1. Spend a day at the Monster Park

Visit the picturesque hill town of Todi, or, if you have kids, consider a trip to the zoological park at Città della Domenica, in Perugia, or the Monster Park in Bomarzo.

2. Wine Tasting

Two towns known for excellent wine: Montelpulciano, known for its Vino Nobile, and Montalcino, famous for its Brunello, which can be sampled by the glass at the enoteca in the fortress before you splurge for the bottle. Stop to visit the Sant' Antimo Abbey on the way out of town.

3. Visit Perugia for Chocolate, Jazz and More

Visit Perugia and tour the Perugino factory where Italy's favorite candy, the Baci, is made. One of Europe's most celebrated jazz festivals is held in July, while October is time for Eurochocolate. Continue to Torgiano to visit the Museum of Wines and enjoy a midday meal at Tres Vaselle, or visit Deruta to shop for ceramics.

4. Hike through Urbino

Day trip to Urbino to see the painter Raffaello's house, and the frescoes of Piero della Francesca in the Ducal Palace. Wear comfortable shoes - Urbino is hilly!

5. Enjoy Lake Trasimeno

Take a drive around Lake Trasimeno, stopping wherever you like. Take a boat trip to one of the islands, or visit the Etruscan town of Città della Pieve to see the Via della Baciadonna, said to be the narrowest street in Italy. Sample the "torta al testo," a typical Umbrian dish, at Trattoria Da Maria (Da Faliero), in Magione.

6. Sightseeing in Orvieto

Explore Orvieto, visiting the Etruscan tombs, St. Patrick's Well, and the Cathedral, as well as its many shops and restaurants. One of our favorites, Antica Trattoria dell' Orso, has the best farro soup in Italy.

7. Visit Assisi and See the Flower Petal Artwork of Spello

Assisi: Visit the Basilica of San Francesco (Saint Francis) and stroll through Assisi to the Basilica of Santa Chiara (Saint Clare). Continue on to Spello, but if you are there in June for the "infiorate," when the streets are filled with wonderful works of art all made from flower petals, you will want to go on Sunday. Get an early start to avoid the crowds.

A walk in the countryside

Relax. Take a walk in the countryside surrounding your villa. Enjoy some pastries from a local pastry shop. This is an Italian habit - to buy pastries every Sunday to eat after lunch!

Enjoy a Coffee in Rome

Hop the train to Rome to see the major sites and the Vatican. When you're ready for a break, we highly recommend the coffee water ice with whipped cream at La Tazza D'Oro, near the Pantheon, as well as Caffé Greco, the oldest café in Italy, located on the Via Condotti, across the Spanish steps; pricey but worth it!

Music Festivals and Romantic Waterfalls

Spoleto, known for its international music festival - dei Due Mondi - the Festival of Two Worlds. Visit Carsulae to explore the Roman ruins, or stop in Terni to see the Marmore waterfalls, which are open until 10 pm in the summer. Very romantic!