Forbes highlights Umbria over Tuscany for luxury vacations in Italy

Tuscany has long been Italy’s crown jewel for travellers, famed for its rolling landscapes, historic cities, and a culture steeped in art, wine and cuisine, as well as its renowned collection of scenic holiday villas for rent. Visitors flock to Florence, Siena, and the charming countryside, seeking the quintessential Italian experience. Yet Umbria, located in Italy’s green heart, is quietly emerging as an even more captivating alternative. Its medieval towns and rolling hills evoke an atmosphere of understated luxury, inviting visitors to savour life at a slower, more indulgent pace amid the serene beauty of the landscape. This experience is enriched by a range of high-end villa rentals, from traditional estates to contemporary retreats, offering something to suit every discerning traveller's taste. Forbes recently named Umbria as Italy’s must-visit destination in an article that underscores the region’s rise above Tuscany in the world of luxury travel.

Spoleto, Umbria

This quiet renaissance is reflected in Umbria’s growing reputation for unspoiled authenticity and thoughtful luxury. Forbes highlights the region’s unspoiled scenery, cultural richness, and high-end experiences, naming Rastrello in Panicale among the reasons to choose Umbria over Tuscany. From medieval towns to curated hospitality, the region offers a gentler, more meaningful way to sojourn. Modern luxury retreats blend seamlessly with tradition, while local producers and artisans preserve the soul of the land. And just like Tuscany, Umbria enchants with breathtaking scenery and a deep-rooted gourmet tradition that elevates every journey into a feast for the senses.

Rastrello restaurant, Panicale

Assisi and Orvieto are perfect examples of why Umbria is gaining recognition as a luxury holiday destination in Italy, as noted by Forbes. In Assisi, visitors can admire top-notch architecture like the Basilica of Saint Francis, wander through quiet medieval alleys, and explore the Rocca Maggiore overlooking the valley. One such delicacy is La Rocciata, a traditional pastry made with apples, dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of local liqueur, typically enjoyed during the autumn season. From this spiritual and artistic heart, the journey continues to Orvieto, a city that stuns with its cliffside drama. Its ornate Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, dazzles with intricate mosaics and sculptural detail, while the engineering marvel of St. Patrick’s Well adds a touch of wonder beneath the surface. Surrounding the city, scenic trekking routes like the Anello della Rupe offer panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside, adding a drop of adventure to your stay.

Assisi, Umbria

Umbria’s gourmet scene is a highlight of any luxury holiday in Italy, offering refined flavours and immersive culinary experiences. Olive oil tasting reveals the region’s diversity, with producers crafting oils that range from delicate to robust, thanks to ancient groves and artisanal methods. Wine tasting tours are equally rewarding, featuring celebrated labels like Sagrantino di Montefalco, praised by Forbes, and Rubesco from Torgiano, often served in scenic vineyards and historic estates. The region’s gastronomic excellence continues in its use of black truffles and wild mushrooms, which elevate traditional dishes with earthy elegance. For a truly indulgent experience, Michelin-starred restaurants across Umbria reinterpret these ingredients in tasting menus that blend innovation with heritage.

Wine tasting 

As Forbes noted, Umbria’s accommodation scene was once limited to charming boutique hotels and rustic farmhouses. Today, however, the region has transformed into a top-notch vacation haven, offering a vast selection of luxury villas for rent across its rolling hills and historic towns. We are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive collections of private villas in Umbria, curated to meet every need, from romantic escapes to large family retreats. With panoramic views, private pools, and tailored services, these properties combine charm, privacy, and authenticity. Our curated selection of villas in Umbria reflects the region’s quiet sophistication and timeless appeal. Each villa is handpicked and personally inspected for its character, comfort, and location, whether nestled in olive groves or overlooking medieval towns. Based in Umbria, our concierge team combines deep local knowledge with genuine hospitality, ensuring every stay is seamless and offering personalised services such as private chefs, in-villa massages, and guided cultural experiences. With us, luxury is not just a promise. It is a way of life in Umbria.

Luxury Villa Ada, Umbrian-Tuscan border

Escape the crowds and embrace the quiet elegance of Umbria, where every moment feels tailored to you. Secure your stay in one of the region’s refined villas and let timeless beauty become your daily backdrop.