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Italy is my favourite country in the world (Mine as Well as Kate’s who has written this post).

No question. Plonk me anywhere on the Italian map and I’m as happy as Larry. (Whoever he is). I’ve visited many places in the past but hand on heart, I can tell you that no area in Italy has ‘spoken’ to me as much as Umbria.

I had never heard of Umbria, until I was invited to go there by the wonderful people at Bookings For You to review one of their stunning luxury villas. And for that, I feel slightly ashamed because let me tell you this region is breathtakinglystunning.

Situated next to Tuscany, Umbria is known as the ‘green heart of Italy’ and it is as beautiful as it is charming. Think ‘old school’ Italy, with unspoilt medieval towns, incredible food, rolling hills and a quieter, more contemplative way of life.

We spent a week here at the end of March, exploring the region and even venturing slightly further afield when we ‘popped’ (!) over to Rome for a day.

There is so much to say about this region, so to make it easier for you to read, I’m going to break it down into our highlights. There’s also a little video at the bottom of the post to give you a greater idea of our amazing travels.

And if you haven’t seen where we stayed yet, you might want to pop over for a gander at that post first.

Here it is: our family holiday in Umbria!

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Assisi

Assisi is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the region and is what most people who have heard of Umbria think of when the region is mentioned.

Famous for being the birthplace of St Francis, this serene town is truly spectacular.

Most tourists flock here to see the Basilica of St. Francis – an impressive and huge two storey cathedral.

Although not practising now, I was brought up to be Catholic and so always feel right at home in any church or cathedral. However I think even the most ardent non believer would find it difficult not to feel there is something very special about this beautiful religious building.

Religion aside, there is much to fall in love with in Assisi with it’s cobbled streets, Roman remains, mouth-watering food shops and some of the most spectacular views certainly I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes.

Apparently in summer, the town is chock a block with tourists, but we found it astonishingly quiet and peaceful. With no hesitation I can say it was one of the loveliest places I have ever visited.

This is a guest post by Kate who blogs over at the Brilliant Pouting with Heels – Kate’s post is a fabulous pst full of wonderful pictures about her holiday in Umbria and the above is only a short sample.  Please do pop over to read the rest of Kate’s blog about her fantastic holiday by clicking here. You can also follow Kate on twitter @KateLPortman or on Facebook.