Horseback riding & Wine Tasting and snack Lunch at noble Estate

Imagine swapping the busy streets of Florence for rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves. That’s exactly what this horseback riding and wine tasting tour offers—an authentic glimpse into Tuscany’s countryside, away from the crowds but rich in flavor and scenery.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized horseback ride tailored to your comfort and skill level, whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned rider. Second, the guided visit to a historic wine estate—you get to explore medieval cellars and Renaissance ambiance, not just sip wine. Lastly, the quality of the wines and local snacks, which reviewers rave about.

One minor consideration? The cost of about $342.52 per person might seem steep to some, but it’s a full 5.5-hour experience packed with genuine value. If you’re seeking an intimate, authentic way to see Tuscany’s landscape, this tour checks many boxes—especially for lovers of wine, horses, and scenic beauty. Perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone craving a taste of Tuscany’s countryside with a personal touch.

This experience made our article of The Top 14 Lunch Experiences In Florence.

Key Points

• Private experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
• Horseback ride on scenic trails, suitable for all skill levels, guided by well-trained horses.
• Historic winery tour offers insights into Tuscan wine-making and Renaissance ambiance.
• Tasting of three Chianti wines paired with local snacks, including vegetarian options.
• Authentic Tuscan lunch with regional cheeses, cold cuts, and extra virgin olive oil.
• Comfortable private transfers with air-conditioning from Florence and back.

The Itinerary: A Day in the Tuscan Countryside

Starting point: The tour begins at Piazza dei Cavalleggeri in Florence, where a private driver picks you up. From there, it’s about a half-hour drive to a renowned riding school near Florence. This transfer is smooth, comfortable, and private—meaning you won’t be crammed in with strangers. Reviewers mention how the driver, Marco, ensures the experience starts on a nice note, making guests feel relaxed from the outset.

Horseback riding: Expect around an hour of riding, but with plenty of flexibility. The experience includes a short basic lesson—perfect if you’re new to riding—and then a guided trail through the hills, vineyards, and olive groves of Chianti. According to reviews, the horses are well-trained, calm, and easy to manage, which is perfect whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.

Guests have praised the personalized approach taken by guides like Simona and Stefano. One reviewer mentions how the guide’s warmth and knowledge made the ride feel like a chat with friends. The scenery is often described as breathtaking, with views of vineyards, rolling hills, and rustic farmhouses.

Post-ride transfer: After the ride, a comfortable private car whisks you to a historic estate. This part of the tour is highly valued, as the estate has Medieval cellars and Renaissance ambiance—perfect for wine lovers. The estate’s owners, Federico and Jacob, are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly guidance through the wine-making process.

Wine tasting and lunch: For about two hours, you’ll explore the estate’s cellars and taste a minimum of three Chianti wines. The tasting is accompanied by a light Tuscan lunch featuring cheeses, cold cuts, bruschettas with estate-produced extra virgin olive oil, and a dessert. Reviewers appreciate the authenticity of the food and the variety of wines—some guests even ship bottles home, and one mentions a case shipped to Florida.

Overall duration: The tour lasts around 5 hours 30 minutes, making it a well-balanced experience—long enough to enjoy each component without feeling rushed.

What We Love About This Tour

The personal touch: Unlike group tours, this experience is entirely private, allowing guides to tailor the ride and tasting to your preferences. Reviewers highlight how staff like Simona and Stefano are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive—making guests feel truly cared for.

Scenic, manageable horseback riding: The trail rides are described as easy to manage, perfect for beginners or those who just want a relaxing ride. Guests often mention how beautiful the views are, with some even comparing the landscape to postcards.

Rich, authentic wine experience: The estate’s Medieval cellars and Renaissance ambiance give an authentic feel to the visit. The wine tasting is praised for being informative and generous, often including at least three Chianti wines, with some guests ordering bottles to ship home.

Gourmet Tuscan lunch: The light, regional lunch includes local cheeses, cold cuts, and bruschettas, with vegetarian options readily available. Reviewers say the food is simple but delicious, and the olive oil is exceptional.

Flexibility and comfort: The private transfers, air-conditioned vehicles, and customized itinerary make this a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Guests appreciate the attention to detail—from pickup to drop-off.

