===== Exterior ===== Villa La Contessa is a completely renovated villa dating back to the 19th century located in the heart of Umbria a few kilometers from Perugia and the main tourist attractions of the region. This villa is the ideal solution for groups of friends or families who want to spend their holidays together away from the city and surrounded by greenery enjoying large spaces dedicated to exclusive use and above all breathing the air of ancient times that the skilful restoration has been able to preserve and combine with modern comfort. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the villa in total privacy and cool off in the large garden in the pool area near which is the outdoor kitchen with BBQ and shaded veranda and enjoy the beautiful swimming pool with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Villa La Contessa is located in a convenient strategic position for visiting all of Umbria, on the border with Tuscany, 20 minutes by car from Cortona and about thirty from Lake Trasimeno. It is the ideal starting point for planning excursions even to some cities of art such as Perugia and Arezzo. - Outdoor: Villa La Contessa offers its guests a huge park all around the house with various corners equipped for relaxation and where there is a beautiful swimming pool (12x6 meters) with a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. At guests disposal also a large veranda equipped with outdoor kitchen, barbecue, table and chairs for eating outside - Services: SERVICES INCLUDED: House linen Water, electricity, gas, heating Laundry Childrens chairs (on request) Use of the swimming pool Internet connection SERVICES ON REQUEST: extra linen change extra cleaning cooking lessons home cook baby sitting mountain bike rental car rent shuttle service to and from the airport language guide - Attractions: THE DISTRICTS ODI CITTA DI CASTELLO Crossing Umbria is like entering a dimension where spiritual suggestions, artistic testimonies and environmental excellence interpenetrate perfectly. Located on the north-western side of Umbria, Città di Castello stretches along the Upper Tiber Valley on the border with nearby Tuscany and not far from the Marche. The territory offers pleasant surprises to the visitor: it is an area rich in history and monuments, with a centuries-old culture in an environment where respect for nature is accompanied by a vital industrial reality. A JOURNEY AMONG HIS ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL BEAUTIES Surrounded for long stretches by the sixteenth-century walls, in Città di Castello the "breath of art" can be found in the evocative atmosphere of the historic center, in the elegant Renaissance architecture, in the courtyards and arcades of noble palaces, in the cloisters and in the naves of the churches ; from the monumental Cathedral (11th century) with its treasures, to Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Maria delle Grazie, San Francesco and San Domenico. But also in the masterpieces of Raphael and Luca Signorelli, as well as in the bags, woods, plastics and cretti of Alberto Burri, one of the great masters of international contemporary art, who left many of his works in the city that gave him the natali. To visit, in the historic center, the Municipal Art Gallery, in Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera: enlarged with new exhibition rooms, it preserves masterpieces by Raphael, Luca Signorelli, Ghirlandaio, Raffaellino del Colle and Pomarancio. The collection of Alberto Burris works is exhibited in the two important sites of Palazzo Albizzini and the former Seccatoi del Tabacco. Also not to be missed is the Duomo Museum, adjacent to the cathedral, which preserves precious evidence of sacred art, the Textile Collection, on the second floor of Palazzo Tommasini, where the history of the "Tela Umbra" company is retraced, and the Documentation Center. of the graphic arts Grifani - Donati, a point of reference in the enhancement of the citys typographic tradition. WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN THE SURROUNDINGS In the surroundings, the oratory of San Crescentino in Morra deserves a visit, inside which some frescoes by Luca Signorelli and workshop are visible, the parish church of Canoscio, one of the most important landmarks of Marian devotion in Umbria, the sanctuary of the Madonna di Belvedere, the Abbey of Badia Petroia, a notable example of Romanesque construction (11th-12th century) and Villa Franchetti "La Montesca", surrounded