Destination Expert

Daniela Giulia Ross

I am half Italian and half British, but have lived in Umbria since I was small. I love travelling and I spent some of my university years in England, but decided to come back to Italy to live as I love the Italian culture, food, as well as its history and its art. I decided to join the family business of property management in Umbria, because I love the area so much. I have known of CV Villas for years and I am happy to be a Destination Expert for them and help guests achieve their perfect holiday in Italy by sharing my knowledge and love for Umbria and Tuscany.

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My specialist destinations

Destination Expert

Daniela Giulia Ross

I am half Italian and half British, but have lived in Umbria since I was small. I love travelling and I spent some of my university years in England, but decided to come back to Italy to live as I love the Italian culture, food, as well as its history and its art. I decided to join the family business of property management in Umbria, because I love the area so much. I have known of CV Villas for years and I am happy to be a Destination Expert for them and help guests achieve their perfect holiday in Italy by sharing my knowledge and love for Umbria and Tuscany.

Describe the perfect day in your destination?

Get ready for day with breakfast from the comfort of your villa, maybe heading out to the garden to take in some scenery. Spend the morning discovering one of the lovely hilltop mediaeval towns in the area and have a nice lunch followed by some gelato. Return to your villa to relax and enjoy the swimming pool. End the day by having a local cook prepare your dinner with a nice glass of local wine.

What are your top travel tips for your destination?

Be sure to research your destination and have a good guide book, so you can discover the hidden treasures in the area. Having a car can be essential to visit the various hilltop medieval and renaissance towns. Be sure to also enjoy what nature has to offer here, between the wildlife and walks in the countryside.

What local cuisine would you recommend to people staying in your destination?

Food and wine are an integral part of the local culture. Be sure to try the handmade pasta with a nice ragù, as well as pork dishes such as arista (pork loin) and sausages. You can even try game, such as wild boar or hare ragù. If you like fish, go to Lake Trasimeno and try the local lake fish - the Trasimeno carp is well-know throughout Italy. Or treat yourself to truffle-based meals, both in pasta dishes and meat dishes. Or just enjoy a 'tagliere' of local charcuterie and cheeses alongside a nice red wine from Montefalco or Torgiano.

What experiences would you recommend to our customers in your destination?

If interested in wine go and visit a winery: tour the vineyards and either have wine tasting with some local snacks or pair the visit with lunch at a winery restaurant. Spend the day at Lake Trasimeno, you can rent a boat for half a day and tour the lake, or join some local fishermen who will teach you to fish. Rent some e-bikes and cycle through the Italian countryside. If you wish to relax and pamper yourself you can spend the day at a Spa: San Casciano dei Bagni or Rapolano Terme in Tuscany - well within reach.