La Contessa: a door between land and sea Packages Umbria A Journey through Time17 April 202529 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

On the Path of Ceramics

Starting from Euro 195,00 per person

If during your travels and holidays in Umbria you are not satisfied with seeing but want to deepen, understand and know, you can let yourself be fascinated by the mastery of skilled craftsmen who have handed down precious knowledge in their workshops for generations by working the ceramic.

1st day

Arrival in the early afternoon. Deruta, the city par excellence of artistic majolica, among the most appreciated and known in the world. The “Raphaelesque” decoration characterizes all the production: they are fast interweaving of leaves, birds and other animals with Moorish motifs, and the prevailing colors of this type of ceramic are intense cobalt blue and yellow on white enamel which embellishes the whole. Particularly in the former convent of San Francesco, it is worth visiting the Regional Museum of Ceramics, which documents centuries of this activity.

Followed by a visit to an artisan workshop.

Accommodation in the structure and overnight.

2nd day

After breakfast moving to Gubbio.

The fame of Gubbio ceramics is linked to the name of Mastro Giorgio, whose original majolica with ruby and pale gold reflections are still today the object of study by artists from all over the world. This type of processing is accompanied by the processing of the famous black and shiny vases called buccheri, which repeat the shapes and friezes of the very ancient original Etruscan models.
Sightseeing tour with the Gubbio Express.

Free lunch

In the afternoon we move to Gualdo Tadino, a place where the production of ceramics had already started in the distant fourteenth century and which saw a rediscovery at the end of the nineteenth century by Paolo Rubboli of the ruby gold luster, according to the Arab formula described by Cipriano Piccolpasso, a renewed artistic season opens for Gualdo ceramics. Entrance to Rocca Flea
Overnight.

3rd day

After breakfast, the journey to Orvieto ends. Over the centuries, traces of the ancient activity had been lost, until the beginning of the twentieth century, when the rediscovery of finds dating back to the Middle Ages reawakened the impulse to a rich and flourishing production. Orvieto Carta Unica will be made available for visiting the main monuments.

Our best offer is starting from € 195,00 per person

The fee is per person and includes:

2 nights in a double/twin room with breakfast
Admission to the Regional Museum of Ceramics
Visit to an artisan workshop in Deruta
Sightseeing tour with the Gubbio Express
Entrance to Rocca Flea
Orvieto Carta Unica
Europ Assistance insurance

The fee does not include:

Extras, tips and offers
Means of transport
City tax where introduced by the Municipality of reference
Anything not expressly indicated in “the rate includes”

Ask for information

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Blog Tips24 March 202525 June 2025 By umbriasi 0

Gubbio a journey through time between history, legends and taste

Imagine walking through ancient stone alleys, with the scent of truffles mixing with the fresh mountain air. Gubbio is a dive into the past, a village that seems suspended in time, ready to give you an authentic experience, between culture, breathtaking views and gastronomic delights.

The day begins with the arrival in Piazza Quaranta Martiri, where our guide will welcome you to reveal the secrets of this unique city. From here, we climb towards Piazza Grande, a terrace suspended between sky and stone, from which the gaze is lost over the Umbrian hills. We visit the majestic Palazzo dei Consoli, guardian of the ancient Tavole Eugubine, evidence of the Umbrian civilization.

But the real spectacle is found even higher up: a cable car ride takes us to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, where an unforgettable view of the city and the history of the patron saint of Gubbio awaits us, protagonist of centuries-old traditions such as the famous Festa dei Ceri.

At this point, the appetite makes itself felt and there is no better way to satisfy it than with a typical lunch in a historic trattoria. Gubbio is the land of the crescia calda, first courses with truffles and succulent second courses, perhaps accompanied by a glass of wine. A journey through Umbrian flavors that is not easily forgotten.

After lunch, our walk takes us to the Church of San Francesco, where the extraordinary friendship between the Saint of Assisi and the wolf of Gubbio is told, a story that still echoes within these sacred walls today. Then, some free time: you can lose yourself among the local craft shops, discover the traditional Eugubine ceramics or let yourself be won over by the typical products to take home as souvenirs.

In the late afternoon, with hearts full of beauty and hands perhaps laden with delicacies, we say goodbye with the promise to return. Because Gubbio is not just a destination, it is an experience that stays with you.

