Uncover the authentic charm of Emilia-Romagna, Umbria & Le Marche – Italy’s hidden gems, and experience the country beyond the crowds.

Introduction

Looking to explore Italy beyond the usual tourist trail? We have recently visited some of Italy’s best kept secrets that we want to share with you!
Travel with Hurlingham Travel and uncover the undiscovered heart of Italy on a luxurious journey through Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, and Le Marche—three enchanting regions where authentic Italian culture, gastronomy, and countryside beauty remain wonderfully untouched by time.

Begin in Emilia-Romagna, where the historic elegance of Relais Roncolo 1888 in Reggio Emilia and the serene sophistication of Palazzo di Varignana offer the perfect introduction to this gastronomic heartland. In Le Marche, enjoy the untouched seaside and explore the Renaissance splendour of Urbino, a hilltop city brimming with charm and heritage.

And finally visit Umbria, the green soul of Italy, where timeless towns and rolling hills await. Stay in the iconic Sina Brufani in Perugia, experience the peaceful refinement of Palazzo Seneca in Norcia, or indulge in pure relaxation at the Borgo Brufa Spa Resort, a sanctuary of wellness and panoramic views.

Emilia-Romagna: The Culinary Capital of Italy
Our recent journey through Emilia-Romagna felt like stepping into the very heart of the country’s culinary and automotive soul. Often referred to as Italy’s “Food Valley,” this region is an absolute dream for anyone who appreciates gourmet traditions passed down through generations.

On our tailor-made tour, we tasted some Parmigiano Reggiano, had a private tasting of aged balsamic vinegar —each drop a work of art and savoured the very best of prosciutto - sliced delicately by hand, served in a hillside hotel with views that stretched for miles. We stayed in charming luxury properties where everything is steeped in tradition, yet delivered with such refined elegance.

But Emilia-Romagna’s indulgence doesn’t end at the table. For anyone with a passion for performance and design, this region is also the birthplace of Italy’s most iconic supercars. From the sleek Ferrari Museum in Maranello to the exhilarating opportunity to test drive a Lamborghini through the Emilian countryside. This region doesn’t just build cars—it lives and breathes them. There’s a contagious excitement in the air, whether you're on a behind-the-scenes tour of an F1 test track or chatting with engineers who treat their work like art.

Emilia-Romagna is a rare blend of passion, precision, and pleasure—where slow food meets fast cars, and every moment feels personally tailored to you.

Umbria: Italy’s Undiscovered Heartland
Often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour, Tuscany, Umbria quietly offers something far more intimate—rolling green hills, medieval villages perched high above the valleys, and a peaceful authenticity that’s hard to come by.

Norcia is definitely one of Umbria’s hidden gems—renowned for its rich culinary traditions, dramatic landscapes, and sense of timeless charm. Best known for its famous black truffles, the place  offers unforgettable experiences like guided truffle hunting with expert foragers and their dogs, followed by rustic-luxe tastings and picnics in the hills.

Perugia, the region’s capital, was a particular highlight. With its honey-coloured stone buildings, winding alleys, and vibrant cultural scene, it perfectly blends history with modern elegance. Our team even explored its ancient Etruscan walls before sipping aperitivi in a tucked-away piazza, watching the world go by.

Umbria is for those who value space to breathe, moments of stillness, and the luxury of slowing down. It’s a region that doesn’t demand attention—it earns it, gently and lastingly.

Le Marche: From Mountains to the Adriatic Coast

We can honestly say it’s one of Italy’s most quietly captivating regions—utterly authentic and blissfully under the radar. Nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Le Marche offers that elusive mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and unpretentious luxury.

The region’s Renaissance cities—like Urbino—are rich with art and history, yet refreshingly uncrowded. And the countryside? Rolling hills, sunflower fields, and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

Le Marche is the perfect destination if you’re craving a slower, more meaningful way to experience Italy. It’s where coastal relaxation meets cultural immersion, where every view is a postcard, and every experience feels like a secret you’re lucky enough to stumble upon.

Itineraries to explore

Discover some tailor-made itinerary ideas through the enchanting regions of Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, and Le Marche—each offering its own unique charm, culinary treasures, and cultural gems.

At Hurlingham Travel, we specialise in crafting bespoke journeys that reflect your personal interests and travel style. Whether you're dreaming of truffle hunting in the Umbrian countryside, vineyard and “Motor Valley” tours in Emilia-Romagna, or exploring the seaside and hidden villages of Le Marche, our expert team will design an experience that's entirely your own.

Explore some of our sample itineraries below for inspiration, and contact us to begin planning your personalised Italian escape.

Italy beyond the crowds - itinerary examples

Why book with us?

At Hurlingham Travel, we specialise in tailor-made luxury holidays in Italy, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and local expertise. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, or simply looking for a quieter side of this stunning country, we’ll design a bespoke journey through these captivating regions that reflects your interests and style.
 

Contact us to start planning your luxury escape to Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, and Le Marche today:

Elena McLeod

Travel Manager

elena@hurlinghamtravel.co.uk

+44 (0) 7887 086914