Hiking in southern Umbria

Umbria is often called Italy's green heart, and rightly so as it is one of Italy's richest regions when it comes to lush landscapes and verdant forests, both of which contribute to the food and culture. The whole experience feels like walking through medieval times, especially on the historic pilgrimage route from Assisi to Spoleto that follows in St Francis' footsteps. The trail passes through an outstanding landscape: green forests, fields of wheat and poppies swaying in the wind, vineyards and olive groves, always with a medieval town within sight on a nearby hill. The villages and towns along the way have maintained their own identity and it often feels as if time has stood still.