Two hours, horses, and a Tuscan aperitif. This beginner-friendly ride from Calci (at Centro Ippico La Cartuja) pairs calm coaching, a guided countryside loop, and a proper end-of-ride aperitif in the stables. I especially like the patient instruction from guides such as Alex and Silvio, and I like that the aperitif isn’t an afterthought, it’s red wine plus bread, cheese, and salami. The main thing to watch is that helmets are provided, but you’ll need to bring long trousers and tennis shoes yourself.

You get a short briefing, a ground lesson for basic commands, and then a test route with staff close by outside the main riding area. From there, you ride in an easy pace through woods, across a stream ford, and past landmarks tied to the Calci area, including Caprona and the Certosa di Calci.

The group stays small (max 6), it runs in English, and it includes a photoshoot. One more consideration: the minimum age is listed as 9 years in the details, so plan around that if you’re traveling with kids.

Key points before you go

• Small-group ride (max 6 people) makes it feel less like a factory and more like real instruction
• Safety helmet + photoshoot included, so you’re covered from the start to the end
• Aperitif at the stables after riding, with red wine and a food spread like bread, cheese, and salami
• Test route with staff on the ground helps first-timers get comfortable before the longer segment
• Easy difficulty, designed for beginners with long trousers and tennis shoes as the standard dress code
• Route includes major Calci sights, from Caprona’s tower area to the Certosa di Calci region

Entering the Centro Ippico La Cartuja setup in Calci

This experience starts and ends at Centro Ippico La Cartuja, Via Trieste, 56011 Calci PI, Italy. The timing is about two hours, give or take, and it’s built around helping beginners get confident without rushing.

If you’re nervous about the idea of riding, I like the way this is structured: you don’t jump straight onto a long trail. You get a briefing, practice basic cues, then you move into a short check-out ride where staff are still on hand outside the main riding area. It’s a good recipe for that first-time jitters feeling.

English guidance is part of the package. That matters more than people think, because commands and timing are everything when you’re sitting on a horse.

How the beginner lesson actually helps you ride

The ride begins with a short briefing from the ground. This is where you learn or refresh the basics and consciously prepare for the experience. Then you do a field lesson to learn basic commands and become familiar with the horse you’ll ride.

Here’s what this structure usually means for you as a rider:

you’ll have time to understand how your horse responds, what the guide expects from you, and how to follow along without guessing. Even if you’re totally new, the goal is comfort first.

Next comes a test route accompanied by staff on the ground outside the riding area. That’s a smart step for beginners. You get moving, but you’re still in the “someone is watching the whole time” zone.

You’ll also have a safety helmet provided. Long trousers and tennis shoes are required, and the tour notes that it’s on you to bring them. If you show up in shorts, you may have to make do or lose time while you sort it out, so pack accordingly.

The full riding route: woods, stream ford, Caprona, and Certosa di Calci

This isn’t just a random loop around a field. The ride follows a route that ties together countryside walking paths and notable spots around the Calci area.

After training, the route goes through the woods. Then you’ll cross a stream ford. That’s one of the moments that can feel exciting for beginners, because you’re moving through a real trail feature, not just flat ground.

From there, you arrive under the Upezzinghi tower in the town of Caprona. Then the route climbs up an ancient path leading toward the abandoned convent of Nicosia. The ride continues onward to Certosa di Calci and then returns to the riding school on a circular route.

One itinerary stop is listed at Museo Nazionale della Certosa Monumentale di Calci. Practically, that tells you this ride is connected to the Certosa complex area, not just the riding stables and surrounding farmland. If you like combining active experiences with place-based sightseeing, this format works well.

The aperitif at the stables: what you get and why it matters

When you return to the riding school, you’ll find an aperitif waiting at the stables. This is where the experience turns from physical to social, and it’s often the part people remember most.

From the details and feedback, the aperitif includes red wine plus bread, cheese, and salami. There are also references to juice as part of the spread. It’s a simple setup, but the value is that you’re eating and relaxing with your group right after the ride, when you’re still feeling that horse-and-country glow.

If you’re booking this after a day of museums in Pisa, this is a nice change of pace. You’re getting fresh air, movement, and then a real sit-down moment before you go back to town.

Price and value: is $107.23 per person worth it?

At $107.23 per person for about two hours, the price only makes sense if the package is doing more than just letting you sit on a horse for 20 minutes. Here, it’s not.

