Leave Rome behind for a five-hour horseback ride through Simbruini National Park, with a packed lunch and village wine tasting included. Trails run across limestone ridges and wooded glades—ideal for riders with basic skills and a taste for mountain air.
Leave Rome behind for a five-hour horseback ride through Simbruini National Park, with a packed lunch and village wine tasting included. Trails run across limestone ridges and wooded glades—ideal for riders with basic skills and a taste for mountain air.
A chill morning in a Roman square melts into country air as riders are shuttled out of the city toward Tagliacozzo. At Ranch Valle Verde the horses are groomed and readied; the animals shift their weight, impatient to lead you onto the old shepherd trails that thread through Simbruini National Park. The route alternates between open ridges that throw views across hills and shaded coppices where the breeze carries the scent of pine and damp earth.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cavalieri di Gaia · Tagliacozzo, Abruzzo
A chill morning in a Roman square melts into country air as riders are shuttled out of the city toward Tagliacozzo. At Ranch Valle Verde the horses are groomed and readied; the animals shift their weight, impatient to lead you onto the old shepherd trails that thread through Simbruini National Park. The route alternates between open ridges that throw views across hills and shaded coppices where the breeze carries the scent of pine and damp earth.
The Simbruini range marks the border between Lazio and Abruzzo and has long supported pastoral life and seasonal transhumance—the region’s stone villages and farmhouse wineries reflect that agricultural rhythm. Geologically, the park is a compact limestone massif with steep valleys, karst features, and grazing plateaus. Locally, equestrian culture remains practical: well-trained horses, straightforward tack, and instructors who read the ground as well as the weather.
Rides typically run about five hours total, including a packed lunch on the trail and a wine tasting afterward in a small village square by an obelisk. Expect mixed terrain: dirt tracks, grassy meadows, and short climbs where the horse’s surefootedness matters. Practicalities: wear supportive boots and layers, drink often on warm days, and follow the guide’s safety briefing—helmets are provided. The outing suits riders with basic control over the horse; beginners can join but should disclose experience so instructors can pair mounts appropriately. End the day with a slow walk back to the ranch, a tasting of local wines, and the steady satisfaction of time spent moving through a landscape that still works in seasonal rhythms.
moderate.
5 hours.
Moderate—comfortable walking balance and the ability to mount/dismount repeatedly; riders should handle a horse at walk and trot.
Basic riding control helps; beginners can join but should disclose their experience so guides can match them with suitable horses.
Private transfer from the meeting point to the ranch and back is included when that option is selected; check your booking details for pickup locations.
Yes—helmets are provided and their use is required for safety during the ride.
A small daypack with water, a light jacket, and any personal snacks is enough; the packed lunch and a village wine tasting are included.
Simbruini’s valleys supported seasonal transhumance and small agrarian communities for centuries; many tracks follow the same routes shepherds used historically.
Simbruini National Park protects fragile karst ecosystems and high-mountain pastures—stay on designated trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and follow local guidance to reduce impact.
Cavalieri di Gaia operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A chill morning in a Roman square melts into country air as riders are shuttled out of the city toward Tagliacozzo. At Ranch Valle Verde the horses are groomed and readied; the animals shift their weight, impatient to lead you onto the old shepherd trails that thread through Simbruini National Park. The route alternates between open ridges that throw views across hills and shaded coppices where the breeze carries the scent of pine and damp earth.
A chill morning in a Roman square melts into country air as riders are shuttled out of the city toward Tagliacozzo. At Ranch Valle Verde the horses are groomed and readied; the animals shift their weight, impatient to lead you onto the old shepherd trails that thread through Simbruini National Park. The route alternates between open ridges that throw views across hills and shaded coppices where the breeze carries the scent of pine and damp earth.
The Simbruini range marks the border between Lazio and Abruzzo and has long supported pastoral life and seasonal transhumance—the region’s stone villages and farmhouse wineries reflect that agricultural rhythm. Geologically, the park is a compact limestone massif with steep valleys, karst features, and grazing plateaus. Locally, equestrian culture remains practical: well-trained horses, straightforward tack, and instructors who read the ground as well as the weather.
Rides typically run about five hours total, including a packed lunch on the trail and a wine tasting afterward in a small village square by an obelisk. Expect mixed terrain: dirt tracks, grassy meadows, and short climbs where the horse’s surefootedness matters. Practicalities: wear supportive boots and layers, drink often on warm days, and follow the guide’s safety briefing—helmets are provided. The outing suits riders with basic control over the horse; beginners can join but should disclose experience so instructors can pair mounts appropriately. End the day with a slow walk back to the ranch, a tasting of local wines, and the steady satisfaction of time spent moving through a landscape that still works in seasonal rhythms.