Unmissable Casa Rampiconi
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
FRACCANO
This tiny village only a couple of minutes drive from Casa dei Falchi has two restaurants.
CITTA DI CASTELLO
On a slope of the Apennines, this charming town has a twice weekly market (Thursday & Saturday), shops, a handful of tempting restaurants, and some interesting places to visit.
LAKE TRASIMENO
At 128 square kilometres, this is Italy’s fourth largest lake and holds three islands within its waters: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese. A 50km cycle path traces the circumference of the lake, affording spectacular views along the way. There’s also a long trail network for exploring the surrounding hills, including several historical town centres, villages and castles. Castiglione del Lago town makes a great base. Its streets are peppered with restaurants, bars and gelaterias. There’s a good vibe in the evenings, too.
lagotrasimeno.co.uk
PERUGIA
Where ancient and modern Umbria marry. A former Etruscan stronghold with a turbulent history, Perugia had a dose of the black plague in 1348, suffered the Castro War from 1642 to 1644, and experienced an 18th century French invasion. However, unlike Assisi, Perugia is a city first and foremost, not a tourist attraction. English isn’t widely spoken, prosecco is sipped at alfresco cafés and Fiat 500 drivers – old and new – make spaces out of nothing on the ancient cobbled streets. The city’s main piazza, home to the dusty rose Palazzo dei Priori is a good place to start. While you’re there, throw a coin in the 12th century Fontana Maggiore (The Great Fountain).
Dining & Drinks
La Collina
Lovely, laid back atmosphere – traditional Italian dishes, including pizzas and pasta.
Fraccano | +39 075 855 3795 | la-collina.biz | Closed Mondays
Ristorante Da Meo, Via Adriatica
A limited but excellent menu of the day.
Fraccano | +39 075 855 3870 | Closed Wednesdays
Ristorante Girasoli
A beautiful spot in the countryside with lovely outdoor space.
Niccone Valley, Sant’Andrea | ristorantegirasoli.it
Osteria Del Boccajolo
Another great restaurant en route to Perugia.
Umbertide | facebook.com/osteriadelboccajolo
Trattoria Lea, Corso Camillo Benso Conte Di Cavour
Cosy little restaurant serving typical Umbrian food.
Citta di Castello | +39 075 852 1678
Un Punto Macrobiotico
Macrobiotic and organic restaurant and shop serving vegan friendly options as well as meat.
Citta di Castello | +39 075 852 2966 | Closed Mondays
La Locanda Del Capitano
Excellent dishes crafted from quality, locally sourced produce. Located 30 minutes’ south of Citta di Castello.
Montone | +39 075 930 65 21 | ilcapitano.com
Il Fiorentino
A bistecceria with outdoor space in the old town. Perfect for meat lovers.
Citta di Castello | ristoranteilfiorentino.it
Ristorante al Coccio
Traditional restaurant with a few tables on the petty cobbled street outside. The ingredients are local
and of the highest quality. Highly recommended.
Sansepolcro | alcoccio.com/en/restaurant | +39 057 574 1468
Osteria Il Giardino Di Piero
Lovely restaurant opposite the public ‘Giardini della Piero Francesca’ serving the historic, regional
speciality of ‘Fagioli zolfini al fiasco’ - beans cooked in a glass and wicker flask. Traditionally cooked
by peasant farmers after baking the bread, they would put the flask of beans into the embers of the
fire and the next morning the beans would be perfectly cooked.
Sansepolcro | +39 0575 733119 | osteriailgiardinodipiero.it
La Bottega Dell’Osteria
Takeaway food cooked by the Osteria which you can either collect in person or arrange to be
delivered, La Bottega offers a series of recipes made from fresh seasonal ingredients. Handmade
organic pasta, lasagnas, pasta sauces and wines all in environmentally friendly, compostable
containers. Order online or via phone/email.
