TENNIS. Clay courts are situated just outside the city walls of Todi immediately adjoining the car park which serves the cable car to the town centre. They are well maintained and covered courts are available in the winter.
HORSE RIDING. About two kms further along the lane to La Torricella a riding centre received its licence in 2002. The location is ideal for exploring this beautiful valley and you can ride for miles without coming across a car or tarmac road. €16 per hour and €25 for a private lesson.
BOATING. Rowing boats and canoes can be hired at Ponte Cuti just outside Todi on the banks of the river Tevere and rafting can be arranged for groups equipped with helmets and life jackets.
OTHER SPORTS. On your way to Torre Gentile you will pass by the Sports ground at Ponte Naia and the running track and football field. There is also an Olympic size swimming pool where you can really keep fit, plus archery and the Umbrian version of bowling. Bicycles can be hired in Todi.
GOLF. Just north of Perugia, about 40 minutes drive.
DANCING. Saturday night is the traditional night for dancing in Umbria. However throughout the Summer you will find the Sagre (see Events for translation) more easily available i.e. dancing throughout the week after a traditional Umbrian meal served on Trestle tables. Teenagers will find Discos outside the town centre within easy reach.
EATING OUT & EXPLORING UMBRIA. This is surely the activity favoured by all. You will find in the villa a handbook complete with maps and phone numbers and the names of the most popular restaurants in and around Todi. This includes at least 2 which are listed in Gourmet guide-books in the top group of restaurants in Italy.
CHILDREN. A visit to the children’s playground at La Rocca, near the church of Santa Fortunato is much favoured by parents and children who love the very modern cable-car to the town centre and the ice-cream bar on the way. There are larger amusement parks and play centres near Perugia where the kids can pet the animals, and if you have lunch at the very posh restaurant “Relais Todini”(near Todi) you can visit the zoo which is part of the hotel complex.---- Children are welcomed everywhere in Italy but if you want them to be in bed by 8.00 a baby-sitter can be organised (easier with 24 hours notice)
MUSEUMS & ART EXHIBITIONS. Are abundant in Umbria don’t miss seeing the work of Piero della Francesca at Arezzo and Giotto at Assisi.—Excellent Museum in Todi.
ART COURSES. Have been organised by the owners in the Spring and Summer of 2004 and 2005 and are now continuing under the tuition of the well established Artist and Tutor, Mr Alan Burgess N.D.D.—His work can be viewed on www.alanburgess.co.uk. Alan was selected by the Tree Council of Great Britain to paint a series of GREAT BRITISH TREES for the Queen’s Jubilee year in 2004. which were widely exhibited in the U:K:.during the Jubille Year.-- The extensive grounds of “Tenuta Il Gelso” with their Olive Groves, woodland area and extensive landscaping are available to Artist/Student participants, with visits to surrounding areas for one week dedicated to ART.-- The swimming pools are opened for this event, when the early summer abundant with roses is celebrated in Umbria. The Summer course for 2006 runs from May 6 to 13. Full board includes a large bedroom with en-suite bath or shower room for £550. –(single occupancy) or £850 (double occupancy) i.e. for an artist student plus a non artist partner who is not taking part in tuition. Reservations, Enquiries and further information directly through Alan Burgess Telephone(+44) -01279 792209