Experience Italy's 'green heart' with a five-night holiday in Umbria
Explore the subterranean Rocca Paolina fortress, a hidden world beneath the city streets, offering a unique glimpse into medieval life. Art enthusiasts will also appreciate the National Gallery of Umbria, housing masterpieces from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
A short drive brings you to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. The town's crowning jewel, the Basilica of St. Francis, is adorned with frescoes that narrate the saint's life and legacy. Stroll through flower-lined streets and absorb the tranquil atmosphere that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.
Umbria's fertile lands yield culinary treasures and visitors can join local truffle hunter on a quest for these elusive delicacies. After the hunt, you can savour dishes infused with your finds which are paired with regional wines.
Family-run wineries are also a popular attraction in this region, such as Castello di Monte Vibiano where thirsty travellers can sample organic wines and learn about traditional olive oil production.
Once ably refreshed, nature enthusiasts can then explore Lake Trasimeno in the provence of Perugia, which is Italy's fourth-largest lake and ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
For thrills and spills, white-water rafting on the Nera River is also an option, navigating rapids that flow through the stunning Marmore Waterfalls, one of Europe's tallest man-made cascades.
Visitors can then also discover the medieval allure of towns like Spello, with its panoramic views over the Tiber Valley, and Spoleto, known for its ancient Roman architecture and hilltop fortress.
In Orvieto, marvel at the intricate façade of the Gothic cathedral and delve into the city's Etruscan roots through its underground caves.
The wheel deal
TO fully immerse yourself in Umbria's offerings, consider renting a car from Rome Airport which can be fully organised by Orbis Travels.
With rates starting from £50 per car for five nights, you gain the freedom to explore at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and picturesque landscapes along the way.
And as a picturesque base, travellers couldn't ask for a more perfectly-located sanctuary than former Franciscan Monastery Abbazia Collemedio Resort and Spa, which boasts a spectacular outdoor swimming pool, free parking for guests, a truly stunning spa and wellness centre, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, non-smoking rooms and a well-stocked, atmospheric bar area.
Travellers who wish to embark upon this unforgettable journey through Umbria can book now at www.orbistravels.co.uk to experience a holiday where every moment is a step into a living tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty.
Or telephone 0208 051 0956
Travel notes:
Round-trip flights to Rome from Edinburgh
From just £399 per person
Classic Double or Twin Room
Half-Board (Excluding drinks)
ACCOMMODATION
Abbazia Collemedio Resort and Spa
UMBRIA, ITALY
SET in the heart of green Umbria, just a few kilometres from world-famous destinations such as Perugia, Todi, Bevagna, Montefalco, and Assisi, Abbazia Collemedio is a charming retreat with a rich history.
Once a monastery inhabited by monks, it has been beautifully transformed into a hotel, blending its historic charm with modern comforts.
Thanks to its strategic location, Abbazia Collemedio is the perfect base for those wishing to escape the city and explore the medieval hilltop towns of Umbria, along with the region's most renowned cultural and culinary attractions.
The property offers 55 comfortable rooms, a cosy and exclusive restaurant, a swimming pool ideal for relaxing on warm sunny days, a tennis court, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the estate, and a meeting room that can accommodate between 20 and 100 delegates.
(Image: .)
Spanning 130 square metres, the spa features a relaxation area with herbal teas, a swimming pool with hydromassage, a Finnish shower with chromotherapy, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. A massage room and a range of beauty treatments are also available to enhance your experience.
Classic rooms offer 18 square metres of comfortable space with a choice of either a double bed or twin beds. Furnished in a traditional style, the flooring is either parquet or terracotta, and the curtains are in soft pastel tones. These rooms accommodate up to two guests. On request, a limited number of rooms can be equipped with an extra bed or a crib. Some rooms are arranged over two levels.
In-room amenities include individually controlled heating and air conditioning, an LCD television, a writing desk, a telephone, a safe, a minibar, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
All bathrooms are fitted with a shower cubicle and come with a hairdryer and a courtesy set of toiletries.
Dine in style
THE Abbazia Collemedio Restaurant is an ideal setting, offering a touch of exclusivity, to savour the finest Umbrian and Italian cuisine.
The hotel's chef invites you on a culinary journey where traditional pasta dishes are thoughtfully reimagined in line with modern culinary trends, creating a perfect harmony of flavour and innovation.
The dining experience is further enhanced by a carefully curated wine list, featuring some of the most exclusive Umbrian and Italian labels.
The ambience of the restaurant is both welcoming and refined, with interiors inspired by rustic country charm.
Large windows frame breathtaking views, perfect for watching the sunset as it dips behind the hills of Todi.