Do you want to discover Gubbio in one day? Contact us for a tailor-made excursion!

We are waiting for you in Umbria

Blog Blog Recipe16 February 20252 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

Carnival sweets in Umbria

The ancient Latin saying reads
“semel in anno licet insanire – once a year it is permissible to go crazy”

Carnival Origin
The common thread that binds Carnival, the mask or masquerade party par excellence, all over the world seems to be precisely the concept that is furthest from what the Romans called mos maiorum, good morals, morality.

But before we get to the Romans, let’s take a few steps back.
The origin of the Carnival dates back to 4000 years ago with the Egyptians and the rites in honor of Isis, the goddess of fertility.

With the Romans, the Carnival Festival coincided with the Lupercali, in honor of the God Luperco, symbol of Roman fertility. The period, for both Egyptians and Romans, is celebrated at the end of February.

Sacred and Profane
The Carnival, between banquets, parties and masks, thus becomes a sort of social “level”: a disguise that hides the status of belonging and allows everyone to set aside moral rigidity for a day.
With Christianity, Carnival from the Latin “carnem levare”, Shrove Tuesday becomes the last day to eat meat before abstaining from consuming it during the period of Lent but also the last opportunity to fill your belly with sweets rich in sugars!

Tipical sweety food in Umbria
Whether it’s Egyptian, Roman or Christian, the “reasons” of Carnival are disguise (masquerade) and the consumption of food, especially sweets!

Let’s see what are the typical ones in Umbria:

Frappe
Strips of sweet puff pastry in the shape of a bow. Covered with alchermes sugar or honey, they can be either fried (as per the original recipe) or baked in the “lighter” variant. In any case, the result is a crunchy, sweet and tasty pastry.

Castagnòle
The name derives from the memory of the small chestnuts with their rounded shape. The dough is composed of flour, eggs, sugar, yeast and an aromatic liqueur. Also these sweets, as per tradition, are fried paying particular attention to making them golden on the outside and cooked well inside, helping them to remain round during cooking by moving the pan in a rotating direction. Then covered with sugar, honey or alchermes.
Strufoli
Traditional from Perugino, they resemble castagnole with the difference of having a softer texture and are, on the other hand, larger in size. They are then covered with sweet dripping honey.

Cicerchiata umbra
From the name of the Umbrian Cicerchia, a rounded legume, the cicerchiata is a crown of sweet balls covered in honey.

Crescionda spoletina
With this dessert we move to Spoleto with its Crescionda.
Originally prepared with chicken broth, or lard, in fact also known as “grescia unta” for being particularly fat, sugar, cheese, chocolate and breadcrumbs were then added. Or the version prepared with apples and dried fruit. Today his recipe marries modernity using chocolate, milk and amaretti biscuits. It is also recognized as a Traditional Umbrian Agri-Food Product.

Credit photo
UmbriaTourism
Forchettiere.it
Antonio Gravante
2Amiche in Cucina

Blog News13 February 20252 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

The Legends of Saint Valentine

The story of Saint Valentine of Terni is shrouded in mystery and folklore, with various legends intertwining over the centuries.

Saint Valentine is revered as the patron saint of lovers, and his feast day on February 14th is celebrated worldwide. Valentine was a Christian bishop from Terni, who died as a martyr in Rome on February 14th, 273 AD. He was laid to rest in Terni, in the Basilica where his relics can still be found today.

One of the most famous legends tells that Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century AD had issued a decree that prohibited the marriage of young men, believing that singles made better soldiers. However, Valentine disobeyed this decree and continued to perform secret weddings for young couples. When his disobedience was discovered, Valentine was arrested and brought before the Emperor. During his imprisonment, legend has it that Valentine healed the blindness of his jailer’s daughter and that, before his execution, he wrote her a farewell letter, signing it “From your Valentine.”

This story has helped to cement Saint Valentine’s association with romantic love. Another version of the Saint Valentine story suggests that he might have been martyred for aiding persecuted Christians during the reign of Claudius II. Yet another legend tells of Valentine witnessing two young lovers arguing and giving them a rose, urging them to hold it together as a way to reconcile, and then having doves fly around them, hence the term “lovebirds.” In any case, the figure of Saint Valentine quickly became a symbol of love and devotion, and his feast day became associated with romantic love over the centuries.

