Published 14th Oct. 2025
Written by Valeria Sorrentino
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On a research trip to Umbria and Tuscany, our Europe specialist, Valeria, discovered that the best way to explore the Italian countryside is by car. During her road trip, she marvelled at Marmore Falls, admired the beautiful views over Lake Trasimeno and wandered through the UNESCO-listed village of Castiglione d'Orcia. From cooking classes to wine tastings, her trip was jam-packed with Italian delights. Want all the details? Read on for the highlights of Valeria’s Italian road trip...
I spent two weeks exploring Umbria and Tuscany by car. After touching down in Rome, I travelled to Orvieto, a small Umbrian town perched above the Paglia valley. From there, I headed to Todi, then onto Marsciano and Perugia (Umbria’s capital). Crossing into Tuscany, I visited Castiglione d'Orcia, followed by Radda in Chianti, Siena and Follonica, before wrapping up in Florence.
Image by Valeria Sorrentino
So much! One of my favourites was Marmore Falls in Nera River Park. Standing at an impressive 541ft, it’s the world’s tallest man-made waterfall. I also enjoyed a private cooking class in Pila, a small town near Perugia, where I tried my hand at traditional Umbrian recipes and was rewarded with some delicious local wine.
I also spent a lot of time hamlet-hopping in the hilltops, which gave me a glimpse into Italy’s past. And, of course, the scenery didn’t disappoint. Lake Trasimeno, surrounding the fortified village of Castiglione del Lago, was a standout.
Can I say everything? Honestly, there were so many special moments, but the road-tripping itself takes the top spot. Winding down Italian roads, past rolling vineyards and medieval villages, was such an adventure and something I’d never done before. From strolling through Pienza to being wowed by the Chianti hills, driving allowed me to explore at my own pace.
Image by Valeria Sorrentino
Yes! Bagni San Filippo and its thermal hot springs in southern Tuscany, near Sienna. These mineral-rich waters create a serene spa-like experience right in the heart of the forest. The water flows over limestone terraces, forming shallow pools that are perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Image by Valeria Sorrentino
Where to begin? Fresh truffle bruschetta and tagliatelle with wild boar ragu were definite highlights. And of course, I can’t forget the fresh egg pasta I made during a cooking class. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.
Image by Valeria Sorrentino
I didn’t expect there to be such a big difference between the landscapes of Chianti and Val d’Orcia. The Chianti region is known for its lush hills, medieval villages and charming castles, surrounded by dense vineyards that produce its famous red wine. Val d’Orcia, on the other hand, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features vast open fields, farms and postcard-perfect villages dotted throughout.
Image by Valeria Sorrentino
The food and wine! In particular, the cooking class in Castello d'Albola. Perched on the Chianti hills, this wine estate was once a medieval village owned by noble Tuscan families. During the three-hour cooking class, we made traditional Tuscan dishes and enjoyed a wine tasting: the best of both worlds.
Image by Valeria Sorrentino
I was surprised by how hot it was during my visit in late June. If you’re planning a trip to Umbria and Tuscany, I recommend visiting in spring or autumn, when the countryside bursts into colour and the temperatures are comfortably mild.
Image by Valeria Sorrentino
Renting a car makes all the difference if you want to explore the Italian countryside. There’s something so relaxing about driving past vast vineyards and rolling fields, with the freedom to pull over whenever a picture-perfect view grabs your attention. But if you’re sticking to cities like Florence, Siena, Orvieto and Perugia, train travel works just fine.
Image by Valeria Sorrentino
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