Slow Experiences in Umbria, Arranged Locally

La Rana e L’Ulivo is more than a place to stay. We can help you discover the artisan food, wine, craftsmanship, countryside and local life that make this part of Italy so special.

Many experiences are small, personal and seasonal. They may take place on family farms, in village workshops, among vineyards and olive groves or out in the surrounding countryside.

Tell us what interests you when you book and we will help you discover what may be available during your stay.

Available All Year Round

Local Wine Tasting

Discover wines produced in and around Monterubiaglio, traditionally known as Il Paese del Vino — the Village of Wine. Tastings may include local wines accompanied by regional cheeses, cured meats and other simple foods.

Olive Oil Tasting

Learn how extra virgin olive oil is produced and taste oils from the hills surrounding Orvieto. Visits may include an introduction to the pressing process and advice on recognising the flavours and qualities of good olive oil.

Local Food and Drink Experiences

Taste regional cheeses, cured meats, lentils, preserves, olive oil and other locally produced foods. Experiences may range from informal tastings and prepared meals to picnics and visits to farms or village food shops, including a visit to a micro brewery.

Walking and E-Bike Routes

Explore country lanes, vineyards, olive groves, woodland and hill villages on foot or by bicycle. Your Perfect Pitstop on the Grande Ciclovia di Larth. Conquering the newly unveiled 370 km Grande Ciclovia di Larth loop? Skip the busy hubs and rest your legs in the authentic, peaceful medieval village of Monterubiaglio. Located right along the scenic route, our holiday let offers a welcoming haven designed with weary cyclists in mind. Unwind after a challenging day of climbs, store your gear securely, and recharge in a tranquil setting surrounded by rolling vineyards and historic castle walls. Whether you are tackling the full 4-stage loop or exploring the local trails, make our home your base-camp for the ultimate Umbrian cycling adventure. Routes can be chosen to suit different interests and abilities, subject to weather and local conditions.

Horse Riding

Discover the countryside around Orvieto and Lake Bolsena on horseback. Rides may be available for beginners as well as more experienced riders.

Traditional Crafts and Local Heritage

Learn about the area’s long tradition of terracotta production and visit historic kilns, museums and village workshops. Other local craft and cultural experiences may also be available, including ceramics and textiles.

Spa and Wellness

Spend a restorative day at a nearby spa or wellness centre, with opportunities for thermal bathing, treatments and time to relax.

Spring Experiences

Spring brings wildflowers, green hills and mild temperatures, making it one of the loveliest times to explore the countryside.

Wild Herb Foraging

Join a guided countryside walk to identify edible wild plants and learn how they have traditionally been used in local cooking and country life.

Farm and Cheese Experiences

Visit a small farm, meet the animals, discover traditional farming methods and taste locally produced cheeses and other seasonal products.

Countryside Picnics

Enjoy a picnic prepared with local foods and find a peaceful place among the hills, vineyards or olive groves.

Outdoor Activities

Depending on current local availability, spring activities may include archery, orienteering and other guided countryside experiences.

Summer Experiences

Summer is the season for outdoor adventures, days beside the lake and long evenings under the stars.

Lake Bolsena Activities

Spend a day beside beautiful Lake Bolsena. Depending on availability and weather conditions, activities may include swimming, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding or boat trips.

River Paglia Clay Experience

Discover the natural clay found along the River Paglia and enjoy an informal outdoor clay treatment, mud bath or massage experience in a peaceful natural setting.

Gliding and Trial Flights

See the Umbrian, Tuscan and Lazio landscapes from above with a gliding experience or trial flight, subject to weather and flying conditions.

Summer Evenings and Outdoor Dining

Enjoy relaxed evenings in village squares, outdoor restaurants and local summer events. Food festivals, concerts and community celebrations take place throughout the surrounding area.

Autumn Experiences

Autumn is harvest season, when the vineyards, olive groves and woodlands become the centre of local life.

Grape Harvest

Experience the atmosphere of the wine harvest and learn how locally grown grapes begin their journey from vineyard to bottle.

Olive Harvest and Pressing

See freshly harvested olives being transformed into intensely flavoured new-season oil. The olive harvest usually takes place from late October into November, depending on the weather and the year’s crop.

Autumn Food and Harvest Traditions

Discover seasonal ingredients such as mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, pulses, grapes, new olive oil and other foods associated with the Umbrian autumn.

Winter Experiences

Winter offers a quieter and more intimate experience of the area, with uncrowded towns, seasonal food and evenings beside the fire.

Truffle Hunting

Join a seasonal truffle hunt in the countryside and learn how these prized ingredients are found. Other experiences may include a tasting or meal featuring local truffles.

Seasonal Cooking

Discover the warming dishes of the Umbrian winter, including handmade pasta, soups, pulses, slow-cooked meats and traditional desserts.

Historic Towns Without the Crowds

Visit Orvieto, Bolsena, Acquapendente and the surrounding medieval villages during their quieter season, when churches, museums and historic streets can be enjoyed at a gentler pace.

Fireside Evenings

Return to La Rana e L’Ulivo for an evening relaxing in the wood-fired hot tub or beside the wood-burning stove, with local wine, regional food and time to relax.

Festival dates and programmes may change. Please ask us for the latest local information when planning your visit.