This is simply the best time of year. The days are long and it’s hot enough to make the most of the lake. There are lots of things going on, from the local “stramaialata” pork festival to the Picasso exhibition in the castle. We still have availabilities for this long weekend (ponte del 2 giugno) and other weeks throughout the spring and summer. Now could be the time to plan your trip to Casa Leone Italy.

Today is the first day of spring, and fittlingly the fastest swallows have arrived in Castiglione del Lago. This season is a busy one for our part of Italy, with many festivals such as the Meeting di Primavera airshow (22-25 April 2017) and the Coloriamo i Cieli kite festival (28 April – 1 May 2017) taking place within walking distance of this rental flat. How about coming over to explore, make the most of our bike track to go bird spotting on the shores of the lake, or simply take a stroll and admire the sunrise – as captured here by local fotographer Ferdinando Maino’.

It’s time to get your disguise on and let the party begin!! Carneval Season is fast approaching so here is a list of carnivals throughout Italy: carnivals-in-italy-2017. Some are really close, like the Carnevale di Foiano – one of the oldest as it dates back to 1539. And it’s only about 20 minutes away from Casa Leone Italy (your holiday home in Umbria).

It’s the first day of winter today so it’s only fitting to start thinking of the different options available for spending the festivities in Umbria. In Casa Leone Italy, we are taken up with changing the windows to make your next stay with us even more comfortable. As a tourist though, you will be overwhelmed by the different things to do. Christmas markets are springing up everywhere and it’s hard to turn without bumping into a Presepe Vivente – I’m not telling you, you can come over and find out for yourself!! It’s sunny and crispy cold. A perfect time of year to explore without the crowds of foreigners. Enjoy and Happy Christmas to all of you 🙂

The green leaves are turning

To yellow, red and brown

And when the wind comes

Whistling by, they’ll all come sailing down

Casa Leone Italy is still open for business! Visiting this part of Italy during these upcoming months is a great way to avoid the heat and the crowds 🙂

Not only is it all action on Lake Trasimeno, with festivals happening right left and centre (for instance, Trasimeno Blues is currently on, as is the Palio delle Barche di Passignano and the Beer Festival of Tuoro, plus the open-air cinema in the castle is going strong, just to mention a few things that are happening right now), but we have had a cancellation for this upcoming week – Saturday 30 July to Saturday 6 August – so why not make a snap decision and come and join the fun!

Umbria and Tuscany are looking at their best right now. The fields are turning from bright green to sunny yellow as crops are being collected and red poppies are beginning to fade. The lake is brimming with cool water and the local festivities are in full swing. There is lots going on. Now is definitely a good time of year to visit.

This week we will be hosting the 50th edition of the Tulip Festival – Festa del Tulipano. Deep-rooted in tradition, this event lasts several days, culminating in the race of the tulip floats on Sunday 10 April. During the week, Castiglione del Lago old town will be decorated with tulips and flags of different colours for each “contrada” (section of town). Great food can be enjoyed at moderate prices in the taverns set up for the occasion and shows take place most nights. For a full programme: www.festadeltulipano.com

The Strasimeno Race is an annual affair where hundreds of runners gather in Castiglione del Lago to pace the shores of Lake Trasimeno. Participants can choose from a variety of distances, ranging from 200 meters for small children to 58 km for the pros. This year the race is taking place on 5 March. Why not come and join us!

Could this be time to book a long romantic weekend in Castiglione del Lago? Casa Leone Italy is open throughout the year, with plenty of warm quilts and heating for the winter months. Why not try visiting the centre of Italy before most tourists get here during the summer months? This weekend, there is a special wine tasting festival in Montepulciano, where the Vino Nobile is made and where the underground cantinas predate the Romans. A beautiful 20 minute drive away.