Although they share a provincial border, Umbria is more mountainous and fertile than Tuscany.
    About 52% of Umbria is uninhabitable, making it the least populated province per square kilometre in all of Italy. And yet it shares the same Etruscan, Roman and Renaissance history as the better-known regions and towns throughout Italy.
    Umbria is the quieter place to be. When the crowds descend upon the heavily touristed towns, you can find relaxation and inspiration in the Umbrian countryside. After all, you didn't come all the way to Italy to take pictures of the same people you left back home.
    We once asked an Umbrian why the food here tastes so good. His response was, "Look around you, my friend. Everything that is growing here is in some way, our food." Then we pointed to an oak tree thinking we'd found an exception. "Ah," he explained, "the acorns are a delicacy for the pigs and wild boar, which is why the prosciutto and stews are so delicious."
    The earthy wisdom of its people, together with its magnificent history, will leave you wanting more of this place.