Tuscany horseback riding is one of the best ways to see the vineyards and olive groves between Florence and San Gimignano, at walking pace. From Florence, two day tours lead Viator, and they are almost the same day: a ride of about an hour, a winery lunch with a tasting, and a visit to San Gimignano. The most reviewed is rated 4.9 across 482 reviews; the small-group alternative is rated 4.9 across 67. Both start from about $220.
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The verdict
The most reviewed tour is our pick for Tuscany horseback riding, simply because far more riders have tested it: 444 of 482 reviews are five stars, and there is not a single one-star rating. The day includes transport by air-conditioned minivan, a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Italian, a pre-ride orientation, helmet and insurance, the ride, lunch and San Gimignano. It is listed as wheelchair accessible on Viator; check with the supplier what that covers.
The small-group alternative offers a winery lunch with a guided tasting, a bit more than an hour on horseback, and San Gimignano. It is a good backup when the first tour is sold out on your date. One mixed review found the riding part disappointing.
Both tours meet at the same address in Florence and cost the same, so book whichever has space on your date.
Both tours are for beginners as well as riders, but check the age and weight limits on the product page before you book. Wear long trousers and closed shoes. For a Tuscan day without a horse, compare the Chianti wine tour from Florence.
Which one is for you?
Take the most reviewed tour if
- You want the most feedback: 4.9 from 482 riders.
- You want a guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
- You want helmet and insurance included.
- It is your first time on a horse.
Take the small-group alternative if
- The first tour is full on your date.
- You want a slightly longer ride.
- You like a guided wine tasting at lunch.
- You prefer a smaller operator.
What each price covers
The most reviewed tour, from about $220
Included: round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan, a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Italian, a pre-ride orientation, helmet and insurance, a horseback ride of about an hour, lunch with wine, and San Gimignano.
Not included: hotel pickup.
The small-group alternative, from about $220
Included: a winery farm visit and lunch with a guided wine tasting, a ride of a bit more than an hour through vineyards and olive groves, and a visit to San Gimignano.
Not included: private pickup, available at extra cost.
Where each one starts
- Both tours: Via Curtatone 9, near the Arno in Florence.
Side by side
| Most reviewed tour | Small-group alternative | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9 from 482 | 4.9 from 67 |
| Five-star reviews | 444 (92%) | 65 (97%) |
| Price | from about $220 | from about $220 |
| Length | 7 hours | 7 hours |
| Ride | About 1 hour | A bit more than 1 hour |
| Lunch | Included, with wine | Included, with tasting |
| Start | Via Curtatone, Florence | Via Curtatone, Florence |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before | Free up to 24 hours before |
What travelers say
On the most reviewed tour
We had a completely wonderful time on our horseback tour.
Rachel_M, June 2026, via Viator
Wonderful trip with a wonderful guide.
Yvonne_R, June 2026, via Viator
On the small-group alternative
Fun in Tuscany’s guide named Tom was exceptional!
Carol_W, March 2025, via Viator
This was an unforgettable experience!
Patricia_P, March 2025, via Viator
Both are reviewed mostly with five stars: 92% of the most reviewed tour ratings and 97% of the small-group alternative ratings. Three stars or lower make up about 3% of the reviews on the first and about 3% on the second.
How a riding day fits a trip to Tuscany
Other active days from Florence: the Chianti e-bike tour and the Florence Vespa tour. For towns, compare the Tuscany day trip and the Siena walking tour.
For the wider plan, see the best day trips from Florence and our guide to where to stay in the Tuscan countryside.
Questions travelers ask
Which Tuscany horseback riding tour should I book?
The most reviewed day from Florence, rated 4.9 from 482 reviews on Viator, from about $220 (checked September 2026). If it is full, the small-group alternative offers a very similar day at the same price.
Do I need experience for Tuscany horseback riding?
No. Both tours accept beginners; the most reviewed includes a pre-ride orientation. Check age and weight limits on the product page.
How long is the ride?
About an hour on the most reviewed tour, and a bit more than an hour on the alternative, within a seven-hour day.
Is lunch included with Tuscany horseback riding?
Yes, on both, with wine at a winery.
Can I cancel a horseback riding tour?
Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Book the most reviewed tour first; if your date is full, the small-group alternative is a very similar day.
Editorial assessment by Italy2Love, September 2026. Inclusions and exclusions, meeting points, prices, ratings, review counts and cancellation terms read on both Viator product pages (product codes 70927P4 and 71830P3), September 2026. Reviews quoted with attribution to their authors and to Viator. Next review March 2027, or sooner on any change to either option.