Sabine Hills

This adventure takes you over winding, tranquil mountain roads into the Sabine Hills (or Sabina as it is often referred to) an idyllic region offering splendid scenery with rolling, olive-clad hills and tiny, medieval hilltop villages. This region, perhaps more than any other area of central Italy, has preserved its original rural character, and, not withstanding its proximity to Rome, is one of the least populated parts of Italy. A wonderful time to visit is spring when the countryside explodes in color with yellow broom and fields of sunflowers, accented by the silver green of the olive trees which produce some of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oils with authorized D.O.P.certification. As you study the map at the beginning of this itinerary, it is obvious that you could begin your drive to the Sabine Hills from numerous places within Umbria. However, since we ended the Umbria itinerary near Orvieto, we have chosen this city as a starting point. If your time is limited, the quickest way to get to Sabina from Orvieto is to take the A1 south and exit at Ponzano/Soratte, but we suggest a more leisurely approach through the less discovered corners of northern Lazio. Passing Cottanello, turn left at the bottom of the hill toward Poggio Mirteto and Casperia. As the road descends, the panorama widens to include the rolling plains of Lazio and the Tiber valley. You are now in the heart of Sabina which hasn’t changed much in the last 1,000 years. Here you will discover authentic, off the beaten path, hilltop villages such as Casperia, Montasola, Roccantica, Poggio Catino, Farfa, and Stroncone and a romantic landscape of olive farms, abbeys and castles. To add to the enchantment, there is a total lack of souvenir shops and tour buses—a treat for those who enjoy experiencing the life of the local people. What fun it is to not rush about. Relax in one of hill towns where time seems to have stood still; enjoy a cappuccino or sip a glass of wine in the piazza and peer over the medieval walls at the inspiring landscape of the Tiber Valley. Happily, the area offers a rich selection of places to stay. Choose one of these as your hub for a few nights stay and venture out to explore the area, visiting the towns and sites. You will soon discover why the Roman emperor, Hadrian, chose Sabina as one of his favorite getaways from Rome.