At first glance there may not seem to be much difference between the rolling hills of southern Tuscany and their counterparts across the border in Umbria. The medieval villages in each region are remarkably similar, with stunning ancient churches and castles. But differences there are. In Tuscany, those hills roll down to the wonderful coast, and the less than wonderful tourist crowds. Umbria is quieter but the property prices are also much lower.
Compared with Chiantishire, Umbria hasn't had anything like the boom in tourism. There are reasons for this: Umbria is land-locked while Tuscany has Florence, Siena and Pisa. Yet among the piazzas and palazzos of Umbria's historic and beautiful capital, Perugia, you'll find all manner of cultural and artistic treasures. And the countryside has all the attractions of peaceful rural living.
