THE SMALL SEA OF UMBRIA
LAKE TRASIMENO
It has been defined "a veil of water on a lawn" for its numerous green shades and for the grassy backdrops that emerge when the wind ripples.
62,5 km
FROM PERUGIA
151.6 km
FROM ROMA FIUMICINO
471,6 km
FROM MILANO MALPENSA
Its hidden pearls
Never mind if we don't have a sea when we can enjoy a freshwater amphitheater surrounded by a landscape that inspired great Renaissance artists, such as Perugino.
Frontier territory disputed between Perugia and Tuscan cities, strategic crossroads. Its fortresses let us imagine stories and adventurous lives.
Thanks to its ferry boats two of its three islands can be reached.
What to see
Maggiore Island
as soon as we arrive there is a small surprise: a museum dedicated to the lace of Ireland, a crocheted lace, which the Countess Guglielmi taught to the women of the island. After a pleasant walk you reach the rock where St. Francis spent Lent in 1211. Continuing to climb among the olive groves you reach the highest part of the island, dominated by the Church of San Michele that will amaze for its fine frescoes.
Polvese Island
was donated by Charlemagne to the Church and later was under the rule of Perugia. Pope Julius II stopped. For a long time it was a reservoir for private hunting. Today you can breathe a fairy-tale atmosphere and in its scientific-didactic park you can admire beautiful examples of flora and fauna. In this wet area with reeds, where countless birds and amphibians find refuge.
Castiglione del Lago
Its fortified castle is among the most imposing and impregnable of Europe, which Frederick II called Castle of the Lion. From its fascinating walkway overlooking the lake you have one of the most beautiful views of Lake Trasimeno. When the sister of Pope Julius III entrusted the administration to her son Ascanio della Corgna, Castiglione del Lago enjoyed its maximum influence. Ascanio della Corgna built a beautiful palace here, welcoming many guests, including Machiavelli and Leonardo da Vinci. In the Christmas period the town creates a Christmas tree on the lake, the largest on water in the world.
Città della Pieve
The beautiful coral-colored town dominates the Valdichiana. Its illustrious citizen, Pietro Vannucci, made the typical hilly landscape that surrounds Città della Pieve famous all over the world. Two highlights are the Palazzo della Corgna and the magnificent fresco in St. Maria dei Bianchi by Perugino. The most romantic will be tempted to pass through the narrow alley, the Baciadonne - 1,5 ft. wide.
Panicale
This enchanting hilltop village is a true gem of Trasimeno Lake. While wandering around its winding cobblestoned streets, I will tell you the stories of terrible worriors, of the history of the delicate embroideries and of famous artists.
FROM THE BLOG
Special Tours
OSCARWORTHY OIL MILLS. FROM THE “SEA” OF UMBRIA , AN EXCELLENT EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL.
Emerald green hued, intense and fruity, Umbrian olive oil with its pleasant bitter and slightly spicy taste is considered among the best Extra Virgin olive oils not only in Italy, but also in the world. Let’s join this tour to learn the secrets about the production of our “green gold” and its infinite health benefits. Don’t miss this worthwhile experience to taste a top quality extra virgin olive oil directly in the mill where it is produced.
IN BATTLE WITH HANNIBAL.
Recommended for children.
An immersion in the ancient Roman history, back to Second Punic war, when the Carthaginian forces of Hannibal defeated the Roman army at Lake Trasimeno. It is possible to retrace the itinerary of the battle in the permanent documentation center and on the historical-archaeological route.
TOUR WITH A PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.
If you would like to be immortalized in the places you visit and make your memories unforgettable, you can live a unique experience with an expert photographer at your entire disposal. You can take home digital photos or have an actual album delivered to your home.
VISIT TO A FARM AND CHEESE TASTING.
Recommended for children.
If you are curious to learn about the art of cheesemaking and love the pleasant country life, this farm is a unique and fun experience.Goat cheese production is becoming increasingly popular in Umbria, thanks in part to the love of this farmer for his 300 goats. Children will have fun. They will delight watching the goats trotting when the goatherd calls them.About a dozen varieties of goat cheeses will tantalize your palate and you won’t resist their wines.
FISHERMEN FOR A DAY.
Recommended for children.
Aperitif on boat: toast on board with a glass of Colli del Trasimeno white wine paired with a cartoccio of fried whitebait. End your day with the romantic sunset as your backdrop.
SOLOMEO, THE VILLAGE-FACTORY.
It’s considered an excellent example of the Italian entrepreneurship in the world. In 1985 the enlightened Brunello Cucinelli began restoring this 14th century tumbledown castle in the hamlet and made it into his corporate headquarters. The dwellings have become factories and warehouses, while a room of Medici taste has been turned into a canteen, la Piazza della Pace is an open-air theater. Solomeo also pleases very much the powerful of the Silicon Valley, such as Jeff Bezos founder of Amazon. Among its recent achievements we can mention the winery and the monument “Tribute to the Dignity of Man”.
BIRDWATCHING AT LA VALLE NATURAL RESERVE.
A wetland of great ornithological interest, with shallow waters and extensive reed beds, an important stopover and nesting place along the migratory routes from northern Europe to sub-Saharan Africa. Over the course of a year, 201 different species of birds can be seen.
Gourmet Corner
Whine tasting.