JOIN OUR dressage retreat

tuscany - italy

Woman next to a bay dressage horse in Italy
  • Mar 29 - Apr 5, 2025

  • 7 nights / 8 days from €1434 per person

  • 4 nights / 4 days from €991 per person

  • Beginner to experienced riders. Accompanying non-riders welcome at reduced price of €980

Want to improve your dressage skills while enjoying the Dolce Vita lifestyle in Tuscany? Join us on our Italian World on Horseback retreat, in partnership with Il Paretaio!

Set in the heart of Tuscany’s stunning landscapes, our retreat takes place at a charming traditional farmhouse and classical dressage school. You’ll enjoy high-standard riding tuition surrounded by breathtaking countryside, learning according to the principles of classical riding on well-schooled, gentle horses.

In addition to exceptional dressage lessons, our program offers a taste of Tuscany’s rich flavors, blending culture and sightseeing in nearby Renaissance cities.

Our World on Horseback retreats are designed to bring together passionate horse riders and travelers. Whether you're a solo traveler or in a small group, it’s a great opportunity to connect with others and have a memorable experience. Non-riders are also warmly welcomed and can enjoy a variety of activities in the beautiful surrounding area.

Joining a WoH retreat means you have the comfort of knowing you are part of a group. It is hosted by a WoH team-member who will also make sure you get to “e-meet” and connect other riders via Whatsapp before arriving in Italy. Everything will be organised, and you’ll have one point of contact for every question you might have before or even during your holiday.

If you're unable to attend this retreat, feel free to explore other dates or check out our other destinations and rides! Please note that our partner in Tuscany is open from March to November, offering flexible stay options with a minimum of 3 nights to suit your schedule.

QUICK GUIDE

  • Airport: Florence or Pisa

  • Mar 29 - Apr 5, 2025 (WoH Retreat)

  • From €1434 per person (based on 2 sharing, 7 nights / 8 days, full-board)

  • From €991 per person (based on 2 sharing, 4 nights / 4 days, full-board)

  • Max: 12 people

  • Beginner to experienced riders

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ride exceptional and well trained horses

  • Get high quality dressage lessons tailored to you level and needs

  • Enjoy delicious home made Italian meals

  • Explore and discover Tuscany’s beautiful cities and landscapes

  • Share this holiday with riders from all over the world !

More information about OUR dRESSAGE RETREAT

2025, MAR 29- APR 5

7 nights / 8 days or 4 nights / 4 days

  • Aside from the first and last days, you’ll enjoy dressage lessons every day of your stay. Depending on your chosen package (6 or 10 lessons—see 'Pricing'), you can attend lessons either once or twice daily, in the morning and/or afternoon.

    We’ve also organized exciting excursions to Florence and Siena, along with a delightful evening of wine tasting in the picturesque Chianti region. The area surrounding the stables is stunning, with easy access to scenic walking paths that lead to charming nearby villages like Barberino Val D'Elsa and Tavarnelle.

    Additionally, as an optional activity, the stables offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Italian cuisine!

    Please be aware that the swimming pool will be closed during this week, as it is only open from May 1st to October 31st.

  • Sample Itinerary for 10-Lesson Package (subject to change)

    SATURDAY (MARCH 29)
    • Arrival. We’ll arrange transfers from Florence Airport (not included in package price), depending on the group’s size. Options include a shared taxi or a rental car for the group.
    • We’ll all gather at the farmhouse for a welcome dinner.

    SUNDAY (MARCH 30)
    • In the morning, we’ll have our first dressage lesson.
    • Lunch together at Il Paretaio.
    • Afternoon dressage lesson.
    • In the evening, we can come together for a fun and interactive cooking class (minimum 4 participants required), where we’ll learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes.

    MONDAY (MARCH 31)
    • Our day begins with a morning dressage lesson.
    • Lunch at Il Paretaio.
    • Afternoon- another dressage lesson

    We can also explore the surrounding countryside by bike or on foot, thanks to the pedestrian path with beautiful views connecting Il Paretaio to the local villages of Barberino Val d’Elsa and Tavarnelle.

