The Somaia farmhouse is situated on the hills of San Giustino Umbro, a town famous for the splendid Bufalini Castle and the intriguing history of the Cospaia Republic. The farmhouse enjoys a prime position overlooking the valley below, gazing out over the vast natural amphitheater carved over centuries by the flow of the Tiber River below. Down in the valley lies Sansepolcro, land of Piero della Francesca, and Città di Castello, with its Renaissance palaces, while Citerna and Anghiari, both listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, sit perched on the opposite hillsides of the Valtiberina.
ART & GARDEN AT BUFALINI CASTLE: A special visit to Bufalini Castle, one of the valley’s most important landmarks. After exploring the castle and focusing on the painted plants, you’ll see them come to life in the surrounding Italian-style garden. We end with a workshop to make rose salve, a lovely adventure through frescoes, labyrinths, secret gardens, buffaloes, bird-hunting shelters, and the scent of roses. Transfer to Somaia for accommodation and an introductory tour of the agriturismo’s surroundings: olive grove, truffle plantation, and lavender field. Wrap up with a small cooking workshop using the wood-fired oven to make pizzas for an aperitif.
EASY CYCLING TOUR: Transfer to Selci to pick up bicycles, bike trailers, and any other essentials for a relaxing bike ride. The Tiber River that runs through the valley has a breathtaking bike path, a car-free gravel road, and it’s not uncommon to spot local wildlife like herons, egrets, and night herons in this natural riparian environment under the shade of poplars, willows, alders, and locust trees. The trail is fairly easy with no significant elevation changes. We reach Città di Castello for a lunch break, taking advantage of Swan Park with games and picnic tables. We then continue to the Malakos Museum, home to Europe’s largest private shell collection with over 650,000 specimens from around the world. Return to the farmhouse by bike or transfer.
“HE WHO GOES TO THE MILL GETS DUSTED”: A scenic hike along high ridge trails with stunning views of the Tiber Valley. The route alternates between meadows and woods, featuring streams and small creeks. Rich in wildlife, the area offers springtime orchid blooms and vibrant autumn colors that contrast beautifully with the light stone of the marl-sandstone. Along the way, we’ll enjoy nature observations, learning to identify animal tracks and local flora. Our hike concludes with a visit to a perfectly functioning medieval mill, where we’ll delve into the world of flour and grain milling, followed by a tasting of delicious treats. Back at the farmhouse, we’ll have a workshop to create a “bug hotel,” perfect for adults and kids alike!
The tour can be done on regular bicycles or e-bikes.
TRUFFLE HUNTING WITH A DOG: Embark on a truffle hunt in the area around the farmhouse with a truffle hunter and his faithful dog, the real star of the experience! Discover the fascinating world of this unique fungus and the special bond between the truffle hunter and his dog – an experience you won’t forget. This activity is both fun and interesting. Afterward, we enjoy a meal featuring the truffles we’ve found. End of services.
Via Catanelli 70 | 06135 | Perugia