Travellers who wish to embark upon this unforgettable journey through Umbria can book now at www.orbistravels.co.uk
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
‘Gifted' European city that's 25°C in September with Mediterranean beaches
Bustling Paris is a classic city break, offering striking Eiffel Tower views and strolls along the Seine – but there are plenty of alternative places to visit in France beyond the capital. For example: a city dubbed the 'Venice of France', romantic and tiny small towns, a 'hidden' holiday hotspot with £15 flights, and a naturist village if that's your thing. Add to the list the charming city Montpellier – which has previously been nicknamed the surdouée , meaning 'gifted' or 'wonder child'. Montpellier, which sits on the South of France's Mediterranean coast, may be petite compared to Paris, but it's still the country's seventh-largest city and home to some 486,000 people. It's the fastest-growing French city over the last 50 years, more than doubling in population from just 119,000 residents in 1962. And with rich history to explore and a reliable dose of sunshine, it has a lot to offer tourists. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The best way to soak up Montpellier's bountiful offering of medieval alleys, ornate fountains and incredible architecture is to wander the streets on foot. A great place to start is Écusson, Montpellier's old town – the centre of the city. Named for its Écu (old French coin) shape, this district is the oldest (built in the Middle Ages) and also the most vibrant, bursting with quirky indy shops and restaurants, as well as nods to the district's history. One such feature is Europe's oldest medical school, the Faculty of Medicine, which was founded in the 12th century and still in operation today. Nearby, you can find France's oldest botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, for a peaceful stroll – and admire the Gothic architecture of Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. Time your visit for a Tuesday or Saturday between 7am to 1.30pm, and the area comes alive with the outdoor Marché des Arceaux. Held beneath the towering Arceaux Aqueduct, it's Montpellier's biggest food market, and is packed with local produce. Be sure to pick up some pelardon – the region's creamy goat cheese. If you love Paris' Arc de Triomphe, Montpellier has a less-famous version – the Porte du Peyrou, built in 1692 – just along the promenade. Elsewhere, by the square Place de la Comedie you'll find the art museum Musée Fabre. Or, if you prefer, simply sitting in one Montpellier's numerous squares with a coffee and pastry (or glass of wine) is great way to soak up the vibes. Montpellier's location means you can also fit in a beach break, if you wish. A 20-minute tram ride away are 7km of beaches in the nearby resort of Palavas-les-Flots. If you're lucky, you might see flamingos wading in the Méjean lagoon en route. Otherwise, the sandy Petit Travers and Grand Travers beaches are about 30 minutes by car. Montpellier is 10km inland from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Occitanie region. It has an airport – Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport – which has direct flights to and from the UK. On Skyscanner, we found return easyJet flights for September from London Gatwick for £85, and for as little as £74 return in October. As for where to stay, we spotted Airbnb rooms from £33 per night and apartments from £42 per night, if you're travelling in September. Hotel prices vary depending on when you visit, but there are plenty of affordable options. Peak tourist season is around the July to August school holidays – expect Montpellier to be busy in the months either side of this (June and September). As a result, if you're keen to veer away from the crowds, the best time to visit is May to mid-June and late-September to October – or perhaps even during the winter months. If the weather is solely guiding your travel plans, the warmest time of year in Montpellier is, as you'd expect, from June to September. More Trending July is the hottest month with an average high temperature of 29°C, while August's average highs are just a degree cooler at 28°C, Holiday Weather notes. June and September's average highs both hit 25°C, while October drops to a pleasant 20°C. This article was originally published in January 2024 and has been updated. MORE: Adult-only hotels that ban children 'like dogs' could be made illegal in France MORE: I followed a dusty path in Ibiza and found the 'White Isle's' most iconic hotel MORE: I've travelled all over Canada, but nothing compares to its 'ocean playground'
Scottish Sun
21 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Beautiful Croatian hilltop village that was used as a dupe for city of Nottingham in the Robin Hood movie
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ON the beautiful Istria peninsula is a tiny cobbled village that has doubled as the UK city of Nottingham. An hour away from the Croatian city of Pula is the pretty village of Završje, it sits on a hilltop, has winding streets and stone houses with terracotta rooftops. