Harvesting the olives at Villa Bastiola

This year we were lucky enough to have some guests staying with us at harvest time.  Kathy and Tom from Maine in the States who couldn't have been nicer and who spent a lovely morning harvesting the olives from our trees in the gardens at Villa Bastiola.

This year's crop wasn't great - the long hot summer meant that the olives were fairly small and not all of the trees had produced any olives.  So the yield was low, but we managed to get just enough to have nearly 10 litres of delicious green/golden nectar of extra virgin olive oil to see us through the year.

Although Kathy and Tom couldn't fit much into their suitcases, they did manage to make room to take back a couple of bottles of the oil to enjoy at home, reminiscing about their holidays here.

The weather was gorgeous, no fog, so the olives were dry, blue skies and sunshine.  Pretty cold at first, it soon warmed up and we were able to have a coffee break on the terrace!

We served a traditional Italian lunch for the workers, with crostini, oodles of pasta al forno and pannacotta to finish up.

Kathy and Tom have travelled extensively throughout Italy and particularly like Umbria. They had been to this area before and were keen to come back in time for the Truffle fair at Città di Castello at the beginning of their stay.

They really enjoyed the self catering apartment at Villa Bastiola and shared it first with their daughter and son-in-law and then with some old friends from the States.  The two en-suite bedrooms and lovely kitchen, make for a really comfortable place to stay.

For full details about the self catering apartment at Villa Bastiola, please visit www.villabastiola.com 

Recommended by Trip Advisor and Alastair Sawdays.

White Truffle Fair, Città di Castello, Umbria - 4-6 Nov 2011

Truffle Fair, Città di Castello, Umbria

The White Truffle Fair at Città di Castello in Umbria takes place every year and is a fantastic event.  

This coming weekend, the historic centre will be full of stands and gazebos selling everything from dried porcini to truffle sauces, black truffles and white truffles, olive oil fresh from the presses this year, to salami, (the best are from the Norcia region of Umbria), cheeses, breads and traditional cakes and sweets.

White truffle is currently being sold at 3,300 Euro per kg this year!!!! That makes it about100 Euro for one very thin slice on top of your plate of your pasta - it just could be some of the most expensive food you will every eat!!! And the most delicious...

The first time I went to the fair (6 years ago now), I was overwhelmed by the fragrance and smells coming from the gazebo in the main square.  There's nothing like it and it really seems to mean that autumn is well and truly here.  

Not to miss are the hot roasted chestnuts with a glass of vin novello (the "new" red wine from this year's harvest).

There are all sorts of activities happening too, chefs showing their skills cooking truffles, workshops and classes to take part in.

I always say it but late October and early November are a great time to visit this part of Italy.  It really comes into its own, with truffles, porcini, olive oil, salami and cheeses being found and produced locally.  The cuisine of Umbria is hard to beat!

Come and stay with us next year for this special occasion - www.villabastiola.com . 

Festa d'Autunno, Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, 14-16 Oct

Castle at Monte Santa Maria Tiberina

The Festa D'Autunno or Autumn Festival takes place very year in the tiny mountaintop hamlet of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina.

The Monte is the highest peak for miles around - wherever you go in the area you can always get your bearings from the castle (see the photo) which you can see silhouetted against the skyline!

The Festival runs from the 14th to 16th October with lots of events taking place.  There are stalls selling local produce and crafts, flagthrowers, medieval processions and traditional Italian music as well as a dinner in the Castle itself (still owned and recently restored by the Bourbons of the Monte) at 9pm on the first evening with original recipes from the 1600s...!!!

It's a great chance to join with the locals and really get a feel of how they still celebrate and maintain their ancient traditions and customs today.

The lovely apartment at Villa Bastiola is just 20 minutes drive away and makes a great base for exploring the area.  Find full details and info on www.villabastiola.com

Sagra della Castagna, Morra - 8/9 Ottobre 2011

Roasting Chestnuts

The Sagra della Castagna (Chestnut Fair) at Morra, is held every year at the beginning of October just as the chestnut season is starting.

