The beautiful region of Umbria is defined by picturesque towns and rolling pastoral scenery, yet it still remains wonderfully off the beaten track. Once a heartland of Etruscan civilisation, Italy’s ‘Green Heart’ is fast becoming one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
The cuisine, for one, is exceptional, as is the wine. Small, boutique wineries run by the same family for generations are scattered across the region. Small medieval towns like Todi, Orvieto and Spoleto offer a wealth of culinary and cultural surprises, from acclaimed restaurants to Renaissance masterpieces.
Drawing on decades of experience across Italy, our Villa Specialists and award-winning concierge offer unrivalled insight and insider access to Umbria’s most exceptional homes and experiences. Discover a side to Italy that’s culturally immersive and completely unique.
Umbria vs. Tuscany
While the region of Tuscany lies just next door to Umbria, it remains far more popular among international travellers. By eluding the spotlight, Umbria feels more exclusive. Fewer crowds mean that there’s an added layer of privacy, offering visitors a more authentic Italian experience.
Similar to Tuscany, Umbria boasts an exquisite culinary and wine scene and breathtaking natural landscapes yet it remains far less discovered – for now. As one of Italy’s smallest wine-producing regions, its limited output ensures both rarity and a sense of exclusivity. Here, hearty meals are anchored in tradition, paired with wines from family-run estates.
With easy airport links, fewer crowds and an array of superb villas with spas, swimming pools and complimentary concierge, Umbria is becoming a luxury destination in its own right.
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Exploring Umbria’s Culinary & Wine Experiences
If Umbria’s beautiful scenery isn’t already enough to entice visitors, Italy’s green heart is home to exceptional food and wine. Simplicity is the key ingredient in this neck of the woods. Recipes rely on fresh produce sourced locally, made up of lentils, chickpeas, porcini mushrooms and truffles.
Immersive food experiences range from truffle hunting to dining at local trattorias. Umbria also has its fair share of Michelin-Starred restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs. L’Officina in Perugia Essenza in Piegaro, and I Sette Consoli in Orvieto have to be among our favourites.
Oenologists and wine enthusiasts will be pleased to visit Umbria’s many family-run wineries. A trip to the region is incomplete without sampling crisp, dry whites like Grechetto and rich red wines like Sagrantino, true Umbrian classics. Enjoy private tastings and tours in the company of sommeliers, cellar masters and winemakers.
Olive oil is just as integral to Umbria’s culture as its wines and truffles. With our complimentary Concierge, you can arrange private visits to family-run olive groves, and enjoy exclusive tastings guided by olive oil experts.
Our Concierge Specialists are here to enrich your villa rental experience, with Umbria’s culinary treasures at your fingertips. Their intimate knowledge of the region offers authentic Umbrian experiences tailored to your needs and requirements. Discover our handpicked portfolio of villa rentals in Umbria.
Umbria’s Villages, Towns and Spiritual Heritage
Beyond the valleys and rolling pastoral scenery, Umbria is home to a range of charming small towns and villages. As they’re all within easy reach of each other, you can easily cycle or hop between towns by car.
Perugia is Umbria’s capital, where buzzing cafes and bars spill over with visitors and students studying at the city’s university. Nearby, art-filled towns like Assisi and Orvieto are perfect for wandering at whim through cobblestone streets, stopping at Gothic cathedrals to admire the colourful frescoes.
Todi has somehow eluded the spotlight of modern tourism, with its tiny medieval alleys. This charming hilltop town is home to one of Italy’s most photogenic piazzas, Piazza del Popolo. Pause for an aperitivo at Terrace Experience and enjoy live music sets with panoramic views over the Tiber Valley.
Where to Stay – The Best Luxury Villas in Umbria Italy
Villa Clara
Villa Clara is located in the heart of Umbria, just 7km from the region's most spectacular hilltop town Orvieto. The terraced gardens and luminous living spaces offer a front row view of the city, including the gilded facade of Orvieto’s cathedral. Owned by noble families over the course of the last 700 years, Villa Clara can accommodate up to 16 guests with a guesthouse included. The design-led interiors honour original architectural features, but are finished with bespoke contemporary furnishings and locally crafted artisan pieces.
Accommodates: 16
Location: Near Orvieto
Local tip: Coro on Via Duomo feels Michelin-worthy, with a seasonal menu served in a deconsecrated church, where high ceilings, moody lighting and divine décor perfectly match the food.
La Ciambella
Set on the edge of a medieval village, La Ciambella is primely located for enjoying all that Umbria has to offer. You’re just moments away from Orvieto, with its “Golden Lily of Cathedrals”. Both Lake Bolsena and the tiny medieval village Porano are also within reach, where guests can enjoy lakeside sailing and dining, and explore ancient Etruscan sites.
After a day of exploring, this restored, stone-built home is a welcome retreat, with a private swimming pool and two dreamy panoramic terraces. The Cabana by the pool has a dedicated BBQ station and traditional pizza oven. Inside, the design-led interiors celebrate local artisan craftsmanship, with exposed beams and terracotta floors.
Accommodates: 6
Location: Near Orvieto
Local tip: An Orvieto winery tour and tasting is a must. Decugnano dei Barbi has been producing wine since the 13th-century in the hills just east of the city.
Torre della Duchessa
Close to Perugia, Torre della Duchessa is a grand 17th-century Umbrian villa surrounded by acres of parkland. You can wander the grounds for hours on end, marvelling at the sculptures and statues that adorn the Italian hedged garden. An expansive outdoor seating and dining area overlooks the park below.
Standout amenities include the large swimming pool and a private amphitheatre for scenic yoga sessions. Let your private chef, Philippo, put together exquisite Umbrian dishes while you relax to the sound of birdsong. Nearby places of interest include the city of Perugia (7km), Todi (15km) and arty Assisi 15 (km).
