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Butteri italiani

Italy

2550 €

This Apennine adventure in the shadow of the Sirente massif is a riding expedition that blends iconic Italian landscapes with authentic ranch life. We will cross vast plateaus, beech forests, and medieval villages, while stepping into the role of butteri – traditional Italian cowboys – working with horses and cattle in tune with local ranching traditions. The program combines dynamic riding across open terrain with days dedicated to learning local horsemanship and hands-on working skills at their roots. The experience is topped with traditional Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and the unique atmosphere of the Abruzzo region.

  • Days overall
    9 days
    Days in saddle
    7 days
  • Group size
    8
    Available
    check
  • Standard
    Italian hospitality (comfortable and delicious)
    Luggage
    no limits kg
    Food
    local cuisine, vegetarian option available
  • Skills
    walk, trot, canter and gallop
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Abruzzo, one of Italy’s most authentic regions, captivates with its wild nature and the raw beauty of the Apennines – a landscape best experienced from horseback. Here, in the area surrounding L’Aquila, vast plateaus, mountain valleys, and beech forests stretch across the horizon, offering the perfect setting for long days in the saddle and for building a true connection with the horse in natural, demanding terrain. During the trek, we will cross the Sirente-Velino Regional Park, where the scenery shifts from wide open grassy plains to steep rocky slopes and shaded forest trails. This is a region where nature still dictates the rhythm of life, and encounters with wildlife – such as deer or free-roaming horses – are part of everyday experience.

Along the route, we will also visit places of remarkable historical and cultural value. We will ride through charming stone villages such as Rocca di Mezzo and Villa Sant’Angelo, where time seems to slow down and medieval architecture and local traditions remain very much alive. During a rest day, we will explore the historic center of L’Aquila – a city rich in history, filled with Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, rebuilt after the earthquake yet still preserving its unique character. We will also visit the fascinating Grotte di Stiffe, where underground rivers and waterfalls create a truly magical natural spectacle.

An inseparable part of this journey are the Maremmano horses – hardy, sure-footed, and perfectly adapted to mountain work. These horses have strong characters and have been used for generations by the Italian butteri (cowboys) for working cattle. Their stability and courage allow them to perform confidently both on steep terrain and during dynamic herd work.

During the ride, we will also use traditional Anam Maremma saddles, characteristic of the region and the butteri riding style. They provide comfort during long hours in the saddle and stability in demanding terrain, while allowing riders to fully experience the authentic spirit of Italian equestrian tradition. The journey will culminate in a practical test of newly acquired cattle-working skills, where each participant will have the chance to feel like a true buttero. The experience will conclude with a farewell aperitivo, during which certificates will be awarded as a symbol of courage and having embraced this unique challenge.

Travel is best arranged to and from Rome. The fastest option is Rome-Ciampino Airport, from which Ovindoli is reached in approximately 1.5 hours by car. Rome Fiumicino Airport is also an option, although the transfer takes over two hours to the ranch. Arrival should be planned in the morning, ideally by 10:00 a.m. and no later than midday. The return flight should be scheduled no earlier than 2:00 p.m.

The ride is of moderate difficulty and is intended for riders who feel confident in the saddle. The varied terrain and changing pace mean that each day combines relaxed sections with more dynamic riding. The cattle-working part of the program requires a higher level of skill, including a secure seat, good balance, and body awareness. Therefore, to fully enjoy the experience and benefit from it, we recommend participation for experienced riders only.

The minimum age for participants is 16, and minors may join only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The rider weight limit is 95 kg.

What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • Horse with full riding tack
  • Six nights in a local hotel in Ovindoli
  • Two nights at the agritourism farm “La Villa”
  • Meals from the first day’s refreshments to the last day’s breakfast, excluding lunch in L’Aquila
  • Tour of L’Aquila and the Grotte di Stiffe with a local, English-speaking guide
  • Local, English-speaking horse guides
  • Travel insurance covering high-risk sports
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Flight tickets
  • Transfers to/from Rome airport – cost €1,115 round-trip, divided according to the number of people (max. 8). Public transport is not available, as Ovindoli is a very small village nestled deep in the mountains
  • Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive yourself to the location… or drive from any hometown in Europe by your own car
  • Alcohol and other beverages other than coffee and tea with breakfast and water with dinner
  • Wine tastings and local specialties (including Genziana, Ratafià, and Grappa)
  • Lunch in L’Aquila
  • Own expenses (souvenirs, additional snacks and drinks, etc.)
  • Optional: single room supplement (on request, subject to availability on the dates given) – €20 per night
  1. Day 1 Benvenuti in Italia!

