Staying at VIlla Caicresce
Around the Villa
A few places to get you started as you explore this magical part of Umbria
Firstly I have to say, the view from the villa is so beautiful that it’s sometimes hard to leave. But when you do manage to get out and about, our home is about a 5 minute drive from the perfectly formed tiny village of Montone. Montone is a beautiful hilltop walled village, with a very welcoming bar, a handful of excellent restaurants, a pizzeria and a fantastic bakery (just outside the walls of the village, with a big patio overlooking a the valley.
Montone loves a good festival (jazz festival, beer festival, etc and is most famous for a great outdoor film festival in July (6-10th July this year) that is curated by Terry Gilliam of Monte Python fame. There is also a tiny museum, but I must admit, I’ve not been.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Montone
Firstly I have to say, the view from the villa is so beautiful that it’s sometimes hard to leave. But when you do manage to get out and about, our home is about a 5 minute drive from the perfectly formed tiny village of Montone. Montone is a beautiful hilltop walled village, with a very welcoming bar, a handful of excellent restaurants, a pizzeria and a fantastic bakery (just outside the walls of the village, with a big patio overlooking a the valley.
Montone loves a good festival (jazz festival, beer festival, etc and is most famous for a great outdoor film festival in July (6-10th July this year) that is curated by Terry Gilliam of Monte Python fame. There is also a tiny museum, but I must admit, I’ve not been.
This wonderful town is largely undiscovered by tourists (which is one reason we like it!). Its 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.
It is connected to the world by an old roman road - perfectly straight as far as the eye can see - gotta love those romans!.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Anghiari
This wonderful town is largely undiscovered by tourists (which is one reason we like it!). Its 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.
It is connected to the world by an old roman road - perfectly straight as far as the eye can see - gotta love those romans!.
A good place to grab provisions, and has an excellent weekly market. Also some good restaurants, and a lovely place for an evening promenade...I hear there are a few sensational gelato producers in town too.
Weekly market on Wednesday mornings.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Umbertide
A good place to grab provisions, and has an excellent weekly market. Also some good restaurants, and a lovely place for an evening promenade...I hear there are a few sensational gelato producers in town too.
Weekly market on Wednesday mornings.
About half an hour's drive from the villa, Gubbio is a great place to visit. Walk up the stone laneways through this beautiful stone village perched on the hillside, to the 'Piazza Grande' at the top with stunning views into the valley below. Even more stunning views are available from the top of the quirky, old fashioned Finivia (cable car) that leaves from the top of town (follow the signs) up to the top of Monte Ingino and an old monastery. Slightly hair-raising.
Park at the bottom (near the old market buildings) and walk up through the lovely blonde stone streets.
There are plenty of places to stop to eat, but we had an amazing meal in a beautiful old-school taverna called Taverna Del Lupo, about half way up the hill (see our review below).
230 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gubbio
About half an hour's drive from the villa, Gubbio is a great place to visit. Walk up the stone laneways through this beautiful stone village perched on the hillside, to the 'Piazza Grande' at the top with stunning views into the valley below. Even more stunning views are available from the top of the quirky, old fashioned Finivia (cable car) that leaves from the top of town (follow the signs) up to the top of Monte Ingino and an old monastery. Slightly hair-raising.
Park at the bottom (near the old market buildings) and walk up through the lovely blonde stone streets.
There are plenty of places to stop to eat, but we had an amazing meal in a beautiful old-school taverna called Taverna Del Lupo, about half way up the hill (see our review below).
Sansepolcro is the main service town in the Tiber valley (the valley that Caicresce looks down into). It's a great place to visit for shopping, dining, a couple of drinks or a good old fashioned stroll. The old town (Centro Storico) is nestled inside the medieval walls. Lots of free and easy parking on all sides, and a short walk into the main piazza. They also have a pretty extensive market on Tuesday mornings. If you are looking for somewhere for good food and wine, we had a great experience at Enoteca Dei Sensi.
77 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sansepolcro
Sansepolcro is the main service town in the Tiber valley (the valley that Caicresce looks down into). It's a great place to visit for shopping, dining, a couple of drinks or a good old fashioned stroll. The old town (Centro Storico) is nestled inside the medieval walls. Lots of free and easy parking on all sides, and a short walk into the main piazza. They also have a pretty extensive market on Tuesday mornings. If you are looking for somewhere for good food and wine, we had a great experience at Enoteca Dei Sensi.
