Activities in Umbria & Le Marche
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Azienda Agricola Ragani
The Pro Loco (and the tourist office in Assisi) has a badly drawn map called the Passeggiata Tra Gli Ulivi, a walking route between Spello and Assisi down the Via degli Ulivi (Road of Olives). It's not a long walk (8km) and passes through scenery of flower fields and ancient gnarled olive trees, but you will be walking on a lightly trafficked asphalt road for a spell. Stop in (by foot or car) at the Azienda Agricola Ragani which is open sporadically to the public, but a lucky few passers-by will have a chance to taste their renowned olive oils.
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Le Marche Tours
If you’re interested in getting an insider’s and hands-on experience of the region, try Le Marche Tours. Its South African/German/American owners have been living in a refurbished Italian farmhouse in the Marche countryside for years. They offer hiking, food and wine, and off-the-beaten-track cultural tours, as well as experiential and educational trips (eg photography, creativity workshops, real estate tours). Prices for all-inclusive tours of around a week range from €1550 to €2000.
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La Lingua La Vita
While Perugia attracts many young and rowdy university students in its language courses, Todi offers a school for those a tad more…refined. Sign up at La Lingua La Vita , where you can sign up for group or individual lessons, but both options involve participation in a handful of activities including cooking classes, Italian film viewings and field trips in and around Todi. Costs start at €400 per week for accommodation and classes.
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A
Accademia della Lingua Italiana Corsi di Lingua e Cultura Italiana
Accademia della Lingua Italiana Corsi di Lingua e Cultura Italiana runs a variety of courses, including Italian language, culture, singing, painting and cooking. It also offers free preparation for the CILS (Italian teacher abroad) course. There’s a maximum of 12 students per class and costs start at about €300 for two weeks of instruction.
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Università per Stranieri
This is Italy’s foremost academic institution for foreigners, offering courses in language, literature, history, art, music, opera and architecture, to name a few. A series of degree courses is available, as well as one-, two- and three-month intensive language courses starting at €300 a month and semester-long accredited programs for students.
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C
Università di Urbino
Università di Urbino offers an intensive one-month course in language and culture for foreign students during August for €500. The school can also arrange accommodation in apartments, agriturismi or private homes starting at €200.
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Comitato Linguistico
Catering to a more serious crowd, the lessons here are slightly more rigorous than Stranieri. Two- and four-week courses start throughout the year, priced from €150 per week. The school can arrange private or family accommodation.
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Leo Pretelli
English-speaking with an infectious joie de vivre, Leo is like your long-lost Umbrian uncle who knows every tiny off-the-beaten-path restaurant and viewpoint. Perfect for a designated driver at Umbria's 40-plus wineries.
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Monte Subasio
A popular spot for hikers is nearby Monte Subasio. Local bookstores sell all sorts of walking and mountain-biking guides and maps for the area and the tourist office can help with brochures and maps as well.
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Angelucci Andrea Cicli Riparazione Noleggio
Bicycle rentals are available at Angelucci Andrea Cicli Riparazione Noleggio in Santa Maria degli Angeli.
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Ancona Jazz
Ancona Jazz takes place in October. Check with the tourist office for details.
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Pro Delta
To learn hang-gliding, contact Pro Delta in Castelluccio; it opens in summer only. Readers have heartily recommended the courses.
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Poggio del Belveduto
Poggio del Belveduto organises horse riding, and also offers archery courses if you're feeling particularly medieval.
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Funivia Colle Eletto
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Maneggio Oasi
Ask at one of the tourist offices for a booklet of walking and horse-riding tracks. Horse-riding centres include the Maneggio Oasi.
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La Merangola
Canoe, windsurfing and sailboat rentals can be found in Castiglione del Lago at La Merangola, which also has a small beach and restaurant, and turns into a discoteca at night.
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Fishing
Do as the locals do, with a day of fishing , for eel, trout, perch, tench and carp, out on the lake. Two people at a time can join locals for a four-hour angling or early morning fishing trip. After reeling in your catches at dawn, the fisherman can guide you to restaurants that will cook up your fish using traditional recipes. Book at least one day in advance. Nature trips (for up to 10 people) are also available.
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Belneazione Tuoro
Canoe, windsurfing and sailboat rentals can be found in Tuoro at Belneazione Tuoro.
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