Regions:

Southern Tuscany
Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza,
S. Quirico d’Orcia, Sarteano, Siena

Eastern Tuscany
Arezzo, Castiglion Fiorentino, Chiusi,
Cortona

Umbria
Città della Pieve, Orvieto, Perugia.

Northern Lazio & the Maremma
Acquapendente, Bolsena, Pitigliano,
Sorano, Viterbo
Umbria
 

CITTÀ DELLA PIEVE

Città della Pieve’s history is closly tied to that of Chiusi in the Etruscan and Roman times and
to the city of Perugia since the middle ages. The town is entirely built of terracotta bricks which
give it a distinctive Umbrian look. It is also famous as the birthplace of the painter Perugino. Visit
the enchanting historic town center with its narrow streets and fortified walls and towers, as well
as the Cathedral and the minor churches where you can admire several of Perugino’s frescoes.

Festivals & Events

First through the third Sunday of August
Palio

An old festival with competitions among the archers of the different village districts, a historical
parade, and the opening of fourteenth century stalls and taverns to taste local cuisine.

Fourth Sunday of every month
Exchange market of old and used articles

 

ORVIETO

Renowned for its magnificent gothic Cathedral, its beautiful position on top of a
tufa rock and its white wine, Orvieto is as charming as it gets. The façade of the
Duomo is a masterpiece of colored mosaics and stone reliefs. Its interiors are
rich in art and sculpture and include the famous chapel displaying the frescoes
of the Apocalypse by Luca Signorelli. The Palazzo del Popolo, the Well of San
Patrizio, and the old quarter are well worth a visit.

Festivals & Events

Twice weekly in the town center
Food market

August 14th
Folk and religious celebrations in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption,
the patron saint of Orvieto.

Feast of Corpus Domini

With its historical authenticity and magnificence of its costumes, this parade held
in Orvieto has few rivals. Hundreds of participants dressed in costumes representing
all walks of medieval life participate in this solemn procession every year. There is
also a Goose Palio on Corpus Domini, sixty days following the Easter holiday.
 

PERUGIA

Perugia was one of the twelve Etruscan city-states that comprised the federation of Etruria
in the seventh and sixth century B.C. Today the massive Etruscan walls and gates still
define the historic center. Medieval ecclesiastical and secular buildings as well as Perugia’s
famous University make this city a treat for any visitor. The Piazza 4 Novembre with its
Fontana Grande and the Palazzo dei Priori are the highlight of the city. The spectacular art
collection in the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria is worth a visit. Other impressive sites are
the Museo Archeologico dell’Umbria, the Church of San Pietro, and the Oratory of San
Bernardino.

Festivals & Events

Last weekend of the month
Outdoor market

The main attraction here are ceramics, from the most precious to the most utilitarian,
all colorfully decorated with patterns in use for centuries. Antique costume jewelry is
another highlight. It takes place In the Palazzo della Prefettura in summer, and in the
Rocca Paolina in winter.

Second Friday through the third Sunday of July
Umbria Jazz Fest

Since 1975, this vibrant, world-famous jazz fest has attracted some of the biggest
names in jazz to the center of the most beautiful countryside that Italy has to offer.

Third Friday through fourth Sunday of October
EuroChocolate Festival

An annual event dedicated to cocoa sweetmeat for which this ancient Etruscan town
is world famous. Some 300,000 sweet-toothed visitors devour 50 tons of the high-calorie
indulgence during the nine-day blow-out which includes chocolate tasting in cafes and
in historical theaters, theme shows and workshops, cinematic presentations featuring
sweet-toothed characters and lectures featuring nutritionists.
Questions? Please email us at or call Patrizio at (001) 773 425 5730