Saddle up between water and mountains. That is the whole magic of this 4½-hour horseback ride near Galbiate, where you spend hours moving through forests and trail paths with dramatic glimpses of Lake Como and Lago di Annone.

Two things I really like: the horses are well cared for and fun to ride, and the route gives you actual variation—slower sections through woods, then faster stretches where you can gallop and feel the landscape open up. You also get a proper break with farmhouse refreshments and a filling included lunch, not some random snack that barely counts.

One consideration: this is aimed at experienced riders with a moderate fitness level. If you’re new to horseback riding or not comfortable controlling pace, you may find it demanding—this is not a first-lesson pony stroll.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel (Not Just See)

• Small group size (max 4) means more attention and less waiting around.
• Martina’s guidance turns the scenery into a story, with tales about the territory along the way.
• Arabian horses are described as well-maintained and sweet, with some riders calling out specific mounts by name.
• Two phases of riding (about 2 hours each) keeps energy high: trails, then another stretch of views and pace.
• Farmhouse break with local products plus a proper lunch, with drinks and a glass of red wine included.
• Como + Annone views are a real theme, not a quick photo stop.

Lake Como to Lago di Annone: The Ride’s Best Reason to Exist

This trek works because it gives you two kinds of scenery in one morning (actually, one whole 4½-hour session). You start in the Galbiate area and move through mountain trails and wooded paths where the terrain changes as your route climbs and bends. Then, as the landscape opens, you’re rewarded with wide views across the water.

If you’ve ever felt like lake sightseeing gets flattened into “bus + photos,” this is different. On a horse, the route has rhythm. Trees part. Hills rise. The lakes show up like they’re being revealed on purpose. You’re not just looking at the scenery—you’re traveling through it.

And the fact that the tour is offered in English matters. You can actually follow what Martina is saying, not just nod while you hunt for the next view.

Meet at Galbiate, Then Get Properly Kitted Out

The tour starts at 23851 Galbiate (LC), Italy, and it ends back at the same meeting point. Start time is 9:30 am, which I like for two reasons: the morning is usually easier on footing and breathing, and you’re done early enough to still enjoy the rest of Lake Como time later in the day.

One smart practical detail: they provide real safety and ride gear, including a cap, gaiters, and a protective vest. That’s the kind of included item that signals this isn’t a casual “figure it out” operation. You should still dress for riding—sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate layers help a lot—but at least you’re not scrambling for basic equipment.

Also, the tour is near public transportation, and you get a mobile ticket. That keeps logistics simple if you’re not using private car service.

How the Riding Time Is Structured (And Why Experts Will Enjoy It)

The session is split into two big riding blocks of about 2 hours each, with a break in the middle.

That structure matters for experienced riders. You get time to settle into the horse and the trail, then you get a refresh stop before the route turns more adventurous again. The first half is about getting into the groove: mountain paths, forests, and the feeling of riding through real terrain instead of looping around a single area.

Then, after the farmhouse break, the tour pushes on toward more spectacular lake perspectives. The plan explicitly includes the chance to gallop on the paths. You won’t be doing this constantly, of course—trail conditions and the guide’s judgment decide what’s safe—but the fact that faster riding is part of the design is what makes it appealing for people who actually want movement, not just sightseeing at walk.

The First Big Phase: Forest Trails and Mountain Path Energy

After a short briefing, you head out along mountain trails and through picturesque forests. This first segment is where you feel the shape of the land: narrow paths, changing footing, and the way the horse responds to the terrain.

This is also where Martina’s storytelling really pays off. From what I’ve seen in the way she guides, she doesn’t just point at scenery and move on. She brings in background about the territory, which makes the route feel grounded—like you’re riding through a place with character, not just passing through a backdrop.

If you’re an experienced rider, you’ll appreciate that the pacing doesn’t feel random. You still have scenic moments, but the ride stays purposeful. It’s not “look, look, dismount, look again.” It’s ride, breathe, react, and then enjoy the view when the trail allows it.

The Lake Reveal: Como Views That Actually Work From the Saddle

One of the standout promises of this trek is the ability to admire breathtaking views of Lake Como and Lago di Annone. You feel this most when the trail opens up enough for the water to show in broad sightlines.

Lake Como is dramatic in a way that can be hard to catch from streets. From a saddle, the angles are different. You’re elevated relative to parts of the shoreline, and the trees create natural frames. It turns “viewing” into something like watching the landscape unfold.

In the Galbiate area, you also get that in-between feeling—mountain air paired with lake presence. That blend is the reason the ride is described as a one-hour-away kind of adventure from Milano. It gives you a mountain day without needing a full trip to the Alps.

Break at the Farmhouse: Local Products and a Real Reset

Midway through, you stop for refreshments at a farmhouse with typical local products. This isn’t just a time-killer. It’s part of why the tour feels complete.

You’ll have time to rest, drink water (bottled water is included), and reset before the second riding stretch. That break also helps if you’re managing the physical side of riding—your legs, your core, your grip. Horseback riding is surprisingly demanding in small ways. A real pause makes the second half feel better, not harder.