You’re paying for:

• instruction time (briefing + ground lesson + test route)
• safety helmet
• a guided ride with staff support
• an end-of-ride aperitif
• and a photoshoot included

That bundled approach is what pushes the value. You’re not separately renting a helmet, paying for someone to take photos, or finding an aperitif slot after you’re already done.

The only likely extra cost is pickup outside the base area. Pickup is offered, but if it’s beyond 12 km, the provider asks an extra 10€ per person, and pickup cost is agreed based on distance. If you’re staying outside Calci or Pisa’s center, ask early so you can decide what’s easiest.

Pickup, meeting point, and the practical logistics that trip people up

Meeting point is clear: Centro Ippico La Cartuja, Via Trieste, 56011 Calci PI, Italy. Pickup is available via shuttle, with pickup directly from your hotel or city or meeting point.

Here’s the practical advice that will save you time:

• Confirm pickup details in advance, especially if you’re using a navigation app.
• Ask the provider to clarify where the shuttle should actually drop you.
• Build in a little buffer time if you’re arriving by taxi or private car.

There’s one outlier complaint tied to a drop-off at an unexpected entrance and heated staff communication. The operator later disputed the account, but the lesson for you is simple: make sure you have the exact location and check-in approach before you arrive, so you’re not standing at the wrong gate in rain or stress.

What to wear: long trousers, tennis shoes, and comfort rules

The dress code is straightforward:

• Long trousers
• Tennis shoes

The tour specifically notes that sneakers and long pants aren’t provided. So don’t count on buying or borrowing last-minute. If your tennis shoes have good grip, you’ll feel more stable on stirrups and during mounting.

Also think about comfort for a full two hours. You’re on a horse, so avoid clothing that restricts movement. If you typically ride in boots at home, switch to something more flexible for this setting, since the requirement is tennis shoes.

English guidance and easy pace for first-timers

This is rated easy and aimed at beginners. The experience is described as English riding, which means you should get instruction you can follow without a language puzzle.

The pace is also guided by the training structure. You’re not just dropped into a trail; you practice commands first, then ride with staff support. That’s the big difference between a beginner-friendly ride and something that feels intimidating.

Age guidance is where you need to be careful. The details list a minimum age of 9 years (even though another line says 8 years and up). If you’re traveling with a child, use the minimum age requirement as your deciding rule.

Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not going by car.

Photoshoot included: how to make it look good

A photoshoot is included, which is a major value-add because it reduces the hassle of juggling your phone while trying to ride safely. The tour doesn’t spell out every photo moment, but it clearly includes a set of photos tied to the experience.

To get the best results, do two things:

• arrive looking neat and in the right clothing (long trousers and tennis shoes)
• keep your hair and clothing from getting messy around a helmet

If you’re the kind of person who always forgets to take pictures, this is one of those add-ons that actually pays you back.

Who should book this horseback ride with aperitif

Book it if:

• you want an easy first horseback experience without guessing the commands
• you’d like countryside time near Pisa plus a sit-down aperitif afterward
• you value small-group instruction (max 6) and English guidance

You might hesitate if:

• you hate the idea of bringing long trousers and tennis shoes yourself
• you’re counting on a pickup without any extra distance fees
• you’re traveling with very young kids and want to be certain about the minimum age requirement

For couples, solo travelers, and families with kids who can manage the basics, it’s a solid choice. The ride also works well as a break from city sightseeing, because it gets you out of Pisa’s core rhythm.

Should you book this horseback riding and aperitif tour?

If you want a beginner ride that feels structured, guided, and not overly complicated, I’d book it. The combination of a training-first setup, a guided route through real terrain features (including a stream ford), and an aperitif back at the stables is exactly the kind of “two hours well spent” activity.

Just go in prepared: wear long trousers and tennis shoes, confirm your pickup or meeting spot clearly, and you’ll avoid the kind of confusion that can turn an otherwise simple outing into an uncomfortable start. If that’s all squared away, you’ll leave with sore legs in a good way, plus photos and a very Italian end-of-ride treat.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding and aperitif experience?

It lasts about two hours.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s described as easy and includes a briefing, a ground lesson, and a test route with staff support.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Where does the experience start and end?

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

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered via a shuttle service from your hotel or from the city or meeting point. The cost is agreed separately based on distance, and if pickup is beyond 12 km there is an extra 10€ per person.

What should I wear?

You should wear long trousers and tennis shoes.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a safety helmet and a photoshoot of the experience.

Is there a minimum age?

The details list a minimum age of 9 years.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount is not refunded.