Morra is a small but thriving village on the road from Città di Castello to Cortona (Tuscany).  The wooded hills in the area around Morra are full of chestnut trees and produce chestnuts that are highly valued for their quality.

Chestnut gathering is a really serious business!  At this time of the year, you will find the woods full of locals searching for the best chestnuts.  You can only harvest if you own the woods - don't think about scrumping someone elses'!! 

During the festival you can find out how widely chestnuts are used in Italian cuisine from simply roasted, to cakes and pastries, jams, marron glacè and even honey collected during the time when the chestnut trees are in flower.

It's a lovely event and there is usually traditional Italian music and dancing with a young group coming up from Lake Trasimeno to take part.

A really good way to pass a Sunday afternoon especially if the sun's out and the sky is blue.

The apartment at Villa Bastiola is just 10 minutes away from Morra, so makes a great base to visit this festival and the rest of the area.

Truffle Fair, Citerna, 8 - 9 October 2011

Delicious black truffles (tartufo nero)

La Bisaccia del Tartufaro (or the Truffle Hunters' Satchel)

The tiny medieval hilltop village of Citerna (just over the border in Tuscany)  is host to the annual truffle fair this coming weekend on the 8th and 9th of October.

The streets are lined with stands from local suppliers selling everything woodlandy from truffles and porcini mushrooms to honey, chestnuts, homemade jams, and vin santo.

All the suppliers are based in the north of Umbria and it is a wonderful chance to taste the delicious goodies that the Upper Tiber Valley has to offer.

October is a fantastic month to see Umbria, with the autumn colours just setting in and lots of festivals taking place, including Eurochocolate in Perugia! The apartment at Villa Bastiola offers a great base to stay while visiting the area and enjoying the different festivals.

Anne's Italy - Guided tours in Umbria

Anne Robichaud has lived in Umbria for over 30 years and is the only OFFICIAL English speaking tour guide for the region.

Believe me, that means something! I once thought about sitting the exams to become a tour guide but the whole thing was a minefield! Italian bureaucracy at its worst! It was almost impossible to find out when the exams were going to be held and then you could study the whole of Umbrian history only to find that the examining board could just decide to ask you a question like, "Tell me about the paintings inside the Church of San Francesco at Montone", meaning you had to have visited every nook and crany of this region, every tiny little church and oratorio and remember every last detail.   It wasn't for me! So I really admire Anne having persisted and gained this recognition.

Taking a tour with Anne will really help you see the true Umbria.  Not just the one in the guidebooks, or the pretty postcard images of medieval hilltop towns, but will include the whys and wherefores, meeting the locals, sharing their customs and traditions and enjoying the local cuisine as you go.

One of her blogs is on how to choose the best ice cream while you are out sightseeing! What more could you want?! Learning all the history of Umbria whilst savouring your favourite flavour of a delicious creamy gelato.

Her website is www.annesitaly.com where you can find all information about her tours, the dates and prices.  She is also very happy to custom make a tour for you.

While you are staying at the lovely apartment at Villa Bastiola, why not get in touch and book a perfect day trip out?

Cookery Courses in Umbria with Dana and Melchiorre

This summer we were lucky enough to bump into amazing Sardinian chef Melchiorre and his American partner, pastry chef, Dana.

They create an amazing team and offer catering, cookery courses for all ages (including groups for kids) and cheese making classes.

While you are staying at the lovely apartment at Villa Bastiola, why not consider taking an afternoon learning to make some of the delicious dishes that Italy is famous for in the stunning kitchen at the apartment? 

If you are really want to take it easy and not self cater all the time, Dana and Melchiorre will even come to the apartment and cook for you.

Dana is a fully trained masseuse so to make your holiday totally relaxing, you could book her for a massage as well!

Full details about this incredible couple can be found at:

http://mangiamangiaitaly.wordpress.com/

Details of the apartment at Villa Bastiola can be found at www.villabastiola.com .

Tripadvisor - Villa Bastiola listing

TripAdvisor - Villa Bastiola - luxury self catering apartment

For ages, I couldn't manage to get our apartment listed on TripAdvisor (apart from a tiny photo and two word listing with no link to our website!) as we didn't fit into their specific criteria for hotels and B&B (need to have more than one accommodation for rent for a free listing).  

