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Whether you plan a high-octane trip, or just want to relax over tasty food and wine, there’s no better terrain to celebrate life all'italiana. Shop at local markets for delicious fresh produce by day, linger over boozy lunches back at home, and then to appease all that gluttony, explore the miles of traffic-free countryside by foot, bike or on horseback.

Rolling green countryside, peppered with tiny hilltop mediaeval villages, Umbria is ideal for any paparazzi-dodging celebs hoping to hide away, or down-to-earth holidaymakers just after some R&R. When the stars want to see and be seen they swagger to showy Tuscany where Sarah Ferguson, Sting and Naomi Campbell all have villas, but when they want to rent a rustic retreat, Umbria promises discretion, especially when you can have your very own village to yourself, such as Borgo san Biago. It has as much allure as its high-profile neighbour Tuscany, promising culture, mouth-watering food and a sunny climate, at more wallet-friendly prices.

CRAMMED WITH CULTURE
For bustling markets, centuries-old churches, and fairytale architecture head to one of the region’s many postcard-perfect towns, such as Assisi, Todi, Spoleto, Gubbio or Orvieto. Their cobblestoned streets are calling out to be pounded – although they can get a little crowded at the height of summer. Music lovers should plan a pilgrimage to the town of Perugia for the Umbria Jazz Festival (www.umbriajazz.com) which takes place annually in July, and this year lured Elton John, Tony Bennett and Diana Ross.

EPICUREAN DELIGHTS
As dieters may suspect, with so much delicious cheese, pasta and olives around, any waistline-watching is best left at home. Only in this part of the world can a cook spend moments with a handful of truffles, a splash of moss-green olive oil and spaghetti and produce a mouth-watering feast, fit for a king. And as black tartufi are the local speciality, why not visit a truffle farm, and follow one of the dogs trained to sniff them out? Then follow your nose to the gift shop for some to keep – perfect as inexpensive souvenirs which guarantee gourmet cuisine back in Blighty that would otherwise cost the earth. Tartufi Bianconi www.tartufibianconi.it.