The heart of Italy’s beauty

Map of Umbria Vacation, Travel and Hotel Information

Visiting Umbria will inspire you to ask how this amazing region is largely undiscovered by Americans. Visitors, however, are not complaining. Unlike in its equally beautiful neighbor Tuscany, the tourist hordes do not roam Umbria.

Despite the vast and rich culture that permeates the entire Italian "boot," many visitors concentrate on the better-known areas - Florence, Rome, Venice. These cities are immensely beautiful, but some of the best things in Italy are found in places like Umbria: largely unknown towns accessible as they are alluring. Upon your visit to Umbria you will wonder how such a gem could ever lay so far under the radar of American tourism; indeed, the reason for this might be that those who have enjoyed it want to keep it a secret. Even the locals "ooh" and "ahh" admiring the vineyards of Orvieto or the panorama of Assisi and its famed Cathedral. In Umbria there is much to enjoy: a casual drive through its hilly countryside, passing through fertile farm lands covered in olive groves, grape vines, and chestnut trees; the area's refined art, including the notable Il Perugino; and a rich and ancient religious history, including the founding of the Franciscan Order. All of this is complemented by Umbria's natural splendor and an excellent cuisine.

Umbria's History & Culture >

Food & Drink in Umbria

• Tartufo Nero: The famously delicious black truffle.
• Tagliatelli con tartufi nero: fresh fettuccine-like pasta topped with black truffle sauce.
• Porchetta: slow roasted suckling pig.
• Falchetti: potato gnocchi baked with ricotta and spinach, topped with a tomato cheese sauce.
• Asparagi al forno: Umbria's favorite vegetable asparagus baked and topped with fresh pecorino romano cheese.
• Orvieto: the region's most famous white wine.
• Montefalco Sagrantino: Umbria's most famous red wine, and one of the best in Italy.