umbria
travel guide
UMBRIA
Rolling green hills dotted with medieval hilltop towns, world-class wines, and quietly magnificent art tucked into centuries-old churches—the green heart of Italy reveals its treasures to those who slow down to look.
umbria
The Green Heart of Italy—a peaceful region of rolling green hills, medieval hilltop towns, and ancient olive groves, offering an intimate escape that feels worlds away from the tourist crowds.
This unspoiled countryside invites you to explore spiritual Assisi, vibrant Perugia, and wine-soaked villages like Montefalco, all while savoring handmade pasta, local truffles, and exceptional wines in family-run trattorias—a place where every moment feels authentically connected to the land and its rich traditions.
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Poggio Belvedere by Vero — An artfully restored 17th-century countryside estate nestled in the rolling hills, surrounded by ancient olive groves and vineyards with sweeping views in every direction. This luxurious villa sleeps up to 10 guests across five bedrooms and features a private infinity pool, multiple state-of-the-art kitchens, and the option to rent individual apartments or the entire property—making it perfect for intimate retreats, family gatherings, or destination weddings.
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Panicale — This medieval hilltop village in Umbria feels like stepping into a time capsule, with its perfectly preserved stone walls, intimate piazzas, and sweeping views over Lake Trasimeno. Wander the quiet cobblestone streets, pop into a family-run trattoria for lunch, and soak in the unhurried pace of a place that tourism hasn't quite discovered yet.
Deruta — A hillside town has been the epicenter of Italian majolica pottery since the Renaissance, with nearly every shop showcasing hand-painted ceramics in vibrant blues, yellows, and greens. Watch artisans at work in their studios, then browse for everything from espresso cups to elaborate decorative plates that'll make you wish your suitcase had more room.
Spello — A pink-stone village cascading down Monte Subasio is draped in flowers year-round, with geraniums spilling from every balcony and window box creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop at every turn. Climb the narrow medieval lanes to discover hidden frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, then settle into a terrace restaurant for panoramic views over the Umbrian valley.
Assisi — The birthplace of St. Francis draws pilgrims and art lovers alike to see the stunning frescoes by Giotto in the Basilica, but the real magic happens when you wander beyond the main attractions. Explore the quiet stone alleyways at dusk when day-trippers have left, and you'll find a peaceful hill town with incredible sunset views stretching across the countryside.
Montepulciano — This ridge-top Renaissance town is famous for its Vino Nobile, and you'll find wine cellars tucked into ancient caves beneath nearly every palazzo along the steep main street. Make the climb to Piazza Grande at the summit for sweeping Tuscan views, then reward yourself with a tasting at one of the family-run enotecas where they'll pour you samples alongside local pecorino cheese.
Castiglione del Lago — This charming walled town juts out into Lake Trasimeno on a limestone promontory, offering breezy lakeside promenades and a medieval fortress with panoramic water views. Grab a table at a waterfront restaurant for fresh lake fish, then stroll the ramparts at sunset when the lake turns golden and the pace slows to a proper Italian crawl.
Bagno Vignoni — This tiny village is built around a massive Renaissance thermal pool in its main square, where steaming mineral-rich water has bubbled up from underground springs since Roman times. Grab a day pass to the lovely hotel's natural thermal pool and spend the afternoon soaking in the warm, therapeutic waters while gazing out over the stunning Val d'Orcia landscape.
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Potti de Fratini — This family-run olive oil producer has been pressing liquid gold for generations, welcoming visitors into their grove to learn about traditional harvesting methods and the art of making exceptional extra virgin olive oil. The tasting lets you sample different varieties while the family shares stories passed down through the years, and you'll definitely want to leave with a few bottles of their peppery, green-gold oil.
Cashmere Outlet — A lesser-known secret is its cashmere production, and the factory outlets here offer incredibly soft sweaters, scarves, and wraps at a fraction of what you'd pay in boutiques back home. Browse racks of buttery-soft knits in every color imaginable, and don't be shy about asking for seconds or samples - the deals here make it easy to justify that extra suitcase.
