BETWEEN GORGES AND SUDDEN PLAINS
VALNERINA
102 km
FROM PERUGIA
167 km
FROM ROMA FIUMICINO
600 km
FROM MILANO MALPENSA
The Valnerina, homeland to the most beloved saints, was also the paradise of magicians and charlatans. Our trip in this mysterious land begins in Vallo di Nera and brings us up to Cascia, passing through Norcia.
What to see in one day
Vallo di Nera
the "Castle of the Valley" above Nera river is a medieval dream, a perfect synthesis of the encounter between nature and culture. We will wander in its maze of alleys with arches, corbels, little windows, rampant loggias, enjoying breathtaking views. Not a car, not a noise will disturb our stroll. In such a small hamlet you would not expect to find an art gem, like the Franciscan church of Santa Maria, with a surprising number of medieval frescoes by Giotto's pupils.
Roccaporena
This small village is 5 km away from Cascia and is the place where Saint Rita was actually born. The "Scoglio", literally "rock", was her most beloved spot where she used to pray.
Cascia
The village of St. Rita is the destination of millions of pilgrims from all over the world. In the Basilica dedicated to her, built in 1947, you can revere her mortal remains. In the adjacent monastery you can visit the places where the most important episodes of her life took place
Norcia
This village is famous for the precious black truffle and for the art of salami-making, called, not by chance, "norcineria". Moreover, this is the birthplace of the father of Western monasticism, St. Benedict and of his sister, St. Scolastica. It's protected by well-preserved heart-shaped walls and its origins go back to Sabine culture, before becoming the Roman colony of Nursia.
Gourmet Corner
Tasting of local salami is a must and, dulcis in fundo, of locally produced chocolate.
FROM THE BLOG
Special Tours
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.
WATERFALL OF MARMORE: THE HIGHEST IN ITALY.
Recommended for children.
Immerse yourself in nature and visit the famous Marmore Falls, a Roman masterpiece of hydraulic engineering, obtained by diverting the river Velino into the Nera. The three spectacular drops were praised by the most well-known Grand Tour travelers such as Goethe and Dickens. You can choose one of the many itineraries offering different durations and levels of difficulty or you could simply admire their “horrid beauty” enjoying a cup of coffee with a typical sweet, called panpepato.
TRUFFLE HUNTING. IN SEARCH OF THE BLACK GOLD.
Recommended for children.
This is the ideal opportunity to spend a few hours immersed in a truffle ground area, where an expert hunter will guide you in search of this sought-after product of the earth. Treat yourself to an authentic cultural experience in a private oasis, with a route adapted to your needs. Once you have found the truffle, you can savour the truffle flavour having lunch in a typical restaurant.
THE "FIORITA" OF CASTELLUCCIO.
Recommended for children.
Norcia is surrounded by the Sibillini Mountains, part of a National Park. In the summer the high plains of Castelluccio di Norcia are tinged with a multitude of colors, creating a spectacle known as the "Fiorita" of Castelluccio: fields of daffodils, cornflowers, poppies and lentil flowers give the impression of living in a Van Gogh painting.
DISCOVERING THE ART OF PORK BUTCHERY.
You are right in the land where this ancient craft was born. The name, in fact, comes from Norcia, where the practice of pork meat processing originated to make delicious cold cuts famous all over the world. During this tour you will get to know a prestigious farm that will reveal the secrets of the “norcino”. Recently, the ancient pig breed called “cinturino”, raised in the wild, has been brought back to life. Come and taste the native PGI-certified ham and the wild boar salami with truffles.
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.