Streams and stone roads on horseback. This one-hour Valgraziosa ride from Centro Ippico La Cartuja in Calci follows the stream banks, crosses a ford, passes under the Torre degli Upezzinghi in Caprona, and heads toward Certosa di Calci. I love the small group setup (max 6) and the relaxed teaching for first-timers. The helmet and photoshoot are included, which keeps the experience simple. One thing to plan around: you must bring long trousers and tennis shoes, and you only get shuttle help if you book the paid pickup.

If you’re a nervous beginner, this is the kind of tour that helps you feel safe fast. The ride is rated easy, it’s offered in English, and kids under 14 ride with a guide on the ground. In one account, the instructor Alex was praised for keeping things calm while still coaching you properly.

This is also a good family option because you’re not signing up for a long day in the saddle. You’ll finish back at the equestrian center, and there’s room to add transport if you want help getting between Pisa and the farm (it’s paid and arranged separately). One rider even described an extra shuttle option to connect Pisa’s sights and the stables, which is handy if you do not want to wrangle directions.

Highlights You Should Know Before You Saddle Up

• Stream banks, a ford crossing, and Caprona streets: It’s not just riding in a circle. You move through real countryside and villages.
• Under the Torre degli Upezzinghi: A cool, photo-friendly historic pass on the way to the next stretch.
• Climb toward the abandoned convent of Nicosia: You’ll feel the change in scenery and effort as the route rises.
• Certosa di Calci as the big payoff: The ride is built around reaching this monumental site before heading back.
• Max 6 riders, English instruction: Small group size makes it easier to get help and stay comfortable.
• Helmet + included photoshoot: You spend your energy riding, not documenting.

Where This Horse Ride Fits Near Pisa (Calci, Not Just Pisa City)

Pisa is famous for a tower you can see before you even buy your ticket. But if you stay only in the center, you miss the quieter side of Tuscany that makes this area feel special. This ride starts in Calci, at Centro Ippico La Cartuja, where the day feels more like countryside time than city time.

Calci also helps with logistics. You’re close enough to Pisa for a half-day plan, and the activity is near public transportation. If you’re traveling with kids or you just want a break from museums and lines, the one-hour format is a big plus.

The group size matters here. With a max of 6 travelers, you’re not lost in a crowd of strangers. That usually means more attention from the staff, and less waiting around when you’re learning the basics.

The Route: Stream Banks, a Ford, and Caprona’s Torre

The ride’s story starts along the stream. That matters more than you might think, because water-side paths often feel smoother and more visually interesting than riding only on open fields. You follow the banks, then cross a ford, which gives the ride a clear, memorable moment early on.

Then comes Caprona, plus a signature landmark: the Torre degli Upezzinghi. Riding under a historic tower sounds dramatic, but it’s also practical. You’ll get a natural pause and a visual focal point for photos, and it breaks up the ride so it does not feel like continuous straight-line riding.

What I like about this route is that it’s built for “experience over endurance.” It’s not designed to wear you out. It’s designed to keep you moving through scenic variety while still staying approachable for beginners.

Climbing the Ancient Route Toward Nicosia

After Caprona, the path climbs. The route follows an ancient road up toward the abandoned convent of Nicosia. This is where you feel the ride shift from gentle countryside strolling into something more like a proper trail.

For many first-timers, this is the part where nerves can show up. The good news is the tour is labeled easy overall, and the staff is known for being patient with beginners. You’re not thrown into technical riding. You’re coached while the trail does the work of creating variety.

Also, abandoned convents tend to spark curiosity. Even without long explanations on every corner, the mere idea that you’re riding along a route connected to centuries of human life adds meaning. You’ll likely notice how quiet it feels when the village scene fades and the trail opens up.

Certosa di Calci: Your Scenic Destination and Museum Stop

The ride’s main goal lands at Certosa di Calci, with a stop at the Museo Nazionale della Certosa Monumentale di Calci. This gives the afternoon structure: you ride out, you reach a landmark, and you have a clear ending point before returning to the stables.

Certosa di Calci is one of those places that works even if you do not go deep into architecture or religious history. From the saddle, the setting alone creates a sense of arrival. Then the museum stop gives you an option to shift from “moving views” to “standing and looking.”

Here’s a practical tip: wear shoes that can handle a bit of walking once you’re off the horse. Even if the time on foot is short, you do not want to feel unstable right after riding.

Horses, Coaching, and What Beginner Support Looks Like

This is an easy activity on paper, but the real question is: will you feel supported if it’s your first time? Based on the tone of the guidance described, the answer is yes.

The staff is praised for being patient, including with people who are controlling the horse for the first time. In one highlight, a first-time rider felt comfortable quickly because the instructor stayed friendly and helpful throughout. Another account specifically names Alex as exceptional at both teaching and managing the tour, while keeping things calm.

That combination matters. You want coaching for basics like posture and control, but you also want a guide who can manage the ride flow without chaos. Small group size helps with that, too.

