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 sometruffles yourself, and we can make that happen with our truffle hunting and tasting excursions.

Umbria is a beautiful year-round destination and the ideal place to rent a villa and enjoy arelaxing vacation, but Autumn is a particularly special time, as leaves turn gold and already spectacular scenery becomes breathtaking. Gastronomes will tell you that it’s not just the landscape that makes Umbria worth visiting at this time of year, but the truffles. The highly sought after black truffle can be found in Norcia, while white truffles are found in Gubbio and gold truffles in Spoleto.

Summer truffles can be found  throughout Umbria. While vacationing in Umbria, autumn and winter visitors get the chance to embark on a truffle hunting and tasting adventure. You’ll enjoy walking through picturesque woodlands with an experienced truffle hunting guide, who will teach you how to find truffles. Once you’ve found some of the elusive beauties, you’ll head back to the kitchen where you’ll be treated to a cooking demonstration and delicious meal, using your truffles and other mouth watering regional specialties such as beef, pecorino, ricotta, and chocolate. Your meal will be paired with the best of local wines, which will round out what is sure to be a day to remember.

Let us know if you want to taste those delicious truffles on your next vacation. 

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 Gothic architecture. 

The city of Gubbio Credits: Mariagrazie pH

Some sights to see are: 

The Duomo (Cathedral), built in the late 12th century. The most striking feature is the rose-window in the facade with, at its sides, the eagle for St. John, the lion for St. Mark, the angel for St. Mattew and the ox for St. Luke which are the symbol of the Evangelists. The interior has latine cross plan with a single nave. The most precious art piece is the wooden Christ over the altar, of Umbrian school.

The Roman Theatre, which dates to the 1st century BOT using square blocks of local limestone.  During summer it is used for lectures about ancient poets and authors.

The Church of S. Francesco (second half of the 13th century), the sole religious edifice in the city having a nave with two aisles.The frescoes in the left side date from the 15th century.

Gubbio is known to have a very important event on the 15th of May called “Corsa dei Ceri” . This day is when three teams, devoted to St. Ubaldo (the patron saint of Gubbio), S. Giorgio, and S. Antonio, run through throngs of cheering supporters carrying a statue of their saint mounted on a wooden octagonal prism, similar to an hour-glass shape 4 metres tall and weighing about 280 kilograms. With this statue they have to run up much of the mountain starting from the main square in front of the Palazzo dei Consoli to the basilica of St. Ubaldo.  Each team wears distinctive colors of yellow, blue and black, with white trousers and red belts and neckbands.

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, chocolate and olive oil. Here are just five of the many festivals to be enjoyed:

1. Black Truffle Fair (Mid October)

Nowhere are truffles found than in Umbria. The south eastern town of Norcia, in the province of Perugia, is renowned for its rare and world famous black truffles and meats including prosciutto, and it becomes the lively host of the Black Truffle Fair in mid-late February each year. There’s no simpler and more flavorful way to showcase the black truffle than with a pasta dish.

3. Chestnut Festival (October) 

Homeowners in tiny Preggio open their doors and turn their basements into botteghe and restaurants in mid-October for the towns Chestnut Festival, which celebrates the roasted chestnut in all its forms.

4. Eurochocolate (October 19 - 28)

Chocolate lovers from across Europe make their way to Perugia in late October for the city’s Eurochocolate festival, where for eight days chocolate-themed events dominate. Big name chocolate markers, both Italian and International. Some of the main labels are: Perugina, Lindt, Milka, Motta, Eraclea and much more. 

5. Sagra della Torta al Testo (August 5 -14)

This “torta” is an unleavened flat bread to enjoy with good sausage or ham. The Sagra takes place not far from Perugia. 

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 within the city walls for over 400 years, Perugia keeps up with the demands of modern tourists with a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Chocolate lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Perugina chocolate company, where they can sample its world-famous Baci - chocolate and hazelnut kisses

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 June through mid-July you can enjoy the Festival dei Due Mondi, Festival of Two Worlds, which features exhibits and performances by some of the world’s leading performing and visual artists.

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 that lie underground. Dug deep into the volcanic rock, these secret hidden tunnels are open to guided tours.

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 wines and local foods. Those visiting Todi in July won’t want to miss the photo opportunities offered by the Gran Premio Internazionale Mongolfieristico, an international balooning competition.

Start your winery in Umbria

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 head to the region to begin a challenging, yet rewarding chapter in their life.

Some outstanding award winning olive oils are produced in this region, and are used by cooking enthusiasts and chefs worldwide. One of the most successful producers of Italian olive oil is Rachel Black. Along with her daughter, Rachel began producing olive oil in the region in 2003 and has enjoyed success with her business ever since.

Umbria provides an ideal climate for olive trees; those require a cool winter and warm summer in order to thrive, which the Umbrian region certainly provides.

Those who want to start a project like this should ideally rent a villa in Umbria to explore what this region has to offer. Investing time in looking at the land available, learning about growing techniques from the locals, and becoming familiar with the local area will be the first step to a successful business.

Are you ready to start searching for your perfect Umbrian orchard?

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 boiled egg for every person in the household and possibly salami and sausages. Colomba Pasquale, or Dove Bread, is like a panettone in the shape of a dove, and popular at Easter. The main meal on Easter Sunday is usually lamb, served along with local artichokes and wild asparagus; while fish is widely eaten on Good Friday and Easter Monday. 

 
Torta di Pasqua in Umbria

To make the most of your travel, here are some other tips on the best places to go and things to do.

 Assisi’s Good Friday procession with its colorful costumes is popular. The Processione del Cristo Morto moves through the torch-lit medieval streets. Assisi is also a must visit for its ruined castle and the Basilica of St. Francis. 

Playing ruzzolone in Umbria (Credits: Marialisa Calta)

On Easter Monday, or Pasquetta (Little Pasqua), head to Panicale and play ruzzolone. It involves rolling a 4 kilogram wheel of cheese around the town’s ancient walls. The games are followed by music and dancing in the piazza. Lake Trasimeno is busy on Pasquetta with people heading out for a fish meal.

From delicious regional food to breath-taking scenery, history and culture, Umbria has everything you could want from your holiday in Italy. A villa rental is ideal for experiencing all Umbria offers. You can also rent a farm house or stay in a Historic Hotel. Many options are available for your unforgettable vacation in the green heart of Italy.

What is your favorite italian holiday? Tell us!