Italy : Umbria & The Marches

Framed by dramatic mountains and the sparkling Adriatic coast, the neighbouring regions of Umbria and the Marche offer historical and cultural interest to rival the rest of Italy. Lofty medieval hill towns and castles dot the landscape, where vines, truffles and olives grow ; in between nestle lakes, Roman ruins and exceptional art cities crammed with Renaissance masterpieces. Follow in the footsteps of St Francis in UNESCO-listed Assisi, admire Orvieto's magnificent duomo and go sailing on peaceful Lake Trasimeno.
Visit Urbino's mighty Palazzo Ducale, hike the Grande Anello dei Sibillini and relax on San Benedetto del Tronto's palm-fringed Blue Flag beaches. Additional online content and updates at www.bradtguides.com/updades.

Explore the medieval streets of Perugia's centro storico Marvel at Spoleto cathedral's stunning frescoes. Go deep underground at the Grotta di Monte Cucco. Take part in Montane's October "truffle shuffle" or La Quintana, Foligno's summer jousting festival. Feast on olive all'ascolana washed down with crisp Verdicchio wine. Packed with detailed background information, Bradt's Umbria & the Marche is the must-have guide to this truly year-round destination.