Siena: Horseback Tour on the Via Francigena

Tuscany by horse has a way of changing your pace, but this one has a bonus: you ride along the same pilgrimage route people still walk, the Via Francigena. I love that you get a real equestrian guide plus hands-on horse basics before you set off, and I love the stop at Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago, which makes the ride feel more than just scenery. One thing to keep in mind, the riding time is only about an hour, so don’t book expecting an all-day long adventure.

You’ll meet outside Siena and head into the Montagnola Senese countryside with a small group capped at 10. The horses are experienced, the route is designed for mixed ability levels, and the whole experience is timed to stay relaxed. If you’re comfortable with the rules on footwear and clothing, it’s a very good value way to see this part of Tuscany without driving the whole time.

Key Things That Make This Ride Worth Your Time

• Via Francigena route feel, with pilgrims as part of the landscape of the trail
• Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago stop, where the atmosphere turns quiet and reflective
• Small group (max 10), so the guide can keep an eye on everyone and adjust the pace
• All riding levels welcome, from beginners getting started to more experienced riders
• Helmets included, which makes the safety side straightforward
• Montagnola Senese Park trails, mixing wooded paths, hills, and open countryside views

Why the Via Francigena by Horse Feels Special in Siena

This tour stands out because it’s not just a generic countryside ride with a few photo stops. You’re traveling along a historic corridor that pilgrims have used for centuries, and that context changes how you notice the landscape around you.

Instead of racing from viewpoint to viewpoint, you move through woods, green hills, and open fields at an easy rhythm. That matters, because horseback travel rewards you for paying attention: the sound of tack, the feel of the path under hoof, and the way the trail can narrow or open up as you go.

I also like that the itinerary builds in moments on foot, not only in the saddle. The walk near the hermitage and the stop in Montagnola Senese are where the ride gains meaning.

Getting to the Meeting Point Near Siena: Plan for a Short Pre-Ride Stroll

You won’t meet in the center of Siena. The meeting point is at Strada del Pian del Lago, 6, about 15 minutes from town. You should arrive 10 minutes early so you’re not rushing your check-in.

When you get there, look for a shed, a covered riding arena used for lessons. From there, follow the road uphill lined with trees until you’re directed to the guide.

This is one of those details that seems minor until you show up late. Arriving early gives you time to get oriented, meet your group calmly, and start the day in a good mood, not in a sprint.

Helmets, Guide Languages, and the Horse Setup You’ll Be Glad You Have

Once everyone gathers, you’ll get an introduction on the ground. You’ll mount, and the guide will explain the basics of riding before you head out.

After that, there’s time to get comfortable with the horses. That part is key for first-timers. It reduces that awkward feeling of being on a new animal with zero prep, and it also helps the guide confirm everyone is ready.

Good news: helmets are included, and the guide speaks English and Italian. You’ll still want to listen closely during instructions, especially if you’re a beginner, but you won’t be stuck decoding gestures alone.

Riding Out Through Montagnola Senese Park on the Via Francigena

When the group is ready, you leave the stables and enter Montagnola Senese Park along the Via Francigena.

The route is described as trails that wind through lush wooded sections, then open into rolling countryside, with hills and golden fields depending on what time of year you go. Practically, this mix keeps things interesting. The woods slow your brain down, and the open stretches let you look farther.

This tour is meant to be relaxing. Horses are described as experienced, and that’s a big deal when you’re aiming for comfort rather than a hard-core riding challenge. You’re not wrestling the animal all day, so you can enjoy the ride as travel.

One more detail I appreciate: the experience includes the sense of encountering pilgrims on the historic route. Even if you don’t see a crowd, the whole area has that human trail vibe, which makes the ride feel connected to the broader story of this region.

Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago: The Calm Stop That Changes the Mood

A highlight is passing by, and then walking around, the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago.

Even without needing to know every fact about the site, you’ll feel the shift. It’s described as a place of sacredness and spirituality, set into quiet nature. That’s exactly the kind of stop that makes an hour in the countryside feel like a break from real life, not just activity.

During this part, you’ll do a walk, so you can stretch your legs and get photos without balancing on horseback. It’s also a natural pause that lets your guide manage the group.

If you like travel experiences that slow down and offer a moment of silence, this is the part you’ll remember most.

