In the heart of Italy there exist numerous villages and towns that will entice every sense and rhythm of body, soul, and mind. The sister regions of Tuscany and Umbria, with their infinite rustic charms, will permit the traveler to step out of this century enough to glimpse the heart of Medieval Europe in the center of the Mediterranean.
Enchanted Escape
Whether it be the city of Florence or the smaller towns of Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Cortona, Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto, Gubbio, Viterbo, or Volterra, this region ensures history, art, and cuisine that give any journeymen endless opportunities to appreciate today and centuries past. With the medieval towns often rising atop rolling green country hills dotted with cypress trees that graze on sunshine, Tuscany and Umbria are timeless.
Except for the occasional motorized vehicles navigating the winding roads, it is possible to feel almost entirely out of modern times into a world where stone structures, fragrant vegetation, and simpler living dominate. Footsteps echo along cobbled streets, church bells chime in hollow stone towers, and the wind rustles across endless oceans of sunflowers. The Tuscan and Umbrian world is olive, gold, slate, and terracotta. It is a feast for the eyes, nose, skin, and palate. It quietly pulses with life and intrigues visitors who take note of its culture.
Relaxed Routine
As is witnessed from any of the town’s multitude of cafés, piazzas (town squares), church steps, or fountain platforms, Tuscan or Umbrian mornings are met with mothers, grandmothers, or daughters determined to gather the freshest daily fare possible at the market and food shops. Following a simple breakfast they may tow while shopping, townspeople are off to work at their shops, restaurants, museums, and banks while those working just outside the town on farms or wineries return there to harness the day’s sunshine.
Townspeople often walk to and from their homes, shops, and business as the many medieval streets, and sometimes entire towns, are closed to motorized vehicles. The ones that permit vehicles are often dotted with people getting around on foot, bicycle, vespa (moped), or compact car. Once at work, townspeople chat heartily and work diligently until midday when they return home for the heartiest meal of the day, lunch.
Following this filling meal, the town halts. Businesses close and people rest for 3 peaceful hours. This is the traveler’s ultimate chance for either relaxed meandering throughout the centuries old hilltop or walled village where both feet and imagination travel together or a dip in a refreshing hotel pool. Make sure to expect this delightful downtime – have provisions and a healthy appetite for life.
Travel Tips
Tuscany and Umbria are best toured by car and foot. The roads are narrow and hilly so mapped distances take longer to navigate than kilometers indicate. A host of accommodations and eateries to suit every budget and preference await but attend to the clock as most places do close for a long afternoon break. One of the most popular ways to see this region is by renting a villa. Many of these are estates or converted farmhouses with rustic décor and modern amenities including air conditioning, kitchenettes, laundry, pool, or a traditional restaurant. Research well before you book.
No matter your choice, the rat race is nowhere to be found.
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