Sure, you could pay for the listing but that kind or defeats the whole point of TripA which is supposed to be a neutral guest driven website with honest comments about accommodation.

Anyway, TripA have now linked up with FlipKey and although you have to pay (a very tiny amount) it means an automatic listing on TripA.  So here we are!  I'm really chuffed - lots of our past guests have already logged on and left really charming reviews about their holidays here.

Most of our guests leave feeling that they have become part of our family, or at least become good friends and that they have had an authentic and genuine Italian experience.  They still want to know what's happening in our lives and keep in touch on Facebook or Twitter.

I'm not a great fan of these social networks but for keeping in contact with our new friends, lots of whom are on the other side of the world (Australia and NZ), it's a wonderful thing.

We'd love you to come and experience Umbria - don't take my word for it, click on this link:

TripAdvisor - Villa Bastiola

and read what our guests say about their holidays here.

www.villabastiola.com

Tripadvisor Slideshow for Villa Bastiola

Welcome to the Villa Bastiola. by Sally Ann Marconi in Umbertide, Umbria. Brought to you by TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals, powered by TripWow!™

Casco dell'Acqua, Umbria

Casco dell'Acqua, Umbria

The tiny, tiny cluster of houses that is Casco dell'Acqua is hard to find but well worth the effort this weekend!  Each year they have a flower festival where the river Clitunno, which flows through the village, is decorated with amazing floral displays.  This year the theme was 150 years of Italian unification and pictured above are just some of the stunning designs.  We didn't know about this festival until today, when we visited Trevi and saw a poster about it.  Glad we went - it's just one of those little celebrations of life that go on in every Italian village, that mean so much to the local inhabitants and touch those of us from the outside lucky enough to take part.

www.villabastiola.com 

Campello sul Clituunno, Umbria

Campello sul Clitunno, Umbria

The beautiful, tranquil waters at Campello sul Clitunno, famous for having inspired Lord Byron...

The spring rises here and feeds the river Clitunno.

Mother and babies paddling along...

All along the backwaters, through the rushes tall...

And there would have to be a beautiful swan!

About 4 miles from Trevi, it makes sense to visit both places in one day.  We had a picnic under the trees by the water's edge on table and benches provided.  Very relaxing and peaceful even if it has become a bit touristy.  You can imagine why Byron was inspired to write some of his poetry here.

Stay at Villa Bastiola and visit Trevi and Campello in just under an hour's drive.

Trevi , Umbria

Trevi, Umbria

The beautiful hilltop town of Trevi with Montefalco in the distance.

Trevi just seems to tumble delightfully down the hillside.

The slopes around Trevi are covered with olive trees and at this time of year poppies abound in the hedgerows and under the olive trees.

And today we even caught a horseriding group coming into the town centre.

Trevi is in the heart of the olive growing area for Umbria and the slopes are simply covered with olive trees. It's a gorgeous site and although only a tiny town, Trevi always has something special going on and a very proactive art museum in the historic centre.

Just under an hours drive from the apartment at Villa Bastiola there is plenty to see and do in the area around Trevi.

For bookings and info email info@villabastiola.com for more details.

Coloriamo i cieli - Lake Trasimeno May 2011

Let's colour the skies! From 29 Apr to 2nd May the skies at Castiglione del Lago at Lake Trasimeno will be full of kites of more different shapes, sizes and colours than you can imagine!

“In the kite I have always seen freedom and joy, a message of peace carried on by a wind knowing no bounds”.

This sentence by Jane Parker is the “manifesto” of the Coloriamo i cieli founders. It still represents the meaning of this 20th edition of the festival, fusing the themes of peace and protection of the environment.

It's a great day out for all the family with bouncy castles and ball pits for kids and loads of stands selling the latest in kite flying gear plus lots of places to get a bit to eat (this is Italy after all!).

Check out the weblink for the latest news: Coloriamo i Cieli, Lake Trasimeno

For a place to stay: www.villabastiola.com

Why I love Umbria!

