Food, wine and walking inUmbria

Affectionately referred to as Italy’s green heart, this region is much less explored than its Tuscan sister and therefore holds many more secrets. Umbria’s wine and olive oil are just two of its highlights. The rustic beauty of its landscape, the decidedly human dimensions of the lifestyle, and the unexpected silence in some of the smaller villages, recall the simple ways of an ancient world. There is no better way to experience these gems than by walking.

The Sibillini Mountains offer a very special natural amphitheatre, unique in all of Europe. Springtime in the Pian Grande (Great Plain) boasts a spectacular display of blooming alpine flowers, referred to by the locals as “la fioritura”, with poppies, cornflowers, narcissi and lentil blossoms that transform the high plain into a kaleidoscope of colours and fragrances.

There’s a certain mysticism that envelops the region of Umbria, a land where time seems to stand still and the echoes of the past are around every corner. Known for its medieval charm, Umbria is also a treasure trove of archaeological surprises, offering a glimpse into the ancient world of the Etruscans. The Etruscan civilisation, one of the most enigmatic and fascinating cultures of ancient Italy, actually left an indelible mark on the region. Flourishing between the 9th and 1st centuries BCE, they were known for their art, architecture and religious practices. Their influence in Umbria is not confined to necropolises or archaeological sites but is found in the cities themselves.

We experience the small villages and important cities, learn the secrets of Umbrian cuisine, visit galleries and artisan studios, walk through areas of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance and participate in cultural festivities where possible. Our accommodation throughout Umbria is in renowned hotels as well as stunning villas.

For those who love to explore a region and its people in depth and have a romantic inclination for the past, this tour is for you.