Although the ideal way to explore the Umbrian countryside is by renting a car and just wandering at your own pace, for many the ideal way may mean not having to drive at all. This wish to not rent a car in Italy should not keep you from discovering the simple pleasures and slower pace of this exquisitely beautiful countryside. Traveling by the local trains may require a little more time, but it can offer some stress-free outings and save you a great deal of money. Planning to visit both Rome and Florence while in Italy? These are two cities where a private car is unnecessary and unadvisable. So after the intense sightseeing in either of these two cities, why not take the train to Perugia and let us pick you up for a wonderfully relaxing stay at El Marsam? Here is what we propose, but we also can custom-design a brief holiday to suit your needs and interests.

The “El Marsam without a car” package:

· Transfers to and from the Perugia (if coming from Rome) or Terontola (if coming from Florence) train stations.

· Accommodations for a minimum of two nights in the room of your choice, based on availability.

· Breakfast and dinner here at El Marsam.

· Daily transfers to and from the local Umbertide train station for visiting nearby towns (listed below) or for simply exploring our delightful town or Umbertide’s Wednesday market.

Please contact us about specific prices (variable, depending on desired accommodations, etc.) From Umbertide, the local train can take you to Perugia, Città di Castello, or Sansepolcro. For those who prefer to simply relax in the shade of our garden, read a good book, take long walks, bird-watch, perfect the art of the siesta, drink wine, keep a journal … we can also provide lunch so that you never have to move far from the views that surround us.

UMBERTIDE

A lovely town for walking

PERUGIA is the capital city of Umbria, a medieval hilltown with palaces and caffés, ancient alleyways and an elegant 19^th century shopping promenade. It is a respected university city ensuring a lively cultural calendar, full of art and music events, most notably the Umbria Jazz Festival which lasts two weeks starting in mid-July. In September Perugia hosts an International Festival of Sacred Music and the last week of September a Classical Music Festival. Then for chocolate lovers, there is the Eurochocolate Festival in mid to late October. Market days are Tuesday or Saturday on Via Ercolano and there is a daily covered market off Piazza Matteotti.

The National Gallery of Umbria (open Mon-Sat 9-7) is superb, specializing in the entire scope of Umbrian art, culminating in works by Perugino. For those interested in Perugino, do not miss his beautifully preserved frescoes in the audience chamber of the Sala dell’Udienza in the Collegio del Cambio, next to the museum. The National Archaeological Museum of Umbria (open Mon-Sat 9-1:30 and 2:30 –7, Sun 9-1) housed in the former convent near the Church of San Domenico, is famous for its rare Etruscan antiquities. Refer to your guidebooks for details & other sights, including the Duomo and the Etruscan Arch.

CITTA DI CASTELLO sits on the right bank of the Tiber and overlooks the Tiber Valley. It is the most important city in northern Umbria. Of Etruscan origin, it prospered under the Roman Empire, to then be destroyed by the Goths. Early Christian bishops rebuilt it into a fortress town and hence its name. Still encircled by the remains of its Renaissance walls, it is a lovely pedestrian city, more Tuscan than Umbrian in design. It was decorated by some of the most renowned Renaissance artists (Raphael among them). In the 16^th century, the influential Vitelli Family commissioned some of the best Florentine architects (Antonio da Sangallo and Giorgio Vasari) to design the palazzi that grace the town. These, as well as the Duomo and its museum, make Città di Castello well worth a visit. Duomo and its museum, make Città di Castello well worth a visit. Duomo and its museum, make Città di Castello well worth a visit.

For a taste of a local market with regional products and fresh produce (great for picnic lunches) as well of house-wares and clothing, try Città’s Thursday or Saturday morning markets. Looking to take home some small antique? The city hosts an upscale flea market the third Saturday and Sunday of each month. There is a well-loved Truffle Market and Show in early November.

SANSEPOLCRO, is actually in Tuscany, a little further north by train. It is an unassuming town, where visitors feel like they have stumbled upon the off-the-beaten path. This, is spite of the fact that thousands of art-lovers come here each year to see Piero della Francesca’s Madonna della Misericordia and Resurrection. Have a look at the Museo Civico, visit the shops and shady park, and then treat yourselves to lunch at one of the local trattoria’s.

In addition to an extensive library of guide books for both Umbria and Tuscany that our guests are free to borrow, we have created day-trip itineraries with restaurant and shopping suggestions for these and many other cities.

If this whets your appetite for more days in the Umbrian countryside, we can put you in touch with a private driver whom we highly recommend for visiting some of the other nearby towns.