Umbria & Lazio

Umbrians approach life with two tools – great food and good company, and a visit to the region will provide you endless opportunities for both.

The largest city in Umbria, Perugia is surrounded by an impressive set of defensive walls – and we can see why they’d want to keep it safe. A burrow of tiny cobbled streets reveal a dizzying array of exceptional restaurants, juxtaposed next to awe-inspiring architecture such as the gothic cathedral, home to celebrated renaissance paintings and frescoes.

Strike out for Perugia in any direction and you’ll happen upon one of a huge number of charming villages. One such is the village of Assisi. A majestic basilica dominates the square, built in honour of one of the most celebrated Christian figures in history. Head south of the capital to explore Spoleto, a town that has been the host to the Spoleto Festival for the past 60 years – visceral celebration of culture and art.

Umbrians take food very seriously, so if you’re a foodie you’re in very good company. The village of Norcia is famous for prosciutto ham and porchetta – the perfect antipasti. Follow this with the Umbrian regional dish – tatufi neri or bianchetti – fresh pasta with black or white truffles, and add a glass of local wine as the perfect accompaniment to the legendary Umbrian sunsets.

Umbria richly deserves the superlatives with which it is described, and is the perfect solution if you’re trying to cater to a range of tastes. Artists, wine enthusiasts, gourmands and anyone looking to sample a slower pace of life will all be captivated with Umbria’s traditional way of life and historic charm.

 

What you’ll love most about Umbria

• Explore the medieval hill towns of Umbria, where cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and panoramic views of rolling hills invite you to step back in time and experience the region’s rich history and charming ambiance
• Visit the stunning Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, where the legacy of Saint Francis and the beauty of religious art inspire awe and reverence
• Wander through the picturesque town of Orvieto, perched on a volcanic plateau, where the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral and underground tunnels tell tales of Etruscan and medieval history amidst breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside
• Delight in the flavours of Umbrian cuisine, from hearty dishes featuring truffles and wild boar to rustic bread and olive oil, as you savor the region’s culinary heritage in cosy trattorias, family-run osterias, and traditional agriturismos
• Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Umbria, where rolling vineyards, olive groves, and sunflower fields create a picturesque landscape perfect for hiking, cycling, and leisurely drives through the heart of Italy’s green heart
• Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Perugia, Umbria’s capital, where lively festivals, historic architecture, and a thriving arts community offer a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, inviting exploration and enjoyment of the region’s cultural treasures

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