as a wedding gift in 1500.

The return ride takes you through vineyards, vegetable gardens and quiet woodland, with the chance for a faster stretch as you canter through a natural tunnel of oak trees. A fitting final ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding the castle.

Rest of the day at leisure

After a week of riding, exploring and enjoying life at Castello Santa Cristina, it’s time to say goodbye. Check-out is between 08:30 and 11:00, although a later check-out can be arranged subject to availability.

HORSE RIDING
The best way to explore the countryside around Santa Cristina? From the back of a horse, of course. The castle has a herd of more than 25 horses, including Italian Maremmano and Murgese, Anglo-Arab and European breeds, and experienced guides who know the local trails inside out. Ride along ancient Brigands’ paths, through oak and chestnut woods, vineyards and open countryside, with views stretching towards Lake Bolsena and Lake Mezzano. Depending on your riding experience, there are different ways to explore the area, from scenic hacks to longer adventures. It’s riding with a real sense of place, following trails that have connected this corner of Italy for centuries.

CASTLE TOUR
The castle tour is one of those experiences that makes a stay at Santa Cristina feel genuinely special. This isn’t simply a visit to an old Italian castle. The property has been passed down through generations, and the owners themselves share its stories, bringing the history to life as you explore the historic rooms and climb the panoramic tower. Built in the 18th century and once belonging to the noble Caterini family, the castle also played a remarkable role in protecting precious Vatican treasures during the upheaval of 1848. You’ll hear the stories that have been passed down through the family while looking out across the countryside that has been part of the estate’s story for centuries.

CYCLING
Bring your cycling legs! Santa Cristina is surrounded by some fantastic countryside for exploring on two wheels, with both road bikes and mountain bikes available. Road cyclists can head out along quiet country roads through rolling hills, ancient villages, castles and vineyards, while mountain bikers can take to trails through forests and around the volcanic landscapes that surround the nearby lakes. There are routes for different abilities, and guided rides or GPS tracks can be arranged depending on how independently you want to explore. E-bikes are also available, making it easy to enjoy the scenery without worrying too much about the hills.

WALKING AND HIKING
You don’t need a horse or a bike to explore the countryside around Santa Cristina. The estate itself is criss-crossed with trails, with easy walks through woodland, valleys and pasture as well as longer hikes for those who want to stretch their legs. One particularly lovely section follows the old Brigands’ Path across the estate towards Lake Bolsena. Further afield, guided or GPS-led treks follow old shepherds’ paths between Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria, passing through forests, vineyards, ancient villages and volcanic landscapes. Whether you fancy an hour’s stroll before lunch or a full-day trek, this is a beautiful part of Italy to explore on foot.

TENNIS
Fancy a game of tennis while you’re staying at the castle? Santa Cristina has its own tennis court on the estate, making it an easy way to add a little activity to a relaxing day. It works particularly well for mixed groups, too. While some guests are out riding, others can enjoy a game before cooling off in the pool or settling down for lunch. There is no need to plan a whole excursion around it. Just head out onto the court, enjoy a few sets surrounded by the Italian countryside and make the most of having so many activities right on your doorstep.

SWIMMING IN THE POOL
After a morning in the saddle or a day exploring Lazio, there are few things better than cooling off by the pool. Santa Cristina has a panoramic swimming pool overlooking the surrounding countryside, giving you a lovely spot to slow down between activities. On a hot summer afternoon, you can swim, stretch out with a book or simply enjoy the view without having anywhere else you need to be. There is also plenty of space around the estate to relax, so non-riders can happily spend their days here while riders are out exploring on horseback. It’s all part of the pleasure of settling into Italian country life. 

LAKE BOLSENA
Lake Bolsena is one of the highlights of the area, and there are several ways to enjoy it. Take a boat out onto the lake and head across the volcanic waters towards one of its islands, enjoying a completely different perspective on the surrounding countryside. Back on shore, there are lakeside villages, beaches and plenty of places to stop for lunch or a swim. The lake is Europe’s largest volcanic lake and sits in the enormous caldera of the Vulsini volcanic complex. It’s also part of the landscape you’ll see from horseback, so visiting by boat gives you another way to appreciate just how beautiful this corner of Lazio really is.

ORVIETO AND CANTINE NERI
Combine one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop cities with a taste of the region’s wine. Orvieto is a wonderful day out for anyone interested in history, architecture and culture, with its spectacular cathedral dominating the old town. Afterwards, head to nearby Cantine Neri, a family-run winery whose story began when the Neri family bought their land in the 1950s. Today, their vineyards produce wines that reflect the volcanic soils and long winemaking traditions of the Orvieto area. A winery visit and tasting takes you into the vineyards and cellar, with local wines paired with regional specialities. It’s a lovely way to spend a day exploring the food, history and flavours of the region.

PITIGLIAN, VIE CAVE AND SOVANA
This is a brilliant half-day for anyone who loves history, ancient landscapes and atmospheric little towns. Start in Pitigliano, dramatically built into the tufa cliffs of the Tuscan Maremma and known as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. From here, explore the Vie Cave, ancient Etruscan roads carved deep into the volcanic rock, before continuing to nearby Sovana. The area is full of reminders of the Etruscans who lived here long before the Romans, as well as medieval architecture and quiet countryside. It is the kind of outing where you can wander without much of a plan, stop for a coffee or gelato and simply enjoy being somewhere that feels wonderfully old-world.

CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO
You’ve probably seen Civita di Bagnoregio on Instagram, and yes, it really is that spectacular. Known as the “Dying City”, this tiny medieval settlement sits dramatically on top of a volcanic tufa hill, connected to the outside world by a long pedestrian bridge. Walking towards it, with the town rising ahead of you and the valleys dropping away on either side, is one of those moments that makes a day trip worthwhile. Once inside, take your time wandering the narrow lanes and little squares, stopping for lunch or a coffee and enjoying the extraordinary setting. It’s close enough to Santa Cristina to make an easy half-day outing, but you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

TERME DI SORANO
For a little pampering after all that riding and exploring, head to the thermal waters of Sorano. The area around Sorano is famous for its volcanic landscape, medieval villages and naturally warm waters, making it a lovely place to spend a slower afternoon. Soak in the thermal pools, relax and let the warm mineral-rich water do its thing while you take in the surrounding countryside. It’s an especially good addition to a riding holiday, when a few hours of doing absolutely nothing can be exactly what your legs are asking for. Combine it with a visit to Sorano or Pitigliano and you’ve got a wonderfully relaxed day exploring this fascinating corner of southern Tuscany and northern Lazio.