Horseback riding and aperitif 2 hours for beginners

The best part of this outing is the route itself. You leave the riding school for Calci’s countryside, cross a stream, pass beneath the Upezzinghi tower in Caprona, and follow an old path toward the abandoned convent of Nicosia and the Certosa di Calci. It feels like a small rural adventure, not a ride confined to a fenced arena.

I like the careful start, with a ground briefing, a field lesson, and a short test route before the longer ride. I also like the ending: wine, bread, cheese, salami, and juice at the stables, plus a photo session included in the price. The main caution is the age information: one part says 8 and up, while the booking details say the minimum age is 9, so families should confirm before paying.

Key points at a glance

• Beginner-friendly instruction: You learn basic commands from the ground before getting on the route.
• A real countryside ride: The path includes woods, a stream ford, Caprona, Nicosia, and the Certosa di Calci.
• Small maximum group: The activity is limited to six people, which allows more direct help from the staff.
• Aperitif after riding: Expect a simple Tuscan-style spread with wine, bread, cheese, salami, and juice.
• Photos included: A photographer captures the outing, so you do not need to manage a camera while riding.
• Check the age rule: The details conflict between age 8 and age 9. Confirm the current requirement in advance.

A gentle start for first-time riders

This two-hour activity is built for people who may have never ridden before. You begin with a short briefing on the ground, where the staff explain or review the basic commands and help you prepare for the horse in a calm, deliberate way.

You then have a field lesson. This matters more than it may sound. A quick ride around an arena can leave a beginner unsure about how to ask a horse to move, turn, or slow down. Here, the plan gives you time to become familiar with your horse before heading onto the countryside route.

The next step is a test route outside the riding area, accompanied by staff on the ground. That extra stage should help you find your balance and get used to the setting before the main ride begins. For a first-time rider, this gradual structure is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing.

The guides have earned especially warm praise for patience and reassurance. Alex is singled out for helping a first-time rider feel comfortable, while other descriptions credit the staff with spending time teaching correct riding technique before setting off. Names for the full team are not consistently provided, so Alex is the only guide I can identify with confidence.

The horses are described as calm and sweet, and the riding school is maintained with care. Those points matter. A beginner needs a horse that responds predictably and staff who notice discomfort or uncertainty early.

Following the route from Calci into the hills

Once the staff are satisfied that everyone is ready, the ride leaves the riding school at Centro Ippico La Cartuja in Calci. The route is circular, so you return to the same place at the end rather than needing a second meeting point.

The first stretch passes through the woods. This is where the ride begins to feel different from a standard lesson. You are no longer simply practicing commands. You are using them while moving through changing surroundings, with the horse responding to the path and the pace of the group.

The route also includes a stream ford. The information does not give details on the water level or how the crossing is handled, so you should expect a natural feature rather than a guaranteed dramatic splash. Still, it adds variety to an otherwise gentle ride and gives the outing a more rural character.

The route continues to Caprona, where you reach the Upezzinghi tower. This is a useful place to take in the surroundings and understand the connection between the countryside and the small settlements around Pisa. The ride is not only about sitting on a horse. It also gives you a slow way to see places that are easy to pass by in a car.

From the tower, the group follows an ancient path toward the abandoned convent of Nicosia. The wording suggests that you pass this site as part of the ride rather than take a full guided visit inside. You should not book this expecting an extended architectural tour. Its value is in the setting, the old route, and the sense of moving through the area at a human pace.

The final major point is the Certosa di Calci, home to the Museo Nazionale della Certosa Monumentale di Calci. Again, this activity uses the Certosa as part of the riding route. Entry to the museum is not listed as an inclusion, so plan on seeing the complex from the route rather than treating this as a museum visit.

That distinction is important when planning your day. If you want to tour the Certosa interiors, set aside separate time and check its opening arrangements. The horseback activity gives you a scenic connection to the site, but it is not presented as a museum admission package.

What makes the Certosa route worthwhile

The route links several kinds of scenery in only two hours: woods, open countryside, a water crossing, a village landmark, an old religious site, and the Certosa complex. That variety gives the outing more substance than a short loop around a stable.

I particularly like the pace implied by horseback riding here. You have time to notice the path and the countryside rather than racing from one sight to the next. The ride also keeps the focus on the area around Calci, not central Pisa, so you see a quieter side of the province.

The route may feel long for someone who has never sat on a horse. The advertised difficulty is easy, but easy refers to the riding level, not necessarily to physical comfort. Two hours in the saddle can still be tiring, especially for a beginner. Wear the required long trousers and tennis shoes, and do not arrive in clothing that restricts your legs or leaves you worried about mud and dust.

The exact pace can vary with the group. A confident rider may find the lesson slow, while a complete beginner may appreciate every minute. Since the maximum group size is six, staff should have a better chance to give individual help than they would on a large commercial ride.

The aperitif is part of the appeal

When you return to the riding school, the experience ends with an aperitif. The food described includes bread, cheese, and salami, with red wine and juice available. It is a simple finish, but it fits the setting well.