What Could Be Better

While the overall experience is highly praised, one point to consider is cost. At over $340 per person, this tour might be out of reach for some travelers, especially if they’re budget-conscious. However, many reviews argue that the personalized nature, quality of the experience, and inclusion of meals and tastings justify the price.

Another aspect to remember is that weather can impact the experience. The tour is weather-dependent, and if rain or poor conditions occur, the activity might be canceled or rescheduled. Guests note that the tour provider offers full refunds or alternative dates if this happens.

Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Horseback Ride: A Relaxed Adventure Through Tuscan Hills

Guests frequently mention how the horseback ride is the highlight. The 1-hour trail takes you across vineyards and olive groves, with the guides ensuring everyone feels comfortable. Reviewers from various skill levels say the horses are well-behaved, and the guide’s friendly demeanor helps even novices feel at ease.

One guest notes, “Simona shared historical knowledge along our way to the breathtaking mountains,” which adds a cultural layer without overloading the experience. The horses are described as calm and responsive, making the ride suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful escape.

The Winery Tour: A Step Back in Time

After riding, the group visits a historic estate—a location steeped in medieval and renaissance history. The owners, Federico and Jacob, are praised for their engaging explanations of the estate’s wine-making secrets. Guests love exploring the medieval cellars and seeing the old barrels and bottles, which add a sense of authenticity.

The guided tasting is often highlighted as informative and generous. One reviewer mentions, “The wines and food pairings were delicious,” and many appreciate that they can order bottles to take home, turning the experience into a tangible souvenir.

The Food and Wine Pairings: A True Taste of Tuscany

The wine and food pairing is commendably simple yet authentic. The light lunch with regional cheeses, cold cuts, and bruschettas seasoned with estate-produced olive oil** hits the right note—delicious and satisfying without feeling heavy. Vegetarian options are available and welcomed, according to reviews.

Guests particularly enjoyed the dessert wine, often describing it as a perfect finish. The wines are praised for their quality and authenticity, with some guests saying they learned new facts about Chianti wine that they’d never encountered elsewhere.

The Overall Atmosphere: Personal, Authentic, and Relaxing

Multiple reviews emphasize the relaxed, friendly atmosphere created by the guides and estate staff. Guests feel like they’re visiting friends rather than participating in a commercial activity. This warmth and genuine hospitality elevate the experience, making it memorable.

Practical Information

Price: At $342.52 per person, this tour offers comprehensive value—combining horseback riding, wine tasting, authentic Tuscan lunch, and private transfers. For those valuing quality, intimacy, and authenticity, many find this worth the cost.

Duration: About 5 hours 30 minutes—a perfect half-day escape that feels leisurely without dragging on.

Group Size: This is a private tour, so only your group participates, ensuring a tailored experience.

Booking: Most travelers book around 41 days in advance, indicating high demand, especially during peak seasons.

Transportation: The private, air-conditioned transfers add comfort, and the meeting point in Florence is easy to find.

Accessibility: The experience is suitable for most travelers, though for teens under 14, a private inquiry is recommended.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting adventure is best suited for those who want a personalized, authentic experience of Tuscany’s countryside. It’s perfect for romantic couples, small groups, or adventurous travelers eager to combine gentle horseback riding with a rich wine and food experience. Given the high praise for guides, scenic views, and top-quality wines, it offers a meaningful day out that balances activity with relaxation.

If you’re seeking a unique way to explore Tuscany—away from crowded tours—this is an excellent choice. The combination of scenic riding, historic estate, and culinary delights will leave you with lasting memories and, perhaps, a case of wine shipped home.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the horseback ride includes a basic lesson and the horses are described as calm and easy to manage, making it accessible for all skill levels.

How long does the tour last? The whole experience takes around 5 hours 30 minutes, from pickup to drop-off, balancing activity with relaxation.

Are vegetarian options available? Absolutely, the lunch and tastings accommodate vegetarians, and reviews confirm the meals are delicious and thoughtfully prepared.

What is included in the price? The fee covers horseback riding, private transfers, wine tasting of at least three Chianti wines, a Tuscan light lunch, all taxes, and riding helmets.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, the tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a full refund or alternative date.

Is this a private tour? Yes, only your group will participate, providing a more intimate and flexible experience.

This tour offers a beautifully balanced taste of Tuscany—combining gentle adventure with cultural richness and culinary delights. Perfect for those craving a genuine, relaxed, and memorable day in Italy’s most iconic landscape.