Tuscany & the Maremma
From Renaissance Florence and the vineyards of Chianti to the wild Maremma, home of the Tuscan cowboys: eleven days of riding, discovery and la dolce vita.
Ride Italy with Kirstin Kelly
These tours are built around real teaching, not just sightseeing. Kirstin brings a lifetime at the top of the sport to every lesson, and the same warm, practical coaching that riders across New Zealand know her for.
Who it's forPrivate lessons suit every rider, from flatwork through to jumping courses up to 1.20m. Each lesson is followed by a personal debrief, and a local Italian-based guide looks after everything else. Non-riding partners are very welcome.
- BHSII qualified coach
- Represented New Zealand in eventing
- Competed at Adelaide, now a 5-star international three-day event
- Long-listed for the Sydney Olympic Games
- Has produced more than 100 horses, several going on to the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics
- Still competing in show jumping today
- Teaches clinics across New Zealand and runs the KMP Mentoring Programme
Benvenuti a Firenze
Arrive in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, and settle into your own accommodation for the night. As the evening light turns the city gold, join us for an aperitivo looking out over Florence. Over a delicious cocktail we'll share the plans for the days ahead and get to know your new friends.
Florence, then Home to Chianti
Begin your Tuscan journey with a guided exploration of Florence, where Renaissance masterpieces, hidden piazzas and centuries of history come to life. Later we retreat to our exclusive villa in Chianti, our home for the next four nights, and roll up our sleeves for an intimate, hands-on cooking class using seasonal local ingredients.
Forest Trails, Castle Walls & Castello di Meleto
We follow peaceful forest trails through the Elsa Valley, then pause for coffee within the ancient walls of Monteriggioni, a perfectly preserved medieval village crowning a hill. Next we head into the heart of Chianti for a leisurely lunch, before a private castle experience and guided tasting at Castello di Meleto.
Riding through Chianti
Saddle up and ride out through the landscape that has inspired painters for centuries: rolling vineyards, silvery olive groves and cypress-lined lanes, on carefully selected horses. We arrive at a secluded spot for a relaxed Tuscan lunch with local wines and artisan cheeses. Later we visit San Gimignano, where medieval towers rise above the vineyards.
Chianti by Vespa
Live your Roman Holiday moment and feel the rumble of a Vespa 125 carrying you along the winding Chianti roads, where every bend reveals another postcard-perfect vineyard. We stop in timeless hill towns, browse artisan boutiques and enjoy lunch at one of Tuscany's most celebrated castles. In the evening, relax and unwind at a local family-owned farm with delicious cheeses and local wines.
Siena & Your First Lesson
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Siena, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval cities. Stand in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race thunders around the square each summer. In the afternoon you'll meet your equine companion for the week and have your first individual lesson with Kirstin. After every lesson, Kirstin leads a debrief, explaining the riding concepts behind the session and answering your questions, so you truly get the most out of every ride.
Lesson Two, Saturnia & Pitigliano
After your second lesson, unwind in the naturally warm mineral waters of Saturnia, where the springs cascade over terraces of white stone. People have soaked here since Roman times, and it's the perfect reward for well-worked riding muscles. Then we wander the enchanting cliff-top village of Pitigliano. As the sun sets, enjoy an aperitivo overlooking one of Tuscany's most breathtaking landscapes, before dinner in the heart of the medieval town.
Wild Maremma by E-Bike
We spend the day on two wheels in the Parco Regionale della Maremma, 18,000 hectares of protected coastline and countryside. Ride past the park's famous Maremma cattle, horses and farms, then stop for lunch at the beach (bring your togs!) and a gelato on the way home. Later, visit the historic centre of Grosseto or simply enjoy some free time.
Lesson Three & Etruscan Tuscany
After your third lesson with Kirstin and a debrief over coffee, the afternoon is yours to choose: discover Etruscan history at the Parco Archeologico di Roselle, or relax by the pool at the villa. In the evening we visit Castiglione della Pescaia, a pretty seaside town crowned by its medieval castle.
Final Lesson & the Tuscan Coast
After your last lesson with Kirstin and our final team debrief, we head to the Tuscan seaside, weather permitting, to the white sands of Cala Violina or the harbour of Porto Santo Stefano. In the evening we share one last delicious meal together.
Arrivederci
One last breakfast together, full of stories, before we pack up our belongings and our new memories and say ciao. We'll take you to the station, ready for your next adventure or your journey home. Until next time, arrivederci.
Tuscany & the Maremma
This estimate is based on a group of four riders. Because many of our costs are shared across the group, the price may fluctuate up if we are short on numbers, and with a full group the price will come down. Your final price will be confirmed once the group is set.
- Accommodation from 24 April to 3 May
- Breakfasts
- Horse lease
- Four lessons with Kirstin, each with a debrief
- Countryside ride through Chianti with lunch
- Guiding and transport throughout
- Guided tour of Florence
- Hands-on cooking class
- Castle experience and tasting at Castello di Meleto
- Vespa tour of Chianti
- Saturnia hot springs
- E-bikes in the Maremma park
- Transfer to the station on departure
- Tourist tax
- International flights
- Your accommodation in Florence on 23 April
- Travel insurance (required, and must cover horse riding and cycling)
- Shared group meals, split among the group as we go
Email me and we'll set up a chat, so I can answer any questions and you can meet me before you book. Groups are capped at five riders, and our 2025 and 2026 tours both sold out in under two weeks.
Email KirstinWhat others loved about this tour
Belinda Millar
Honestly a trip of a lifetime It was a wonderful relaxed but fun atmosphere throughout. Met some wonderful people and also in my case - reconnect with some great past friends.
The horses were absolutely wonderful and catered to all of our needs and wants as riders. The social aspect was equally fantastic. Relaxing at the superb villa, to sight seeing and eating at fab restaurants.
Kirstin did all the hard work for us and it was so appreciated. What an awesome way to see Italy.
I honestly couldn’t recommend this tour more
PS - I might go again next year too
Val Nelson
Fabulous holiday. From excellent accommodation, sight seeing, great company and of course the opportunity to ride a very experienced horse. Kirstin had it all sorted not a worry in the world for us. You could do as much or as little as you liked. I would love to do it all again.
Lorene Blundel
Kirstin organised the whole trip to Italy which was so organised and great fun. i would never been able to do that myself as i wouldn’t know where to start. From riding fancy show jumpers and dining with friends and family of their equestrian owner at his private country estate , was a highlight. And that red wine was devine! There was plenty to absorb with all the historic castles dating back to the 13th century , Rome’ s Coleuseum was mind boggling and the odd dash to the Mall for some retail therapy made the whole trip exciting and kept you on your toes . Lots of laughter, lots of local food - especially when it’s made from scratch by a local Italian chef kept the taste buds on alert and lots of down time too in our villa pool made this trip one i will not forget in a hurry! Can’t wait till the next one Kirstin has in her sights…
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