Umbria

Lush and lovely Umbria is the verdant lung of central Italy. It is landlocked, butting up to the limestone ridges of the Apennine mountains in the east and flowing into the vineyards and volcanic lakes of Tuscany in the west. It's traditional to the T – you'll still hear the ring of the church bells and the slap of dominoes echoing on the piazzas of hill towns like Spoleto, Todi, and Norcia.

But there's an air of luxury about it all, too. Converted farmhouses and opulent agriturismo boast private pools between the cypress trees and Italian haute cuisine is served with vivacious Sangiovese wines.

Trips to this region can whisk you off to enchanting Orvieto. Capping off a rocky bluff in southern Umbria, the town is known for its great Duomo di Orvieto, which dates back to 1290. Below, the Orvieto Underground reveals a series of tunnels and caverns carved out of the earth over 2,500 years. But you'll need to peel yourself away from the charming aperitif bars of the main piazza to see either of those.

The region's capital, Perugia, has retained its ancient heart and is the other town that draws the eye. Wander there to glimpse the grand palazzos of the Piazza IV Novembre, between the babbling Fontana Maggiore and the carved griffin statues that hearken back to the days of the Etruscans. After a day of exploring beautiful Perugia, head back to your luxury villa to relax in style and comfort.

Really, though, a trip to Umbria is about communion with nature. Greener than Tuscany and wilder than Lazio, the region spans the great peaks of the Monti Sibillini. Travel up to long-lost Castelluccio to see an artist's palette of wildflower meadows blooming under craggy summits. Go to Norcia to sip Spritz in the shadow of hulking Monte Vettore.

Down below, on the Umbrian lowlands, there's ample room for wine tasting. The most famous is the Orvieto DOC, which mingles Grechetto and Trebbiano grapes to create crispy and citrusy whites. But there's also the remarkable Montefalco Rosso DOC and Sagrantino, where you'll sample rich, tannic reds and vintage Sangiovese aged in oak.

If you're seeking a luxurious countryside escape, choose from our array of luxury villa rentals in Umbria, and you won't be disappointed.