Locality

Umbria is mountainous and hilly. The region enjoys vineyards, olive groves, waterfalls and lush forests.

The Apennine mountain range forms the backbone of the region.

Many rivers transverse the region, including the Tiber which runs through Rome.

There are also several stunning lakes including Trasimeno, Italy's fourth-largest situated on the northwest region on the border with Tuscany.

History

The region was a strong Etruscan area, which has instilled the culture in the history of the region.

Later the area was ruled by the Romans. Umbria became a vital player in the re-unification of Italy in the 1860s.

Attractions

Many of the regions towns have a religious flavour, including Assisi. Giotto's "Life of St Francis" in the Basilica in Assisi is worth a visit. There several excellent churches to visit in the region.

Italy's only surviving Etruscan temple is located in the region in Belvedere.

The Romanesque-Gothic Duomo at Orvieto is stunning.

The area is also famous for it's beautiful ceramics. Orvieto and Deruta are the places to visit. The ceramics have been highly regarded for centuries and a viewed among the best in Europe.

Food and Drink

Olive oil plays a major part in the cuisine of the region.

The region produces the best beans, tomatoes and cured meats in Italy.

The salamis, hams and sausages from Norcia are also highly prized in Italy. Also popular is mazzafegati (a liver sausage with orange peel, pine nuts and raisins) as are wood pigeon, carp and trout.

Black truffles are also a region speciality. They are found in the Subasio hills and a national favourite.

Desserts on offer in the region include Perugia's fine chocolate and a sweet pasta with dried fruits and cinnamon, called focciata.

Umbria is not known for the quantity of wine that it produces but the quality of wine is superb. The region produces the familiar white, dry Orvieto. Available locally is a delightful semi-sweet version and a robust red called Sagrantino (whose high alcohol content render it almost dessert wine standard.)

Major airports in the Umbria region

Milan has a small airport called Perugia.

Better options are flights to Pisa for the northern area of Umbria and one of Rome's airports for the southern area.