This is not presented as a full meal, so do not plan to replace lunch or dinner with it. Think of it as a pleasant snack after riding. For adults, the wine adds a Tuscan touch. For children and anyone avoiding alcohol, juice is included in the described spread.

The aperitif also gives you a chance to relax after the ride and talk with the staff. That social pause can be especially welcome if you are riding for the first time and want to ask about the horse or the route.

The included photo session adds real value. Horseback riding makes it awkward to take good pictures of yourself, and handling a phone while mounted is not sensible. Having photos taken means you can focus on the lesson and the path while still leaving with a record of the outing.

Is $107.23 a fair price?

At $107.23 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours near Pisa. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled into the outing: instruction, a field lesson, staff support on the route, a small group capped at six, helmet use, the countryside ride, an aperitif, and photos.

The value depends on what you want. If you only want ten minutes on a horse for a quick novelty photo, this will feel expensive. If you want a proper beginner introduction with a route through several local landmarks, the price is easier to justify.

The included helmet saves you from arranging safety equipment. You still need to provide your own long trousers and tennis shoes. The clothing requirement is practical and should be taken seriously, especially because the route includes woods and a stream crossing.

Pickup is available from a hotel, city location, or meeting point, but it is not simply included in the listed price. The pickup cost is agreed separately based on distance. For locations beyond 12 kilometers, an additional 10 euros per person is requested. Since the details also say the shuttle cost is always agreed separately, confirm the exact amount before booking transport.

The standard meeting point is Centro Ippico La Cartuja, Via Trieste, 56011 Calci PI, Italy. The activity ends there as well. Allow extra time to find the entrance, since the facility can be difficult to locate if you rely only on a map pin. Arriving early is sensible, particularly if you are arranging your own taxi or private transfer.

Who should book this ride?

This is best for beginners, couples, families with eligible children, and anyone who wants a countryside activity close to Pisa. You do not need advanced riding skills, and the instruction is designed to help you understand the basics before leaving the riding area.

It also suits people who prefer a small-scale activity. Six is the maximum group size, which should make the lesson less anonymous and give the guides more room to watch how each rider is handling the horse.

Families need to check the minimum age carefully. The information supplied gives both 8 and 9 as the lower limit, with the additional booking details stating that the minimum is 9. Do not assume an 8-year-old will be accepted. Ask the provider before reserving.

This may not suit experienced riders looking for speed, technical riding, or a long day in the saddle. The difficulty is easy, and the instruction is aimed at beginners. A confident rider may find the lesson and pace too basic, though the route itself still offers attractive countryside and historic points.

People with a strong fear of horses should also think carefully before booking. The staff are described as friendly and patient, but this remains a mounted activity. You need to be willing to approach, sit on, and control a horse with guidance.

Practical details that affect your day

The activity lasts about two hours from start to finish. That includes the instruction, field practice, test route, countryside ride, and return to the stables for the aperitif. It is a manageable half-day addition to a Pisa schedule, though you should allow extra time if using pickup.

The activity is offered in English, and the riding style is listed as English riding. A safety helmet is included. Long trousers and tennis shoes are required, but neither is supplied.

Service animals are allowed, and the riding school is near public transportation. Most people can participate, though no detailed physical accessibility information is provided. If you have mobility concerns or need a specific accommodation, contact the provider before booking rather than relying on the general easy rating.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Should you book it?

I would book this if you want a friendly introduction to horseback riding with more scenery and character than a simple arena lesson. The gradual teaching, small group size, calm horses, included photos, and aperitif make the outing feel thoughtfully put together.

I would pause if your main goal is a full visit to the Certosa museum, a challenging ride, or a very low-cost activity. You should also confirm the age rule, pickup fee, and meeting instructions before paying.

For a first ride in the Tuscan countryside near Pisa, this offers a good mix of instruction, scenery, and local flavor. Pack the right clothes, allow time to find the riding school, and arrive ready for a gentle ride rather than an athletic adventure.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding activity last?

The activity lasts approximately two hours, including the briefing, field lesson, test route, countryside ride, return, and aperitif.

Where does the activity start?

It starts at Centro Ippico La Cartuja, Via Trieste, 56011 Calci PI, Italy.

Where does the activity end?

The circular route returns to Centro Ippico La Cartuja, so the activity ends at the original meeting point.

Is pickup available from Pisa?

Pickup is offered from a hotel, city location, or meeting point. The cost is agreed separately based on distance. For pickup beyond 12 kilometers, an additional 10 euros per person is requested.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity includes a ground briefing, a field lesson, basic command practice, and a test route with staff support before the longer ride.

What is the minimum age?

The information gives both 8 and 9 as the minimum age. The additional booking details state that the minimum age is 9, so confirm the current rule with the provider before booking for an 8-year-old.

What should I wear?

Wear long trousers and tennis shoes. These items are not provided. A safety helmet is included.

Is the aperitif included?

Yes. The return to the riding school includes an aperitif. The described spread includes red wine, bread, cheese, salami, and juice.

Are photos included?

Yes. A photoshoot of the experience is included, along with the safety helmet.