Sansepolcro | +39 0575 73 31 19 | bottegagiardinodipiero.it
Pasticerria Chieli
Mouthwatering array of pastries and cakes. Perfect place to pick up something for pudding or a
holiday birthday celebration.
Sansepolcro | +39 0575 74 20 26 | pasticceriachieli.it
Enoteca Guidi
Best known for it’s very good wine list but this restaurant in town also serves delicious food.
Sansepolcro | +39 0575 73 65 87
L’Osteria Dei Poeti
If you’ve been watching Stanley Tucci’s ‘Searching for Italy’ you will want to eat here - the restaurant
serves typical Roman cuisine and their speciality is artichokes or ‘carciofi alla Romana and alla
Giudea.
Sansepolcro | +39 3209 50 37 25 | Via Ambrogio Traversari
Ristorante Altromondo
Very popular with the locals which is always a good sign!
Perugia | +39 075 5723221
Bottega del Vino, Via del Sole
Cosy wine bar and restaurant with great views to the main square. You’ll need to book.
Perugia | +39 0755 716 181 | labottegadelvino.net
L’Officina, Borgo XX Giugno
Greek owned yet wonderfully Italian, this cosy restaurant serves creative cuisine amid walls filled with wine bottles - try to get a table in view of the kitchen.
Perugia | +39 0755 721699 | Closed Sundays
Stella Restaurant & Winery
Excellent small restaurant with local specialties and a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking Perugia.
Perugia | +39 0756 920002 | stellaperugia.it |Closed Tuesdays
Civico 25, Via della Viola
Great food and fun atmosphere.
Perugia | +39 0755 716376 | civico25.com | Closed Sundays
Ristorante L’Acquario
The oldest restaurant in Castiglione del Lago.
Castiglione del lago | +39 075 965 2432 | ristorantelacquario.it
Ristorante La Cantina
Deliciously simple, good value Italian food served at pretty tables shaded by a canopy – amazing lake views. It’s family friendly, with plenty of pizza and pasta. Try the traditional chestnut cake pudding. Castiglione del Lago | +39 075 965 2463 | ristorantecantina.it
Pasticceria Michele & Co
Excellent pastries.
Castiglione del Lago. | +39 075 953146 | micheleandco.it
Porta Senese
Trendy, young reaurant specialising in beef, including tartare and raw beef sashimi. Their tag line is, ‘We have no WiFi – talk amongst yourselves.’
Castiglione del Lago | +39 075 953 331 | portasenese.it
Scuola Elementare della Pasta
A small cosy locanda restaurant serving traditional homemade pasta – watch it being made in the open kitchen.
Castiglione del Lago | +39 348 654 2757
Sights & Activities
Il Biomarket
A comprehensively stocked organic store with many vegan staples.
+39 075 855 8280 | ilbiomarket.it
Pinacoteca Comunale
The art is sublime, and the decorative arches, columns, ceilings and old period furniture make this a definite outing. The Raphael and Renaissance paintings are the highlight. The entrance is quite small on a narrow side street and could easily be missed.
+39 075 855 4202 | Closed Mondays
Bishops Tower
Walk up to the top to get a fabulous view of the old town.
Tiber Trail
This shady riverside walk spans 20km of the River Tiber, starting in Città di Castello (at the Ponte sul Tevere) and passing by several small villages. It is fairly easy walking and people of all ages can use it.
Canoeing
The Canoe Club offer guided canoeing at start of the Tiber Trail, at the Ponte sul Tevere.
+39 075 855 3656 | canoacastello.it
Adriatic Coast
Of all the Italian regions, Le Marche has one of the highest concentrations of Blue Flag beaches (although they can be crowded). For lovely serviced beaches, head west towards Fano, then branch north to Rimini or south to Ancona. If you want the real Italian beach experience, choose one of the many pay sections, with their ranks of umbrellas and sunbeds. Their ample facilities, excellent quality and safe, shallow waters make them particularly family friendly.
