Cunicchi

The tranquility of the countryside, good facilities and an inimitable kitchen are the big attractions. This region is less touristy than Tuscany and this is especially appreciated by many tourists.
South/central Umbria is an ideal starting point to enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding hills and mountains and to make trips to beautiful cities such as Todi, Orvieto, Narni, Spoleto, Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi. There are also numerous charming villages – many of medieval origins – such as Amelia, Labro, Spello, Norcia, Bevagna and Montefalco to visit. In many towns and villages you can taste local dishes or buy local wines and olive oil (usually of excellent quality). You can also easily – in day trips – visit well-known cities and charming villages in the southern part of Tuscany, such as Siena, Arezzo, San Giminiano, Pienza, Cortona, Sinalunga, etc. Many tourists also visit Rome from here (without staying in the city that is very hot in the summer) one or more times. It is possible to go by car (1h-1h30 journey) or by train from the stations of: Terni, Narni-Amelia, Orte & Orvieto.
We like the mountains with some beautiful forests, for example Terminillo (up to 2000 meters by car). In about 1 hour it is possible to reach the glittering lakes of Bracciano, Vico, Piediluco, Bolsena and Trasimeno. The Mediterranean Sea (mostly sandy beaches), located between Tarquinia and Chiarone, is 90-120 km away (about 1h20-1h40 drive). Near the town of Terni you can also visit the Marmore waterfalls (165 meters, one of the highest in Europe), there is also a rafting/canoeing/hydrospeed center nearby.
ENVIRONMENT
Lago di Bolsena (35 km) is the largest lake in Italy, formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. The water of Bolsena is so clear that it is completely safe to drink it. The local government has made great efforts to preserve the natural purity of the lake; a technologically advanced purification system has eliminated the mistakes that could have been made before pollution awareness was so developed. Fortunately, no industrial development mars Bolsena's coasts, nor its views, and the gently sloping nature of the surrounding land limits the amount of water runoff and soil erosion that could affect the transparency of the water. The native fishermen still use the lake water to make the local culinary specialty - a fish soup called sbrosia - a rarity. The lake is 12 km away. long and 14 km. wide, with a maximum depth of 151 meters. The main town on the lake is called Bolsena. Like much of Italy, it bears the marks of almost every major period on the Italian peninsula, dating back to the Iron Age and continuing through the times of the martyrs, catacombs and miracles to the Middle Ages. The Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara is located at the top of the hill, overlooking the medieval quarter of the city. The castle was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. It has been completely renovated and since 1991 has housed the Museo Territoriale del Lago di Bolsena (Territorial Museum of Lake Bolsena). The museum is well laid out; each of the three floors is dedicated to different aspects of Bolsena's history, ranging from its prehistoric volcanic origins to the Etruscan-Roman period. A walk along the castle ramparts offers beautiful views of the entire lake and is not to be missed. The Church of St. Christine is the other main attraction of the city. It is a Romanesque church, built in 1078 in a typical basilica style above the catacombs where St. Christine, a young woman martyred during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, was buried. From April to September, excursion boats leave from the town of Bolsena to Bisentina and Martana, the islands in the lake. Both are privately owned and Martana is not open to the public, but Bisentina is a former summer residence of the Popes and has a large church on it. There are also seven small chapels built around the island. Don't think that Bolsena is just for history and culture buffs. It is also ideal for swimming, sailing, relaxing and dining. One of my fondest memories is eating a delicious meal of grilled coregone (a local lake fish) at one of the many simple restaurants along the coast. If you happen to find one that serves sbrosia, consider it your lucky day.