Our local area - Montone

Only about 5 minutes down the road, Umbertide is the base for most of the more practical things you might need when in Umbria (supermarkets, butcher, pasta shop, chemist, doctor, hospital etc). But it also has a lovely market on Wednesday, a couple of top-class restaurants (see the restaurant section) , has a great walking trail along the river Tiber, and a pretty old village that is worth exploring for an hour or so.

About 20 minutes from the villa is Gubbio, a mediaeval town, historically the seat of the duchy of Umbria. Situated on the hillside, the town has many interesting features, including the ruins of a Roman ampitheatre at the base of the old town, a museum and a large Piazza half-way up hill (with a wonderful view), a 50’s style funicular to take you to the top of the mountain where there is a still-active monastery and lots of wonderful meandering streets, each one more gorgeous than the last! A great day out – and a visit to Taverna Del Lupo (see restaurants) is a great way to end the day!

Only 20 minutes from Villa Caicresce, 'Citta' is a wonderful village, plenty to do and see, including a lovely central piazza and a beautiful Cathedral with a couple of 11th century bell-towers. There is also a great art gallery, 2 weekly markets (one for produce and one for various other 'wares'). There are lots of great places to eat, including a wonderful restaurant in the main town square called Trattoria Lea, which specialises in fungi (and especially truffles). They also have a great wine list. Our favourite time of day is late afternoon when the locals are out to 'promenade', enjoy an Aperitivo and catch up with friends.

A must visit. This superb hilltop town is exactly what Italy is all about. Warm and welcoming, sophisticated...a great place to do some credit card damage...one of the best places to 'promenade' in all of Italy. Our favourite cafe in Umbria (yes it’s that good) is Pasticceria Sandri. It’s on the main square just opposite the excellent museum. Some incredible restaurants here too - our favourite is Osteria a Priori (book, it’s very popular +39 075 572 7098). Perugia is easy to get to. Park in one of the parking stations around the edges of town and take the escalators up to the main part of the town.

This wonderful hilltop town is a little further away from the villa but well worth the trip. We would suggest combining with a trip to Todi. Montefalco is known for three things. Wine, (yes please) Food (yummy) and Linen (simply beautiful, take some home with you – you will notice our villa tea-towels are from here). There is no shortage of restaurants to choose from, Montefalco has re-invented itself as a bit of a foodie destination in recent years, but one that we would definitely recommend is ReTartu Enoteca Ristorante www.retartumonefalco. it. Wonderful food (and as the name suggests, focussed on truffles in season), great wine list and a beautiful terrace and garden hidden away from the crowds). A little bit special.

About 30 mins north of the villa, this wonderful town is largely undiscovered by tourists (which is one reason we like it!). It’s perched on the side of a hill (and I mean perched) and has a real 'Game of Thrones" feel about it. Very medieval, lots of laneways to discover, just wonderful. They have quite a craft-culture here, and many small stores selling artisan products. It’s also the home of Busatti, a high quality linen producer. You can tour the factory – check out their website https://busatti.com/ for more details.

It is connected to the world by an old Roman road - perfectly straight as far as the eye can see - gotta love those Romans!

This was the first place we went to in Umbria over 10 years ago. It is well known, quite lovely and well worth a stop. Park at the bottom and catch the funicular to the top. Visit when you go to Montefalco or Orvietto for a great day out.

Arezzo is actually in Tuscany - but is just abut 45 minutes away. It’s a wonderful city full of life. It is also a university town, so has lots of nightlife and they do the Aperitivo hour here like nowhere else in Umbria - think pretty much full grazing meals with your Aperol!. Great shopping, beautiful architecture, a sensational monthly antique market in the town square are just a few things that make this city so fabulous. We were lucky enough to be there once in November - the Christmas market was amazing!

Spello is picture postcard perfect in every way. Well known for its laneways full of flowers in summer - insta at every turn!

Around a half an hour from the villa is the magical Cortona. The location for the fabulous 'Under the Tuscan Sun", Cortona is a beautiful place to wander and full of sunny spots in the piazza for an Aperitivo and take in 'la dolce vita'. If you haven't seen the movie - watch it before you come to Italy - it will give you all the feels!