tuscany/umbria must go

[rubyyao]

hi there,

am planning a six day trip starting with rome and ending in florence...trying to decide where to go along the way. am desperate for suggestions. your help would be very much appreciated. thanks in advance :)

r

[DavidT]

Be sure to do a search on this board for any town you are thinking of visiting (Florence, Siena, Cortona, Montalcino, Pienza, Orvieto, etc.). There have been many, many posts of places in Tuscany made here over the past 6-12 months. I am sure you can find dozens of helpful suggestions already here for you to review.

[DaleJ]

Ruby: While its not on everyone's favorite city list, this (or lst) months Food and Wine mag has agenerous article about Il Becco Felice in Foligno. Foligno is very close to Perugia in Umbria. Salvadore's place is tiny, grafitti laden and altogether enjoyable. I've now eaten there three times, twice with local friends who provide Salvo with his olive oil. One time, when I had forgotten to bring enough money, since he doesn't accept credit cards, he threw away the bill and figured the cost directly on the brown paper "tablecloth" and it miraculously came to the exact amount that I told him I had. Park at the train station and ask anyone for directions. Memorable.

[lagatta]

If travelling by car, or even by train, Foligno is a very short trip from Perugia. It is not seen as one of the most beautiful cities in the region simply because it has such high-level competition from medieval beauty spots - the centre is actually very nice. Thank you for pointing that place out Dale; I'll make a point of going there the next time I return to Umbria.

[DaleJ]

Since we're in Foligno I must recommend a visit to Panis et Vinum, a sort of deli near the hospital. I have a chef-friend who is part owner. Everything is first class and they have, next door, an enormous, vintage (1934) oven that turns out terrific breads, etc. Worth looking for.

[lagatta]

Ruby, there is a specific Italy board. By "where to go", do you mean which towns and cities, or specific restaurants, markets etc? And when would you be going?

Are you travelling by train/coach or by car? And are you alone or with others?

I studied in Perugia and returned there last year - I love that part of Italy, in foodie and other terms. Don't miss the enoteca regionale...

[rubyyao]

oops i thought i posted on the italy board :( anyway, will be driving around by car, will always follow where the good food is so am open to any suggestions :)