Sights to see, things to do
Casa Verde sits in magical surroundings so if walking and nature is your thing, you will be able to take full advantage of the stunning scenery. One enjoyable walk close by takes you up into the hills, amid spectacular views, to the deserted village of Marzano abandoned by villagers over fifty years ago. You’ll find signposted walks throughout the area while other activities include biking, horse-riding, canoeing and kayaking.
Events, Festivals and Fairs
There are a host of events, festivals, fairs and especially sagre (celebrations of local foods) held throughout the year. Other highlights include the June and September Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens) and a huge monthly antiques fair, both of which take place in the picturesque historic centre of Arezzo. Music lovers should head to the Umbria Jazz Festival held in Perugia every summer, featuring international artists and where restaurants and wine bars become jazz venues during the event. There is also the Ravenna Music Festival in June and July, featuring opera, classical and other genres of music, Spoleto’s ‘Festival dei Due Mondi’ celebrating music, dance and theatre, and local events closer to home.
Food
Foodies will delight in delicious seasonal dishes and ingredients such as cinghiale (wild boar), truffles, chianina beef and porchetta, a vast array of cured meats, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, wonderful olive oil and wines (many vineyards hold tours and tastings), and much much more. There is no shortage of good restaurants at which to enjoy a gastronomic feast and I can happily recommend personal favourites. Or you can visit one of the many local markets to pick up supplies for a picnic or to cook back at the house.
These are just a taster of what awaits you here in Umbria; whatever your preference for the perfect holiday, you’ll find plenty to see and do in between leisurely days spent relaxing and lounging by the pool.
Special Extras
Why not treat yourself to an extra special experience on your holiday? From organising an English-speaking tour guide to accompany you on an fascinating art and culture tour, drawing and painting lessons, a wonderful relaxing massage, a special meal prepared by a local chef at Casa Verde or a truffle hunting excursion, we can help.
Or, if you want to brush up on your Italian or learn some everyday useful phrases as a beginner, Cultura Italiana offers both online courses, and individual and group lessons at their language school in Arezzo.
‘Travelling is the ruin of all happiness! There’s no looking at a building after seeing Italy.’
Fanny Burney, 18th century English novelist, diarist and playwright
History
Steeped in history, art and culture, this area of Italy formed part of Etruria in ancient times, populated by the highly advanced Etruscans who lived here from 700 BC until around 400 BC. They left an enduring legacy in their wake, evidence of which can be seen today with the many Etruscan ruins and monuments in the area, as well as an extensive collection of museum artefacts.
Exploring
There are a host of picturesque medieval towns and villages to wander around from Anghiari to Arezzo, Cortona to Sansepolcro. For those wishing to explore further afield, Casa Verde is perfectly located for day trips to other well-known towns and cities in Tuscany and Umbria
Art and Culture
Art lovers and culture buffs will be spoiled for choice – the area is packed with museums, galleries and sights to see. Several accomplished Renaissance artists came from the region including Perugino, Cortona-born Luca Signorelli, Giorgio Vasari and world renowned Piero della Francesca. You can travel the Piero della Francesca Trail, taking your time to see the haunting frescos of the True Cross in the church of San Francesco in Arezzo, his beautiful depiction of the Madonna during pregnancy in Monterchi’s Museo della Madonna del Parto, and further masterpieces at the Museo del Civico in Sansepolcro.