Domiziani Design Ceramics — A contemporary ceramics studio that puts a fresh, modern spin on Umbria's ancient pottery traditions, creating sleek tableware and decorative pieces that feel both timeless and of-the-moment. Browse their showroom to find hand-crafted bowls, plates, and vases with clean lines and subtle glazes that'll elevate your table long after you've returned home.
Cooking class — Learn to craft authentic Umbrian dishes in an intimate, hands-on class (ours was led by Michelin-trained Chef Marco on-site at the villa), where he'll share techniques and secrets from his years in Italy's finest restaurants. You'll cook, laugh, and then sit down to enjoy the multi-course feast you've just created, paired with local wines and the kind of stories that only come out around a good table.
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LimaLuna — Giulio and Luca are young winemakers breathing new life into Umbria's native grapes, creating innovative blends that change each year and are named after the songs they listened to most during harvest. Their playful spirit shows in everything from their unique bottle-fermented wines to their animated-character labels, proving that respecting tradition doesn't mean you can't have fun experimenting.
Cantina Cenci — This family winery offers an intimate look at Umbrian winemaking, with tours through their vineyards and cellars followed by a prepared lunch where each course is perfectly paired with their Sagrantino, Grechetto, and other regional varietals. The warm hospitality and unhurried pace make you feel less like a tourist and more like a friend who's stopped by to share a meal and hear stories about the harvest.
Cantina Lo Schiantolo — Don't be fooled by their small, unfancy location — this tiny, longtime family-run winery keeps things beautifully simple, producing just four high-quality DOC wines that showcase their deep knowledge of the land and vines they've tended for generations. The intimate tasting feels like sitting at the family table, where passion and tradition matter far more than production volume, and every bottle tells the story of their commitment to excellence.
Madrevite Winery — A boutique winery crafting exceptional wines with a focus on native Umbrian grape varieties, offering tastings in their elegant tasting room surrounded by rolling vineyard views. The staff walks you through each pour with genuine enthusiasm, making it easy to understand why their commitment to quality over quantity has earned them a devoted following.
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Lillo Tatini — Named after the owner's grandfather whose grocery store once occupied this space, the restaurant is now run by his smiling, generous wife Patrizia who welcomes guests with the same warmth and playful spirit. The cuisine is firmly rooted in tradition, based on deep knowledge of local products and historic regional recipes, served in a romantic setting in the heart of Panicale's medieval borgo.
Pochini Paola — This tiny family-run gem feels like dining in Nona Paola's own home, because essentially you are — she's the head chef creating incredible vegetarian meals with the love and care only a grandmother can bring. The intimate experience makes you feel less like a restaurant patron and more like a beloved family member sitting down to Sunday dinner.
Maca Muta — This cozy restaurant showcases local and seasonal ingredients in dishes that celebrate the best of what the region has to offer at any given moment. Pair your meal with their wonderfully unique selection of local wines that you won't find anywhere else, making for an authentic Umbrian dining experience.
Ristorante I Rodella — Named after the Rodella family who's run this Michelin-recognized restaurant. Brothers Samuele, Stefano, and Andrea create contemporary gourmet cuisine with housemade pasta, bread, and desserts using the finest ingredients. Dine in their charming dining room or summer garden patio, where meticulous attention to detail and beautiful plate presentations make every meal feel like a fine dining experience.
La Carneria — This beloved butcher shop recently expanded into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, bringing their exceptional meats and incredible cooking to diners who can now enjoy full meals on-site. If you're staying nearby, they'll also deliver complete meals to your door or even come cook at your property, bringing the restaurant experience directly to you.
RE AL QUADRATO — This small pizzeria serves delicious wood-fired pizza with perfectly charred crusts and quality toppings that showcase simple Italian perfection. The wine selection curated by Sing and his wife adds a personal touch to the experience, pairing beautifully with whatever comes out of the oven.
