Local area / Tourism
Assisi
Assisi is a good town for wandering and exploring. Its narrow and steep lanes are picturesque and conceal plenty of surprises: a hidden restaurant, a faded fresco, a stunning view. Occasional olive groves are dotted among the stairways and rooftops. You don't have to be a pilgrim to appreciate Assisi, but it helps if you have some interest in churches. For hundreds of years Assisi has been dominated by the unpretentious figure of St. Francis, whose followers filled the little town with churches, monasteries and shrines. Everywhere you look in Assisi, you'll find another fine church, mostly built in the pretty pink stone which defines the town's appearance, and mostly containing fine artworks and a few Franciscan relics. Just half an hours drive and you're there!
Lake Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake in Italy, surrounded for half of its shores by hills, rich in olives that are among the most important resources of the local agriculture.There are three islands in the lake. The second largest, Isola Maggiore is the only inhabited one.There are many castles all around Trasimeno. Many of them are in the centre of small towns while others are isolated and in ruins. You can bathe peacefully in the waters, accessible from the many sandy beaches and water sports are also available for the more adventurous! It's a half an hour drive from the house. The Island Polvese can be reached by passenger ferry, trips regularly during the day.
Orvieto
The traveller who approaches Orvieto by train or by car, sees from a distance a city which rises on a plateau of volcanic tuff, surrounded by a stupendous landscape of fields and vineyards. Because of its location, because of its Etruscan roots, because of its charming medieval character, and above all because of its celebrated Cathedral which is a gem of Gothic architecture, Orvieto is one of Italy's most unique and interesting cities and can be reached by car in one hour from Oliveto.
Marsciano
A fifteen minute drive from Oliveto, this charming market town will provide you with all you need during your stay - shops, supermarkets, swimming pools, banks and a fabulous market on Monday mornings.
Todi
Historical Todi is a town perched on a tall two-crested hill overlooking the east bank of the river Tiber commanding distant views in every direction. Almost all Todi's main medieval monuments — the co-cathedral church (Duomo), the Palazzo del Capitano, the Palazzo del Priore and the Palazzo del Popolo — front on the main square on the lower breast of the hill: the piazza is thus one of the most picturesque in Italy and is often used as a movie set. Enjoy a coffee, soak up the atmosphere over lunch and relax, you're on holiday! You can be here within half an hour of Oliveto.
Country Walks
Umbria has recently opened up many white tracks that meander the countryside not accessible by car - short, medium and long walks for the hikers amongst you. They take in villages, fields, river valleys, ruins and of course amazing views. Just walk out of the front door and start exploring!
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