May 2012
3 posts
8 tags
Truffle hunt and much more...
Umbria is known for a culinary delicacy that is found in few places inthe world - truffles. These rare and elusive fungi, much sought afterby top chefs the world over, grow a few inches below the surface of the ground in this region, and are unearthed by specially-trained dogs and pigs from October through March. You’re definitely not going to want to miss the opportunity to hunt for...
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City of the week Gubbio
Gubbio locate in the far northeastern part of the Italian province of Perugia. It is located on the lowest slope of Mt. Ingino, a small mountain of the Apennines . During Christmas you can see the largest Christmas tree which is on Mount Ingino. The historical centre of Gubbio is of decidedly medieval aspect: the town is austere in appearance because of the dark grey stone, narrow streets, and...
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5 Food Festival (sagre) in Umbria
Sagre, or food festivals are an important celebration of Italian culture and regional cuisine, and nowhere more so than in Umbria. Travelers to Umbria, can make the most of everything the region has to offer, with a villa rental and a hire car. Each day of a vacation can be an exciting gastronomic adventure, as visitors explore Umbria’s rich culinary traditions, which includes truffles,...
April 2012
5 posts
3 tags
Perugia City of the Week
Historic Center of Perugia
Perugia:The capital of Umbria is one of Italy’s best-preserved hill towns, complete with two major universities and plenty of museums, churches and sites to please the most discerning of visitors. It’s a trendy student-town with a never-ending stream of cultural events and concerts to keep everyone entertained. While little has changed architecturally...
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Spoleto City of the Week
Cathedral of Spoleto
Spoleto: Nestled in the foothills of the Apennines in east central Umbria, this ancient city is one of the largest in the region. Its picturesque piazzas, churches and medieval buildings are popular with photographers and tourists, alike and are perfect for leisurely strolls to soak up this beautiful city’s ambience. If you’re lucky enough to be in Spoleto late...
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Orvieto city of the week!
Orvieto Cathedral
Orvieto: This city hides beautiful architectural curiosities to visit. His famous cathedral, perched precariously on a virtually vertical cliff made of craggy tufaceous stone, that seems ready to crumble under the weight of its magnificent 14th-century cathedral is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Another must-see for visitor is its labyrinth of caves and tunnels...
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Todi City of the Week!
Piazza del Popolo, Todi
Todi: Overlooking the east bank of the River Tiber, visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of the countryside that Todi offers, nestled, as it is, on a double-crested hill. When you’ve finished marveling at the city’s beautiful medieval architecture, you can enjoy a visit to local Roccafiore Winery, where you can tour the cellars and enjoy tastings of its...
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Assisi City Of The Week
To celebrate this first weeks of the month after Easter TodiCastle is describing a city with an important history where the famous Saint Francis lived for some time.
Credits: Justin Guariglia
Assisi: This charming and tranquil town in the province of Perugia is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, patron saint of animals and ecology. Assisi attracts large numbers of tourists and...
March 2012
9 posts
6 tags
Start your winery in Umbria
You really can turn your retirement dreams of owning your winery in Umbria into reality. Why retire fully, when you can pursue your passion for oenology?
Rent a luxury villa in one of its picturesque hilltop villages such as Todi, Spello, Bevagna, or Montefalco. From there, you can search for the perfect piece of real estate. From elegant castles to spectacular farmhouses,...
4 tags
Your Organic Olive Orchard is Waiting For You!
Located in central Italy, Umbria is a small region that is renowned for its wine, olive oil and tobacco production. Over the past three decades the region has gathered strength in terms of its economy, and attracts northern Europeans who have been dreaming of starting a new business for their retirement days. Most of them are interested in wine and organic agriculture and...
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Easter in Umbria : Celebrate the Umbrian Way
Buona Pasqua
Umbria celebrates Easter with ancient rituals, food and fun. With Easter marking the end of Lent, food is an important part of Easter celebrations in Italy. Breakfast in Umbria on Easter Sunday traditionally starts with torte di Pasqua, a local bread featuring three kinds of cheeses. In smaller towns they are made on Maundy Thursday and blessed by the local priest, along with a...
6 tags
The Alberto Burri Contemporary Art Museum
One absolute must-see attraction for admirers of contemporary art is the Alberto Burri (1915-95), Contemporary Art Museum, in the lovely medieval town of Città di Castello, north of Perugia. Alberto Burri was an abstract painter and sculptor and a leading figure in the Italian “Arte Informale” movement. The artist donated the bulk of his personal oeuvre to his hometown and designed the galleries...
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Contemporary Art museums in Umbria
Travelers who rent a villa in picturesque Umbria will find delightful art works throughout the region. Fan of the contemporary art scene in particular will find myriad cool art experiences across the region. If you have only two or three days to dedicate to the local contemporary art scene, we suggest you focus on the towns of Spoleto and Città di Castello, two Umbrian gems with great modern-art...
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What's up in Contemporary Art in Umbria?
Contemporary art followers traveling in Umbria might want to discover the latest events in contemporary art in the region. Surprisingly, there are chances that there is at least one contemporary art gallery (if not two or three) within a short drive of your villa rental. For instance, check out Minigallery, in Assisi, or the Galleria Artemisia, in Perugia.
Umbria is in fact home to an ever-growing...
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Things to do in Umbria
Things to do vacationing in Umbria.
The name of this idyllic region comes from the Italian word “ombra”, which means shadow. It is said that Umbria was named so because the hills and mountains form shadows on most of the landscape. This is a perfect travel destination, an unspoiled region with friendly and welcoming inhabitants.
Sometimes traveler can have the impression that Umbria...
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Emerging Artists in Umbria
Umbria has inspired artists for centuries; the so called “Umbrian school of painting” inspired Raphael and Giotto in the 15th and 16th century. The beautiful Umbrian landscapes attracted many painters from across the world in the past, but also in the present. You can explore this region by staying in one of the Historic Hotels, but also if you rent a villa for a family vacation or...
February 2012
1 post
6 tags
Hotel vs. Villa Rental
Many travelers wonder what the advantages are in renting a villa vs. staying in a hotel. In fact, there are some differences:
1) Hotel
Even tough you will have your own room and bathroom, you still have a neighbor and your privacy will be limited.
Most hotels include breakfast but not the other meals, giving you the only option to eat out everyday spending a considerable amount of extra money....
