Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
back; Circolo Ippico Uccellina (
Click here
)
and Il Gelsomino (
Click here
)
are recommen-
ded horse-riding centres. Then there's the Maremma cowboy experience.
On the
Etruscan Coast
, a horseback itinerary takes riders from Livorno 170km south-
east to Sassetta along a melody of sun-scorched coastal paths (best in spring and autumn),
agricultural cart tracks, and summer-cool shady tracks through the forested hinterland
(best in summer). It recommends accommodation en route for both horses and riders, and
several half- and one-day loops feed off the main trail creating ample choice for riders of
all abilities.
Across the water, on the island of Elba in the
Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago To-
scano
, old military or forest tracks between trees double as equestrian pathways; Portofer-
raio tourist office has maps, brochures and complete trail details.
BEST EQUESTRIAN FARMSTAYS
»
La Cerreta (
Click here
), Sassetta
»
Montebelli Agriturismo & Country Hotel (
Click here
)
, near Vetulonia
»
Il Gelsomino (
Click here
), Alberes
Ballooning
Drifting noiselessly over pea-green vineyards and silvery olive groves is the essence of
Tuscan travel - slow, serene and cinematic.
The ballooning season is late spring to early autumn. Take-off is around 6am, flights
last 1¼ hours, and cost around €240 per person, often including a champagne breakfast.
Jump in a basket and take to the skies with:
Tuscany Ballooning
( 055 824 91 20;
www.tuscanyballooning.com
;
Via del Masso 14, San Casciano in
Val di Pesa) Near Florence.
Ballooning in Tuscany
(
338 146 29 94;
www.ballooningintuscany.com
)
South of Siena.
Chianti Ballooning
(
055 807 79 40;
www.chiantiballooning.com
) Chianti-based.
Water Sports
Most can easily imagine Tuscany's signature cypress trees and medieval hilltop villages,
but few imagine the shimmering blue wedge of water on the horizon speckled with is-
