Historical Umbria

It stretches from Perugia in the North to Terni in the South, and Orvieto(West) to the Sibilini mountains (in the East). The beautiful countryside may take you by surprise round any bend, as a stunning view of a mediaeval hilltop town thrust against a clear blue skyline or a field of sunflowers nodding in the sun appears in full view. The light is often enchanting. While the Autumn brings beautiful rusts and golds as the vines on the hillsides die back for winter. The colours truly are too many and varied to describe but are forever breathtaking.

The elegant towns of Perugia, Todi and Orvieto with their stunning mediaeval architecture and sense of space and proportion enjoy a sense of timelessness. The public buildings, churches, cathedrals are awe-inspiring as are their sculptures and pictures. Many artifacts date from Etruscan times, and the towns need exploring for Etruscan gateways that still stand, not to mention Roman porticos as well.

Assisi needs a special mention as Italy's second holiest city and home to St Francis - the Basilica cannot be missed. The Temple of Minerva dates back to Roman times and in the sixteenth century the temple itself became the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.

As you head down into the valley through Santa Maria degli Angeli it is worth stopping to see the Porziuncula. This tiny chapel, now enclosed in a massive cathedral, is where St Francis preached and later died. In the fifteenth century there were so many pilgrims, the Baroque Basilica which encases it was built by the Pope.

For the country lover walking, climbing, biking, or riding are great ways to relax and can be a considerable physical challenge. The beautiful Sibillini mountain range where skiing occurs during winter or hiking from refuge to refuge at other times of the year can be admired and some of these mountains rise to 9,000feet.(2,700 metres). Some of these refuges prepare evening meals.

There is white surf rafting, canoeing on Lake Trasimeno or the mighty Tiber as it wends its way through the central valley. There are many riding schools that will take trekkers out to enjoy these same hills in the early mornings.

For those who would prefer to rest their weary joints there are hot Springs, (across the border in Lazio at Viterbo), along with mud baths for therapy.

The local foods include porcini mushrooms, truffles and wild boar and if you are here at the right time of year you can go out to collect your own mushrooms and truffles led by knowledgeable locals before treating yourself to some cooking classes at one of the local cookery schools. Alternatively, a local cook can come and help you at your villa. For the fisherman there is the challenge of the Tiber.

Norcia home to Umbria's cured hams, salamis and sausages is an attractive town to visit with many delicatessens, where the hams and salamis can be tasted before purchase. The town is a hive of activity on market day on Friday.

Sagre, or local food and drink festivals, become popular as the harvests are brought in. Every little town has it own, often linked to one particular food or drink and for either a week or a fortnight the village and outsiders dine in a festive atmosphere and then dance the night away with a local band.

Perugia is home to Umbria Jazz Festival in July and Orvieto in December. while Spoleto has it music festival (both jazz and classical) in May

Umbria has something for everyone and the historian is not to be forgotten.

Finally. Umbria is the home of what is arguably the best olive oil in the world, with a characteristic spicy 'kick' at the back of the throat. Umbrian wine is also well worth sampling, especially notable being Sagrantino, which makes a very distinctive full-bodied red wine, for which Montefalco is especially renowned.

towns in Umbria

villa and apartment rentals Umbria

self catering holidays Amelia (3)

Tastefully converted 18c farmhouse complex with beautiful views in secluded setting in Umbrian hills. Sleeps up to 18
farmhouse for rent Amelia sleeps 2-18
farmhouse in Amelia for rent 4091

Umbrian villa for self catering holiday with large pool. Rural setting
restored farmhouse for rent Amelia sleeps 2-16
restored farmhouse in Amelia for rent 3482

Charming cottage with pool set in secluded valley backing onto National Reserve. Stunning views, ideal getaway.
country house for rent Amelia sleeps 2-8
country house in Amelia for rent 3780

self catering holidays Castiglione del Lago (1)

Casaglia, Macchie, Umbria - spacious farmhouse apartment close to Lake Trasimeno
villa apartment for rent Castiglione del Lago sleeps 4
villa apartment in Castiglione del Lago for rent 1543

self catering holidays Cortona (1)

Recently Renovated Farmhouse with stunning views over the beautiful, tranquil Niccone Valley
farmhouse for rent Cortona sleeps 11
farmhouse in Cortona for rent 1333

self catering holidays Giove (3)

2 lovely apartments, with pool and stunning views of the Tiber valley
apartment for rent Giove sleeps 2-8
apartment in Giove for rent 3813

A country house in Giove, Umbria, with private pool. Situated in a tranquil and scenic location. Ideal for touring Umbria and Rome
country house for rent Giove sleeps 6
country house in Giove for rent 2665

An attractive property situated in the countryside on the outskirts of Giove, Umbria. Ideally located for touring Umbria and Rome
semi-detached house for rent Giove sleeps 2-9
semi-detached house in Giove for rent 3605

self catering holidays Marsciano (1)

Hillside apartment in Umbria - Italy with garden and swimming pool
villa apartment for rent Marsciano sleeps 2-6
villa apartment in Marsciano for rent 4172

self catering holidays Montone (1)

Enchanting beautifully restored 15C. stone tower w/ panoramic views of countryside in walled hilltop town
villa for rent Montone sleeps 2
villa in Montone for rent 3428

self catering holidays Orvieto (1)

Villa Santa Maria. Ideally located family villa SPECIAL JULY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE NOW
country house for rent Orvieto sleeps 6
country house in Orvieto for rent 2243

self catering holidays Penna In Teverina (1)