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Završje sits on a hilltop on the Istria peninsula Credit: Alamy 5 The village appeared in the 2018 adaptation of Robin Hood Credit: Alamy There are plenty of pretty hidden gems on the Istria peninsula, one of them being the Završje. The village is tiny, with the last population consensus in 2021 revealing that just 39 people lived there. More people might have seen it than first thought though, as in 2018 it appeared in a blockbuster movie. Završje stood in for 12th century Nottingham in the Robin Hood film starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx and Eve Hewson. The town's medieval look made it the ideal backdrop for the movie's scenes and were used for the end battle between Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Završje has its very own leaning tower - the church tower is 22 metres tall and leans about 40cm because of the unstable ground it was built on. Once you've had a walk around the tiny village, there's plenty more to do in Istria - the heart-shaped peninsula boasts incredible beaches, cities and historical sites. Its Ancient Roman buildings have led to many comparisons with Italy, and the city of Pula's Roman amphitheatre is the sixth largest in the world. It's also one of the best-preserved in the world with its outer walls and four side towers mostly intact. Tickets for entry to the Arena can be purchased at the main entrance - adults are €10 (£8.64) and students are €5 (£4.32). The sun-soaked Croatian island that's a secret a celeb hot spot 5 Pula's Roman amphitheatre is the sixth largest in the world Credit: Alamy 5 There are plenty of beautiful beaches on the peninsula Credit: Getty The best beaches on Tripadvisor in Istria include Fazana Beach, Cuvi Beach and Mulini Beach. One of the top attractions is the Punta Kamenjak National Park where you can go swimming and snorkelling. Essential spots to see include the Old Town, Baredine Cave, Port of Rovinj and Church of St Euphemia. Istria is also home to Croatia's largest waterpark Aquapark Porec Aquacolors. It boasts several huge waterslides, including the Freefall, a 48-metre long drop and Turbolance which features a steep drop, reverses and a splash pool, all while taking "crazy photos" of riders. However, there are also calmer rides for youngsters including family rafting slides. The park has a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award due to the number of positive ratings it has received. One visitor wrote: "Awesome place, so much fun and adrenaline. Would come again, definitely! Make sure you arrive early because there is so many slides you will want to try." Another person added: "The children's area was amazing! Our kids loved it!" You can fly direct from the UK to Pula Airport in just over two hours. Flights are with easyJet and Ryanair and start from £31. Discover more on Croatia including its largest island which has hilltop towns, sandy beaches and it's own airport. And the 'secret' pirate beach town on one of Europe's most popular coasts.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
The alternative Spanish beach town with seaside cocktail bar, towering cliffs and summer highs of 26C
Plus, you get be there in two and a half hours from the UK SHORE THING The alternative Spanish beach town with seaside cocktail bar, towering cliffs and summer highs of 26C Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AROUND Spain there are some incredible alternative destinations to the classic tourist spots of Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. In the Basque Country, 20 minutes from Bilbao, is the seaside town of Getxo which has stretches of sandy beach, 18th-century windmills and summer highs of 26C. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Getxo is a town 20 minutes south of Bilbao Credit: Alamy 5 It's got plenty of sandy beach for sunbathing Credit: Alamy Most tourists will know the Spanish city of Bilbao for its football club and pretty old town. But if you travel 20 minutes south, you'll find the seaside town of Getxo. There are lots of beaches in the town of Getxo, including Ereaga Beach. The sandy coastline is known for being a popular swimming and sunbathing spot, and it's also where locals will host beach football tournaments. Playa de Arrigunaga is a popular beach, too. A visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "A beautiful beach, with a bar for drinks. "You can see all the cliffs in the area, and an old mill on top of the cliff. The views provided by the walk along the cliff area are spectacular." The steep cliffs in question are called La Galea cliffs which at their tallest point can be up to 195 feet high. They make for great coastal walks and viewing points. At the very top is the Aixerrota Windmill - it was built at the beginning of the 18th century and was used to grind wheat. And it's one of the few that remain in Biscay. The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities 5 The Aixerrota Windmill sits on top of the cliffs Credit: Alamy 5 One popular site is the world's oldest transporter bridge, Vizcaya Bridge Credit: Alamy Other popular beaches around the town include Playa De Las Arenas and Gorrondatxe. One of the top sites in Getxo is the Vizcaya Bridge, which links the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas and is part of Getxo. It's the world's oldest transporter bridge and was built in 1893, so it's a popular place to stop by. One visitor said: "It was an amazing experience to take the suspended gondola crossing the river, even more facilitating to take a walk on top of the 40m high bridge. I couldn't imagine this was built over 100 years ago." Another added: "A great UNESCO heritage site to visit. The waterfront promenade was beautiful! "You can also walk across the top of the bridge. It was not too scary even for one who is afraid of heights." In the Old Port of Algorta, you'll find old white fishermen's houses built in steep alleyways in the locality that look over the sea. It's been described as "charming" with "gorgeous sea views" by visitors. In the summer Getxo has highs of 26C and its average low is 13C in January - so you're still likely to get winter sun too. To get to Getxo from the UK, you'll have to fly to the neighbouring city of Bilbao, which a few months ago hosted the Europa League final. You can reach it from the UK in two hours if you fly from London Gatwick or London Heathrow with Vueling. To get to Getxo from Bilbao then takes 20 minutes by car or 50 minutes on the Metro. Read more on the Spanish beach town loved by Brits that looks more like Brazil. Here's another 'must-visit' Spanish town away from the crowds where Game of Thrones was filmed.
