1. A region of divine art

First populated by the Umbri tribe in the 6th c BC, Umbria is a living masterpiece. Dramatically-set hilltop towns, resplendent in their lovely medieval centro storico, enriched by art museums and churches decorated with precious altarpieces: in Umbria the fairy tale is real. Perugia, the region’s capital is charismatic, delightful and fascinating: a city of culture – the University for foreigners and the State University are located here - admire the symmetry of Piazza V Novembre and the pink and white-marble 13th c. Fontana Maggiore to capture its beauty. Explore the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, hosted in the Palazzo dei Priori, to see fabulous artworks by Gentile da Fabriano, Beato Angelico and Piero della Francesca, then head to the 15th c. Nobile Collegio del Cambio and enjoy its stunning furniture and Perugino frescoes, followed by the 14th c. Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia for more stunning decorations. Set in the northern part of the region, Gubbio is known as the city of stone: evocative and striking, it hosts a “suspended” Piazza Grande with the Palazzo dei Consoli and Palazzo Pretorio. Visit the 13th c. Cathedral to soak in its atmospheric interior and marvel at the 12th c. stained glass window. Walk around the Fontana dei Matti in the main square three times and have a local inhabitant pour water over you: you will earn your badge as “matto” – a crazy person! Postcard- pretty Spello is famous for its Infiorata, where inhabitants adorn the streets with flower petals to create a stunning, colourful carpet. Walk around the pale-coloured stone houses and head to the 12th c. Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore to see the beautiful Cappella Baglioni: decorated with frescoes by local artist Pinturicchio, the chapel also contains a marvellous majolica floor 

3. A region of strong traditions

The Belpaese is an eclectic kaleidoscope of varying traditions and habits. Common to all regions, however, is a strong sense of traditions that are handed down from one generation to the next, jealously guarded and truly respected. Umbria is no exception and you will find many events that showcase the best in local handicraft and medieval charm.  Lovely Bevagna, close to Foligno, hosts the Mercato delle Gaite in June, a medieval historical re-enactment that celebrates the priceless heritage of the small town. The Gaite – the four boroughs of San Giovanni, San Giorgio, Santa Maria and San Pietro  - pay homage to the skills of local artisans,

with the reconstruction of workshops dedicated to the production of paper, silk, wax and paintings. Gubbio hosts the Corsa dei ceri, taking place yearly on 15 May, one day before the patron saint, Sant’Ubaldo. The “ceri” are three heavy wooden artifacts, surmounted by statues of three saints, George, Anthony and Ubaldo, carried around the town among festive crowds. The event is repeated on the Sunday following the 15 May and then on 2 June again, with a celebration of young children. Foligno is famous for the Giostra della Quintana, taking place between May and June, with la Sfida and in September - la Rivincita. It sees knights proving their skills at hitting a cartoon joust, with the addition of processions, feasts and celebrations happening in the various taverns. Enjoy delicious food while you soak up the atmosphere!  And this is merely a selection of the many events that feature throughout the year.

5. A foodie heaven

The real passion Italians have for food means cooking is elevated to full art here. Everywhere you go, you will surely taste exceptional dishes prepared with love. Umbria shares this passion and the local cuisine is based on fresh, local ingredients such as meat, pulses and cereals.  Do not leave this region unless you have tried strangozzi or umbricelli pasta, spelt or lentil soup, torta al testo, Cicotto cured meat or the crescionda cake. Come to Scheggino, living in symbiosis with the Nera river, in the Val Nerina, to explore the world of local truffles: il Diamante Nero (Black Diamond) is a festival dedicated to black truffles, a product of excellence of this valley, taking place in late March. Lasting three days with events, presentations and of course tastings, the festival culminates with a record-breaking omelette, cooked with 2,000 eggs and 70 kg of truffles. Norcia is famous for its cured meats, sausages and black truffles, while nearby Castelluccio di Norcia is admired for its lentils, grown in the area as early as the 3rd c. BC  – travel to this lovely meadow in Spring to gaze at the splendid colours: the view is unforgettable. Umbria olive oil is excellent: aromatic and with a distinct taste, come to Torgiano to visit the Olive and Olive oil Museum, but also the Wine Museum to learn about local traditions and uses.  Local wine is clearly excellent, with the Super Umbrian varieties like Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG made with local grapes, Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG, Grechetto di Todi or Rocciata di Assisi. Artisan beer is also enjoying considerable success, due to the excellent local production.  Perugia - famous for its Baci chocolates – hosts Eurochocolate in October, where the most famous chocolatiers in the world come together and showcase their most exquisite productions!  

7. A region of water

165-metre high, the Marmore Waterfalls, just outside Terni, are the tallest man made waterfalls the world. Dating back to the Roman times, the waterfalls are also employed to source a power station, so the falls are turned on and off at various times. Several paths will lead to various viewpoints of the waterfalls, including a Lovers’ balcony for a wild experience! It is, however, Lake Trasimeno that steals the scene here. Italy’s fourth largest lake owes its name to Latin and it means “between the mountains” (from the Latin tras minas.

A romantic, vast expanse of water where everything is calm and blissful. Surrounded by medieval towns like Passigliano and Castiglione del Lago, it is home to many bird and fish species, with olive groves, sunflower fields and vineyards as a gentle backdrop. You will find three islands within its area, with Polvese hosting a 14th century fortress and the church of San Giuliano, decorated with ancient frescoes. San Feliciano is where you’ll want to go to learn about the local fishing culture, which still sees sustainability as its core, with zero waste and no industrial techniques applied. Torre del Lago is a tranquil town and it is here that Bartolomeo Borghi wrote the first Italian geographical atlas; the Italian composer Puccini also loved to spend time here, impressed by the gentle atmosphere.