Horseback days in the lakes and mountains hit different. This 4-hour 30-minute ride is built for experienced riders and mixes mountain trails, forest paths, and big lake views as you move between Lake Como and Lago di Annone. The route is known for scenery framed by Resegone, Grigna, and Grignetta, so you’re not just riding, you’re watching too.

I love how the day is paced in two clear chunks: first a solid 2 hours on horseback, then a farmhouse break, then another 2 hours to keep the momentum going. I also love the food value—lunch is included with cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks, plus a glass of red wine, all tied to local rhythm instead of a generic stop.

One possible drawback: getting to the start point can add cost. The tour meets in Galbiate (23851 Galbiate LC), and private transport to or from your hotel is listed as €30 extra, so plan your logistics before you commit.

Key Takeaways Before You Saddle Up

• Small group (max 4 travelers) means you’re less likely to feel rushed or lost in the crowd.
• Two big riding sessions (about 2 hours each) makes the time in the saddle feel worth it.
• Lake Como plus Lago di Annone gives you two different kinds of water views in one outing.
• Farmhouse refreshment break with local products keeps energy up before the second stretch.
• Horses are described as well-kept and calm, including Arabian horses with personalities riders remember.
• Lunch + wine are included, so you’re not hunting for food after the ride.

Your Route: Galbiate to Lake Como, Then Lago di Annone

This experience is set in Lombardy, starting from Galbiate (23851 Galbiate LC). You spend the day riding through mountain trails and picturesque forest paths, with water views that pop open when the trail rises. The big draw is that you’re not doing a quick loop—this is a real ride with multiple hours and changing scenery.

The tour runs in English and is designed for people comfortable riding. Even though the day is structured, you should still expect an active outing. You’ll be in the saddle long enough that your comfort and your riding confidence matter more than anything else.

The group size is capped at 4 travelers, which is a quiet advantage. Smaller groups tend to feel smoother—fewer pauses, less waiting around, and more attention if something needs adjustment before you move on.

What Happens on the Trail: Briefing, 2 Hours of Riding, Then the Farmhouse Break

The day starts with a short briefing. That matters here because this is not a “sit and stroll” experience—expect a route that can go from step and trot into faster riding depending on how things feel that morning. You’ll also be given riding safety gear as part of the tour: a cap, gaiters, and a protective vest.

Then you hit the first ride segment—about 2 hours—through mountain trails and scenic wooded stretches. This is where you’ll feel the difference between lakeshore sightseeing and actual time moving through the terrain. You’re riding the land, not viewing it from a bus window.

After that first chunk comes a break with refreshments featuring typical local products at a farmhouse. This pause is smart. It lets you reset before the final stretch, and it turns the day into something more cultural than purely sporty. You’ll come back ready to enjoy the second session instead of just surviving the time.

Stop 1: Lake Como Views From the Horse’s Eye Level

Lake Como is the first stop. The tour’s structure means you’re likely to see Lake Como not as a distant postcard, but as a backdrop that appears as the trail climbs and curves. That change of perspective is the reason I like this kind of ride: you experience the hills the way local terrain actually runs, and the lake view becomes a reward instead of a constant background.

If you’re a “views person,” Lake Como is your opening act. One ride report specifically called out breathtaking scenery around Como and Annone lakes, with sightlines over areas including Resegone, Grigna, and Grignetta. Even if your route’s exact sightlines vary, the overall idea stays the same: you’re riding in a geography that naturally frames wow-moments.

Potential drawback at this stop: because you’re riding through trails and forests, you shouldn’t expect every minute to be a dramatic lake panorama. Some stretches are about rhythm and getting comfortable. If you only want constant views, you may find there are quieter trail moments.

Stop 2: Lago di Annone and the Mountain-to-Water Contrast

The second stop centers on Lago di Annone. This is where the day’s contrast really clicks. Lake Como can feel more iconic and instantly recognizable; Lago di Annone is more about the experience of the shoreline and the way the landscape opens up from higher ground.

The tour description also highlights admiration of “breathtaking views” of both lakes, and the ride reports back up that you’ll notice the scenery. In one account, riders described incredible views plus a route that took them through woods and paths around Galbiate—so you don’t just pass scenery, you ride through it.

Another practical point: Lago di Annone comes after the farmhouse break, so you’re riding again with fuel in your system. That timing helps because the ride after the break is the one that can feel longest if you’re not settled into the rhythm.

The Horses and the Guide Factor (Martina, and Riccardo in the Team)

The experience leans on both horse quality and a good guide. Your tour includes a guide, and the team behind these rides has a strong presence in the stories riders tell.

Martina is a name that shows up repeatedly—welcoming, friendly, and focused on making the ride feel good from the saddle. One rider even talked about Martina telling stories that added charm to the terrain, which is exactly what you want when you’re in the hills: a little context that turns good scenery into something you remember.

Riccardo is also mentioned as part of the team, and that matters for operations. More than one person involved often means smoother handling on the ground—especially when the group is small and you’re relying on the team to keep things moving safely.

