What time does the visit take place?

The time is decided at breakfast, together. Bees have better and worse moments to be disturbed, and it depends on the day's weather: in too much heat, too much wind or rain we don't open the hive. It often happens in the morning, but it can also be mid-afternoon. We can tell you the same morning.

I'm allergic to bee venom — can I take part?

No. At the time of booking we ask you to confirm you have no known allergy to bee venom: this is one of those situations where the margin of risk isn't worth it. If you suffer from apiphobia (strong, uncontrollable fear of bees), talk to us beforehand: we can arrange a theory-only visit, from outside, at a safe distance.

Do I need to sign anything?

Yes. Before we start we ask you to sign a release of liability and an acknowledgement of the safety rules — standard practice for activities involving live animals in a natural setting. The agriturismo also carries third-party liability insurance covering its educational activities.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes, gladly. One request: no flash near the hives, it agitates the bees for no reason. If during the visit Elena takes a photo for the agriturismo's social media, she'll ask your explicit consent before publishing it.

What happens if it rains?

We don't open the hive — not for our convenience, but because opening it in rain or strong wind disturbs and agitates the bees. In that case the visit is cancelled and we refund the full amount straight away.

You book it online alongside your room, choosing it among the optional services at the time of booking. If you're already our guest, you can ask in person at the agriturismo: we'll check availability for the day you have in mind and organise it.

A morning with the bees

A beehive visit in Umbria — inside the hive, not in front of a slideshow

On bees you’ll find books, documentaries, honey jars with a stylised comb on the label. What a hive actually looks like inside, usually you don’t get to see.

The beehive visit in Umbria we offer at Preggio is not a lecture, a slideshow, or a display case with fake combs behind glass. It’s 90 minutes alongside Elena — who has tended the agriturismo’s hives since 2006, from before the agriturismo even opened — in suit, mask, and gloves, in front of a hive opened for real. Maximum 4 people, because 4 in front of a hive is fine; 15 isn’t.

What we’ll do together

Elena says that watching a hive is rather like meditation: there are the sounds, the scent of wax and propolis, the rhythm of a social organisation that has been running for tens of millions of years. You’ll figure it out yourselves after a few minutes in front of the open hive. In the meantime, we’ll literally stick our noses into the fragrant jumble of the hive, fully respecting the bees’ pace and wellbeing.

Suit, mask, gloves. We provide everything. A short briefing on how to move around the hives without stirring anyone up — you or them.
Smoker and hive tool. The tools used to open a hive. You’ll learn to handle them, not just watch.
Opening the hive. Combs, stored pollen, brood, and the hunt for the queen (recognisable by her bearing and longer, brighter abdomen). While you watch, Elena explains how a bee changes job over its life, why nectar becomes honey, what pollen is for, what royal jelly actually is — and why a hive is a super-organism, not a sum of insects.
Honey tasting. Once the hive is closed, we sit down and taste Preggio’s honeys of the moment. Every period of the year has its own: which ones, the bees decide.

You’ll go home knowing how a hive actually works. Not because someone explained it in words — because you’ve seen it.

It’s for you if…

You’re curious, you like to understand how things work, and you don’t mind spending 90 minutes next to a few thousand bees with a suit on. Several of our guests, after this visit, have bought their first hive. We’re not promising anything — but it happens.

Practical details

Season: May to October, when the bees are at their busiest.
Duration: about 90 minutes.
Time of day: agreed at breakfast, because it depends on the weather (heat, wind, or rain can shift the right moment to open the hive).
Cost: €90 per person, children included.
Group size: maximum 4 people.
Minimum age: 12.
What we provide: suit, mask, gloves, honey tasting, and a small gift from the beekeeper to take home.
What you need: long trousers (heavyweight fabric is best), high socks, closed shoes.

Domande Frequenti

What time does the visit take place?

The time is decided at breakfast, together. Bees have better and worse moments to be disturbed, and it depends on the day’s weather: in too much heat, too much wind or rain we don’t open the hive. It often happens in the morning, but it can also be mid-afternoon. We can tell you the same morning.
I’m allergic to bee venom — can I take part?

No. At the time of booking we ask you to confirm you have no known allergy to bee venom: this is one of those situations where the margin of risk isn’t worth it. If you suffer from apiphobia (strong, uncontrollable fear of bees), talk to us beforehand: we can arrange a theory-only visit, from outside, at a safe distance.
Do I need to sign anything?

Yes. Before we start we ask you to sign a release of liability and an acknowledgement of the safety rules — standard practice for activities involving live animals in a natural setting. The agriturismo also carries third-party liability insurance covering its educational activities.
Can I take photos and videos?

Yes, gladly. One request: no flash near the hives, it agitates the bees for no reason. If during the visit Elena takes a photo for the agriturismo’s social media, she’ll ask your explicit consent before publishing it.
What happens if it rains?

We don’t open the hive — not for our convenience, but because opening it in rain or strong wind disturbs and agitates the bees. In that case the visit is cancelled and we refund the full amount straight away.
How do I book?

You book it online alongside your room, choosing it among the optional services at the time of booking. If you’re already our guest, you can ask in person at the agriturismo: we’ll check availability for the day you have in mind and organise it.