Mysterious ruins and stone carvings remind you of ancient Etruscans who feasted on asparagus, porcini, and delicately flavored fish, long before the Romans arrived. And the Etruscan spirit lives on in the region’s scrumptious cuisine--and a multitude of local festivals.

Yet far fewer tourists venture into Umbria--although its picturesque walled cities are home to many celebrities. Best of all, this region houses some of Doorways’ most delightful villas.

Within 10 minutes of Cortona, you can celebrate an anniversary, wedding or just be together with people you love in either of two luxury farmhouses with ample room for 12 or 16.

Sip your cappuccino in a garden pergola looking out on majestic Lake Trasimeno in one direction and the snow-capped Apennines in the other. Breathe in the hibiscus and jasmine as you laze by a timelessly landscaped pool.

Take a slow afternoon to visit the fascinating archaeological collections in Cortona’s famous Etruscan Academy . Walk the medieval streets with their overhanging houses and take in the view from the ramparts of this ancient “City of Art”. Join the townspeople for a late afternoon gelato and a leisurely evening paseggiata (stroll) around the piazza. Everyone’s there--to see and be seen.

Or stay in the unspoiled countryside between of Todi and Orvieto. These enchanting hilltowns offer some of Umbria’s finest restaurants and great opportunities to wander through winding medieval streets.

See for yourself why Todi, with its picture book central square, was recently proclaimed by survey “ the world’s most livable city.” Discover why Orvieto, perched on a crag of tufa with buildings of the same golden stone, is one of my favorite places to shop for ceramics and antiques.

Your choice of hilltop villas is truly remarkable--with breathtaking views. beautiful pools, al fresco dining, and all sorts of modern amenities. And from any of these homes, all of the other wonderful hilltowns of Umbria are within an hour’s drive at the most.

Catch a play at the 1st century Roman theater in Gubbio. Spend at evening at one of Perugia’s marvelous jazz festivals. Check out the fabulous Roman monuments in Spoleto. And amaze the kids with a visit to the ancient stone monsters at the Parco dei Mostri or the much newer Disney-like Citta dell Domenica right outside Perugia.

Our staff members have visited these vacation homes personally. And they’ll be delighted to help you decide which one would work best for you--or lay out other possibilities in Umbria , the rest of Italy, France, Spain or Greece. Just phone us at 800-261-4460 any working day from 9 to 5 Eastern Time. Or drop us an email telling us when you’d like us to call you outside these hours.

But please don’t wait. I would hate to see you disappointed because someplace you’ve set your heart on is already booked.

Cordially,

Kit

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