The Umbrians are isolated from everyday life by encircling mountains and inhabit a timeless world of natural beauty, historic sunsets and a gastronomic paradise that consists entirely of fresh local produce. Specialties such as risotto with grated truffles, mazzafegati (chopped liver) or Castellucio lentils are followed by rare ewes' milk cheeses and tasty pinoccate cakes, and enjoyed with a delicious Colli del Trasimeno white wine or the unique Sagrantino red.
A visit to Umbria is still an adventure into the undiscovered, a mediaeval backwater that is remembered for its stillness. The only way to fully appreciate it is to slow right down to walking or cycling pace. There is, of course, bustle too. Perugia has one of Italy's finest art collections, Gubbio is a complete memorial to the mediaeval period and Assisi is famous for St Francis. But every little town and village has its own unique charm or hidden treasure.
Umbria is very aptly described as 'the gentle soul of Italy' and it's a wonderful choice for a relaxed walking or cycling holiday. Aside from the beautiful ancient cities, picturesque hilltop villages, exquisite frescoes, and as well as producing more than 40% of the nation's pasta, the best olive oil in the country and black truffles that are sought after all over the world, Umbria is above all home to wonderfully down-to-earth and friendly people.
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This 8-night holiday combines gentle pedalling through olive groves, sunflower fields and vineyards with time in gorgeous historic towns and sun-drenched villages. Highlights include mediaeval Bevagna, Etruscan Perugia, picture-postcard Spello and ancient Assisi.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This 6-night linear trip is a great mix of wonderfully scenic walking and historic hilltop towns. The walks follow a mix of paths and trails, partly on the St Francis Way, partly on the 'Sentiero degli Ulivi', the Olive Grove Trail. Along the way you pass the great Abbey at Sassovivo and wander the ruins of Campello Alto.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This 7-night linear trip is a great mix of wonderfully scenic walking and historic hilltop towns. Starting in Spello, spend time wandering the narrow cobbled streets of one of Italy's best preserved medieval towns. The walks follow a mix of paths and trails, partly on the St Francis Way, partly on the 'Sentiero degli Ulivi', the Olive Grove Trail. Along the way you pass the great Abbey at Sassovivo and wander the ruins of Campello Alto.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This 8-night linear trip is a great mix of wonderfully scenic walking and historic hilltop towns. The walks follow a mix of paths and trails, partly on the St Francis Way, partly on the 'Sentiero degli Ulivi', the Olive Grove Trail. Along the way, you explore the upper slopes of the 'bald mountain' Monte Subasio with stunning mountains vistas. You can discover the secluded hermitages of St Francis, pass the great Abbey at Sassovivo and wander the ruins of Campello Alto.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This 10-night linear trip is a great mix of wonderfully scenic walking and historic hilltop towns. The walks follow a mix of paths and trails, partly on the St Francis Way, partly on the 'Sentiero degli Ulivi', the Olive Grove Trail. Along the way, you explore the upper slopes of the 'bald mountain' Monte Subasio with stunning mountains vistas. You can discover the secluded hermitages of St Francis, pass the great Abbey at Sassovivo and wander the ruins of Campello Alto.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This 10-night holiday combines gentle pedalling through olive groves, sunflower fields and vineyards with time in gorgeous historic towns and sun-drenched villages with 4 nights spent in Spoleto with its fantastic architecture and opportunities to visit Rome and Norcia, famed for its cured meats.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
