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.
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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
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