    Participants will be picked up from Rome Ciampino or Rome Fiumicino Airport and transferred to Ovindoli. Arrival at the ranch is scheduled for the early afternoon. Upon arrival, we will meet the team and each participant will be assigned a horse, pre-selected in advance according to their physical characteristics, preferences, and riding experience. We will saddle the horses and set off on a approximately two-hour introductory ride, designed as the first step in building a deeper connection with the horse. After returning to the stables, we will enjoy a welcome aperitivo. In the evening, transfer to the hotel, a celebratory dinner, and overnight stay.

  2. Day 2 Among the pine forests

    After breakfast at the hotel, we will return to the ranch where we will prepare the horses and set off towards Villa S. Angelo, approximately 30 km away. The route will begin in relatively gentle terrain, riding along the village of Rovere, through a pine forest, and passing the small village of Terranera.
    After a lunch break prepared by the organizers and a short rest, we will continue along an ancient historical mule track that will lead us to our destination in the late afternoon.
    Upon completing the ride, we will take care of the horses, then relax in our rooms and meet again in the evening for a shared dinner.

  3. Day 3 Galloping through time

    After breakfast, we set off in the direction of Ovindoli. We climb back up onto the plateau, taking with us a packed lunch prepared for us by the hotel. Along the way, we pass through the medieval village of Rocca di Mezzo, before returning to the open plains where we can allow the horses to move into faster canters and enjoy breathtaking landscapes.
    We return to the ranch in the late afternoon. After taking care of the horses, we head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

  4. Day 4 Mount Sirente

    After our now-famous hotel breakfast, we prepare the horses and set off to explore Mount Sirente. Following the initial stretch across flat terrain, we begin our ascent. We ride through a beautiful beech forest, filled with ancient trees and the scent of mushrooms and woodland air. Soon, the stunning “Valle dei Pezzije” opens before us, where—if we are lucky – we may spot herds of wild deer.
    We continue climbing to over 2,000 meters, following trails used for centuries by wildlife and flocks of sheep, and during a well-earned lunch break we continue to take in the spectacular views. In the afternoon, we ride on through rolling hills and open plains, encountering herds of cattle and free-roaming horses.
    In the late afternoon, we return to the ranch – tired but happy – where Maurizio will be waiting at the grill, preparing a traditional ranch-style dinner featuring “rustelle”, the typical small grilled meat skewers of the region. We then return to the hotel for overnight stay.

  5. Day 5 L’Aquila and Grotte di Stiffe

    The horses rest while we head to L’Aquila—the capital of the Abruzzo region, known for its beautiful medieval architecture and rich history. In 2009, the city was struck by a tragic earthquake that destroyed many of its historic buildings, but today it is being carefully rebuilt and continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural center. A professional guide will take us on a walking tour through the most interesting parts of L’Aquila, uncovering both its landmarks and fascinating stories from the past.
    After the tour, we will have free time for lunch, choosing from local restaurants based on the guide’s recommendations or our own preferences. We then continue to the Grotte di Stiffe, famous for their underground rivers, waterfalls, and extraordinary rock formations that create a truly magical, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. During the guided visit with a local expert, we will discover the history of the caves and their geological secrets.
    We return to the hotel in the evening for a shared dinner and a well-deserved rest.

  6. Day 6 In search of wild horses

    On this day, we head to the ranch and prepare the horses for a search for the wild herd led by the stallion Vairo. We ride towards Mount Magnola, passing through Fonte Tavolone – a grazing area where the stallion often leads mares and foals to pasture.
    Along the way, we stop for lunch and a short rest. Afterwards, we get back in the saddle and continue towards Piani di Pezza, where we gather the herd of riding horses and guide them back to the ranch. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

  7. Day 7 In the rhythm of the herd

    We begin the day at the hotel with breakfast, after which we head to the ranch, prepare the horses, and ride towards cattle pastures near the village of Santa Jona, in the Sant’Eugenia area. Along the way, we pass a small chapel dating back to the early 19th century. We check the herd and, if necessary, prepare the animals for movement to higher summer pastures.
    Lunch, prepared by the skilled hands of local women, is served at our Santa Jona base.
    In the afternoon, we return to the saddle for an introduction to cattle-working techniques, including recovering individual animals, directing the herd, and moving cattle towards higher grazing grounds. Return to the ranch in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

  8. Day 8 The final dance

    On our final full working day at the ranch, we wake up full of energy, and after breakfast we prepare the horses and set out to gather the herd from pasture and guide it into the corrals. This time we work more independently, applying the techniques learned the day before – coordinating our movements to handle small groups of cattle or individual animals.
    At midday, we pause for a break and enjoy a traditional meal prepared at the riding stable.
    To conclude the day, during a farewell aperitivo, each participant will receive a commemorative certificate with the title of “Cavalcante” – symbol of courage and the skills gained throughout the ride.
    In the evening, return to the hotel for a farewell dinner and spend our final night in the heart of Abruzzo.