There are things that can always surprise you in life and one of the wonderful things about Umbria and Italy is the spontaneous, generous nature of the locals! Having lived previously in London where everyone very much keeps to their own business, here it can be a little overwhelming that all of your neighbours know what's happening in your life!

As I found out yesterday though, this can have it's advantages!

I have some friends over visiting for a week and we decided to pop out for a quick drink (and I promise, I only had a non-alcoholic one!) in the evening. Driving home up the hill my friends spotted a porcupine! If you've never seen one, they're actually pretty big and it's amazing to see them in real life. I rolled the car back down the hill to get a better look and ended up slipping off the road down into the ditch!!!!!!!!!

As usual when you really need a mobile there's no signal, so my friend set off up the hill to walk the 5 minutes to our house to get help. She gave me instructons to stay in the car, lock the doors and close the window. Laughing, I told her that this is Umbria and that within 2 minutes somebody would come by that I knew.

And that's exactly what happened! One of our neighbours drove up, stopped, assessed the situation, went home to get his Panda 4x4 and came back to help tow my car out the ditch. In the meantime, 2 other sets of neighbours went by, all stopped for a chat and a laugh at the crazy English woman who drove into a ditch to look at a porcupine, made sure I was OK and then went on their way.

Most embarrassing of all, the following morning I went down to the local florist to get a plant to say thank you and found that everyone in the shop already knew about the porcupine incident, thanks to the fact that the florist was one of my neighbours that saw the whole thing the previous night.

What a great end to what could have been a pretty difficult situation!

www.villabastiola.com come and have your own adventures!

Weekend in Umbria

We had some friends over visiting from the UK this weekend, so finally took some time out to do some sightseeing and remembered just what is so special about this part of Italy and Umbria. It's always interesting seeing it through the eyes of others, like seeing it for the first time again. We didn't do anything particularly special, but the whole area is just so beautiful that even driving around is a treat in itself.

First off, we went down to Perugia and parked so that we came up into the old medieval town centre which belonged to the Baglioni family. It was filled in and vaulted over in the Papal salt wars with the Rocca Paolina built on top just to remind the Perugians who was boss.

Painstakingly excavated you can now walk up through the old medieval streets, and into the houses and imagine just what it might have been like in those times. Strolling down the Corso Vannucci from the Brufani Hotel, the architecture changes from Rennaisance (the Rocca Paolina was destroyed in 1860 with the Perugians stating their claim to their own city) to 12century by the Fountain, the Town Hall, the National Museum of Art and Collegio del Cambio and is totally breathtaking. Great to see the locals buzzing around just doing their thing too!

We did a small round trip the following day to Cortona (OK, it's just over the border in Tuscany!) which although is very touristy, still has so much charm and history and incredible views. We had a wonderful lunch in FuFluns (very reasonable, home cooked Tuscan food with a twist) and then drove through beautiful countryside down to Lake Trasimeno for a stroll and an ice cream at Passignano.

It was very relaxed and lazy! There was so much more we could have stopped and investigated, like the Etruscan tombs just outside Cortona or the site of the incredible battle between Hannibal and the Romans at Tuoro (by the Lake).

My friends were overwhelmed by the beauty and living history of this part of Italy and, I have to say, I was too! Don't take my word for it though, come and see for yourself!

We have special discounts on our lovely self catering holiday apartment for bookings made by Easter 2011! Look at http://www.villabastiola.com/ for more details or email me at info@villabastiola.com.

150 years of unified Italy!

Last Thursday saw Italy celebrating 150 years of unification! Berlusconi's government decided to mark the event with a bank holiday!

Although there were flags, bunting and banners out everywhere, the day itself was really quiet. People just seemed to enjoy being at home with family having a great lunch and maybe a stroll after. There wasn't a loud ringing of bells or huge parties to celebrate.

Maybe because, Italy still doesn't feel very unified. The social and economic differences between the north and south of Italy are still very marked. Even in this area of Umbria where we live, everything is very local, dialects can change from one village to the next and although formal Italian is taught in schools, youngsters still speak dialect at home as well.

That said, the appeal of Italy, the "thing" that we all dream of when we think of holidaying here, exists from north to south. A love of great food, amazing wines, beauty, talking, discussing, arm waving, family celebrations, sunshine and an open, take-you-to-their-hearts-manner exists wherever you go.

