ITALY: Umbria

'Snuggled up against Tuscany, the region of Umbria has recently emerged from the shadow of its more famous neighbour. Known as the Green Heart of Italy, Umbria boasts a majestic landscape of gently rolling hills, sweeping woodlands, dense forests and lush pastoral countryside. Renowned for its profusion of enchanting hilltop towns, the region is also home to some of Italy's finest Medieval jewels including Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis.'
Umbria is equally as beautiful. Once known as Tuscany's gentle sister, it has become an established area in its own right. On almost every hilltop, ancient walls encircle medieval villages - many of them contain treasures equal to Italy's finest, yet are so seldom visited that you often feel you're making your own personal and very special discovery.