Only 20 minutes from Villa Caicresce, 'Citta' is a wonderful village, plenty to do and see, including a wonderful 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.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Citta di Castello
Only 20 minutes from Villa Caicresce, 'Citta' is a wonderful village, plenty to do and see, including a wonderful 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 bit further afield
If you fancy a bit of a day trip, there is lot to keep you occupied. Here are a few of our favourite places for a day trip.
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.
462 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Perugia
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).
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.
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Montefalco
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).
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.
Todi was the first place we went to in Umbria, over 10 years ago. It is well known, quite lovely and well worth a stop-off. Park at the bottom and catch the funicular to the top. Visit when you go to Montefalco or Orvietto for a great day out.
192 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Todi
Todi was the first place we went to in Umbria, over 10 years ago. It is well known, quite lovely and well worth a stop-off. 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. Its a wonderful city full of life. It is also a university town, so has lots of nightlife and they do the Aperativo 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!
502 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arezzo
Arezzo is actually in Tuscany - but is just abut 45 minutes away. Its a wonderful city full of life. It is also a university town, so has lots of nightlife and they do the Aperativo 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!
177 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Spello
Spello is picture postcard perfect in every way. Well known for its laneways full of flowers in summer - insta at every turn!
This place is a bit surreal. It looks more like a movie set than a real town.
The town of Bangnoregio is a basic non-touristy Italian town. But the connected (JUST) village of Civita is quite something! Its connected by a narrow, very long pedestrian bridge. Believe it or not, people actually live here (only a few, but still). there are few cafes, tourist shops and restaurants there too. It is actually in Lazio, not Umbria, but makes a great stop on the way back to Rome.
211 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Civita di Bagnoregio
This place is a bit surreal. It looks more like a movie set than a real town.
The town of Bangnoregio is a basic non-touristy Italian town. But the connected (JUST) village of Civita is quite something! Its connected by a narrow, very long pedestrian bridge. Believe it or not, people actually live here (only a few, but still). there are few cafes, tourist shops and restaurants there too. It is actually in Lazio, not Umbria, but makes a great stop on the way back to Rome.
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, find a sunny spot 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!
498 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cortona
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, find a sunny spot 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!
Great places to eat around the VIlla
Here are a few of our favourite places to eat if you can tear yourself away from the villa! We won't recommend it unless we have been there!
www. lanticaosteria.it
Great local restaurant. Serving simple Italian food, including Bistecca (served on a huge salt slab)...I love their tiramisu. If the weather is good, ask for a table in the piazza and watch the world go by. they also have a great little apperitivo terrace where you can enjoy a glass of something and watch the sun set over the incredible views.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Antica Osteria
5 Piazza Fortebracciowww. lanticaosteria.it
Great local restaurant. Serving simple Italian food, including Bistecca (served on a huge salt slab)...I love their tiramisu. If the weather is good, ask for a table in the piazza and watch the world go by. they also have a great little apperitivo terrace where you can enjoy a glass of something and watch the sun set over the incredible views.
The swishest place to eat around Montone. There are two restaurants here. The first, called Locanda Del Capitano, is an upmarket degustation kinda place. Michelin guide and all.
But we think the real gem is the Tipico Osteria Sensi next door (see our other review).
La Locanda del Capitano
7 Via RomaThe swishest place to eat around Montone. There are two restaurants here. The first, called Locanda Del Capitano, is an upmarket degustation kinda place. Michelin guide and all.
But we think the real gem is the Tipico Osteria Sensi next door (see our other review).
The perfect place in town to for a morning coffee or an evening 'aperitivo', Aries cafe is right on the town square. Lots of tables to sit around and enjoy the ambience, wonderful friendly staff, gelato and great pizza. A must for every visit to Montone.
Aries Cafè
1 Corso Giuseppe GaribaldiThe perfect place in town to for a morning coffee or an evening 'aperitivo', Aries cafe is right on the town square. Lots of tables to sit around and enjoy the ambience, wonderful friendly staff, gelato and great pizza. A must for every visit to Montone.