by a centuries-old park rich in very rare botanical species. In Garavelle, in the farmhouse overlooking Villa Capelletti, there is the Center of Popular Traditions "Livio Dalla Ragione", one of the first examples in Italy of collecting objects linked to the peasant tradition. UMBRIA - GREEN HEART OF ITALY NATURE AT ITS FINEST Umbria has been called "Italys Green Heart." It is green, mainly agricultural, and more sparsely populated than its western neighbor, Tuscany. Umbria has no access to the Mediterranean but is home to one of the largest lakes of Italy. Umbria is for the laid-back traveler, one who would perhaps like to sip the uniquely Umbrian wine called Sagrantino in one of the many Umbria Wineries. There are plenty of interesting and historic towns to discover; the regional capital Perugia, Saint Franciss town of Assisi, or the Etruscan city of Orvieto. RICH HISTORY There are interesting places to stay in Umbria. Theres a restored Monastic outpost in Umbria called La Preghiera that hosts guests. Another place to consider is Fontanaro, a collection of houses forming a sort of rural cooperative where you can learn about Umbrian cooking, wine, and the making of organic olive oil. If you love to eat well and stay in a rural B&B, the Casale di Mele might be the perfect place to stay. This short account provides a thread to guide you through the labyrinth of this complex story. Youll find more detailed local history in the individual town pages. RESTAURANTS Umbrian cuisine is best described as farm-to-table. Foods change with the season and, when in season, you can enjoy dishes made with the highly prized truffles of the region. Deborah Meles introduction to the cuisine, The Foods of Umbria, will give you all you need to know about the food and food traditions of Umbria. TASTE OF UMBRIA Italy’s green heart, Umbria is a land unto itself, the only Italian region that borders neither the sea nor another country. This isolation has kept outside influences at bay and ensured that many of Italys old-world traditions survive today. Travel here and you’ll still see grandmothers in aprons making pasta by hand and front doors that havent been locked in centuries. ASSISI Assisi is a captivating commune. With its medieval streets, sacred shrines, entrancing churches, and a spellbinding castle, it’s no surprise it’s Umbria’s most famous town for tourists and pilgrims alike. It was the city where Italy’s Patron Saint, St. Francis, lived and prayed, so it’s a spiritual experience for many. Admire the views from the fortress of Rocca Maggiore and get great shots of Basilica di Santa Chiara and Santuario San Damiano. The two-thousand-year-old ancient Roman Temple of Minerva is also a fantastic photo opportunity. Take a moment to reflect at Eremo delle Carceri, where St. Francis prayed in isolation. Explore the Roman Forum, stroll along Via San Francesco, and see St. Rufino Cathedral, the church dedicated to Assisi’s Patron Saint, Rufino, which is home to the 12th-century crypt of Basilica Ugoniana. ORVIETO Perched dramatically on top of enormous tufa cliffs, the hillside town of Orvieto is picturesque. Easily reached by train or car, it’s the perfect day trip from Rome. But, there’s so much to see and do that you should allow plenty of time. Dating back to Etruscan times, Orvieto is split in two: the old-town hilltop and the new town at the base, connected by escalators and elevators, as well as a cable car (the most scenic form of transport). PERUGIA Nestled within central Umbria, Perugia is the region’s thriving capital. This picturesque Etruscan town is charmingly medieval, with a backdrop dominated by Italy’s largest fortress, the Rocca Paolina. Believed to be older than Rome, Perugia definitely lives up to its steadfast reputation. Explore Perugia’s attractive center overflowing with Etruscan ruins, including the third-century Sorbello Well. Visit Piazza IV Novembre, where the Fontana Maggiore fountain forms the centerpiece. Other sights include the Italian art museum, La Galleria Nazionale dell’ Umbria, the church of Sant’Angelo and the monastery of Sant’Agnese. You’ll also find the Universita per Stranieri, an excellent Italian language school, as well as the first wine school in the world in Perugia! GUBBIO Gubbio is a medieval town in north-eastern Umbria. Despite being so close to Assisi, it’s surprisingly set off the main tourist track. Surrounded by avocado countryside and connected to Mount Ingino via a scenic cableway, this hillside