The Berkeley Guides:
Berkeley Guide to Europe:
Italy:
Umbria and Marche
The pastoral, hilly provinces of Umbria and Marche pick up where the well-traveled route between Florence and Rome leaves off. Medieval towns, orchards, vineyards, and olive groves cover the wavy landscape, which, unlike Tuscany, isn't interrupted by large industry. For the most part, the region still has the feel of a serene getaway. The only hill town with heavy tourist traffic is Assisi, home of the ascetic St. Francis (1181-1226) and an important pilgrimage site since medieval times. Perugia is the provincial capital, a university town known for its cultural vivacity and its chocolate. Also worth a visit are Orvieto, built atop a volcanic outcropping; Spoleto, with its international arts festival; and Gubbio, one of Italy's best-preserved medieval cities. Marche, to the east, offers a long coastline full of resorts, breathtaking mountain scenery, and cities bursting with magnificent art. Its main port town, Ancona, is a gateway to Greece, though Urbino is Marche's most spectacular city. Captivating Ascoli Piceno offers access to the Sibillini Mountains, the most beautiful section of the Apennines.
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