Part of the up-market Locanda and restaurant Il Capitano next door, this Osteria is unassuming but excellent. Focused on 100% locally sources Umbrian fare, all locally sourced (they even have an olive oil menu!). We have eaten here many times - its a true local gem. Try it, you won't regret it.
Tipico Osteria dei Sensi
5 Via RomaPart of the up-market Locanda and restaurant Il Capitano next door, this Osteria is unassuming but excellent. Focused on 100% locally sources Umbrian fare, all locally sourced (they even have an olive oil menu!). We have eaten here many times - its a true local gem. Try it, you won't regret it.
OK, so yes, we have a soft spot for this place. We sat on the wonderful deck one autumn morning in 2018, drinking too much espresso and munching on foccacia and decided to take the plunge into this wonderful Umbrian adventure of Villa Caicresce!
But we stand by the healing properties of a beautifully made, still warm slice of focaccia along with a perfect cappuccino consumed in front of the bakery looking out onto the view. It has become a ritual for us. It will for you too. Try it....I promise you won't regret it!
Good for morning (be quick, they run out) snacks, and evening pizza. Also they are open for aperativo (this is new since we were last there)...can’t think of a better place to hang out for an hour or two!
Pizza and Bakery "Il Mugnaio"
SP201OK, so yes, we have a soft spot for this place. We sat on the wonderful deck one autumn morning in 2018, drinking too much espresso and munching on foccacia and decided to take the plunge into this wonderful Umbrian adventure of Villa Caicresce!
But we stand by the healing properties of a beautifully made, still warm slice of focaccia along with a perfect cappuccino consumed in front of the bakery looking out onto the view. It has become a ritual for us. It will for you too. Try it....I promise you won't regret it!
Good for morning (be quick, they run out) snacks, and evening pizza. Also they are open for aperativo (this is new since we were last there)...can’t think of a better place to hang out for an hour or two!
If you are visiting Gubbio, and we would recommend that you do.... this would be our choice of places to eat!.
We followed the well-dressed locals into this smart, classic restaurant. Think old-school Italian style. White table cloths, tuxedo clad waiters (who have probably been here since it opened in 1968!), cheese and desert trolley, excellent wine list and oh..the truffles ...whats not to fall in love with? Just make sure you have done your sight-seeing before stopping here....a quick bite has the tendency to turn into an all afternoon affair (or maybe that's just us!).
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taverna Del Lupo
6 Via Glovanni AnsideiIf you are visiting Gubbio, and we would recommend that you do.... this would be our choice of places to eat!.
We followed the well-dressed locals into this smart, classic restaurant. Think old-school Italian style. White table cloths, tuxedo clad waiters (who have probably been here since it opened in 1968!), cheese and desert trolley, excellent wine list and oh..the truffles ...whats not to fall in love with? Just make sure you have done your sight-seeing before stopping here....a quick bite has the tendency to turn into an all afternoon affair (or maybe that's just us!).
A wonderful place to grab lunch or dinner in Citta di Castello. One of the few places that is open all afternoon (many restaurants close at 3pm). They specialise in Fungi - truffles in particular. a lovely room, as well as a terrace in the main piazza, its a fantastic place to while away a few hours while you eat your body-weight in pasta! And the wine list is also fantastic.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trattoria Lea
8F Corso Camillo Benso Conte di CavourA wonderful place to grab lunch or dinner in Citta di Castello. One of the few places that is open all afternoon (many restaurants close at 3pm). They specialise in Fungi - truffles in particular. a lovely room, as well as a terrace in the main piazza, its a fantastic place to while away a few hours while you eat your body-weight in pasta! And the wine list is also fantastic.
Shopping
I’m a bit of a shopaholic (I know, its a curse!). And I love Italy for shopping, everything from markets to designer labels. There are lots of shopping options in Umbria/Tuscany, but here are just a couple of my fave's
A great linen shop in Montefalco. They also have outlet stores in Montefalco if you are bit of a bargain hunter like me!
Tessuto Artistico Umbro
A great linen shop in Montefalco. They also have outlet stores in Montefalco if you are bit of a bargain hunter like me!