The Montagnola Senese Walk: Turning the Ride Into a Proper Countryside Experience

After the hermitage area, the route continues into Montagnola Senese, where the tour includes another walk segment.

This is where you get more of the park’s texture: paths that feel more like countryside travel than a groomed tourist route. You also get a clearer sense of where you are in the Siena region, with hills and open views in the background when the trail opens up.

For readers, the practical value is simple. On a horseback day, it’s easy to feel you’re only sitting and looking. Adding walk time helps you reset, and it gives the guide a chance to keep everyone together without rushing.

Pace, Group Size, and Comfort for Beginners (and Confident Riders)

This is one of the more beginner-friendly horseback options I’ve seen, mainly because the structure supports different skill levels.

Key points:

• The tour is suitable for riders of all levels, from beginners to experts.
• There’s groundwork instruction before anyone rides out.
• Horses are experienced and the tour is set up as a relaxing ride.
• The small-group size is limited to 10 participants, which helps with safety and attention.

As for time, the horseback riding portion is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the total experience is 1.5 hours. So you get a real taste of being on horseback without it turning into a half-day commitment.

If you want a full training course or hours of complex riding, this isn’t that. Think of it as a countryside experience you can do on a travel day, not a deep riding program.

What to Wear and Bring (So Your Day Feels Easy, Not Annoying)

You’ll want to dress for comfort first. Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes.

Avoid:

• Sandals or flip flops
• Skirts

This isn’t just about etiquette. Sturdier shoes help you feel stable when you mount and dismount, and clothing that moves with you is easier when you’re on and off the horse.

If you’re planning a long day in Siena before or after, it helps to keep this in mind. Choose shoes you can walk in comfortably, not only shoes you can wear for dinner.

Price and Value: What $65.03 Buys You in the Sienese Countryside

At $65.03 per person for about 1.5 hours, this tour is priced like a focused, guided countryside experience rather than a premium multi-hour excursion.

To judge value, I look at what’s included. Here, you get:

• A guide who speaks English and Italian
• Helmets included
• Time with horses before setting out
• Riding plus walking stops at significant points along the route
• A small-group format (max 10)

Also, the location works in your favor. Since it’s about 15 minutes from Siena, you’re not spending half your day commuting. That helps you get more actual experience time.

If you want a guided horseback experience that feels safe, structured, and not overly long, this price tends to make sense.

Who This Horseback Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A guided horseback ride with instruction, not just a free-for-all ride
• A nature-focused outing outside Siena
• A meaningful stop at Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago
• A relaxed pace with a small group

It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People over 220 lbs (100 kg)
• People over 75 years

There’s also a note that if you’re traveling with a child under age 14 at booking time, you should let the provider know so they can see if they can accommodate the request.

If any of those limits affect you, it’s better to choose a different activity so everyone stays comfortable and safe.

Practical Tips to Make the Ride Smoother

A few things that make a noticeable difference:

• Arrive early at the meeting point so the guide can start on schedule.
• Use closed, stable shoes and skip sandals.
• Listen carefully during the riding basics. Even if you know horses, the tour’s signals matter.
• Plan your day so you’re not rushing from Siena to the stables.

Also, bring the right mindset. This is countryside time on horseback. You’re not trying to check every box in Siena. You’re trying to slow down, move through the park, and enjoy the feeling of travel in motion.

Should You Book This Via Francigena Horseback Tour from Siena?

I’d book it if you want a short, guided horseback experience that feels authentic, not rushed, and includes a memorable spiritual stop at Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago. The small-group limit, helmet inclusion, and riding instruction make it a good pick if you’re cautious or new to riding.

Skip it if you’re looking for a long, technical riding session, or if any of the stated limits apply to you.

If you’re on the fence, this is the kind of tour that works best when you want to trade an extra car ride for fresh air, animals, and a historic trail vibe just outside Siena.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Siena horseback tour?

You meet at Strada del Pian del Lago, 6. Look for a shed (covered riding arena). Then follow the road uphill lined with trees until you find someone who will take you to the guide.

How long is the horseback ride experience?

The total experience lasts about 1.5 hours. The horseback riding time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is suitable for riders of all levels, including beginners. There is an introduction on the ground, mounting, and basic riding instruction before you depart.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Avoid sandals or flip flops, and avoid skirts.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are included.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people over 220 lbs (100 kg), or people over 75 years.

Can I get a refund if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.