Italy a lovely villa with private pool offerring excellent accomodation and situated in a lovely valley with excellent views, Umbria
villa for rent Penna In Teverina sleeps 2-8
villa in Penna In Teverina for rent 4061

self catering holidays Perugia (7)

'The Charming Villa Nuba apartments' del Bonfigli. The most romantic, luxury apartment you can find in central Italy.
villa apartment for rent Perugia sleeps 1-3
villa apartment in Perugia for rent 3891

Restored luxury house with pool on Tuscan/Umbrian border in idyllic surroundings for self catering rental
villa for rent Perugia sleeps 8
villa in Perugia for rent 3577

Stone house with Bellavista
villa for rent Perugia sleeps 8
villa in Perugia for rent 4208

'The Charming Villa Nuba apartments',del Perugino luxury apartment - Your Home Away from Home - Incredible Location
villa apartment for rent Perugia sleeps 6
villa apartment in Perugia for rent 3889

Farmhouse (villa) private pool stunning views of idyllic tranquil hills on Umbria Tuscany border near Cortona Assisi Perugia
country house for rent Perugia sleeps 6
country house in Perugia for rent 1633

Exclusive Medieval Historical Residences (Apartments & luxury Rooms) - Italy's Umbrian countryside, with pool and huge Estate
villa apartment for rent Perugia sleeps 1-29
villa apartment in Perugia for rent 3231

Luxury Villa with stunning views and infinity pool
villa for rent Perugia sleeps 8
villa in Perugia for rent 4174

self catering holidays Pietralunga (2)

Lovely, secluded villa in rural Umbria with private pool and stunning views
villa for rent Pietralunga sleeps 6
villa in Pietralunga for rent 4225

Umbria/Tuscany Former Medieval Lookout Tower Sunsoaked Hilltop Location Spacious and Relaxing Private Pool
villa for rent Pietralunga sleeps 10
villa in Pietralunga for rent 3408

self catering holidays Sambucetole (1)

Beautiful villa with a private pool offering wonderful scenery
villa for rent Sambucetole sleeps 2-8
villa in Sambucetole for rent 4099

self catering holidays Spoleto (1)

The Belvedere on Umbria - Spoleto (sleeps 8-11)
farmhouse for rent Spoleto sleeps 11
farmhouse in Spoleto for rent 2934

self catering holidays Todi (13)

Villa Rosaspina Charming Stone Villa from 1700's. Stunning Views on Todi's hills. Private Pool. Air-conditioning. Jacuzzi. DSL/Wi-Fi
villa for rent Todi sleeps 8
villa in Todi for rent 3172

Villa L'Arco. Enchanting Villa on the Hills of Todi, in the Tiber River Park. Stunning Views. Private Pool. Air-conditioning. DSL/WI-FI.
villa for rent Todi sleeps 9
villa in Todi for rent 3264

A Villa in Todi, Umbria with Pool and Breathtaking Views
villa for rent Todi sleeps 10
villa in Todi for rent 3410

Luxury villa near Todi with pool, serene country views. Restored stone house built 1532. Sleeps 10/12, modern kitchens, satellite, stunning features
villa for rent Todi sleeps 12
villa in Todi for rent 4280

Il Palombaio- Farmhouse charmingly restored with pool. Wonderful view on surrounding hills, olive groves and farmland
restored farmhouse for rent Todi sleeps 8
restored farmhouse in Todi for rent 4220

Charming, light Villa with marvellous pool and panoramic view
villa for rent Todi sleeps 10
villa in Todi for rent 4199

2 apartments and 2 suites in a XII century restored tower in Umbria,only 8 km from Todi
villa apartment for rent Todi sleeps 2-14
villa apartment in Todi for rent 3979

WATCHTOWER TORRE SANTA , the perfect relax in the heart of Italy, art, nature, superior food
villa for rent Todi sleeps 8
villa in Todi for rent 1818

Elegant villa, with breathtaking views of Todi with a unique solar heated pool and two ponds full of wild life
villa for rent Todi sleeps 2-6
villa in Todi for rent 3008

La Ripa Country House with Private Pool on the same Hill as Todi in Southern Umbria
country house for rent Todi sleeps 8
country house in Todi for rent 4167

In Umbria midway between Rome and Florence: Glamorous country Villa with amazing pool
villa for rent Todi sleeps 14-24
villa in Todi for rent 3536

A 17th Century Umbrian Villa carefully restored nestled in a tranquil setting with sweeping views of Umbria from the pool and around the property.
villa for rent Todi sleeps 8-12
villa in Todi for rent 3875

Italy: An idyllic family villa in the Umbrian countryside with private pool and stunning views, Todi
villa for rent Todi sleeps 8-10
villa in Todi for rent 4003

self catering holidays Umbertide (3)

come to luxury and exclusive villa. 'Pereto' is an aristocratic property in amazing green valley near Tuscany. Enjoy the atmosphere of medieval time
country house for rent Umbertide sleeps 10
country house in Umbertide for rent 4080

Lavender House - All the beauty of Umbria from your own 250 year-old Umbrian farmhouse.
restored farmhouse for rent Umbertide sleeps 8-12
restored farmhouse in Umbertide for rent 2572

Olive House - All the beauty of Umbria from your own 250 year old restored farmhouse.
restored farmhouse for rent Umbertide sleeps 4-12
restored farmhouse in Umbertide for rent 3284