Great Things to Do Near Villa Federica
Market day
The weekly open-air market is part of Italian life. Stalls laden with produce, scents and smells filling the air, and a crowd of Italians - finish the morning's shopping with a coffee in a bar. Perugia, Assisi, Todi hold their markets on a Saturday morning, Gubbio on Tuesday, Spello Wednesday.
Try 'porchetta'
pork stuffed with liver, pepper, garlic, salt and wild fennel, then cooked on a spit over a wood fire. Available all over Italy, it is, however, of Umbrian origin!
Calici di Stelle
Visit Montefalco on 10th August for the 'Calici di Stelle', the night of the Shooting Stars. You will be able to sample local wines and food during the evening while watching the sky for shooting stars.
Experience the 'passeggiata'.
In any town or large village, especially on a weekend or holiday, everyone congregates in the main square early and late evening. They sit and chat with their friends, go for a stroll, sip an aperitif in one of the bars, or stop for an ice-cream. It is the perfect time to people watch!
Tozzetti and Baci
Sweet treats in the form of pastries and chocolates: 'tozzetti' are almond biscuit-like pastries (try them dunked in a glass of vinsanto); 'baci' are made of hazelnuts and dark chocolates, wrapped in a silver wrapper with blue stars. Both are delicious!
Leisure activities around Lake Trasimeno
For water sport enthusiasts, there are sailing schools, kayaking and boat hire on the lake. Or if you prefer dry land, the area is ideal for cycling, with a designated 'Lake Trasimeno cycle trail' between Castiglione and Torricella.
Gubbio is one of those undiscovered gems
... a town that has managed to avoid being on the tourist trail but that is definitely worth visiting. It is described as an enchanting medieval jewel where the old streets seem to march up the steep slopes of the tree-clad mountain slopes. From here, you can take the cable car from the east side of the town to the top of Monte Ingino to visit the Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo, and for some wonderful views over the Apennines.
Monte Subasio National Park
Assisi sits within this National Park, a landscape of valley pastures and wooded hillsides with abundant flora and fauna. Here you can enjoy various walks in the park, or you could take the car to the summit of Monte Subasio for an unforgettable view.
Lake Trasimeno
Situated on the western edge of Umbria, Lake Trasimeno is Italy's fourth largest lake and its environs are a protected regional park covering 13,200 hectares, including the Oasi la Valle wetlands which are an important habitat for migratory birds. Here you will also find some good waterfront fish restaurants around the lake and eight public beaches.
Città della Domenica - amusement park for children
This animal and amusement park opened in 1963, and is still a favourite! Occupying 100 acres on a hillside overlooking Perugia, it is a lovely setting for a family day out. There is plenty of parkland to roam, or enjoy the views from the comfort of the little train. There are many animals to see, including kangaroos, ostriches, llamas, donkeys and many birds. In the farm area, children can get hands on and help to milk the cows! There are also themed areas to explore such as Pinocchio’s Village and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, a Medieval zone, a space shuttle and the Wild West. A programme of activities and shows runs each day. Other attractions include mini-karts, mini-boats, slides, a maze and inflatable play area.
Discover Perugia
Elegant and infused with history, architecture and art, Perugia is a very well preserved medieval hill town as well as being very much a modern city with lots to see and do throughout the year.
Città della Domenica
This animal and amusement park opened in 1963, and is still a favourite! Occupying 100 acres on a hillside overlooking Perugia, it is a lovely setting for a family day out. There is plenty of parkland to roam, or enjoy the views from the comfort of the little train. There are many animals to see, including kangaroos, ostriches, llamas, donkeys and many birds. In the farm area, children can get hands on and help to milk the cows! There are also themed areas to explore such as Pinocchio’s Village and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, a Medieval zone, a space shuttle and the Wild West. A programme of activities and shows runs each day. Other attractions include mini-karts, mini-boats, slides, a maze and inflatable play area.
A visit to Assisi is a must.
World famous, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Assisi attracts a lot of tourists but as it is only a 20min drive from Villa Federica, you can go whenever. We suggest early evening when the crowds have gone, and the streets are quiet to get a true feeling for the town and its spiritual history.
Visit Todi
it was once voted the most perfect place to live and you will probably agree after visiting this lovely town. Spend a morning wandering around its narrow streets and have a cappuccino in the main piazza.
Sausages and Salami of Norcia
Norcia is one of the culinary capitals of Italy. It has the reputation of producing the country's best sausages and salami, as well as being famous for its cheese. Spectacular scenery and views too!
Visit the Marmore Waterfalls near Terni,
the tallest of which is 80 m high. You can go on a guided tour along the trails along the top of the cliff.
