The region of Umbria is Italy’s best-kept secret. Known as the 'green heart of Italy', it’s a place of unspoilt nature, enchanting landscapes, exquisite cuisine and high culture. Not dissimilar, in fact, to its rather more famous neighbour, Tuscany – but without the many crowds.

Indeed, while the rest of the country is increasingly overrun by tourists and film sets seeking their own slice of la dolce vita (see: Sicily, Venice and the Amalfi Coast), Umbria has managed to elude the spotlight almost entirely, and thereby retain its authentic rustic charm.