Umbria (OOM-breeah) is a region in the heart of Italy. Umbria does not have a leaning tower or a famous statue by Michelangelo, as Tuscany does. Yet, like Tuscany, Umbria has the rolling hills dotted with farms, and medieval hilltop towns. Also, Umbria has fewer tourists. Most people know of Umbria because that's where the town of Assisi is, the hometown of Saint Francis (which we did not visit).
(peh-ROO-jah)
The capital of Umbria surprised us with its ancient streets and buildings, and pleased us with its liveliness.
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The center of town is a lively pedestrian mall, full of outdoor restaurants and people strolling.
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The view of the valley below the town was really spectacular.
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We stayed at a great hotel, right on the main square. Can you spot Ann in the window of our room, waving?
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It's nice to live like royalty once in a while!
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No, Davide's not dead - Ann gave him a facial.
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We had dinner at a peculiar restaurant in an cellar full of medieval props.
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We chose Perugia as our home base (for 3 nights). We rented a car (a Renault "Twingo") and drove around the area.
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(GOOB-beeo)
This town is a real jewell. We found it quaint, quiet, and lovely. When I asked the man at our Perugia hotel which town he preferred, Assisi or Urbino, he answered "Gubbio!". And we heartily agree!
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Can you spot Ann in that last picture?
(oor-BEE-no)
This town is actually in the region of Marche, just East of Umbria. It's a university town. We were quite disappointed in it: we found it sterile. Hence, no pictures.
(kor-CHA-no)
This tiny hilltop town totally grabbed our hearts. It was quiet, yet alive, with its many older people and lots of flowers.
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The entrance of town is guarded by a tower, complete with a hanging cage in which condemned men were kept. That's Davide in jail.
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Our "Twingo" (farthest car) enjoys a nice view while parked illegally.
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Just North of Corciano we found this castle. We couldn't visit it, because it was being renovated into a hotel.
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(OHS-kah-no)
Still in search of a castle, we found this little "castle" in the middle of a small forest. It has been converted into a luxury hotel. It was sooo peaceful! We had lunch here.
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The Trasimeno is a large lake in Umbria. This ancient fortress is on a promontory on its Western shore.
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