  9. Day 9 Farewell to Abruzzo

    Participants will be transferred to Rome Airport. The return flight should be scheduled no earlier than 2:00 p.m.

The guide may modify the route depending on weather conditions and the riding skills of the group.
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All nights are spent comfortably indoors, in proper beds. Our main base in Ovindoli is the hotel “Millepini”, while two special nights along the route are spent at the agriturismo “La Villa” in Villa Sant’Angelo. In both locations, accommodation is in twin rooms with private bathrooms, equipped to European standards (including a hairdryer in the hotel). Both twin and double bed setups are available.

Behind the Millepini Hotel stretches a beautiful pine forest, offering panoramic views over the Rocche plateau. In your free time, you can fully immerse yourself in nature and we especially recommend waking up at least once before sunrise to witness the truly spectacular sunrise over the mountains.

The agriturismo “La Villa” offers guided walks across its 20-hectare estate, where guests can learn about land cultivation and livestock farming. There will be many opportunities to connect with nature and fully experience its rhythm throughout the stay.

At the agriturismo, we can expect exclusively local products, as 100% of the ingredients come directly from the land of the hosts. The owners produce their own cured meats, cheeses, and pasta, mill their own grain into flour, and collect fresh eggs every morning from the henhouse. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy traditional Abruzzese cuisine at its most authentic.

The owners of the hotel in Ovindoli also run a farm, producing PGI-certified meats as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, which are served in the hotel restaurant.

Typical dishes we may enjoy during the ride include gnocchi with gorgonzola, arrosticini, a wide variety of pasta dishes (such as lasagna, pasta with beans, or pasta alla pecorara), as well as local meats, cheeses, and much more.

Breakfasts are typically Italian, accompanied by exceptional coffee – remember, milk-based coffee is only for the morning – along with croissants, tarts, homemade preserves, and whatever the pantry has to offer.

Outdoor lunches vary depending on the day, from packed sandwiches provided by the hotel (with cured meats, cheeses, omelettes, etc.) to meals lovingly prepared by our hosts (cold pasta dishes, savory pies, seasonal sides, local cheeses and meats, and more).

We provide full board during the riding portion of the trip, except for one lunch in the city of L’Aquila. Most meals include meat, but vegetarian options can be arranged upon prior request.

Single rooms are available upon request, subject to availability and at an additional cost of €20 per night.

 

Equipment

During this ride, participants will have the opportunity to choose their preferred type of saddle, as the ranch is equipped with Western, classic English, trekking, and traditional Maremma-style saddles. We use bits and standard bridles for all horses.

Small saddlebags (e.g. for water) are available on site, but if you already own your own – or were planning to purchase them – you are welcome to bring them along. In case of rainy or windy weather, we recommend having a jacket or raincoat with you. We ride light, carrying only what is needed for each day.

As always, we strongly recommend riding with helmets. If needed, a basic “backup” helmet can be provided on site, however we highly encourage bringing your own properly fitted riding helmet.

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What you should take with you

A ride in Italy is definitely one of the more comfortable types of ours horse-trekking expeditions. All nights are spent under a roof, in hotels or agriturismos. For the daily riding stages, only a small waist bag or similar solution is needed – for your phone and personal essentials.

A detailed packing list, along with our comments and recommendations, will be sent in an organizational email approximately one month before the ride.

  • Passport or ID card
  • Cash (EUR)
  • Electronics (e.g. camera, video camera, power bank)
  • Waist bag or small backpack (for documents, phone)
  • Water bottle or canteen (a plastic water bottle is also fine)
  • High-factor sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun protection (hat or cap)
  • Personal riding equipment: helmet, breeches, chaps, gloves, etc.
  • Trekking boots – much more suitable for trekking conditions than standard paddock boots
  • Raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • Flip-flops for showers or leisure time

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