Meet Umbria

Umbria nestles in the shadow of popular Tuscany, but does not therefore have to undercut it when it comes to leaving indelible impressions. The 'green heart of Italy' may be less well known, but it is still rich, but in a modest way. It is grand, but rather small-scale.

On this trip, you will discover Umbria's discreet and endearing beauty, its peaceful towns, laid-back life and abundant nature. It is the region of rolling plains and rugged mountain ranges, of St Francis of Assisi and 'Il Perugino', of Spoleto and Gubbio, of the Monti Sibillini and tiny Lake Trasimeno. Let yourself be pleasantly surprised by this human-sized region, where culture and nature are perfectly balanced.

Day 1 : Departure to Florence - Fratta Todina

After you land, collect your rental car at Florence airport. You will spend 7 nights at a small-scaled hotel.

Day 2 : Perugia

Cosy Perugia faces the 'Piazza 4 Novembre', with Pisano's 'Fontana Maggiore' and the impressive 'Palazzo dei Priori', with the 'Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria' on the top floor, with works by Piero della Francesca and Fra Angelico, among others.

Day 3 : Gubbio

Surprising Gubbio, with its 'Palazzo dei Consoli', its 'Duomo', its 'Fountain of Fools' and its cosy narrow streets, is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns.

Day 4 : Lake Trasimeno and Cortona

Via Lake Trasimeno with its mini-island 'Isola Maggiore' and touristy Passignano, you will head to enchanting Cortona, birthplace of painter Luca Signorelli. His paintings are displayed alongside masterpieces by Lorenzetti and Fra Angelico in the 'Museo Diocesano'.

Day 5 : Assisi - Spello - Spoleto

Make sure to visit the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, with beautiful frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto. Stop briefly in the lovely town of Spello, which has remained untouched for 1,000 years. You will continue to Spoleto with its 13th-century 'Torri' bridge and its 'Piazza del Duomo'.

Day 6 : Città di Castello and Sansepolcro

Città di Castello has a beautiful Renaissance-style historic centre. Not to be missed is Alberto Burri's contemporary art collection at Palazzo Albizzini. You continue to Sansepolcro, hometown of Piero della Francesca, whose works you can admire at the 'Museo Civico'.

Day 7 : Todi - Orvieto

You will visit the tiny and charming town of Todi, situated high on a hill, with its centrally located 'Piazza del Popolo' and the beautiful 'San Fortunato' church. Then you'll drive on to Orvieto, beautifully situated on a volcanic rock and with an improbably beautiful Cathedral.