Umbria is sometimes regarded as a postscript to Tuscany, its more glamorous neighbour. In fact, it is a slice of Italy unclotted by tourists. See great works of the Renaissance, shop in markets in medieval hilltowns, discover vineyards and explore stunning towns such as Orvieto, Perugia and Assisi. Umbria has everything you want from Italy except a seaside – but it does have a jolly nice lake at Trasimeno. 
Recommended tour operator: Real Holidays
Real Holidays says
The town of Todi, a perfect collection of medieval buildings set amidst the rolling hills of Umbria, is regularly voted amongst the best places in the world to live. You can gaze upon it from the gardens of La Torricella, a stylish stone-built property with five bedrooms, a pool and beautiful landscaped gardens 3km across the valley. The architect owner’s style is equally evident at Real Holidays’ other property nearby, Le Terrazze, where lawned gardens and terraces offer sweeping views of this Perugino countryside. Or choose the small family-owned Tenuta di Canonica (pictured top left), just 9kms from Todi.
Although Real Holidays’ Italian Portfolio features several regions of Italy – Sicily, Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata in the south, and the Marches – it is Umbria that has been the core of the collection since its inception 10 years ago. Each October, the director and his wife visit the region and their search for new properties tends to be as fruitful as the olive harvest taking place around them.
The result is a wide selection of self-catering properties, converted farmhouses, estates with shared pools, stylish country house hotels and upmarket villas. We know our clients put a high priority on eating well on holiday and several of the properties we work with produce their own food, olive oil and wine. And by staying in two or more of our properties you can discover the differences between the north and south of the region – the ageless hill towns of Valle Umbra and the softer hills and lakes around Orvieto.
Click here for prices and more about villas in Umbria
