Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Umbria & Le Marche
Why Go?
For years Italophiles have waxed lyrical about Tuscany's natural, artistic and culinary won-
ders, without so much as a passing nod to neighbours: Umbria and Le Marche. How they
have missed out! This phenomenally beautiful yet unsung region is Italy in microcosm:
olive groves, vineyards, sun-ripened wheat fields stippled with wildflowers and hills
plumed with cypress trees roll gently west to the snow-dusted Apennines and east to the
glittering Adriatic. In between, castle-topped medieval hill towns wait, glowing like warm
honey in the fading light of sundown.
Then there are the region's artistic attributes, as the birthplace of Renaissance masters
Raphael and Perugino, and sprightly composer Rossini; while St Francis of Assisi, St Be-
nedict and St Valentine make the spiritual pilgrimage here a profound one. So next time
you glance at the map and your eyes alight on old-favourite Tuscany, why not press on
south? You won't regret it.
When to Go
Feb
Celebrate all things truffle at Norcia's Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero.
May
Hit Le Marche's beaches, as wildflowers bloom on the Piano Grande.