On horses, you should expect Arabian horses in this program. Riders described them as well maintained and sometimes funny or full of personality. Names like Zambesi and Amerì appeared in ride accounts, but remember horses can rotate—so don’t assume you’ll get the same ones. What matters is that this tour is set up with calm, capable mounts that help you focus on the trail.

Lunch at the Farmhouse: Included, Local, and Surprisingly Thoughtful

This is one of the best “value” parts of the day. Lunch is included, and it’s not just a token snack. You get platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks, plus one glass of red wine.

That said, the bigger win is what lunch represents on this kind of ride: a proper pause that lets you recover before the last stretch. If you’ve done outdoor tours before, you know the difference between food that fills time and food that restores energy. This one is built to do the second.

One important detail for food needs: one rider who mentioned being gluten-free said the team provided gluten-free options, including gluten-free tiramisu. That’s not something I’d treat as automatic, but it is a strong signal. If you have dietary restrictions (especially gluten-related), you should ask ahead so the farmhouse portion matches your needs.

Price and Value: Why $238.28 Can Make Sense Here

The price is listed at $238.28 per person, with private transport to/from your hotel listed as €30 extra. On its own, horseback riding in scenic areas can feel pricey—until you look at what’s included.

Here’s what you’re getting inside the core price:

• Protective riding gear (cap, gaiters, protective vest)
• Bottled water
• Lunch with cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks
• One glass of red wine
• A guided ride with a structured route across trails and forests, plus farmhouse refreshment time

If you have to arrange your own gear, pack food, and pay for transport separately, the true cost climbs fast. In this case, the inclusive items reduce friction. The €30 transport note is the one extra line you should plan for if you’re not already close enough to start from Galbiate.

Also, the max of 4 travelers means you’re not paying for a crowded “everyone on one trail” vibe. That smaller group can translate into better pacing and fewer bottlenecks. For many people, that’s the real reason the price feels fair.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is described as ideal for experienced riders. That makes sense because you’re riding for extended periods and the route is not a flat, easy walk. You’ll want confidence in your saddle position and basic control so you can enjoy the ride rather than focus on mechanics.

That said, at least one account notes that even beginners felt at ease with Martina on the saddles. I wouldn’t treat that as a guarantee for every rider, but it tells me the team likely does a good job of matching energy and comfort early in the day. If you’re a beginner, your best move is to be honest about your experience level during booking or on the morning briefing and see what they recommend.

The tour also lists moderate physical fitness as the level to aim for. So if you can handle a longer active outing outdoors, you’re probably in the right zone.

Timing, Duration, and What 4.5 Hours Really Means

The duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes. That total likely includes the briefing and the farmhouse break, not just the riding time. So when you see 2 hours + 2 hours mentioned for the riding segments, think of those as the core of the action, with the rest of the time filled by getting set up and recovering during breaks.

Start time is 9:30 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. Starting earlier helps you enjoy the day before heat or crowded waves of tourism build up around the area—though the real reason is practical: horses and trails are happiest with a steady schedule.

If you’re the type who hates feeling rushed, this structure helps. You get a clear first act, a pause to eat and recharge, then a second act that gives the day momentum.

Getting There: Galbiate as Your Practical Base

The meeting point is 23851 Galbiate LC, Italy, and you’ll return there at the end. The activity is noted as near public transportation, which is useful if you don’t want to rely on a car.

But if you’re staying in a place far from Galbiate, budget the €30 private transport mentioned for hotel pick-up or drop-off. This isn’t a “hidden fee” so much as a reality check: you’re booking an outdoor tour tied to a specific starting yard.

Weather Matters More Than You Think

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That matters because horseback riding depends on trail conditions. Rain or bad conditions can mean the route changes or the operator decides it’s safer to postpone rather than push through.

Should You Book This Ride?

Book it if you want a guided horseback outing with real time in motion, serious scenery, and a lunch that feels like part of the day instead of an afterthought. The small group size and the included gear help the experience feel organized without getting overly formal.

Skip it or rethink it if you’re expecting an easy, casual ride with constant lake panoramas every minute. This is longer riding and more active than a “try it once” pony trek. Also, if transport is a headache for your schedule, the extra €30 for private transport may affect your overall value.

FAQ

FAQ

Is this horseback riding tour in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 23851 Galbiate LC, Italy and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a cap, gaiters, a protective vest, bottled water, lunch (cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks), and one glass of red wine.

What is not included?

Private transport to and from your hotel is listed as €30.00.

How many people are in the group?

This tour has a maximum of 4 travelers.

Do I need to be physically fit?

The tour says travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Is it suitable for beginners?

The experience is described as ideal for experienced riders, but at least one account notes beginners felt at ease with the guide on the saddles. If you’re a beginner, confirm your comfort level with the team when booking.

What should I expect during the day?

You’ll do a short briefing, then about 2 hours of riding through trails and forests. After a farmhouse refreshment break with local products, you’ll ride for another 2 hours with views of Lake Como and Lago di Annone.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.