A calm day starts fast. This horseback tour turns Siena’s streets into walking trails and quiet countryside, with an equestrian guide leading you into Montagnola Senese Park and along the pilgrim route. You’ll ride, pause, and spend time around the Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago, a peaceful stop that feels spiritually still even while people keep moving along the Via Francigena.

I really like that this is designed for different comfort levels. The ride is suitable for beginners through experienced riders, and you get an on-the-ground intro before you mount up. I also like the human factor: the staff come across as super friendly, which matters when you’re sharing a saddle-time experience with new people.

One thing to plan for: there’s no hotel pickup. The meeting point is about 15 minutes from the center of Siena, and you’ll want to get there on time (arrive 10 minutes early).

Key reasons to go

• Small group, up to 10 participants, so the guide can actually help you
• English and Italian guidance from an expert equestrian guide
• Via Francigena riding experience with the atmosphere of pilgrims walking the route
• Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago as a signature stop for calm, body-and-mind vibes
• Trained horses and an intro on the ground before you set off
• Helmets included, but you’ll need to bring proper footwear

Where the ride begins: Strada del Pian del Lago in plain terms

This tour starts at Strada del Pian del Lago, 6, at a covered riding arena (a shed) used for lessons. When you arrive, look for the shed first, then follow the road uphill lined with trees until someone directs you to the guide.

Arriving early isn’t optional in real life. You’ll be there before everyone mounts, and there’s an intro first, then time to get familiar with the horses. If you roll in at the last minute, you’ll feel rushed right when you need to feel settled.

Also note the practical location detail: you’re not starting in the exact middle of Siena. The route is about 15 minutes from the center, and since pickup and return transport are not included, plan on getting yourself there and back.

The on-site briefing: how they set you up for a smooth start

Before you ride, the guide brings everyone together for an introduction on the ground. Then you’ll get help with basics of horse riding (the essentials, explained before you’re asked to do anything). After that, you’ll have time to familiarize yourself with the animals.

That order matters. If you’re new, it helps you understand how the horse is expected to respond and what your role is while riding. If you’re more advanced, it still helps because it standardizes the signals and pace for the group, which keeps the ride comfortable.

You’ll also be provided a helmet as part of the experience. This is a big deal for peace of mind, especially because the tour is outdoors and you’ll be moving for long enough that it’s not something you want to “manage” with guesswork.

Via Francigena in motion: riding through Montagnola Senese Park

Once everyone is ready, you leave the stables and head into Montagnola Senese Park along the Via Francigena. This is where the tour earns its character. The Via Francigena isn’t just scenery—it’s a living route of walkers, so you’ll get that sense of meeting pilgrims along the way.

Expect trails that wind through woods, rolling hills, and open countryside fields. The key word here is variety: you don’t just do one straight path and call it a day. The ride is paced to be relaxing, and the horses are described as experienced, which is what you want when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors instead of constantly watching every little step.

Even better, you’re not alone. The group is limited to 10 participants, so the guide can keep things coordinated without turning it into a chaotic conga line of helmets.

And there’s one small but smart detail: the provider has more than 10 horses. That hints they can manage multiple riders without forcing everyone into the same bottleneck timing.

A signature pause: Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago

One of the emotional highlights is passing in the shadow of the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago. This is an ancient hermitage, and the tour’s tone here shifts from motion to quiet, with the kind of still atmosphere that makes you slow down naturally.

The itinerary includes time on foot at the hermitage area. That’s a good design choice. Riding is the main event, but a short walk component gives your body a break and gives you room to actually take in the place.

For photography, this stop is practical too. You’ll likely get better angles without having to keep your camera balanced while riding. More importantly, you’ll be there long enough to notice how the setting changes the mood—less about speed, more about calm.

The second walk in Montagnola Senese: stretching your legs

The plan includes another stop labeled Montagnola Senese, with walking time as part of the route. In practice, this gives you a moment to feel the ground level of the countryside and not just the “from the saddle” view.

