View Holiday Farmhouses Umbria

The central Italian region of Umbria to the east of Tuscany stretches from the plains of the Tiber Valley in the west, to the Apennine Mountains in the east. Geographically, Umbria is one of the smallest of the 20 regions in Italy but, nevertheless one of the most picturesque. Umbria is often referred to as "the green heart of Italy" and is characterised by town and villages distinctly medieval in nature, located amongst forests of pine and elm and in groves of chestnuts and olives.

Major Towns & Attractions Perugia is the provincial capital and home to the Umbria Jazz Festival which is held in July each year. This is one of the most important annual jazz events in Europe. Other attractions include the Galleria Nazionale located in the Pallazzo del Priori which is dedicated to the history of Umbrian painting. Of equal interest is the originally 10th century Gothic Church of San Pietro. Roughly 15 miles to the south-east of Perugia lies Assisi, the birthplace in the late 12th century of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, birds and the environment. The 13th century Basilica di San Francesco, built on the site of St. Francis' tomb, extends down the so-called "Hill of Paradise". It is an excellent example of medieval architecture and art. Restoration work to the upper basilica – extensively damaged by an earthquake in 1997 – was completed in 1999. Further to the north and some 25 miles north of Perugia, the medieval (and earlier) attractions of Gubbio are popular with sightseers. The majority of the buildings in the town centre date from the 13th or 14th century, including the Palazzo dei Consoli which dominates the main square Piazza Grande.

A typical Umbrian farmhouse

From Gubbio you can take a short ride up to Monte Ingino and the Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo which houses the remains of the local patron saint, Ubaldo. Ubaldo is further commemorated by a lively celebration, known as "Festa dei Ceri", which takes place on May 15th each year.

Nightlife in Umbria tends to be fairly relaxed and low-key although there are still enough cafes, bars and restaurants to satisfy all but the most ardent "party animals". Most establishments are open at least until midnight, although late night drinking and dancing – and "clubbing" in its strictest sense – tend to be concentrated in the more urban centres such as Perugia.

Other activities include water sports at the main centres on Lake Trasimeno and on the River Tiber; cycle tours (accompanied or unaccompanied) through the beautiful surroundings of Orvieto or Assisi for example; and of course walking.

Accommodation

Rental accommodation in Umbria is available in many shapes and sizes and in a variety of locations. Properties range from apartments in the small historical towns of the region through to homely mountain dwellings. Farm or "agriturismo" holidays are becoming increasingly popular and farmhouses to rent in Umbria are thus available throughout the rural areas. Farmhouse accommodation ranges from simple and unsophisticated to plush and sumptuous and, in the latter case, may be accompanied by additional facilities such as a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gymnasium or horse riding.