And the food is a big deal here. Lunch is included as platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks. There’s also one glass of red wine included. If you want a practical travel rule: included wine is fine, but plan to drink slowly. You’ll be riding earlier, and you’ll still want clarity for the rest of your day around the lakes.

One detail I like, based on what’s happened for at least one guest: the team has handled gluten-free needs, including gluten-free dessert options. If you have dietary restrictions, I’d mention them when booking so they can plan accordingly.

Second Phase: More Adventure Time and Faster Stretches

After the farmhouse break, the tour continues for about another 2 hours. This is when the route leans more into the “adventure” side—staying active and keeping the scenery coming.

You’ll have opportunities for gallop when the trail allows. For experienced riders, that’s often the difference between a ride that feels like transport and one that feels like sport.

You also get a strong sense of where you are in the region. The views of Lago di Annone come into focus as the trail positions you toward water angles that are tough to reach on foot in the time you’d have.

So even if you’re a practiced rider and your horse-handling is solid, don’t rush this part. Let the trail set your pace, listen to Martina, and use the faster segments like a chance to feel harmony with the horse—not a test.

The Horses: Arabian Type, Calm Confidence, and Named Personalities

From what riders report, this is a stable with Arabian horses that are described as both well-maintained and sweet. That combination matters: you want responsiveness without a constant high-wire attitude.

Some guests have even mentioned the experience of riding a particular horse by name, like Zambesi and Amerì. You might not get the exact same mount, but the underlying theme is consistent: these horses are treated well, and that shows in how they carry riders.

If you’re comfortable with your skill level being matched to the moment, you’ll likely enjoy this more. Experienced riding isn’t just about speed—it’s about reading the horse and the trail at the same time.

Martina and Riccardo: The Team Dynamic That Makes It Feel Human

A good guide does two jobs: keeps things safe and keeps things interesting. Martina seems to handle both. Riders describe her as welcoming and competent, and they also credit her with telling stories about the territory.

There’s also Riccardo mentioned as part of the team, and that matters because it suggests the operation isn’t solo-and-chaos. When you have more than one person handling logistics and care, the ride can run smoother—especially on trails where timing and calm movement matter.

If you’re looking for an experience that feels like a local day out rather than a theme-park activity, this kind of team approach is a big plus.

Price and Value: What $238.28 Really Buys You

The price is $238.28 per person, with a ride time of about 4 hours 30 minutes. At first glance, horseback riding can look expensive until you break down what’s included.

You get:

• Safety and ride gear (cap, gaiters, protective vest)
• Bottled water
• A full lunch: cold cuts, cheeses, bread, drinks
• One glass of red wine
• A guided route through mountain trails with lake views
• Group structure capped at 4 travelers

What you don’t get is private transport to and from your hotel, listed as €30.00. That’s the one cost many people forget to plan for if they’re staying outside the immediate Galbiate area.

So is it good value? For me, it becomes worth it when you want more than a short scenic ride. You’re paying for hours of guided riding through real terrain, plus an included meal and gear. If you’re already imagining doing “walk around + photo stops,” this will feel different. You’re buying time on horseback.

Timing, Weather, and What to Wear

This experience needs good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not a small detail. Trails can turn unsafe fast when conditions are bad.

Dress like you’re going to ride, not just watch. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. Bring layers you can adjust as the morning shifts from cool shade in the woods to brighter lake views. If it’s warm, you’ll still likely want a long layer for comfort on the trail and for sun management when you’re exposed near views.

And here’s the practical bit: you start at 9:30 am, so plan your day around that. You’ll want to eat something sensible before you go, but remember lunch is included mid-ride.

Who Should Book This Horse Trek (And Who Might Sit This One Out)

This is ideal for experienced riders. The overall intensity, the mountainous terrain, and the mention of gallop all point the same way.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You can comfortably ride with a guide setting pace and direction
• You’re okay with a moderate fitness requirement
• You want a lake-and-mountains experience that feels active, not passive

I’d think twice if:

• You’re a total beginner. Even though some riders have described feeling at ease, this specific trek is positioned for people with riding experience.
• Your fitness level is more “walk only” than “out for hours with movement.”

Should You Book It? My Honest Take

Yes, I think you should book this trek if you want a real riding day near Lake Como—one that treats horses seriously, keeps groups small, and builds in both a farmhouse break and long viewing moments.

Skip it if your goal is beginner-friendly riding or if you know you struggle with physically active half-days. The experience leans toward skilled riding, and that’s a good thing—it keeps the quality high for the right riders.

If you do book, I’d plan around the morning start and dress for trails. And if you have dietary needs, it’s smart to flag them ahead so lunch can work smoothly.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

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

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 4 travelers.

What safety or ride gear is included?

You’ll receive a cap, gaiters, and a protective vest.

Is lunch included, and is wine included?

Lunch is included with platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks. One glass of red wine is also included.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.