Travel to Umbria, Italy – Episode 321

categories: europe travel

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The Amateur Traveler talks to Rebecca about her adopted home of Umbria in Italy.

Umbria is known as the green heart of Italy. Perhaps less well known than its neighbor of Tuscany to the North Umbria is a verdant region of hill towns, farms, and national parks located in the center of Italy.

“Umbria is just far enough under the radar to give you some indie street cred, but no so far under the radar, as to be a logistical nightmare. Umbria easily rivals Tuscany in things like art, architecture, archeology, food, and wine all these things that people come to the rural parts of Italy for. But in Umbria, there are dramatically fewer tourists. You feel like you are having a more authentic experience.

Umbria is the home of two very famous destinations. One is Assisi, the home of Saint Francis. It is one of the most visited cities in Italy. And the other is Perugia which is also our provincial capital and its the home of a very famous university for foreigners. This means you are able to get around even if you can’t spit out a word of Italian.”


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Show Notes

Rebecca Winke – Innkeeper, Blogger, and Travel Writer
Brigolante
Umbria
Assisi
Perugia
Amateur Traveler, Episode 29 – Travel to Rome, Italy
The Vegetarian’s Dilemma: Umbria and Pork
What to Eat in Umbria: Food for Every Season
Umbria Grape Harvest and Wineries
Terre Margaritelli
Terre Margaritelli Photo Gallery
Arnaldo Caprai
Italy Roundtable: Crafts in Umbria
Bevagna
Renaissance fair
Il Mercato delle Gaite
Ozona Occhiali
Orogami
Giovanna Giuliani designer handbags
The Valnerina: The Hidden Gem of Umbria
Perugina’s Chocolate School, or How To Get Your Kids To Do Anything, Anything At All
Umbria: Italy’s Green Heart Beats for Kids
Hey, What’s Up With the Bread in Umbria?
How To Really Love Assisi
Dust to Dust (or, maybe not): The Mummies of Ferentillo
Music Festivals in Umbria
Agriturismo in Italy
Info about winery visits: Agriturismo in Italy
Info about olive oil mill visits: Agriturismo in Italy



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  • Lisa wrote “I discovered Amateur Traveler when I was preparing to take a 3 1/2 month leave from work to travel and teach raw food cuisine. I had great adventures through India, Thailand, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii – often with your familiar voice in my earbuds. Now, as soon as your theme song comes on I smile and feel transported to those moments on buses, trains and planes that I spent with you and your guests.”
  • Brad misses maps
  • Jim wrote on Travel to Lanai – Episode 320
    “I listened to this today while driving (can’t use the iTunes enhanced then) and it brought back memories of the time my wife and I took a boat ride over there from Lahaina. This would have been in the mid-80’s. We spent part of the day on a van tour of Lanai, including the area with the Cooke Island Pines, which the locals tend to hate. Then we snorkeled from a nice empty beach, where the waves were just a tiny bit too rough for good snorkeling.Afterwards, during our return voyage to Maui, we listened to the radio where the crew was being apprised of a tsunami warning. There had been an earthquake in Alaska, and low lying areas were being evacuated. We were staying in Ka’anapali, which is a low lying area. So, when we got back to Lahaina, the bus dropped us off at Ka’anapali, and we headed for the high ground, in our sandy, salty bathing suits, and hung out on the golf course on top of a hill, waiting for the all clear. Which came a few hours later. We were staying in a condo, and had egg salad sandwiches for dinner, looking out from our lanai on all the people who were going hungry because the restaurants were all closed due to the emergency.Glad your visit to Lanai was less eventful.”
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Chris Christensen

by Chris Christensen

Chris Christensen is the creator of the Amateur Traveler blog and podcast. He has been a travel creator since 2005 and has won awards including being named the "Best Independent Travel Journalist" by Travel+Leisure Magazine.

11 Responses to “Travel to Umbria, Italy – Episode 321”

lee laurino

Says:

just listened to my first pod cast, GREAT. now to find Rebbecca’s blogs……………….

Mike

Says:

Good to know! My next trip to Italy will definitely be one that takes in more of these kind of sights and less of the ultra-touristy ones. Umbria looks amazing!

Spencer

Says:

Chris….this was your best Amateur Traveler episode…EVER! Entertaining, informative, and touching. Makes me want to move to Ooombria. Great job!

Corinne Paterson

Says:

Enjoyed listening to Rebecca talking about her experience in Umbria. I cried though when she did discussed her ‘Italian Mother’ (person in Umbria) who had a big impression on her. So glad she spoke of ironing PJs after that. The tears were replaced with laughter. Enjoy your podcasts, thanks.

Brad

Says:

Ditto what Corinne said, I’m glad you didn’t edit it out.

I hit two of the big three cities last year (Rome/Venice), this makes me want to plan another trip to see the parts we had to skip over. Too many great ideas on this podcast, just not enough $ and vacation time.

And thanks for putting the maps back in!

Stephen

Says:

I’ve been listening to this podcast for 5 years and Rebecca was the best guest you’ve ever had. Well informed, smart, funny and articulate. Cheers for bringing her on!

Jamie Ann Kerestes

Says:

This was a very touching episode! I had never heard of the region and now it’s made its way toward the top of my list of places to visit. I’m also glad that the tears weren’t edited out.

I hope it’s appropriate to point out the amazing affect study abroad can have on people’s lives and global awareness. Much more common in Europe, I hope that it will catch on more in the US and more families here might open their hearts and homes to host high school exchange students!

Dan - EUDestinations

Says:

Sounds like a neat place. I just spent 3 weeks in Ancona, Italy on the coast about 30 min by train to the east. I heard on a few occasions that it was a nice area, but never made it up there 🙁

Sam

Says:

Thoroughly enjoyed this podcast, we spent several days in Umbria last year and loved spending time in the piazzas just drinking coffee and hot chocolate and watching the world go by, people were so friendly and the food was delicious. Of an evening Assisi was at its best, fewer tourists making a stroll through the cobblestone streets peaceful and easy.

Dottie LO

Says:

I am very interested in the winery Rebecca talked about that you could ride a horse and even take a cooking class along with wine tasting etc. I will be there in May and would very much love to tour this vineyard with all it has to offer. Can you give me the name of the winery, contacts, website etc., Please?

Grazie, Dottie

Chris Christensen

Says:

Hi Chris,

No way! How lovely, I’m so glad people listen to that still… The winery is https://www.terremargaritelli.com/en/cellar-visit.html I’m not sure if they are offering cooking classes since their chef has since opened up her own restaurant https://www.lebarbatellewinebar.com/ so they will have to ask.

I am no longer running the farm holiday outside Assisi (it was a wonderful 20 years but hospitality burns you out!). I now work as an Italy travel planner with Madeline at Italy Beyond the Obvious, who was also a guest on your show in the past.

Best,
Rebecca

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