Our first (top) floor apartment is situated in a quiet lane, just a few minutes easy walk to Bolsena town centre and lake shore. It enjoys a lovely view across an orchard to the lake from its full width back sun terrace.
There are two bedrooms, one with french doors leading to a small front balcony; two good-sized bathrooms; a comfortable lounge with dining facilities for 6 people; fully equipped kitchen, and utility room with washing machine. The sun terrace is equipped with sunblinds, sunloungers, dining table and chairs.
Suitable for a family or couples, it sleeps up to six people, as there is a comfortable double sofa bed in the lounge. There is a gated drive with parking for two cars; small, ground level walled back garden area and a private entrance via steps to the apartment and sun terrace.
The property has excellent facilities for a relaxing stay and it is furnished and equipped to a high standard including ceiling fans, satellite TV, DVD and sound system with plug-ins for Ipod use
Lake Bolsena - Secret Gem in the Heart of Italy: Everyone has heard of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, but fewer people know about beautiful Lake Bolsena and the fascinating historic region that lies in the heart of Italy. It's not far from Rome or the popular Tuscan and Umbrian tourist spots and it remains one of Italy's best kept secrets.
Located on the borders of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio, Lake Bolsena is formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. Its waters are crystal clear, unpolluted and teem with fish, which are served in all the local restaurants. There are fine, volcanic sandy beaches that are perfectly safe for family bathing. The capital of the Lake is Bolsena itself. Once the Etruscan settlement of Volsini and medieval town of miracles, Bolsena has a medieval quarter and is famous for its gardens and annual flower festival.
Activities in and around Bolsena: The apartment is on the outskirts of Bolsena, yet only a ten minute easy walk from the town centre and seven minutes away from the lake shore itself. Whilst it's lovely to sunbathe and relax, there are also lots of recreational activities for those who are feeling more energetic.
You can swim safely in the lake and if you want to sail, Bolsena has a local sailing school that offers excellent opportunities to improve your boating skills whilst exploring the lake. Or if sailing isn't for you, why not try one of the inexpensive sightseeing boat trips that go from Bolsena's small harbour during the summer.
If you like cycling, bikes for adults and children are available to hire from along the town's lake shore. For those of you who enjoy horse riding there is also a local riding school on the outskirts of Bolsena. The beautiful, unspoilt countryside around Bolsena also offers perfect opportunities for walking, birdwatching and nature photography.
Key Bolsena Summer Celebrations in 2012:
June:
Feast of St Anthony of Padua, with traditional procession in the afternoon and fireworks display on the lake in late evening.
Hydrangea festival. Flowers are displayed along the streets of the historic centre. There is also an interesting tour of Bolsena's historical homes; tasting of wine, oil and typical products like the famous Lake fish.
Feast of Corpus Christi (infiorata). Every year the blood-stained stones are carried in procession through the streets, which are covered by the ‘Infiorata’ – a mosaic of coloured flowers, either arranged in geometric figures or depicting sacred art.
July:
Fish festival takes place on the lake shores in the afternoons.
The mysteries of Santa Christina - celebrated since the fourth century. Actors in costume depict a series of scenes representing the Mysteries and the Passion of Saint Christina in the ten episodes of her martyrdom.