Horseback riding & Wine Tasting and snack Lunch at noble Estate

Experience the Heart of Tuscany with a Horseback Ride and Wine Tasting at a Noble Estate
Thinking about escaping the city buzz of Florence for a taste of true Tuscany? This private half-day tour offers a perfect blend of scenic horseback riding through rolling vineyards and olive groves, combined with a guided wine tasting at a historic noble estate. For about $342.52 per person, you’ll enjoy roughly 5.5 hours of personalized experiences designed to showcase Tuscany’s natural beauty and culinary delights.

What we love most about this tour is the intimate, private setting that allows for a relaxed pace and personalized attention. The well-trained horses and the stunning vistas of Chianti’s hills are a feast for the senses. Plus, the guided visit to a historic winery with a tasting of three Chianti wines paired with local snacks offers a genuine taste of Italy’s celebrated wine culture.

A minor consideration is that the tour involves transportation and a moderate physical component—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with horses or eager to try. It’s especially perfect for those wanting an authentic, relaxed experience rather than a hurried group tour. If you love wine, countryside views, and a bit of equestrian adventure, this tour will hit the spot.

Who should consider this experience? It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or families with teens who appreciate authentic experiences, scenic landscapes, and local wines. It suits anyone eager to explore Tuscany beyond the typical tourist spots while enjoying some quality time with nature and culture.

Key Points

• Private & Personalized: No crowds, tailored experience for all riding levels.
• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy picturesque views of Chianti’s vineyards and olive groves.
• Authentic Wine Tasting: Guided tour of a historic estate with local wines and delicious snacks.
• Flexible for Beginners: Horses are well-trained, and the experience can be customized.
• Culinary Touch: Light Tuscan lunch complements the wine tasting, with vegetarian options.
• Value & Convenience: Includes transportation, guides, and all necessary equipment for one clear price.

This experience made our article of Which Florence Lunch Experiences To Choose? Our Best 15 Picks.

The Itinerary: Step-by-Step Through a Delightful Half-Day

Pickup and Departure from Florence

Your day begins at Piazza dei Cavalleggeri in Florence, where a private car with air conditioning picks you up. The drive to the countryside takes about 30 minutes, offering a relaxed start while your guides share a bit of background on what’s ahead. Many reviews highlight how smooth and friendly the transfer is—making you feel like a guest visiting a friend’s home rather than part of a tour group.

The Horseback Riding Experience

Upon arrival at the riding school near Florence, you’ll meet your horses and receive a quick, professional lesson if needed. The guides, such as Simona, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge—making even beginners feel comfortable. The ride lasts about an hour on a country trail, trotting through Chianti’s iconic landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and rustic farmhouses.

The trail is designed to suit all skill levels, from total beginners to seasoned riders, as many reviews confirm. For example, one guest mentioned how “the horses are calm and well-trained,” and another appreciated the “customized experience,” ensuring everyone feels confident on horseback. The views during the ride are what you might recognize from countless travel photos—rolling hills, cypress trees, and bright green fields—truly a postcard scene.

The Winery Visit and Tasting

Following the ride, you’ll transfer via a private car to a historic noble estate, a place that feels like stepping back in time with its medieval cellars and Renaissance ambiance. The guided tour of the estate’s cellars offers insight into wine-making secrets and aging processes, which many guests find fascinating.

The highlight is the tasting of at least three Chianti wines and a dessert wine, paired with local snacks like cheeses, cold cuts, and bruschetta seasoned with estate-produced extra virgin olive oil. Vegetarian options are available, and reviews consistently praise the quality of the food and wine—“delicious,” “authentic,” and “well-curated” are common words.

Guests also enjoy the light Tuscan lunch—a simple yet flavorful spread that complements the wines perfectly. One visitor remarked that they shipped home a whole case of the estate’s Chianti, highlighting the superb quality and value.

Wrap-up and Return to Florence

After the tasting, your driver takes you back to Florence, with time to reflect on the day’s highlights. Many reviews express how the experience felt seamlessly smooth—no rush, just pure enjoyments in nature, wine, and conversation.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Tuscan Countryside—The landscapes you’ll see are exactly what makes Tuscany famous: gently rolling hills, vineyards stretching into the horizon, and rustic farmhouses. The guides excel at sharing stories and historical tidbits that add context to what you’re seeing and tasting.

