Excursions

Minutes from the villa, the town of Poggio Mertito has a weekly Friday market with local produce and artisan wares. The market visit will coincide with your cooking workshop and include a visit to the magnificent Farfa Abbey and Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Minutes from Poggio Mertito, this largely undiscovered (by foreigners) cluster of charming villages is known for its extra virgin olive oil and medieval heritage.   Here, we will visit a family-run olive oil producer, walk through 10th-century Casperia, the "jewel of Sabina," a hilltop village accessible only on foot,  and pause for a gelato or, if it's later in the day, a glass of the local wine Colli della Sabina and an antipasto. 

Pre-Christianity, Rieti 's fate was historically entwined with the destiny of Rome,  thus the riverside village's walled fortifications, massive entry portals and intricate underground alleyways that tell its ancient story.  We'll explore  Rieti,  known as the "navel" or geographic center of Italy,  including the sprawling sanctuary Fonte Colombo with its frescoes, caves and cloisters.  Lunch at Fermento Pizzeria, the  town's (and maybe Italy's) best pizza. You can then shop on  Via Roma or visit any of  the four impressive museums. We'll reconvene on one of the historic palazzos for an espresso and biscotti!