Accommodates: 16
Location: Near Cortona
Local tip: Perugia’s local markets take place on Tuesdays, where you can stock up on local produce.
Villa San Giacomo
Privacy is paramount at this stunning 13th-century villa in Umbria. Villa San Giacomo sits just a stone’s throw from Todi, yet its hilltop setting makes it feel completely remote. The villa owner has poured years of love and care into restoring this beautiful home, right down to the grand fireplaces and preserved frescoes.
Key amenities include stately living spaces, air-conditioned bedrooms with terraces, a meditative topiary garden and hydromassage pool, plus an 18-metre gated swimming pool with Tiber River views. Our Villa Specialists have personally visited Villa San Giacomo and know the surrounding area intimately.
Accommodates: 24
Location: Near Todi
Local tip: Rise early for the Saturday farmers’ market. Dinner at Ciao Mi’Amor in Todi is a must.
Villa Soele
This lavish villa sits just 18 km from the medieval city of Orvieto, making it an ideal base for exploring the rolling hills of Umbria. Set on three levels interconnected by a grand, spiral staircase, Villa Soele boasts light-filled rooms with panoramic views of Italy’s green heart. Each room is sumptuously decorated with designer antiques and vivid oil paintings from as far back as the 16th century.
A 25-acre Italian park surrounds the property, decorated with bronze sculptures and a mosaic-lined swimming pool. The downstairs lawn features a shaded dining area that overlooks the Umbrian landscape and nearby Etruscan hamlet of Sermugnano. Speak to our award-winning concierge for guided tours of nearby historic towns and villages.
Accommodates: 14
Location: Near Orvieto
Local tip: Visit the surreal Etruscan hamlet of Civita di Bagnoregio, only 30 minutes away by car.
Segreto Gelsomino
Remote and rustic, Segreto Gelsomino is set in the hills outside Orvieto. The owners, enchanted by the property’s charm, have lovingly revitalised its terracotta interiors, blending original features with thoughtful modern touches. The 24-metre infinity-edge saltwater swimming pool is a true showstopper, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Umbrian landscape. Nearby Orvieto is home to a range of sophisticated eateries and boutique shops. The historic towns of Bolsena, Montefiascone, Todi and Spoleto are all within easy reach.
Accommodates: 10
Location: A 10-minute drive to Orvieto
Local tip: Hire a private boat for a day of swimming and relaxing on Lake Bolsena before heading to Trattoria del Moro for fresh lake fish.
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Luxury Wellness Experiences in the Heart of Umbria
Umbria’s spiritual heritage and unspoilt natural landscapes make it a top destination for world-class wellness. Beyond its chapels and farm-to-table cuisine, the region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. There are hiking trails for all abilities, including multi-day treks and gentle nature walks from your private villa.
Explore Umbria’s spiritual side with a trip to the region’s medieval villages and religious buildings. Norcia, together with Assisi and Cascia, offers a unique experience of reflection and discovery. Our Concierge Team can organise personalised walking tours through monasteries, chapels and gothic hilltop towns, all at your own pace.
Our bespoke portfolio of spa villas in Umbria, including Le Gorgacce and La Pianstella, adds a layer of added privacy and exclusivity to your stay. Through our Concierge Team, guests can arrange a wellness-focused itinerary. Book private yoga classes, try crystal healing and sound bath experiences followed by a spa treatment or sauna session, all in the privacy of your own villa.
Umbria Travel FAQs
How to get to Umbria
By air: Umbria is a quick flight from London and various parts of Europe. If you’re flying from the US, the nearest major airports are in Rome Fiumicino and Florence. Helicopter transfers from Rome or Florence can also provide a fast and scenic arrival.
By train: Italy is one of the most rail-friendly countries in the world. Fly into Milan, Rome or Florence for a direct train to Umbria’s regional capital, Perugia, allowing you to avoid busy routes and traffic.
By car: Umbria by car is one of the best ways to explore the region. You can easily drive between small towns and vineyards, winding through picturesque valleys along the way.
Is Umbria more affordable than Tuscany for luxury stays?
In short: yes. While Tuscany has long held the spotlight (and the price tag that comes with it), neighboring Umbria offers a quieter, more exclusive experience – often at a gentler cost.
What makes Umbria’s luxury villas unique?
In Umbria, it all comes down to location. Unlike the well-trodden hills of Tuscany, Umbria’s villas are tucked into landscapes that still feel untouched.
Many of our villas in Umbria are housed in beautifully restored, stone-built farmhouses, historic palaces, castles or noble estates, blending centuries of history with modern luxuries like infinity pools, private spas and dedicated concierge services.
What’s the best time of year to rent a villa in Umbria?
Springtime in Umbria is always a good idea, when the countryside bursts into bloom for La Fiorita in Castelluccio. Summer suits those who prefer a slower pace and warmer weather, minus the crowds. Temperatures in July and August can rise to around 30-35°C, when the forests and woodland trails become a welcome refuge from the heat.
September and October welcome the harvest season, when the weather gets cooler. This is the perfect time for food-focused experiences, ranging from truffle hunts with local experts to seasonal cooking classes in your villa. It’s also the ideal time for keeping active on cycling and walking trips, with plenty of scenic trails to discover. You can read more about the best time to visit Umbria in our dedicated guide, which covers the region month by month.
No matter the time of year, the advantages of staying in a private villa are endless. Wake up to gentle morning swims and enjoy leisurely mealtimes prepared by your in-villa chef. Discover our portfolio of private villas in Umbria.
Connect with Our Villa Specialists
All of our handpicked villas in Umbria come with a dedicated, complimentary Concierge team from the moment you book until the moment you return home. Speak to our Villa Specialists today for tailored advice and assistance with bookings or enquiries.