Italian town is undeniably magical. When it comes to authenticity, architecture, and atmosphere, Gubbio has it all. Dating back to pre-Roman times, Gubbio is one of Umbria’s oldest towns. The town center is a pleasing mix of medieval, gothic and Renaissance architecture built from grey limestone. It’s known as the “City of Fools” because you can obtain a “madman’s license” (and Eugubina citizenship!) by merely circling the small fountain in Largo Bargello three times. SPOLETO Spoleto is one of those rare non-touristy towns. Totally off the beaten path, this medieval village has a steep historical center, accessible via a travellator, that dates back to 241 BC. Inhabited by the original Umbri tribes in the 5th-century BC who built fortifying walls that can still be seen today, it was only in 774 that it became part of the Holy Roman Empire, when one of the Dukes of Lombard made it their official residence. Chosen as the filming location for the famous Italian soapy, Don Matteo (because it depicts a typical Italian town yet to be overrun by tourists), Spoleto promises all the best things about Italy – lovely restaurants, hearty cuisine, and fantastic wines. Don’t miss the black truffles and red wine from Montefalco! MARMORE WATERFALLS Marmore Falls is one of the tallest human made waterfalls in the world. Tucked within Nera River Park – also known as Waters’ Park – it was built by the Romans back in 271 BC to divert the overflowing stagnant waters of the River Velino into the River Nero. Today, the falls feed the Galleto Hydroelectric Power Station, which has enabled the metal-working, electrochemical, and electric industries at Terni. Yet the falls remain steeped in myth and legend. Popular belief dictates that a nymph called Nera fell in love with a shepherd named Velino. A jealous lover called Juno transformed Nera into a river and then threw himself over the cliff in order to be reunited with her forever. This mortal jump now lingers for eternity in the sprays of the waterfall. NARNI Narni is a quiet hamlet overlooking the lush Nera Valley. Known for its spectacular sunsets that take center stage over the backdrop of the Umbrian countryside, it’s one of the most romantic little villages in Italy. But the old town has historical and cultural significance too. Admire the incredible artwork at the Civic Museum and explore Narni Sotterranea – an unbelievable underground town only discovered in 1977. Inside, you’ll find a 13th-century Benedictine church painted with amazing frescoes, a Roman cistern, a Holy Inquisition courtroom, and an eerie prison cell. LAKE TRASIMENO Lake Trasimeno, with its hillside olive groves, undulating vineyards, and quaint stone villages, is one of the most enchanting destinations in Umbria. The fourth-largest of Italy’s lakes, Trasimeno is surrounded by ancient towers, fortresses, and Renaissance-style churches. On the lake itself, you’ll find pastel-colored wooden fishing boats, three scenic lake islands, and some of the most dramatic sunsets in Italy. While the lake is located inside the region of Umbria, it’s northern shoreline hugs the border of Tuscany. The villages peppering the lake have a resort-style atmosphere. Peak season runs from April to October, when tourists descend to take advantage of the mild climate, beaches, and hiking and biking trails. Visit out of season and you’ll find many shops and restaurants closed. SPELLO Spello is an ancient walled town with honey-colored houses cascading down the slopes of Saint Francis’s mountain, Monte Subasio. Located on the doorstep of Assisi in east-central Umbria, it’s a small town that you can explore on foot in just several hours. Small it may be, but its civilized pace and gorgeous views make it well worth a visit. In fact, it’s easily one of the most beautiful villages in Italy! Built from Subasio marble, the entire town takes on a pinkish color around sunrise and sunset – the photos are simply gorgeous! GET INSPIRED AND BUILD YOUR TRIP IN UMBRIA UMBRIA - THE PLACES OF CULTURE https://www.umbriatourism.it/it/luoghi-della-cultura UMBRIA - THE PLACES OF FAITH https://www.umbriatourism.it/it/luoghi-della-fede UMBRIA - DISCOVERING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES https://www.umbriatourism.it/it/alla-scoperta-dei-borghi UMBRIA - DISCOVERING THE UNESCO HERITAGE SITES https://www.umbriatourism.it/it/siti-unesco - Swimming Pool: You will have at your disposal a beautiful swimming pool (12x6 - maximum depth 1.55 meters) with a panoramic view of the