Blog Tips10 February 20252 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

Terni the City of Love and Steel

Do you only have one day to visit Terni? We’ll give you more than one reason to come back!

Morning: Art, history and flavors

Start your day with a stroll through the historic center of Terni. Explore Corso Tacito, among shops and cafes, and stop at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, an architectural jewel that combines history and beauty.

Continue to the Basilica of San Valentino, the patron saint of lovers. It’s a perfect place to discover a romantic and spiritual side of the city. Touch the tomb of the saint to bring home some luck in love.

Stop at a typical trattoria and let yourself be won over by the flavors of Terni. Try the ciriole alla ternana, similar to strangozzi, they are seasoned with a simple sauce of garlic, oil, tomato and chili pepper., a game dish or a soup of lentils from Castelluccio.

Never end the meal without tasting the dessert symbol of Terni, the Pampepato! A mix of dried fruit (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), honey, chocolate, cinnamon and pepper, baked in the oven.

Afternoon: Nature and Wonder

After lunch, head to the incredible Marmore Falls, one of the most exciting natural spectacles in Italy. Walk along the paths that lead to unique panoramic points and enjoy the spectacle of the waters plunging from 165 meters. Let yourself be enveloped by the magic of the sprays and, if you’re lucky, maybe even spot a rainbow. Check the opening times of the water so as not to miss the wow effect!

Evening: Relax and magical sunset

Conclude the day with a visit to Lago di Piediluco, a few kilometers from the waterfalls. This enchanted lake is perfect for relaxing and admiring a fairytale sunset. You can rent a boat or simply walk along the banks, immersed in tranquility. Treat yourself to dinner in a small restaurant on the shores of the lake. Try local fish dishes, such as royal perch, or a pizza accompanied by a good glass of wine. The reflection of the lake at dusk will be the icing on the cake of an unforgettable day.

We are waiting for you in Umbria

Accomodations6 February 202528 July 2025 By umbriasi 0

Terra Umbra Hotel

Terra Umbra Hotel has 29 rooms: single, double, triple or suite. It is located in the countryside, in a very peaceful place, far from the noises of the city, but anyway far only 5 minutes by car from Narni and Terni.

Our rooms, where you enter with personal key-card, have full amenities including stereo, TV, mini bar, trousers press, air conditioning, safe, bath tub or shower. Dependence has 2 suites elegantly furnished, which can host up to 4 people. Our hotel also features a large and well-equipped conference room complete with projector and wide screen. There is a small fitness center with sauna, as well as an outdoor swimming pool where guests can enjoy a cool and healthy refreshment on hot summer days. The property has Wi-Fi coverage and a large car park. Our hotel also has a beach volley court and a certified football court. All areas are wheelchair accessible.

Next to the hotel, restaurant “Al Canto del Gallo” was born from the restoration of an ancient farmhouse. Rustic and elegant at the same time, it offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can taste both Umbrian culinary traditions and new flavours. It is a perfect place for meetings, ceremonies, work and private dinners.

Services

Disabled access

Accepting groups

Small pets allowed

Air conditioning

Lift

Hair dryer

Bar

Football pitch

Safe deposit box

Minibar

Gluten free

Laundry

Gym

Parking

Park/Garden

Swimming pool

Restaurant

Conference hall

Sauna

Transfer da/per aeroporto

TV - TV Sat

Free Wi-fi - Internet

Information request

Map

Gallery

Accomodations5 February 202528 July 2025 By umbriasi 0

Fontebella Palace Hotel

Let yourself be enveloped by the timeless charm of an ancient residence in the heart of Assisi. The Hotel Fontebella Palace, housed in the historic Palazzo Ferri Benigni Illuminati Scatena, welcomes you in a refined atmosphere, just a few steps from the Basilica of San Francesco.

Every room is a journey through history: breakfast in the Medieval room, relaxation in the charming Rose Garden and the unique experience on the panoramic terrace of our restaurant, Il Frantoio. Here, the Umbrian culinary tradition is enriched with Italian excellence, giving life to authentic and creative dishes.

The rooms, different in style and era, preserve the charm of the residence, restored in compliance with the Fine Arts. From the hall with wine bar to the fireplace room, every detail tells of an illustrious past.

Perfect for weddings, events and tastings, the Fontebella Palace transforms every stay into an unforgettable experience, between history, hospitality and haute cuisine.