THE CITERNA LOOP, Franciscan Itinerary
This trail is part of the Franciscan path, one of the most important spiritual routes in Italy. We propose a loop around Citerna, partly overlapping with the pilgrimage route. Starting from the “balcony village” of the valley, Citerna, we begin by visiting its beautiful square, then descend the hill southeast, following the Tau symbol along the path of Saint Francis. Continuing on smaller roads, we reach Monterchi, where we recommend visiting the Madonna del Parto Museum by Piero della Francesca and then exploring the historic center. We then ascend the hill, passing the chapel where Piero della Francesca originally painted his fresco. The journey ends back in Citerna, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, perfect for a visit and a photo to remember.

ARCHEOTREKKING ON MONTE ACUTO: Loop Hike in Monte Acuto Park
The hike begins with an ascent towards the mountain, passing through olive groves and a medieval tower. The trail rises steadily, shaded by oak woods, and eventually gives way to summit meadows. From here, we’ll climb to the “hump” of this giant, which overlooks the Upper Tiber Valley, until we reach the summit cross. From this viewpoint, enjoy breathtaking views of Gubbio and its Palazzo dei Consoli, Lake Trasimeno, and Monte Subasio. Near the summit lies an archeological site first excavated in the 1980s, revealing a “sanctuary” dating back to the 6th–4th century BCE. Bronze statuettes—small votive figures of human and animal forms—were also found at this site. We then descend the mountain’s south side, passing through the ancient settlement of Galera before returning to the starting point.

Length: approximately 11 km
Elevation Gain: +520m
Difficulty: Moderate

Lunghezza: circa 11 km

Dislivello: +520m

Difficoltà: media

BIKE AND CANOE ON THE TIBER
Starting from the property, we cycle along the Tiber path heading south, a relaxed route on a shaded dirt road, with the natural Tiber river always beside us. Birdwatchers can often spot herons, egrets, and night herons in this natural environment with its typical riverside flora—poplars, willows, alders, and locust trees. A visit to the Spada Lakes Natural Park, a protected reserve dedicated to environmental and educational purposes, is a must. This reclaimed area along the Tiber now has birdwatching platforms and an educational trail with interpretative panels for identifying various species. Are you a birdwatching enthusiast? This is the place for you! We’ll head back a few kilometers to reach the Città di Castello canoe club for a unique experience. Here, the Tiber has grown into a full-fledged river, offering an extraordinary natural setting with lush riverside vegetation. We’ll paddle upstream for about 3 km, then simply float back downstream, following the current with an experienced guide. All equipment is provided. The canoe club is just outside the city walls, so we recommend visiting Città di Castello, one of the Upper Tiber Valley’s cultural centers. We return to the property by bike.

The route can be completed with either regular or electric-assist bicycles.

ART AND GARDEN at Bufalini Castle
We’ll travel to San Giustino to visit Bufalini Castle, a rare gem with intact spaces, furnishings, and a beautiful Italian-style garden. The tour includes a focus on the plants depicted in the frescoes within the castle rooms, followed by a live observation of these plants in the garden. This cultural and botanical visit offers a fascinating blend of art and local history. Afterward, we recommend lunch in one of the many traditional restaurants nearby, to sample a cuisine blending the flavors of Umbria and Tuscany. A visit to nearby Sansepolcro and its Civic Museum, home to works by Piero della Francesca, is highly recommended.