Umbria

Il Vigneto is in the heart of Umbria, about 30 kms. south of Perugia.  The nearest village is San Terenziano, about 3 kms. away, which has a good range of shops, including two small supermarkets, a bank, pharmacy, baker, butcher and post office.  There is also a superb fresh pasta shop, a pizzeria and several local restaurants.  One of these, which is hard to beat for traditional Umbrian home-cooking, is La Casella, the agriturismo at the top of the road, within walking distance of the house. There are also many other good restaurants in the area catering for all tastes.  L'Antico Forziere is recommended for a special meal.  A list of recommended restaurants is provided in the information pack in the house.

Local sightseeing opportunities are endless, with many beautiful hillside towns within easy reach.  Assisi is a World Heritage Site, famous for the Giotto frescoes in its basilica, and its narrow cobbled streets.  Perugia is an elegant city with a lovely historic centre and great shopping.  You can even wander through the Roman remains and early medieval streets hidden beneath the city. The smaller towns of Bevagna, Spello, Spoleto and Montefalco are definitely worth a visit. Todi, with its medieval piazza, lovely old streets and spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, is only 20 minutes drive away. Wine lovers can visit the local vineyards to taste the Montefalco and Sagrantino wines.

For music lovers there is a great variety of events throughout the season.  The international jazz festival takes place in Perugia in July and there is a classical music festival  in Spoleto in June/July.  In many other towns there are an amazing variety of festivals, concerts and events.  In Foligno there is a jousting tournament and medieval procession in June and September.  In Siena, less than two hours' drive away, the famous Palio takes place in July and August, with colourful processions through the town and a dramatic horse race around the central piazza.

Florence and Rome are also easy to reach for a day's visit and there is an excellent and convenient rail service if you do not want to drive.  The rail stations are at Terni or Foligno for Rome and Ponte San Giovanno for Florence with journeys from them of about one hour to Rome or just over one and a half hours to Florence.

Umbria is also a beautiful area for walking or cycling and there are walks starting close to the house which take you into the Umbrian hills.  Horse riding is available nearby in Grutti.  If you would like to play golf during your stay try the Perugia golf club