The ViViamo il Trasimeno Festival kicks off a series of five weekend editions that will run through 11 . Organized by a coalition of cultural and sport associations—including L’Olivo e la GinestraFilippideVia Romea Germanica the UISP Regione UmbriaI Borghi più belli d’Italia and ASD MTB—the program aims to showcase the lake’s landscapes while promoting slow tourism and environmental sustainability. Local authorities such as the Unione dei Comuni del Trasimeno, the comuni of Castiglione del Lago, Città della Pieve, Magione, Paciano, Panicale, Passignano sul Trasimeno, Piegaro and Tuoro sul Trasimeno, together with the GAL Trasimeno Orvietano lend their support, ensuring that each event is rooted in community heritage.
Walking the Perugino’s Footsteps
From 18 September to 22 September, the association L’Olivo e la Ginestra leads a five-day trek called “Camminate lungo i sentieri del Perugino.” The route traces the countryside that inspired Pietro Vannucci better known as the Perugino, covering a total of 103 kilometres across five stages. Participants start each morning at 9 a.m. and follow a network of secondary roads and farm paths that wind through quintessential Umbrian villages.
Day 1 – Panicale to Fontignano (18 Sept)
The first leg departs from Panicale, winding its way to Fontignano where walkers arrive in the afternoon. The stage showcases the rolling hills and olive groves that appear in the painter’s frescoes, offering a vivid, living canvas of the Renaissance master’s palette.
Day 2 – Fontignano to Castiglion Fosco (19 Sept)
On 19 September, the trail resumes from Fontignano and advances toward Castiglion Fosco. Along the way, hikers pass historic chapels and stone bridges that echo the region’s medieval past, reinforcing the link between art and geography.
Day 3 – Castiglion Fosco to Piegaro (20 Sept)
The third segment leads walkers from Castiglion Fosco to Piegaro. This stretch highlights the fertile valleys and vineyards that once supplied the colors for the Perugino’s pigments, giving participants a sensory glimpse into the painter’s material world.
Day 4 – Piegaro to Città della Pieve (21 Sept)
Departing Piegaro at 9 a.m, the fourth day culminates in Città della Pieve, where a brief afternoon rest allows explorers to visit the historic Palazzo Fargna before continuing their journey.
Day 5 – Città della Pieve to Panicale (22 Sept)
The final stage circles back to Panicale, starting at the municipal seat in Città della Pieve and closing the loop on the landscapes that have inspired generations of artists.
Cycling Highlights in Castiglione del Lago
The weekend of 19–20 September transforms Castiglione del Lago into a hub for cyclists, cultural talks and nostalgic celebrations. On Saturday, 19 September at 17:00, Palazzo della Corgna hosts the “Cicloturistica dei Borghi più belli d’Italia” and a reenactment of the 1995 “Pedalata Rosa.” Visitors can explore a temporary exhibition featuring photographs, archival documents and original cycling apparel.
A conference follows, bringing together regional officials, representatives from the Federciclismo Bike Hospitality and local media to discuss the synergy between walking routes, tourism, sport and territorial marketing. The event also welcomes former professional rider Evgenij Berzin winner of the 1994 Giro d’Italia and runner-up in 1995, whose presence adds an international flair to the celebrations. The day ends with awards honoring the key contributors to the 1995 ride.
Sunday, 20 September, marks the XIV edition of the “Cicloturistica dei Borghi più belli d’Italia,” organized by ASD Cicli Matè. Two routes depart from Castiglione del Lago at 8:00 and return by 15:00, weaving through Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Passignano sul Trasimeno, Magione and Panicale. The shorter course measures 70 kilometres, suitable for casual cyclists, while the longer, more demanding option spans 118 kilometres, challenging seasoned riders to test their endurance.
Lagoon Adventures Between Umbria and Tuscany
Also on 20 September, the festival moves to the border area of the Chiusi and Montepulciano lakes, where the ASD GS Filippide organizes a trio of walking excursions and a competitive run. The day begins at 06:00 with a 29-kilometre loop that encircles both lakes, offering panoramic water views and opportunities for birdwatching.
At 08:30, a 16-kilometre trail around Lake Chiusi departs, followed by a shorter 8-kilometre walk at 09:30 that includes visits to the medieval “Beccati Questo” and “Beccati Quest’altro” towers. These stone structures, erected in 1279 by the Guelfs of Siena and later mirrored by Perugian forces, served as tax-collection points rather than defensive forts, reflecting the historic rivalry between the two communes.
For runners seeking a more intense challenge, an 18.5-kilometre race starts at 09:30 from the shores of Lake Chiusi, crossing the hamlet of Vaiano in Castiglione del Lago. This run, open to experienced athletes, caps off a day that blends natural beauty, historical insight and active recreation, embodying the festival’s commitment to slow, sustainable tourism across the Trasimeno region.
