The Heart of Italy

Umbria, for most people who have never had that opportunity to visit Italy, or are planning their first trip, they may have never heard of this region. To me, it is one of the most beautiful.  My experiences here have been filled with rolling hills, small hill towns, and patchwork landscapes.
Like the contrast of the area -- close to nature and also refined chocolates, ceramics and linens -- so you will also find the people of Umbria.


Umbria has many names, including the “Green Heart of Italy”.  It is a wonderful region to visit - a place better explored with your eyes than a guide book.

I don’t know if it was good research or just good luck that we discovered an ideal place to stay when visiting Umbria. A couple of years ago, when visiting in the spring we made reservations at Genius Loci. As their web site states “Genius Loci is located in the heart of Umbria”. Take the train to Foligno, rent a car and stay a while. I promise you will not be sorry. (More on Genius Loci later).

There are a multitude of picturesque hill towns in to visit: Spello, Montefalco, Assisi, Norcia, Deruta, Spoleto, Orvieto, Gubbio … the list goes on. If you want to see beautiful Italian hill towns without the crowds of tourists – here is your destination

One of the guide books we read before visiting this region of Italy said “Beware, Umbria can seriously get under your skin” – and it is true.