You've roamed Rome. You've tasted Tuscany. And, you've ventured to Venice. It’s time to experience Umbria.
Panoramic Views and Vistas. Breathtaking rolling hills brimming with lush landscape and happy hamlets, Umbria offers a quiet charm minus the crowds. In the fall, the hills here blaze orange and red with foliage. As the sun sets behind #Umbria's hills, golden light illuminates the vineyards. In the distance, you spot a terra-cotta farmhouse. Before you, grapes hang ripe on the vines. This is the real deal. This is the Italy you've been longing for. As Italy’s only landlocked region, Umbria takes great pride in gaining the most from its agriculture. Best of which is its wine. Montefalco is famous for the Sagrantino grape, which is indigenous to the area and only grown here.
Food and Wine. Umbria is an Italian food lover's paradise. This bountiful region boasts mouthwatering cuisine and world-renowned wine. You can hunt for truffles here with a specially-trained dog as a guide! Every October, the postcard-perfect city of Perugia hosts the Eurochocolate Festival. Locals and travelers alike can delight in 10 days of festivals -- honoring all things chocolate.
Art and Religion. The hilltop town of Assisi in Umbria houses the astounding Basilica of St. Francis -- first started in 1228. Inside, you'll find astonishing frescoes by famed Italian masters like Cimabue and Giotto. San Pietra in Perugia has a Carravagio and Spoleto has the 8th century church of San Salvatore (a UNESCO World Heritage site) has the spectacular duomo with a fresco cycle by Filippo Lippi.
Italian authenticity, away from the crowds. There’s much to discover in the green heart of Italy, and even more to fall in love with Umbria. History? Food and fine wines? Arresting vistas? What else is there?
I would love to hear from you your thoughts on Umbria. Is this region something you would like to explore? Share your answer in the comment section below.