Lake Trasimeno, is one of Italy’s largest lakes and a popular destination for visitors to Umbria. It is surrounded by small towns, countryside, and walking and cycling paths, and offers boat services to its islands.
Panicale, just 20 minutes from the villa, is a beautifully preserved medieval hamlet with views over Lake Trasimeno. It is known for important artworks, including Perugino’s Martyrdom of St. Sebastian and a fresco attributed to Raphael in the Church of St. Sebastiano, as well as an Annunciation by Giovan Battista Caporali in the Church of St. Michele Arcangelo. The village is also home to the 17th-century Caporali Theatre, one of the smallest in Umbria, which hosts performances and concerts year-round, including the summer classical music festival Musica Insieme Panicale.
Ristorante Masolino comes highly recommended by our villa hosts as one of the best restaurants in the area, offering beautiful views of Lake Trasimeno. It is recommended to book ahead. Tel. 075.837151, www.masolino.it.
Castiglione del Lago, 35 minutes away, is home to the 13th-century “Rocca del Leone” castle, built on a lake promontory with stunning views from its 30-metre tower. Access the castle through the frescoed 16th-century Palazzo della Corgna, decorated mostly by Renaissance artist Niccolò Circignani (“Pomarancio”). Castiglione del Lago also offers lakeside beaches and sailing clubs, boat rentals, cafes and resturants serving fresh fish
Assisi, 55 minutes from the villa, is a historic hill town famous as the birthplace of St. Francis. Known for its medieval streets, charming squares, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, it’s a major pilgrimage site. The town’s highlight is the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with frescoes by masters like Giotto and Cimabue. Assisi also offers beautiful churches, artisan shops, and a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.
Perugia, 40 minutes away, is Umbria’s capital with a beautiful historic center. Park at Parcheggio Partigiani and several escalators will take you up inside the ancient city walls (this is highly recommended by our hosts). Stroll Corso Vannucci with its shops, cafés, and the National Gallery of Umbria, then visit Piazza IV Novembre with the Cathedral of S. Lorenzo, Fontana Maggiore, and Palazzo dei Priori.
“Al Tartufo”, the first restaurant in Perugia completely dedicated to trufflle. You can choose to add truffle (or not to) to all the dishes you order. There are full tasting menus at euro 75 and at euro 95 per person. https://altartufo.it/
The Restaurant “Numero Zero” was founded by the current mayor of Perugia (the first woman to be elected mayor), the psychologist Vittoria Ferdinandi. It works as a social centre during the day for people with mental disorders and as a restaurant, with excellent reviews, in the evening. The goal of this association is inclusivity, to involve their associates in the restaurant work, to help them be an active part of the community.
A recommended resturant in Tavernelle (closest town to the villa and recommended place for accomodation), Ex rustic “trattoria” that has recently been refurbished. This resturant has a classic Italian experience with traditional food being served
“Pomario” is a high-quality wine estate about 25 minutes away, after the town of Piegaro. It produces red, white and rosè wines, some of them organic. They offer guided tours of the winery, walks in the vineyards and the olive grove and tastings. Reservations required, the hosts are happy to book this for us so if you are interested let either Connor or Eleanor know and we can arrange this
If you fancy an easy dinner for the post wedding hangover, Ottantapercento prepares large pizzas using high-quality ingredients to takeaway. Our host has the details for these, if you are interested just let us know