surrounding hills; The pool area is equipped with sun loungers, tables, deck chairs and umbrellas. - Parking: free private praking - Local Transport: Travel to Umbria AIRPORTS The closest airports are Rome, Pisa, and Florence. Perugia now has an airport with flights from other parts of Italy and Europe as well. The International Airport Of Perugia You can find out about flights into Perugia here as well as car rental and bus information at the airport. BUSES Buses connect most smaller towns and villages, and provide the only public transport access to Norcia and Gubbio, though services can be sparse on Sundays; tickets should be bought before boarding, generally in newspaper booths or tabacchi (look for the blue “T” sign). Don’t forget that train and bus tickets always need stamping: for trains, in the orange machines on platforms and in station buildings, for buses, in the machines on board. RAIL There are direct trains from Pisa Aeroporto train station to Florence every two hours (journey time 57 mins), and more frequent connections that involve a change at Pisa Centrale (trenitalia.com). From Florence there are frequent connections to Perugia, usually with a change at Terontola (see below). Flights to Rome leave a similar two-hour-plus journey time by train or car to southern Umbria. CAR RENTAL Driving is the best (sometimes the only) way to explore the remoter rural areas. Umbria roads are generally well-maintained, and 24-hour petrol stations are reasonably common, though don’t always count on being able to use your credit card in the machine. Parking in many historic towns is restricted or metered. ===== Interior ===== Villa La Contessa is an old historic farmhouse wisely restored keeping intact its ancient spirit and mixing it perfectly with modern comfort to offer today an environment of about 00 square meters in total with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms distributed on 2 levels. Ground Floor - Living Area 2 large living rooms with sofas, armchairs, tables and TV 1 large dining room set up with table and chairs for up to 20 people 1 fully equipped kitchen 1 complete bathroom with window with sink, toilet, bidet and shower 1 game room set up with a game table and billiards 1 chapel to celebrate ad hoc events First Floor - Sleeping area 1 relaxation lounge for reading and leisure with sofas and armchairs 3 double bedrooms 1 bedroom with two single beds (convertible into a double) 3 complete bathrooms with window with sink, toilet, bidet and shower Linen and towels are provided free of charge we provide free toiletries, hairdryer, toilet paper, rugs and towels. Toiletries: shampoo-shower, hand soap In the rooms there are also: full length mirror, wardrobe, hangers, bedside tables and lights CLEANING AND SANITIZATION Professional cleaning and sanitizing are carried out at the beginning and end of the stay INTERNET wifi internet available throughout the hotel AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING air conditioning is not available but the walls are the thick ones typical of historic buildings so the house is very cool; however, fans are supplied Autonomous heating CHILDREN Children are welcome I provide toys, childrens books. ACCESSIBILITY The villa is not suitable for people with reduced mobility as there are several steps to climb to reach the sleeping area on the first floor VIEW The view is on the surrounding valley NOISE The doors and windows are of good quality and the house is located in a very small village so you will surely sleep well ANIMALS your small 4-legged friends are welcome - Sitting Room: 2 spacious living rooms - Kitchen: 2 total kitchens - Bedrooms: 5 total bedrooms - Bathrooms: 4 total bathrooms ===== Apartment Policies ===== Arrival between 16:00 and 20:00 Departure within 10:00 Pool open from 1 May to 30 September Not included in the rental price and to be paid on the spot: Bed Linen and Towels (additional set) (on request): 15.00€ per person Extra Cleaning (on request): 15.00€ per hour Refundable Security Deposit in cash (mandatory): 500.00€ Heating (on request): 10.00€ per day Babycot (on request): 25.00€ Late Arrival (after 23:00) (on request): 100.00€ Included in the rental price: Bed Linen and Towels (initial set) Final Cleaning Extra Bed Use of double sofa-bed Use of the Kitchen Beds made up for arrival Electricity Utilities Water Internet Wifi Internet High chair Parking Pets (on request) Early Departure Washing Machine Welcome kit Key collection service Registration fee