Castellare di Tonda - Italy

Heart of Tuscany

5 star rating   18 June 2022

Morag who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. An outstanding equestrian experience | This was our 6th visit to CdT, and I'm delighted to say that the horse I rode this year was the best yet. She was powerful and forward-going, but excellently schooled, thus sensitive and responsive: an absolute joy to ride. We travelled new trails and some old favourites, with the high temperatures always taken into consideration, so there were plenty of descents into the cool shady forests after taking in some classically Tuscan views.

The care shown by all the staff with regards the horses' welfare, and ours, was excellent, in particular flexibility in terms of start and finish times to avoid the hottest time of the day. Hats off to Franco, Ailsa et al. for making our holiday so special.


The Riding

How well were you matched with the right horse for your ability?
5 star rating
How would you rate the variety of riding, pace or terrain?
5 star rating
How would you rate the overall standard of the horses, tack and stables?
5 star rating

The Accommodation

How would you rate your room(s) for comfort and facilities?
4 star rating
How would you rate the standard of the food?
5 star rating

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

The food in the restaurant has undoubtedly taken a step up - we happily re-ordered items on several nights, knowing they'd really hit the mark before.

However, the 'part-time' arrangement for Reception and Bar is disappointing. In addition, on the day of our arrival, there was a wedding in progress, so no bar access for other guests. When we enquired at Reception if we could be provided with a couple of cold beers (it was a roasting hot afternoon) we were twice told that it wasn't possible. We had no choice but to return to our apartment, beerless, and rather dismayed.

The absence of the little grocery shop that used to be there was a constant niggle, necessitating a trip to the Co-op in Montaione (courtesy of the amazing Ailsa and her little car!) for a few in-apartment necessities.

I'd also recommend mosquito nets, as despite keeping doors, windows and shutters closed all week, we were each eaten alive!


Before Your Holiday

Did you have all of the information you needed to:

Plan and prepare for your holiday?
5 star rating
Feel comfortable about your transfers and what to expect?
5 star rating

How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

As usual, *very* comprehensive information pack, though I had to rely on the electronic copy, as Royal Mail lost our hard copy! At least it was less bulky 🙂


How could we improve the way we handled your booking and payment?

You can't - you folks are brilliant.


Do you have any other feedback for us?

Becky - Thank you for saving our holiday, following my flight-booking SNAFU! Just as well someone was on the ball!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you for your kind words - it was my pleasure to help with your holiday planning.]