    • Diner at Il Paretaio

    TUESDAY (APRIL 1)
    • After our morning dressage lesson, we’ll head to the beautiful Renaissance town, Florence

    • Lunch in Florence, with restaurant options such as ZaZa or Trattoria Mario for a casual local vibe or La Giostra for a more refined dining experience.
    • After lunch, we can explore Florence together. Options include visiting the iconic Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) and climbing to the top for stunning views. We can then stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, lined with jewelry shops, or, if time allows, visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. To end the day, we can head to Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the city.

    • Dinner at Il Paretaio

    WEDNESDAY (APRIL 2)
    • In the morning, we’ll have a dressage lesson.
    • Lunch at Il Paretaio.
    • Another dressage lesson awaits us in the afternoon.
    • In the evening, we can gather for a wine-tasting session (minimum 4 participants required), sampling some of Tuscany’s finest wines (hello Chianti!!)

    THURSDAY (APRIL 3)
    • We’ll start the day with a morning dressage lesson before heading to Siena (transfer not included in the package).
    • Once in Siena, we’ll have lunch: Restaurants like Antica Trattoria Papei or La Taverna di San Giuseppe offer delicious Tuscan cuisine.
    • In the afternoon, we can explore Siena. We’ll visit the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares, and admire the intricate mosaic floors and stunning architecture of the Siena Cathedral (Duomo). Together, we’ll wander the narrow streets of Siena’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    FRIDAY (APRIL 4)
    • The day begins with a morning dressage lesson.
    • We’ll enjoy a group lunch at Il Paretaio.
    • In the afternoon, we’ll wrap up the riding experience with our final dressage lesson.

    SATURDAY (APRIL 5): DEPARTURE
    • We’ll share a farewell breakfast before saying our goodbyes and departing.

    Not Included in the Package Price:

    • Airport transfers and transfers to Florence and Siena.

    • Lunch in Florence and Siena.

    • Optional activities: Cooking class, wine tasting (subject to minimum group size), and tickets for the Duomo climb or Uffizi Gallery (pre-booking required).

  • The stables own 30 horses with various breeds like Lusitano, Anglo-Arab, Sella Italiano, Holsteiner, Arab, KWPN, Maremmano, Merens, and Ponies.

    All horses are very well trained and well-tempered. They definitely play a key role in delivering the top-quality lessons you'll experience!

  • Guest accommodation is in charming bedrooms with a typical Tuscan farmhouse style dating back to the 18th century, with each bedroom having its own ensuite bathroom.

    Traditional home-cooked Italian meals are served everyday with high quality, locally sourced, products- with wine available for both lunch and dinner.
    Different needs and dietary restrictions can also be catered for.

    Please be aware that the swimming pool will be closed during this week, as it is only open from May 1st to October 31st.

  • Mar 29 - Apr 5 WoH retreat pricing:

    6 lessons package:

    For beginners: €1434
    For intermediate/ experienced riders: €1560

    10 lessons package:

    For beginners: €1630
    For intermediate/ experienced riders: €1830

    Non-riders are welcome at the reduced rate of €980

    Transfers:

    We can organise airport transfer if needed (these prices are not fixed; they are provided as an estimate)

    Transfer from Pisa Airport (each way): €180

    Transfer from Florence Airport (each way): €100

    If you arrive in Florence, you can also take the train to Poggibonsi (€8.50) where we a pick up can be organised. (aprox €40).

    We can coordinate as a group and book a shuttle to share the costs.

  • Included:

    • Lessons (6 or 10 - see pricing)

    • 7 nights accommodation (sharing with one other person)

    • Full-board (except when visiting cities - see hereunder)

    Not Included in the Package Price:

    • Flights & Travel Insurance

    • Airport transfers and transfers to Florence and Siena

    • Lunch in Florence and Siena

    • Optional activities: Cooking class, wine tasting (subject to minimum group size), and tickets for the Duomo climb or Uffizi Gallery (pre-booking required)

    • Tips and personal expenses

    Note that we can coordinate as a group and rent cars for more flexibility to go to surrounding cities and reduce costs.