Experience Italy's 'green heart' with a five-night holiday in Umbria
Many visitors will choose to begin their adventure in Perugia, Umbria's vibrant capital. Wander through the historic Piazza IV Novembre, where the Gothic Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the ornate Fontana Maggiore stand as testaments to the city's rich past.
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
Belfast Telegraph
34 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Travel Review: Once Provence casts its spell, you might never want to leave
Experience the beautiful views and places that have inspired creativity from Picasso, Cézanne and Van Gogh, and boasts lavender fields like nowhere else on earth Deep in the heart of Provence, near the Roman town of Aix, lies one of the art world's most remarkable and unexpected destinations. Château La Coste, a 200-hectare estate of vines and olive groves, hosts an extraordinary collection of contemporary works by global luminaries: Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Ai Weiwei, Dublin-born Sean Scully, Louise Bourgeois and even Bob Dylan, Michael Stipe of R.E.M. and Yoko Ono. You might assume this visionary project sprang from the mind of an art lover from Paris, Rome or New York. In fact, its roots are closer to home. Mara McKillen, the heart and soul of Château La Coste, was born in Belfast. Together with her brother, hotelier and developer Paddy McKillen and their team, she has spent two decades transforming this traditional farmland into a celebrated haven for art, wine and architecture.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Best city in France' that's just as good as Paris but with fewer tourists
The beautiful city in the south of France is considered to be the best in the country, yet it remains relatively unknown to tourists compared to the likes of Paris A stunning and captivating French city, hailed as the country's finest, remains a hidden gem to many tourists. This fortified city is nestled in the south, approximately 50 miles east of Toulouse. It can be reached from Paris via a six-and-a-half hour train ride, or an eight-hour car journey. However, it's recommended to visit the city from Barcelona, which is a mere three-and-a-half hours by car. On average, the city welcomes three to four million visitors annually, a stark contrast to the 47.5 million that flocked to Paris last year. Over 54 percent of these were international guests, showcasing the city's worldwide allure, according to Road Genius. Carcassonne, situated in the Aude department of Occitania, spans 25 square miles, considerably larger than most small towns in the department. The rivers of Aude, Fresquel and the Canal du Midi all meander through the city, reports the Express. Today, the city stands as a spectacular testament to medieval fortification, with its encompassing 13th-century defences, buildings, streets and Gothic cathedral. As such, it's reputed to possess the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Europe. The Catholic cathedral - Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Carcassonne - was constructed in the 13th-century as a parish church. However, following damage from warfare a century later, it was reconstructed as a fortified church. In 1803, St Michael's was elevated to cathedral status. Its exquisite stained glass dates back to the 14th- to 16th-centuries. One can embark on a guided boat tour along the Canal du Midi, which can last an hour or more. After exploring all the passageways and parapets, you're just minutes away from Carcassonne where you can discover vineyards, wine caves and ruined castles, including the Cathar castles erected by triumphant French Crusaders. The area has been populated since the Neolithic era and held significant strategic value for the Romans, who occupied the city until the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The citadel - known as the Cité de Carcassonne - was established during the Gallo-Roman period (260-72 AD) and is renowned for its 1.9-mile double surrounding walls punctuated with 52 towers. Its exceptional representation of architecture and planning earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1997. On Tripadvisor, the fortified city has been praised as "well preserved and interesting", making it ideal for those seeking to experience an "looking to see an authentic French fortress." The city was demilitarised under Napoleon Bonaparte and the Restoration, falling into such a state of disrepair that the French Government contemplated demolishing it in 1849. This proposal sparked outrage, with Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille (the mayor of Carcassonne) and writer Prosper Mérimée spearheading a campaign to preserve it as a historical monument. The decision was subsequently reversed and restoration work commenced in 1853, under the guidance of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Owing to its UNESCO status, the city heavily depends on tourism for its economy, alongside manufacturing and winemaking. It's situated on what were historically the trade routes connecting the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, and the Massif Central with the Pyrénées. The Ville Basse, or "low town", constitutes the more contemporary part of Carcassonne, housing 48,000 inhabitants. It was founded in 1240 following the expulsion of defiant citizens from the Cité. Despite being torched by Edward the Black Prince in 355 when he failed to seize the citadel, it remains the commercial hub of modern-day Carcassonne.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- The Herald Scotland
Experience Italy's 'green heart' with a five-night holiday in Umbria
Many visitors will choose to begin their adventure in Perugia, Umbria's vibrant capital. Wander through the historic Piazza IV Novembre, where the Gothic Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the ornate Fontana Maggiore stand as testaments to the city's rich past. 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 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
