UMBRIA – MORE THAN JUST “THE GREEN HEART OF ITALY”

After days immersed in the timeless beauty of Tuscany, our journey continues into another Italian region rich in charm and mystery: Umbria. As we cross the invisible border between the two regions, we are greeted by a landscape of green hills and tranquil valleys, dotted with ancient villages. Umbria, the green heart of Italy, is a land where unspoiled nature blends with a millennia-old history, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.

Umbria is a region of vivid and subtle colours, filled with endless shades and harmonious contrasts. Its cities, like Perugia, Assisi and Gubbio, are home to artistic and architectural treasures. Solitary abbeys, medieval churches and lively squares bear witness to a rich cultural heritage. Every corner of this land seems to tell ancient legends, evoking images of knights, saints and craftsmen with unique creativity.

FLAVOURS & SCENTS

Umbria is also a land of authentic and genuine flavours. Here, food is an experience that engages all the senses. The scent of black truffles, harvested in the damp, shady woods, mixes with that of freshly baked bread (strictly without salt!) and olive oil, extracted using traditional methods. Umbrian wines, like Sagrantino di Montefalco and Grechetto, delight the palate with their intense and complex aromas. Every meal is a ritual, a celebration of the land and the work of those who cultivate it with passion.

ENCHANTING SCENERY

Nature in Umbria is a living painting, painted with colours ranging from the emerald green of the valleys to the blue of the rivers and lakes. The hills are covered with vineyards and olive groves, which turn golden and reddish in the autumn. Every sunrise and sunset in Umbria is a spectacle, a moment of pure magic.

AL BELVEDERE: BETWEEN BEAUTY AND TRANQUILLITY

It is in this setting of wonder that we head to our next stop: Al Belvedere. Located a few kilometres from Perugia, this residence is a jewel nestled among olive groves and vineyards. The villa, with its ancient stones and refined furnishings, is a place where time seems to have stopped. Every room, every corner of its grounds and every architectural detail tells a story of care and love for beauty.

Spending the days at Al Belvedere means embracing a routine of simplicity and elegance. Every morning, we are immersed in the sounds of nature. Breakfast is a ritual to be savoured slowly on the patio, like true slow travellers.

The leisurely time spent enjoying the morning in the countryside motivates us to explore the surrounding gardens and paths. Walks among the olive groves, visits to nearby villages and moments of relaxation are pure gold, reconnecting us with nature and ourselves.

In the evening, the silence of the Umbrian countryside envelops us. The soft lights of the villa, the starry sky, conversations and laughter, travel stories and new discoveries enrich our evenings, turning every moment into a precious memory.

DAY 1: FIRST WONDER

The welcome is like a dream: an enchanting landscape captivates us as we pass through the gate. The scent of freshly cut grass and roses surrounds us—just tranquillity and beauty. The villa stands majestically, built with ancient stones that tell stories of centuries past.

We wake to the sound of birds singing and the first rays of sun illuminating the medieval tower. Every window offers a spectacular view over the Tiber Valley. The atmosphere is magical. After a breakfast of local produce, we are ready to explore.

We decide to start the day with a walk through the villa grounds — six hectares all to ourselves. The vibrant colours of the hydrangeas, roses and oleanders accompany us along the paths. Every corner of the Italian garden is a discovery: stone arches, manicured hedges and ancient oaks create a fairytale setting. The air is fresh and filled with the scents of the Umbrian countryside.

Lunch is an unforgettable culinary experience. In the courtyard, bordered by hydrangeas and roses, we sit around a table under a large umbrella, enjoying traditional dishes prepared with love and fresh ingredients. The robust taste of olive oil, the strong flavour of pecorino cheese, and the sweetness of the local wine provide us with a moment of pure pleasure—a tribute to Umbrian food and wine culture. Even at this villa, we were able to have everything delivered straight to our door, creating a pantry of delights before our arrival (find out how here).

The panoramic view of the valley from the pool leaves us breathless, and the warm sun of these summer days invites us to dive into the cool water; we relax on sun loungers, read, write and let the inspiration of the place influence our work. Some of us take photos to capture the beauty of the moment, while others jot down notes in their journals.

In the evening, we enjoy dinner under the stars. The quiet enchants us, the soft lights of the villa create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere and the clear night sky invites us to spot constellations overhead.

DAY 2: CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

On the second day, we explore our surroundings. We visit the famous Castello di Solfagnano, a medieval gem rich in history and spirituality that dominates the valley. Its ancient walls and imposing towers make us feel like princesses of an ancient kingdom! We continue on to the Celestina Abbey and Civitella Benazzone.

We spend the afternoon in Perugia, just a few kilometres from the villa. The cobblestone streets, lively squares and artisan shops offer us a taste of local life. We sample artisanal chocolate and lose ourselves in the medieval alleys. We return to the villa full of new experiences and with our hearts brimming with emotions.

We arrive back at Al Belvedere at sunset, welcomed by silence and beauty. We relax in the living room, sharing our stories and the photos taken during the day. The chatter fills the air and we feel like part of a family as we enjoy our last evening in this corner of paradise.

A JOURNEY THAT CONTINUES…

As we enjoy the last sunset from the charming Al Belvedere, we’re already dreaming and planning our next adventure. A land awaits us where mountains meet the sea, famous for its golden beaches, historic theatres and a cuisine that celebrates authentic and genuine flavours. Where are we heading? Follow us…

It will be the last summer stop of EV Icon Italy!