Not only for wine lovers, the name Montalcino evokes images of vineyards in the warm sunlight and the taste of earth and full-bodied fruit flavors.The famous little town amidst gentle hills is one of the highlights of every gourmet trip in Southern Tuscany.
When we think of bean stew, we usually have in mind a mashy pap from a tin can or "chili con carne" from a field kitchen.
But there are also noble varieties of beans that are very popular with gourmets. These include the "Fagiolina del Trasimeno", which has been cultivated since antiquity in the fertile wetlands around Lake Trasimeno. We tell you, what can be made out of the inconspicuous tiny beans ...
By ferry boat you can reach two of the islands in Lake Trasimeno: the Isola Polvese from San Feliciano, the Isola Maggiore from Passignano or from Tuoro.Both islands are car-free and, apart from Sundays and holidays, they are sleeping peacefully in the midst of Lake Trasimeno, the blue eye of Umbria.An ideal destination for a peaceful day trip.
Florence is one of the main tourist centers in Italy and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Quite rightly, because there is really much to see. Not only the Venus by Botticelli in the Uffizi and Michelangelo's David in the Accademia, the Cathedral and the Baptistery with its bronze doors by Brunelleschi or the Ponte Vecchio with its goldsmith shops. There are also many hidden treasures such as the frescoes of Fra Angelico in San Marco or the Giardini Baldini.
The question is, where you can find good and affordable food. Here are our personal tips.
On a hot, dry summer day, one yearns for nothing more but a cool spot and a bath in cold water.
Of course there are shady places in the garden of La Rogaia and the pool offers refreshment. But a day trip to one of the Devil's gorges and waterfalls in Umbria is a special experience.
Every year in June and July two important music festivals take place in Umbria. Lovers of classical music gather at shores of Trasimeno Lake for the "Trasimeno Music Festival", organized by the Canadian world-class pianist Angela Hewitt. Jazz fans flock to the Umbrian capital in the second week of July to celebrate one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world: "Umbria Jazz" in the historical town center of Perugia. Also this year the list of performers from the international jazz and pop world is impressive.
Discover the untouched nature of Umbria and Tuscany by foot or by mountain bike. At Villa La Rogaia you can set out for shorter and longer walks right from our doorstep. If you prefer to venture out by yourself, we will provide you with tips and maps. But you can also join several guided hikes every week.