Travel Italy: Vacation Packages, Tips, Tours of Italy

The historic town of Narni, Umbria, is hosting its annual medieval festival, the “Corsa all’Anello” — the Ring Race.

During the festival days the atmosphere of 14° century is being recreated in this hill town, with medieval sounds and colours evrywhere in the squares and streets. Medieval taverns, open for the festival, offer Umbrian specialties and wine in abundance.

The climax of the festival is on Saturday and Sunday (2nd week-end of May) when historical parades and a medieval tournament are taking place (the Ring Race is held Sunday afternoon).

Narni is in Umbria, just one hour by train away from Rome. So, it could also be an option for a day trip from Rome.

When: May 10 - 11 (annual, 2nd week-end of May) (For details, visit festival website: http://www.corsallanello.it/home_ing.htm)
Where: Narni (Umbria)
- View Narni on the map.
- Find accommodations in Umbria.

Hikers who love historic sights can find in the Umbria countryside one of the most scenic and major historic trails: the Franciscan Trail of Peace — Sentiero Francescano della Pace. Named after St. Francis — because the Saint used to walk there in the 13th century — the Franciscan Peace Trail was the ancient road linking two of the major medieval centers in Umbria, Assisi (view a video of Assisi; find out things to see in Assisi) and Gubbio.

Just less than 50 Km long, the trail goes trough the countryside of Umbria offering unique landscapes and a number of historic sights. It offers the possibility to visit castles, churches, abbeys, and ruins of medieval settlements mainly dating back between 12th and 13th century.

Most of visitors are used to break the tour into two or more days. Along the route there are many farmhouse, agritourism, B&B and other accommodation options.

The town of Assisi, is the sarting point of (more…)