Simon in Umbria

For Christmas 2000 I decided to join Page & Moy again, and take my first look at Toscana. 

"Chiantishire" is the English nickname for the region that Italians call TOSCANA and which we know as TUSCANY.  That year we stayed in the Hill town of MONTEPULCIANO.

On this Christmas trip we 'strayed' into Umbria on an excursion to ASSISI, and this was my introduction to what is known as "The Green Heart of Italy"

In 2005 I got the chance to return to Umbria for more excursions. This time spending a week in the Tuscan spa resort of Chianciano Terme.  We again visited Assisi, but also took in the delights of Orvieto and the town of Todi. If my enthusiasm for Todi is somewhat muted, then that it is because it was almost literally drowned out by the weather. Our departure from Orvieto was heralded by a torrential downpour that also sat over Todi and discouraged venturing out from warm cafes where fortified coffee was available.

We came to believe that "Umbria" might indeed be the italian word for 'Umbrella'. This is probably unfair, and in truth Umbria looks to be a delightful place to visit, and I would certainly like to revisit Orvieto and explore properly the town of Todi. However, the 'Green Heart' may possibly be the result of frequent rain; you've been warned.

click pictures below for full size views