The top of the range linen store in Montefalco. They also have a store in Todi, and Spello. The bee design is classic Umbria. Highly recommended.
www.tessiturapardi.com
TESSITURA PARDI MONTEFALCO -CORSO MAMELI 5
5 Corso Goffredo MameliThe top of the range linen store in Montefalco. They also have a store in Todi, and Spello. The bee design is classic Umbria. Highly recommended.
www.tessiturapardi.com
Sightseeing
Lake Trasimeno is about 45 minutes from the villa and can make a fun day out. You can boat, take a ferry to one of the islands (that time forgot!), visit all sorts of landmarks. There are also places you can swim (but we have not done this). Great spot if you have kids.
Not many non-Italian tourists, but the welcome will be warm in any language.
On the way there is a classic Cafe/Bar/Ristorante that we highly recommend stopping at - Lo Scoiattolo (the squirrel). Grab a caffe and head to the terrace - the view is breathtaking. They also make their own pasta, to eat in or take away. www.loscoiattoloisciano.it
www.traseminoland.com. this is a brilliant website set up by local businesses.
353 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lago Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno is about 45 minutes from the villa and can make a fun day out. You can boat, take a ferry to one of the islands (that time forgot!), visit all sorts of landmarks. There are also places you can swim (but we have not done this). Great spot if you have kids.
Not many non-Italian tourists, but the welcome will be warm in any language.
On the way there is a classic Cafe/Bar/Ristorante that we highly recommend stopping at - Lo Scoiattolo (the squirrel). Grab a caffe and head to the terrace - the view is breathtaking. They also make their own pasta, to eat in or take away. www.loscoiattoloisciano.it
www.traseminoland.com. this is a brilliant website set up by local businesses.
Ok, so breaking my own rule. I haven't been here. Its a decent drive from the villa (about 1.5 hours). But we hear it's fabulous, so if you take the trip, please let me know how it is.
Marmore Falls were created by the Romans to divert water from the marshlands around a roman city nearby. Its very cool. As I read somewhere, a little elf turns the water on for an hour or so every morning and every afternoon. You can hike from the bottom to the top, and I believe there is a siren as the water is released.
In July and August water release is more frequent.
Check the website for times: www.cascatadellamarmore.info
113 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Marmore Falls
Ok, so breaking my own rule. I haven't been here. Its a decent drive from the villa (about 1.5 hours). But we hear it's fabulous, so if you take the trip, please let me know how it is.
Marmore Falls were created by the Romans to divert water from the marshlands around a roman city nearby. Its very cool. As I read somewhere, a little elf turns the water on for an hour or so every morning and every afternoon. You can hike from the bottom to the top, and I believe there is a siren as the water is released.
In July and August water release is more frequent.
Check the website for times: www.cascatadellamarmore.info
Located in Le Marche, this beautiful national park ( translates into English as the Furlo Gorge) has a bit of everything. stunning views, great walks, old ruins, picnic spots - the lot. Its about 60km ways - which translates to about an hour on Italian roads.
www. riservagoladelfurlo.it
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gola del Furlo
1 PianacceLocated in Le Marche, this beautiful national park ( translates into English as the Furlo Gorge) has a bit of everything. stunning views, great walks, old ruins, picnic spots - the lot. Its about 60km ways - which translates to about an hour on Italian roads.
www. riservagoladelfurlo.it
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, find a sunny spot 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!
498 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cortona
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, find a sunny spot 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!
Food scene
Just a few minutes from Villa Caicresce, San Giorgio offers modern takes on Umbrian classics with a focus on VERY local produce. Top quality food, superb wine list. The full package. Its a small place, so booking is advised. A not to miss.
Ristorante San Giorgio
3 Via ManciniJust a few minutes from Villa Caicresce, San Giorgio offers modern takes on Umbrian classics with a focus on VERY local produce. Top quality food, superb wine list. The full package. Its a small place, so booking is advised. A not to miss.
Consejos para la ciudad
No te pierdas
Markets, markets markets, markets!
You can't go to Italy without falling over a village market at some time or another. But what is most frustrating is arriving somewhere only to find the market was yesterday or tomorrow!
So here is our list - with a caveat - this is pre-covid. Worth checking before you go - and go early. 8am -1:30pm
Monday - Montefalco,
Tuesday - Perugia, Gubbio,
Wednesday - Umbertide (this is the closest to the villa and its pretty perfect, Spello.
Thursday - Citta Di Castello, Camucia, Orvieto,
Friday - Spoletto,
Saturday - Cortona, Sansepolcro (every 3rd sat), Arezzo,