We tried to make the Italian flag with some cupcakes but it came out long and skinny (see the photo)!!

Alistair Sawday's Special Places to Stay

The lovely self catering holiday apartment at Villa Bastiola has been chosen as a Special Place to Stay by Alistair Sawday!

We are over the moon about this as there is a very tough selection process to get through. First you have to submit on line with a detailed brief about what makes your holiday home so special.

Then they send an inspector to visit! We had our visit at the beginning of March, which isn't the best time of year as it can look quite bleak here, but luckily the inspector can see beyond the winter and imagine how it will be during the season for our guests!

The inspector then submits a report to head office who make the final decision on selection. We are just waiting to hear the details to set up our page on their website and from next year we will be in the new 2012 guide book for Italy!

PS The photo is of one of our early summer visitors! Can't wait to see them again!!!

Perugia - Stansted with Ryanair

Low cost flights to Perugia from the UK

Door to door in under 6 hours (from my home in Umbria to Hitchin, Herts)

I came over to the UK last Friday for the first time in over a year, leaving Umbria from Perugia airport, and am still crowing about how easy it all was!

Although Perugia airport is undergoing expansion (to be finished in June they say...), check in was really efficient. Travelling with a toddler, I left it quite late to arrive at the airport to save too much hanging around in the departure lounge and was expecting to tag on to the end of a very long queue. Far from it, in less than 10 minutes, suitcases and car seat were checked through, we'd waved goodbye to daddy and were looking out the window of the departure lounge waiting to go!

I put this down to the efficiency of the lovely staff at Perugia airport and the fact that all the check in details are now done on line at home. I have to admit, online check in wasn't the easiest process, but if you take your time and don't rush, it's OK!

We were overjoyed to see the incoming flight land at 3.30pm, well ahead of schedule and by 4pm were safely in our seats on the plane awaiting takeoff. Two hours and 10 minutes later we were touching down in Stansted and by the time we had walked about a mile of corridors and passed through customs, our suitcases were already waiting for us.

Coming out into the arrivals area, the only disappointment was that we had arrived so early that my brother hadn't made it to the airport in time to meet us!!!!!

The only negative I could find (and there has to be at least one!) was that I wanted a cup of hot water to make some decaffinated tea for my little one on the flight but was told that wasn't possible. They have hot water but don't have a cup to put it in unless you are going to buy one of Ryanair's instant teas or coffees. Hey ho!

Will let you know about the journey back - can't imagine that getting through Stansted will be as easy as this.

Montone, Umbria, Italy

Montone, Medieval hilltop town, Umbria, Italy

Voted one of the 10 prettiest hamlets in Italy, Montone is an absolute jewel! Only 10 minutes drive away from the apartment at Villa Bastiola, this medieval hilltop town is beautiful preserved with stunning views over the Upper Tiber Valley.

It is host to the annual Umbrian Film Festival when a huge silver screen is hung in the centre of the piazza and films are watched in the warmth of a summer evening under the Umbrian skies. In 2004, Colin Firth was awarded the status of Honorary Citizen of Montone and given the key to the town by the Mayor as part of the Umbria Film Festival.

The cobbled streets wind their way up to the top of the town, passing through Piazza Fortebraccio (pictured left), where there are stunning views every where you look!

At the top of the town is the excellent restaurant, Erbaluna, well worth the walk up.

In the autumn, the narrow streets are packed with stalls for the Festa del Bosco (Woodland Fair), selling everything from Porcini mushrooms, to cheeses, olive oil, hot chocolate and home-made crafts and the wonderful smell of roast chestnuts abounds.

Montone revels in its medieval history and every year, the villagers dress up in wonderful medieval costumes and parade through the centre to celebrate the holy relic, the Santo Spino (Holy Thorn), given as a gift to the legendary mercenary, Fortebraccio, ruler of Montone in the middle ages. The Sbandieratori (Flag Throwers) of Sansepolcro demonstrate their skills in a colourful spectacle not to be missed.

