Italy: Umbria & The Marche

The most detailed guide to combine Umbria and the Marche

Discover two of central Italy's hidden gems with all the beauty, history and culture of neighbouring Tuscany—only without the crowds, the traffic or the eye-popping prices. Authors Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls lived in Umbria during the 1980s and have been returning regularly ever since, making them the perfect guides to the region's landscapes, hill towns, food and wine, and world-class art and architecture.

From the superb art cities of Perugia, Orvieto, Urbino, Assisi, Spoleto, Loreto and Todi—where masterpieces fill every church and palazzo—to the unspoiled countryside of rolling olive groves, forests and meadows, these regions reveal treasures at every turn. Nearly every tiny village boasts its own artistic gems and family-run restaurants serving authentic local cuisine. The guide also covers the republic of San Marino.

The Marche's dramatic geography is shaped by east-west river valleys flowing to the Adriatic, with long sandy beaches stretching from historic Senigallia and Fano through Ancona to the Riviera delle Palme. Landlocked Umbria offers its own exceptional water features: Italy's fourth largest lake, Trasimeno; the sacred Clitunno springs; the Tiber Valley; and the stunning Cascata delle Marmore waterfall. Featuring superb photography and expert recommendations for all budgets, this guide unlocks a more authentic corner of Italy.