Aqua Dolce Sailing School, Monte del Lago
Hire sail boats, motorboats, kayaks, and bikes too. Novices can join the sailing school and those who prefer observing can watch from the lounge bar.
+39 345 046 7983 | acquadolcesailing.it
Kitemaniak, Castiglione del Lago
Great for kitesurfing and stand up paddle boarding. They welcome ages 12+ and can teach children to pilot a small kite using fun games on the beach.
+39 348 764 5960 Filippo Covarelli | kitemaniak.it
Quad Biking, Tuoro Sul Trasimeno & Magione
Go quad biking on a beach or trail excursion.
umbriainquad.com
Swimming at Lakeside Beaches
The best beaches for swimming are just below Castiglione, near Tuoro and near the fishing village of Torricella on the opposite shore - Castiglione del Lago Beach is a lovely stretch of sand with parasols, sunbeds and safe swimming. For lakeside parks, try the Giardino Pubblico in Castiglione del Lago, or the towns of Passignano sul Trasimeno and Tuoro sul Trasimeno.
Bike & Vespa Hire, San Savino
Bikes can be picked up and dropped off around the lake – the entire route takes around 4 hours. If that all sounds too strenuous, do as the Italians do and travel by Vespa. You can hire them lakeside at San Savino (Via Case Sparse).
+39 347 463 6423 | umbriainvespa.com
Maggiore Island, Lake Trasimeno
Take one of the regular boats to tiny Isola Maggiore, where there are restaurants and a natural park - great fun and you can have lunch with a stunning view. Crossings are available from Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Passignano sul Trasimeno, Castiglione del Lago.
Polvese Island, Lake Trasimeno
The largest island on Lake Trasimeno, Isola Maggiore, is perfect for exploring on foot. Home to a nature park, a castle and a monastery, you can spend the day exploring before stopping for a picnic or lunch at one of the two eateries on the island. Crossings are available from San Feliciano.
Abbey of Sant’Antimo
Built in the 9th century, the Abbey of Sant’Antimo is the oldest in the region. Not only is it beautiful, but the monks perform mass in Gregorian chants regularly. It’s approximately an hour’s drive west of Montepulciano.
+39 0577 286 300 | antimo.it
Lake Montepulciano
One of the most important wetlands of central Italy, this is all that is left of the great swamp that once characterised the Valdichiana (Chiana Valley). Today, it is a protected natural area with a visitors’ centre – book a guided tour or explore by bike.
Etruscan Academy Museum of Cortona
Opened in 2005, this museum houses an extensive and remarkable collection of artefacts detailing the history and achievements of the Etruscans, who resided in this area from 8th to the 3rd century BC, before being unceremoniously wiped out by the Roman Empire.
The Perugino Trail, Citta della Pieve
The most famous hometown boy was Pietro Vannucci, better known by his artistic name of Il Perugino, who left a vivid mark on his birthplace in the form of frescoes. The most famous is The Adoration of the Magi, a striking nativity scene that he painted in the Oratory of Santa Maria dei Banchi, completed in just 28 days. The Cathedral, the church of Santa Maria dei Servi, and the church of San Pietro also house some of his masterpieces, and many people come here just to see his work.
Chocolate Factory Tour, Perugia
Children can explore the Baci Perugina chocolate factory. Tours are offered in English (and include tastings!). Reservations are required.
Perugia | +39 075 5276796| perugina.it |Closed Sundays
Siena Duomo
Dating back to the 12th century, the Duomo is one of Italy’s greatest examples of Romanesque Gothic architecture. From August 18th until late October, they take off the carpet that normally covers the marble inlay floor, revealing an incredible narrative that took hundreds of years to create.