This is especially useful if you’re someone who gets a bit stiff during longer outdoor activities. The tour totals about 1.5 hours, but the pacing is built around a mix of riding and walking, so it feels like an activity with rhythm rather than one long stretch in the saddle.

The trade-off is simple: if you dislike any walking, you should know there is at least some time on foot. The walks aren’t positioned as an extra hike—they’re part of how the tour hits its key moments.

Who this tour suits best (and who should pass)

This ride is designed for a wide range of riders. The experience is suitable for beginners through experts, which is rare because many horse tours are “beginner-friendly” in theory but intimidating in the reality.

If you’re a first-timer, you’ll appreciate the ground intro and the time to get comfortable with the horses before you head out. If you’re experienced, you’ll likely value that the guide keeps the group organized so the ride stays pleasant for everyone.

Who might want to skip it:

• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women
• It’s not suitable for people over 220 lbs (100 kg)
• It’s not suitable for people over 75 years

If you have a child under 14 at booking, you should mention it. They’ll see if they can accommodate your request, but it’s not stated as a guaranteed policy—so communicate early.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $65.03

At $65.03 per person, you’re paying for more than a trail ride. You’re paying for guided equestrian support, a helmet, and a structured experience that includes both riding and walking at meaningful stops.

Here’s the value math that matters:

• Helmet included (you don’t have to figure out gear)
• Expert guide who speaks English and Italian (you’re not left guessing)
• Small group limit of 10 (less waiting, more attention)
• A route that follows the Via Francigena vibe, plus a distinctive stop at Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago

What you pay extra for, in most practical terms:

• Food and drinks are not included
• Boots are not included
• There’s no pickup or hotel return

So I’d treat the price as fair for an organized half-hour-scale countryside experience, not as a “cheap” add-on. If you want a guided equestrian day with an actual story on the route, this is the kind of format that usually costs more elsewhere.

What to bring (so you feel comfortable right away)

The basics are straightforward:

• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable clothes

But don’t underestimate footwear. Boots are not included, and the tour explicitly doesn’t allow sandals or flip flops. You’ll be around horses and moving along trails, so closed-toe, grippy shoes help you relax instead of thinking about every step.

Also note the clothing restriction: skirts are not allowed. Wear something you can move in easily while mounting and while walking breaks happen.

If you’re the type who likes to be prepared, I’d also suggest bringing a small layer. The tour is outdoors, and weather can shift quickly in Tuscany.

A note on logistics that can make or break your experience

There are a couple of details that affect how smooth the whole morning or afternoon feels.

First, plan to arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point. The day runs on the mounting schedule, and you’ll want time to find the guide after you follow the uphill tree-lined road.

Second, remember there’s no pickup or return. If you’re basing yourself in the center of Siena, you’ll need to sort out transport.

Third, the experience is not listed as suitable for certain groups (pregnancy, older age limit, weight limit). If any of those apply, it’s better to choose a different activity that fits your needs.

Should you book this horseback tour from Siena?

I’d book it if you want a countryside break that feels real and guided, not just a quick sightseeing stop. The combination of Via Francigena atmosphere, a structured riding setup for all levels, and the calm stop at Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago is a strong mix for people who like nature and quiet moments.

It’s also a good choice if you value attention from staff. A small group of up to 10 participants plus a guide who can explain in English and Italian means you’re more likely to feel comfortable on the horse quickly.

Skip it if you can’t manage the off-site logistics (no pickup), if walking time won’t work for you, or if any of the listed unsuitability categories apply.

FAQ

How long is the horseback tour?

The horseback ride lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the total experience is about 1.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Strada del Pian del Lago, 6, in front of a shed (a covered riding arena). You’ll follow the road uphill lined with trees to find the guide.

Is there a return to the same meeting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What languages are the guides?

The guide speaks Italian and English.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The rides are suitable for riders of all levels, from beginners to experts.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes a helmet and an expert guide.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes.

What is not allowed?

Sandals or flip flops and skirts are not allowed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pick-up and return to the hotel are not included.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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