High-Quality Horseback Experience—Multiple reviews emphasize that the horses are “well cared for,” “calm,” and “easy to manage.” The experience is tailored for various riding skills, making it accessible even for beginners. The half-hour initial lesson and the guided trail ensure safety and enjoyment for all.

Genuine Wine & Food Tasting—The estate’s guided tour of medieval cellars and Renaissance ambiances offers a real sense of history. The wine tasting, often praised as “informative,” is complemented by a light, authentic Tuscan lunch. Many reviewers treasure the chance to ship wines home, reinforcing the great value.

Private & Flexible—Unlike big group tours, this experience offers exclusivity and attention. Many guests mention how they appreciated the private transfers, small group size, and personalized service, which truly enhances the relaxed vibe.

The Experience in Detail: Why It’s Worth the Price

While $342.52 per person might seem steep at first glance, the value is in the quality of the experience. You’re paying for personalized attention, authenticity, and scenic beauty—not just a cookie-cutter tour. The carefully curated itinerary combines a leisurely horse ride with a guided winery tour and local food pairing, making it a full, rewarding experience.

The transportation is a key point: included private transfers ensure you’re not just another face in a crowd, and the air-conditioned car makes the journey comfortable, even on the hottest days. The guides, especially those mentioned by guests as “fantastic,” bring a depth of knowledge that turns a simple activity into a memorable cultural experience.

For many, the highlight is the stunning landscape—the kind of scenery that makes you thank your travel planner for steering you toward this experience. The vineyards, the ancient cellars, and the panoramic views are what elevate this tour from a typical wine tasting or riding session.

Reviews also note that the horseback riding feels relaxed and manageable for those with little experience, with many guests expressing how safe and enjoyable the horses are. The photo and video snippets taken during the ride, shared afterward via WhatsApp, add a special touch that many travelers cherish.

The wine tasting at the estate is praised for its depth of knowledge and the chance to learn about Chianti’s secrets—many guests leave with a new appreciation for Tuscan wines. The pairing with local snacks, including vegetarian options, makes the tasting both flavorful and inclusive.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples seeking romance, families with teens who want a bit of adventure, or small groups of friends wanting a private, authentic taste of Tuscany. It’s especially suited for beginners or those with limited riding experience, thanks to the trained horses and tailored approach.

Travelers craving scenic beauty combined with cultural richness will find this tour delightful. If you enjoy good food, excellent wine, and peaceful landscapes, this is a well-rounded option. People who appreciate personalized service and value quality over quantity will find this tour worth every penny.

FAQs

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including transfer, the horseback ride, winery tour, and return to Florence.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transfers by air-conditioned car are part of the experience, from Florence to the riding school and winery, and back.

Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. The horses are well-trained, and the experience is designed to be accessible to all skill levels, including first-time riders.

What’s the scenery like during the horseback ride?
Expect picturesque views of Chianti’s rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and rustic farmhouses—truly the classic Tuscan landscape.

What does the wine tasting include?
A guided visit to a historic estate’s medieval cellars, tasting of at least three Chianti wines and a dessert wine, paired with local snacks.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the light Tuscan lunch and snacks can be adjusted for vegetarians; just mention this when booking.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for riding, and perhaps sunglasses or a hat for sun protection. The tour provides riding helmets.

Is there a dress code?
Casual, comfortable attire is fine—think relaxed country chic. No formal wear needed.

Final Thoughts

This horseback riding and wine tasting tour offers a genuine slice of Tuscany’s countryside coupled with high-quality wine and local cuisine. It’s ideal if you’re seeking an experience that combines scenic beauty, culinary delights, and personalized attention. Many guests rave about the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and the authentic vibe of the estate, making it a standout option for those wanting to see Tuscany in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking to add a memorable activity to your Florence trip, or simply want to enjoy some of Italy’s finest wines in picturesque surroundings, this tour delivers on all counts. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, learn something new, and taste the best of what Tuscany has to offer—all in one beautifully curated half-day adventure.

In brief, this experience is best suited for travelers who value quality, authenticity, and a bit of adventure. If you’re okay with a moderate physical activity, and you appreciate expert guides and scenic landscapes, you’ll find this to be one of the most memorable ways to experience the Tuscan countryside.