All in all, a fantastic little village, perfect for a days sightseeing and only 15 minutes drive from the apartment at Villa Bastiola.

Città di Castello, Umbria, Italy

Città di Castello's skyline is an iconic symbol of this lovely Umbrian market town with its charming historic medieval centre. Cobbled streets wind their way to the main square where there are restaurants, shops and cafès.

At dusk, the pedestrianised Corso (High Street) comes alive as the locals walk up and down for their daily passegiata, meeting friends and family. Famous artists Raffaello and Signorellil worked here and some of Raffaello's graffiti can still be seen on some of the towns palaces!

We had a small (tiny actually! - 36m2) apartment right in the centre of Castello where we lived for over a year and we thoroughly enjoyed being part of this busy town. Just a short drive from our villa (15 mins), we often go for aperitivo, meeting friends for dinner or for shopping. The indoor market has some fantastic produce too and we really like the market on Thursday and Saturday mornings.

The best thing about Castello is that it still feels very "Italian" - it's not commercialised for tourists. It's all about Italians living their lives and you can feel very much a part of this when you visit.

Want to know more? Email me, Sally Ann, at info@villabastiola.com .

Karen Brown Travel Guides

A Karen Brown
Reader Discovery
Property

We are delighted to have been selected for the Traveller's Recommendations section of the Karen Brown Travellers Online Guide. Thanks to a fantastic review by one of our guests last year, Karen Brown has accepted the application and the luxury self catering apartment at Villa Bastiola is part of this delightful guide.

The guide offers hand-picked accommodation world wide, accommodation that is slightly apart from the norm in its welcome, hospitality, quality and charm. No wonder we are so pleased to be a part of this!

If any past guests would like to post a review on the site, please click on the link above. You can also post your own photos too.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Sally Ann, Marco and Emma (www.villabastiola.com)

Self catering holiday apartment for rent, Umbria

Lovely holiday accommodation for rent on a self catering basis for 2 - 4 in the heart of Umbria, Italy.

The photo shows Camera Gregorio, beautifully furnished with silk bedspread and wall hanging and hand-painted wardrobe. Amazing views from the bedroom window. There is an en-suite bathroom with contemporary fittings, perfectly blending with the old walls and ceilings of the house.

The apartment has 2 bedrooms, both en-suite, a large living room with library, wi-fi internet (free) and Sky Tv and a fully fitted kitchen with every gadget!


Guests can use the garden as their own, lazing on the terrace, enjoying the views and dining alfresco...

Email us at info@villabastiola.com for more information or visit our website http://www.villabastiola.com/.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Holidays in Umbria, Italy

Looking for something a little different in your holiday in Italy? Our lovely self catering apartment in Umbria offers a little of all that is best in this stunning area of Italy...

...Beautifully furnished and comfortable accommodation, stunning views, outdoor dining area, olive groves, away from it all but close enough to make sightseeing easy, great restaurants, culture, music festivals...

You can see the mountains of Tuscany in the distance and gems like Cortona, Siena, Montepulciano and Firenze are within easy travelling distance. Highlights of Umbria include Perugia (home to Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate!), Gubbio, Assisi, Spello, Spoleto, Orvieto, Città di Castello and Montone to name but a few, again all a short drive away from the aparment.

Write to us for more information, to enquire about availability and rates or to make a booking at info@villabastiola.com.

Luxury self catering apartment for rent, Umbria

We have been renting the beautiful self catering holiday apartment on the first floor of our 200 year old stone farmhouse for over four years now! It doesn't seem possible!

All of our guests have been truly lovely and we are still in touch with many of them, thanks to social network sites like twitter and facebook and of course, email.

We are looking forward to welcoming new visitors here this summer and renewing friendships with previous guests too.

The apartment is beautifully furnished - our beds have been voted the most comfortable in Italy!! - with two double bedrooms, both en-suite, a large living room (wi-fi internet free, Sky TV and a huge book library!) and a fully fitted kitchen. Guests are free to use the garden as their own, enjoy lazing days away looking at the amazing view over the mountains towards Tuscany from the sun terrace or in the shade of the olive grove.

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Email us now at info@villabastiola.com for availability and rates.