Horseback Ride in Tuscany with Lunch in da Vincis Land

When travelers think of Tuscany, images of rolling hills, vineyards, and historic towns often come to mind. This horseback riding tour offers a chance to see that landscape from a different perspective—mounted on a gentle steed, exploring the countryside that inspired Leonardo da Vinci himself. We’ve reviewed this experience based on detailed descriptions and traveler feedback, and here’s what you need to know if you’re considering booking.

What makes this tour truly appealing? For starters, the scenic ride through Tuscany’s storied landscape provides stunning views that often go unnoticed from a car window. Plus, the visit to Vinci, Leonardo’s birthplace, introduces a cultural layer that elevates the ride from simply scenic to deeply meaningful. On the flip side, some might find the full day a bit packed, especially with the riding itself lasting about 1.5 hours plus a few other stops.

If you’re a fan of authentic flavors, the included lunch paired with local wine makes this tour a tasty, memorable experience. Perfect for those wanting a balanced mix of nature, history, and culinary delights, this ride caters well to both beginners and more experienced riders. Just keep in mind, it’s geared toward a small group (limited to 8) to keep things personal and manageable.

Key Points

• Ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike, with safety helmets and instruction provided.
• Includes a visit to Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace, offering cultural enrichment.
• A scenic 1.5-hour horseback ride through Tuscany’s iconic landscapes, including olive groves and vineyards.
• A delicious light lunch with regional wines, highlighting local flavors.
• Round-trip transportation from Florence makes the day seamless.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour in Detail

The Itinerary Breakdown

The adventure begins at Lo Schiacciavino in San Frediano, where you’ll meet your guide and get a briefing—think of it as a quick saddle-up for your day in Tuscany. The first stop is a 45-minute van ride through the countryside, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery even before mounting your horse. This vehicle is not professional transport but a comfortable, air-conditioned ride, and the provider’s liability is limited to tour escort duties—so don’t expect a limousine, but it’s a smooth start.

Next, the 1.5-hour horseback ride is the centerpiece. You’ll traverse rolling hills, ancient olive groves, and sprawling vineyards—classic Tuscany scenes that you might find in a painting. The guides are certified and bilingual (English and Spanish), and the experience is suitable for beginners—the horses are described as easy and comfortable to ride. According to one review, the horses are “easy and comfortable,” making even first-timers feel at ease.

Following the ride, you’ll visit Vinci, Leonardo’s hometown, with a guided tour lasting about an hour. Here, you’ll see the environment that nurtured the genius who painted the Mona Lisa and sketched innovations centuries ahead of his time. This cultural stop adds depth and context to your day, making it more than just scenic sightseeing.

Midday, the highlight for many: a secret stop for lunch, which lasts about an hour. You’ll enjoy a light meal featuring regional flavors, complemented by local wines. The reviews emphasize the high quality of the food and wine, with many praising the “excellent wine selection” and the authentic local flavors. It’s a great way to rest and indulge before heading back.

The return trip mirrors the morning’s journey, with a 45-minute van ride back to the starting point, arriving at Lo Schiacciavino in San Frediano, where your day concludes.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Stunning Views: The ride offers panoramic views of Tuscany’s countryside, olive groves, vineyards, and historic towns—perfect for photography and peaceful reflection. Travelers love the way the scenery feels authentic, not staged for travelers.

Cultural Immersion: The visit to Vinci is more than just a quick stop; it’s a chance to connect with Italy’s greatest polymath’s roots. The guided tour helps you understand Leonardo’s environment and influences, enriching your appreciation of his genius.

Culinary Experience: The included lunch, paired with local wines, delivers real taste of Tuscany. The emphasis on regional flavors and the quality of the food make this meal a memorable part of your day.

Small Group and Personalized Service: Limited to 8 participants, the tour feels intimate and flexible. The guides are certified and helpful, ensuring beginners and seasoned riders alike feel comfortable and well cared for.

Convenience: Round-trip transportation from Florence removes the hassle of logistical planning, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the day.

What to Expect and What You Might Not Love

While most reviews highlight the positive aspects, it’s worth noting that the full-day schedule can be quite packed. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or don’t want to spend over eight hours out of Florence, this might feel a bit intense. Also, individual riders’ comfort on horseback may vary, but the guides emphasize safety and support.

The tour is suitable for ages 14 and up—no experience necessary—but it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with respiratory or other health concerns. The activity runs rain or shine, so come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.

More Great Tours Nearby

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At a price of around $328.53 per person, this tour is not the cheapest option available in Tuscany. However, when you consider the inclusion of transportation, a guided horseback ride, a cultural visit, and a quality lunch with wine, it offers good value. The experience combines physical activity, cultural enrichment, and culinary delight, making it a well-rounded day out.

The small group size and professional guidance enhance the experience, ensuring you get personal attention and safety—factors that add to the overall value despite the price.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a combination of outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, and culinary pleasure. It suits beginners and experienced riders who enjoy scenic landscapes. History buffs will appreciate the visit to Vinci, while food lovers will relish the regional lunch and wine. Those seeking a well-organized, small-group outing from Florence will find this a rewarding choice.

If you’re after pure adrenaline or a casual stroll, this may not be the right fit. But if you enjoy authentic experiences that blend nature, culture, and flavors with a touch of elegance, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This horseback ride in Tuscany offers a thoughtful, balanced experience—combining scenic beauty, cultural depth, and authentic flavors. The small group setting, expert guidance, and inclusion of a cultural visit to Vinci make it stand out as a well-rounded day trip from Florence. It’s ideal for those who want a taste of Tuscany’s landscapes, history, and cuisine all in one go.

While the price might seem on the higher side, the quality of the experience, the personal attention, and the chance to see Tuscany from a different angle justify the cost. It’s a great choice for travelers looking for a memorable, authentic day out that combines gentle adventure with cultural enrichment and culinary delights.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers a meaningful way to connect with Tuscany’s essence—through its views, its history, and its tastes.

FAQ

Is experience needed for this horseback ride?
No, the tour is suitable for all levels, including beginners. The guides provide instruction and safety helmets to ensure you feel comfortable.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the horseback riding, a guided visit to Vinci, a light lunch with local flavors and wine, certified guides, safety equipment, full insurance, and round-trip transportation from Florence.

Is transportation round-trip?
Yes, transportation is included as a complimentary service, with a comfortable van providing rides between Florence and the tour stops.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable clothes, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, high heels, or short skirts. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended on sunny days.

Are there any age restrictions?
Participants must be 14 or older. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with certain health conditions.

How long is the horseback ride?
The ride itself lasts approximately 1.5 hours, set within an 8-hour total experience, including stops and lunch.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine. In cases of extreme weather, rescheduling is possible, but most travelers find the countryside beautiful in all conditions.

This horseback adventure in Tuscany promises a blend of gentle outdoor exploration, cultural insight, and regional flavors. It’s an authentic experience that captures the spirit of Italy’s beloved landscape, perfect for a memorable day away from the crowds.

You can check availability for your dates here: