Four-in-hand shooting carriages will carry you from Siena through the rolling countryside to Maremma, the pristine land between the coast and the stoic oak forests. A true cultural experience, you will be hosted by countesses and princes.  Sumptuous Italian meals cooked by local chefs  and rich regional wines will complete your day.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Tuesday
You will transfer from the Pisa/Florence Airport to your villa hotel in Siena.  As you enjoy a picturesque view of historical Siena, you will meet your guide and your fellow passengers. Afterwards, you will visit the famous Piazza Del Campo, site of  the“Palio” horse race and enjoy dinner in a restaurant in the old town.

Day 2:  Wednesday
Your drive progresses southward along quiet country roads. The land of light brown soil and field grass will lead you to grand oak forests.  Your carriage will cross the Merse River at a ford and then ascend along an abandoned road to a lofty dense forest. In the charming village of Monticiano,  you will have lunch in the market square.  The afternoon brings a challenging drive as the horses lead your carriage around a  bend onto a rough track which ascends to the Luriano Castle, home of a private stud farm of an old Italian breed, the Persano.  The natural stone castle rules over the oak forested hills which are full of wild boars. You will spend the night in a well kept hunting lodge and enjoy a hearty Italian meal.

Day 3:  Thursday
Another steep track to the castle yard where the castle’s Marquis will provide drinks.  Refreshed, your carriage will continue through the forest to a clearing where you can see the sea in the distance. Shortly after noon, you will enter the private estate of Peruzzo.  You will join the estate’s owner, Signore Marucchi for lunch.  This estate with breathtaking views of olive trees and vineyards will be your accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 4:  Friday
This is your day to relax, take a stroll and a carriage ride to the neighboring villages and Etruscian tombs.  In the evening, you will savor a traditional Tuscan dinner.

Day 5:  Saturday
As you bid farewell to Peruuzzo, your coach will roll across a rich pastures to dairy cows.  The region, reclaimed from swamp land, is solitary.  The few villages along your way are built on hilltops to provide protection to inhabitants from the raids of the North African pirates and from the malaria lurking in the swamps. Early afternoon, you will arrive in a lovely walled village  of  Paganicco where food will be purchased for a picnic on the banks of the Ombrone River.  Afterwards, you will arrive in the town of  Campagnatico where you will spend the night.

Day 6:  Sunday
The open countryside nestled with hidden farms provides the tracks to your next destination.  After a picnic and short respite, your carriage will approach the village of Alberese, home to a  former palace of the Austrian arch dukes. Hundreds of wild bulls, Maremma horses and  Maremma cattle reside on the estate. You may see the Butteri, the Italian mounted herders (like cowboys) as they continue to work as they did some hundreds years ago.

Day 7: Monday
If you ride, you can join on horseback with the Butteri as they make morning rounds. Your carriage will then take you into the restricted natural reserve of Uccellina  for an intriguing picnic in a cave. Your evening brings a farewell  seafood dinner in Rispescia.

Day 8: Tuesday
After breakfast you will take a train to the Pisa/Florence Airport.

DETAILS:
Dates: May 3 – 10, May 9 – 16, September 27 – October6, October 5 – 13
Guides: English, German, Italian
Meeting Place:
Coaching Days: 6
Coach: Four-in-hand Shooting Breaks, seats 8
Horse: German Oldenburg and  Austrian Kladruber
Group Size: 6-15
Accommodations: Best available private guesthouses and  3*** hotel
*Price: May 1-8,  September 25-October 2:$4,289 per person, double occupancy, $170 single supplement, May 7-15, October 1-9:  $4,442 per person, double occupancy, $170 single supplement

*Prices are quoted in dollars but are billed in euros.  The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.

Includes: horse drawn coach, driver, 7 nights accommodations, all meals, luggage transfers
Not Included: air fare, transportation to and from the airport, pre-tour or post tour accommodations