Santa Maria della Scala
Once one of the largest and most famous former hospitals in medieval Italy, it now houses three museums. Its highlight is the upstairs Pellegrinaio (Pilgrim’s Hall), with vivid 15th century frescoes lauding the good works of the hospital and its patrons, painted by Lrenzo Vecchietta, Primao della Quercia and Domenico di Bartolo. The Santa Maria della Scala is also home to the Museo d’Arte per Bambini, aimed at children aged 3-11.
Basilica di San Francesco Bacci Chapel
Check out frescoes of the Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca – notably the Legend of the True Cross. Admissions are limited to 30 minute scheduled visits; reservations only.
Arezzo | +39 0575 352 727 | pierodellafrancesca-ticketoffice.it/en
Saint Francis of Assisi Basilica, Piazza di S. Francesco
The mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor Conventual in Assisi, containing frescoes by Giotto and others that mark a turning point in the history of Western art.
+39 075 819 001 | sanfrancescoassisi.org/en/
Walking
The Umbrian countryside is a wonderful place to walk, although if you come in the hot summer months you’ll have to start early. Make sure to wear long trousers and sturdy walking boots to protect yourself from snakes.
Circolo Tennis Chiusi, Via Poggio Gallina
Just north of Città della Pieve in Chiusi, Circolo Tennis have 2 outdoor clay courts and it is possible to book.
+39 0578 223069
Avignonesi Winery, Montepulciano
There are several vineyards in this area, but we would recommend Avignonesi where you can do a wine cellar tour followed by lunch with wine pairings. Located between Montepulciano and Cortona, the beautiful estate includes vineyards, an elegant villa, a chapel and ancient stone wine cellars. +39 0578 724 304 | avignonesi.it
Cugusi Dairy Cheese Tasting
If you want to know all about Pecorino cheese, pay a visit to this family run dairy. See how their award-winning cheese is made and taste different varieties.
+39 0578 757 558 | caseificiocugusi.it
Water Park Tavernelle
Just south of Lake Trasimeno, this small water park is great fun for families, with two large swimming pools, a children’s pool and slides. There’s a restaurant and coffee bar (you can’t have a bad cup of coffee in Italy), or you could bring a picnic. More popular with locals than international visitors, it remains relatively quiet in summer, as most Italians go to the coast for their holidays. That said, come in the mornings if you want to avoid the crowds. You’ll need swimming hats, which you can buy at reception.
+39 075 832 056 | azzurrapiscine.it/aquapark-tavernelle
Saltalbero Nature Park
Just east of Siena, this nature park is great for outdoorsy families and young children. There are 7 different treetop courses (for ages 3+), as well as mini golf, football and volleyball courts, forest trekking paths and an animal corner with donkeys, alpacas and horses.
saltalbero.it | seasonal opening hours
Perugia Golf Club
Located just 6km from the Old Town centre, this 18-hole members’ course spans gently undulating parkland (par 72). Play possible at all times; club and buggy hire available.
+39 075 517 22 04 | golfclubperugia.it
Lamborghini Golf Club
Created by the inventor of the famous motor car, this 9 hole golf course sits between Panicale and Lake Trasiemeno, covering 30 hectares of Umbrian countryside (par 36). Play possible at all times. +39 075 8375 820 | golf.tenutalamborghini.it | closed Sundays & Tuesdays
Fonteverde Spa
There are thermal baths and spa facilities at Fonteverde, in San Casciano dei Bagni.
+39 057 572 405 | fonteverdespa.com
San Giovanni Terme Rapolano Park
This area of Italy is rich in hot natural springs that bubble out of the ground. Filled with minerals and the heat of the earth, the spring waters have been used for their curative properties since the times of the Romans. At this thermal park (between Siena and Arezzo), the water flows naturally from the source to the pools, at a temperature of 39 degrees. You can also book mud baths, Turkish baths and massages.
Circuito di Siena, Go Karting
Twenty minutes outside Siena city, this fabulous outdoor go karting track is great for adrenaline junkies.
+39 0577 352 075 | circuitodisiena.it
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.