English riding is offered, which makes a difference when you’re learning. You should be able to follow directions without relying on gestures alone.

Included Stuff: Helmet and Photoshoot

The included items are simple and smart: you get a safety helmet and a photoshoot of the experience. That means you can show up without worrying about basic gear or hiring someone to take your pictures.

The photoshoot is also a value lever. A lot of “experience” tours charge extra for photos. Here, it’s included, so you can treat the ride as a genuine memory, not a gamble on your own phone skills.

A small realism check: helmets are provided, but you still need the right clothing and footwear. The tour does not provide sneakers and long pants, so you need to plan that part yourself.

What to Wear: Long Trousers and Tennis Shoes

Dress code is straightforward: long trousers and tennis shoes. The tour specifically notes it does not provide sneakers and long pants. That’s important if you’re packing light or relying on whatever you wore for Pisa sightseeing.

If you tend to travel in sandals, swap them for proper shoes the day of the ride. You’ll thank yourself when you’re stepping around the stable area and walking short distances between points.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is where planning helps the most. Get them into long pants early. Then focus on comfort and calm rather than scrambling last-minute.

Getting There: Calci Meeting Point and Optional Pickup

The meeting point is Centro Ippico La Cartuja, Via Trieste, 56011 Calci PI, Italy. You’ll start there and return there.

Pickup is available, but it is paid shuttle service. The pickup of participants from the facility or city is something you arrange separately, with a price agreed based on distance. One rider described adding a transfer option from the train station to the farm and back to the Leaning Tower for an extra €30, which suggests they can help connect the dots if you want to reduce transport stress.

Two practical tips:

• Put the meeting address into your GPS before you arrive in the area.
• If you’re not renting a car, consider arranging the shuttle early so you’re not playing phone tag the day of.

Value for Money: Is $48.06 a Good Deal?

At about $48.06 per person for roughly one hour, this ride looks like solid value for three reasons.

First, you’re getting included essentials: helmet and a photoshoot. Those two items alone can add up if you’re comparing to tours that charge separately for safety gear or “memory photos.”

Second, the small group size (max 6) helps justify the price. This is not a mass-market activity where you wait while others ride. Smaller groups usually mean better pacing and more attention.

Third, the route includes multiple “wow moments” rather than just a single loop. You’re crossing a ford, passing a historic tower area in Caprona, and riding up toward the Certosa di Calci area. You get variety without long hours.

The only value trade-off is transport. Since shuttle service is not included, you might pay extra if you want door-to-door help from Pisa or your accommodation.

Who This Ride Is Best For (And Who Might Hesitate)

This is a good fit if:

• You want a family-friendly Tuscany experience that still feels special.
• Someone in your group is a first-time rider and needs patience and clarity.
• You’d like a calm, scenic hour without a heavy fitness commitment.

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate showing up in closed-toe shoes and long trousers.
• You want fully included transportation from Pisa with no planning (you’ll likely need the paid pickup option).
• You dislike any chance of confusion with the location. One account noted the place was a bit hard to find, which is usually fixable with GPS and clear arrival time.

Quick Practical Notes Before You Book

• Activity difficulty is easy, and most travelers can participate.
• English riding is offered.
• The minimum age is 9 years, and there’s an additional rule that children from 8 years old and up can join, with under-14 riders always accompanied by a guide on the ground.
• Service animals are allowed.
• Confirmation comes within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

If you’re visiting Pisa during a busy season, booking ahead helps. The activity is often booked about three weeks out on average, so waiting until the last minute can reduce your choices.

Should You Book This Horse Ride to Certosa di Calci?

Book it if you want a one-hour experience that mixes real countryside riding with landmark stops, and you care about having photos without paying extra. The small group size, patient teaching, and included helmet make it feel manageable even if riding isn’t your thing yet.

Skip it (or at least budget for alternatives) if you want everything fully bundled, including transport, or if your schedule doesn’t allow time to wear long trousers and tennis shoes comfortably.

In short: this is a practical, scenic break from Pisa’s usual rhythm, with enough historic touches to make the hour feel like more than a simple ride.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride?

The ride lasts about 1 hour.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Centro Ippico La Cartuja on Via Trieste in Calci and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available from Pisa or the city?

Yes. A paid shuttle service pickup is offered, but the exact pickup arrangements and price are agreed separately based on distance.

What’s included in the price?

Safety helmet and a photoshoot of the experience are included.

What should I wear?

You should wear long trousers and tennis shoes. The tour does not provide sneakers or long pants.

Is the tour beginner-friendly?

It’s rated easy and most travelers can participate. English riding is offered, and riders are supported with instruction.

What are the age requirements?

Minimum age is 9 years. Children from 8 years old and up can join, and riders under 14 must be accompanied by a guide on the ground.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

Duomo Museum & Baptistry: Cathedral Complex & Bell TowerFlorence: Chianti E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting and LunchFlorence by Bike: A Guided Tour of the City’s HighlightsTasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca