Which is why Umbria–the central Italian region famed for its undulating landscape, historic hilltowns, and rustic cuisine—is the place to be for anyone wanting to visit the Bel Paese without having to compromise on the creme della creme. Here are several ways guaranteed to keep your costs low while visiting Umbria:

Art and Architecture
Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi

Umbria hasn’t yet jumped on the “charging admission for churches” bandwagon—unlike Florence and Venice—so the region’s most iconic architectural monument (and one of the most important fresco cycles in the history of art) is still free.

The imposing 13th-century Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi is a breathtaking example of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture and home to works by Cimabue and, most famously, Giotto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and one of the most visited monuments in Italy, the Basilica is best enjoyed in the relative peace of the early morning or late afternoon, when day trippers and busloads of pilgrims aren’t crowding the chapels.

For opening hours and events, visit http://www.sanfrancescoassisi.org/.

Music and General Merry-Making
Umbria Jazz Festival (July)

Umbria hosts over 20 music festivals each year–an astonishing number given this region’s tiny size and population—and Umbria Jazz is the uncontested king. Held each July in Perugia, this juggernaut of an international event stretches over two weeks and attracts some of the biggest names in jazz (and beyond—I’ve seen R.E.M., Alicia Keys, and Eric Clapton here, as well).

Sure, the headlining concerts may be out of your travel budget, but take a stroll down Perugia’s main Corso to enjoy the irresistable festive vibe and pop in at one of the many free outdoor concerts in the piazze downtown. For a complete schedule: http://www.umbriajazz.com/

History and Culture
Mercato delle Gaite (Bevagna, late June)

There is nothing like an Umbrian town during its annual festival when banners flutter under each window, taverne (temporary outdoor eating areas) sprout overnight in the squares, and street musicians, costumed processions, medieval markets, and crossbow tournaments are center stage.

Almost every town has its own historic festival and a perennial favorite is Bevagna’s Mercato delle Gaite held in late June. Each town district–or gaite—accurately reconstructs functioning artisan workshops using both the techniques and technology of the 1300s to produce items that include silk (from silkworm to cloth), paper, bronze bells, beeswax candles, and religious icons. For a program, see http://www.ilmercatodellegaite.it/ (a €6 ticket buys you a visit the ten workshops)

Wine (and, if you’re lucky, Food)
“Open Cellars” (May)

One of the most anticipated days of the year is the last Sunday in May when wineries across Umbria open their doors to the public for Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars).

Participating vineyards—there were more than 50 this year–organize wine tastings, cellar tours, vineyard walks, live music, and (in some cases) food. At the entrance to the vineyard, each visitor purchases a souvenir glass in a pouch (which you hang from your neck to keep your hands free for the buffet!) for €5, which is good for filling at any participating vineyard all day.

Each winery has its own procedure, but generally their house wines are free (in your official glass), their higher-end wines may be available for tasting for a small charge, and food can be either free or available for a small fee. You can find a list of participating vineyards here.

Nature and the Great Outdoors
Sibilline National Park

There’s a reason Umbria is known as Italy’s “green heart”, and not just because it’s a catchy hook. This region is dotted with natural parks and reserves and offers some dramatic hikes.

One of my favorites is the trail up Mount Vettore in the Sibilline National Park. Climbing from the Piano Grande plateau near the tiny hamlet of Castelluccio, the path leads to Lago di Pilato (Pilate’s Lake) famed for its tiny prehistoric crustacean, and for the legend that Pontius Pilates bones lay in its depths.

Fact or fiction? You can take your time to mull it over while you picnic near its shores, soak in the view, and rest up for the hike back down to the plain–all this for the price of the CAI Monte Sibillini trail map. For more information about this National Park, check out their Web site.

About the author: Rebecca Winke moved to Italy from Chicago in 1993 and shortly thereafter opened an agriturismo in her husband’s renovated family farmhouse at the foot of Mount Subasio near Assisi, Umbria. She spends her time taking care of guests at Brigolante, blogging about the lovely region she now calls home at Rebecca’s Ruminations, and wondering about what strange winds blew an urban vegetarian to a farm in Umbria.

The post Umbria: 5 ways to explore Umbria à la cheapo appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Not too long ago, Umbria–with its rolling hills covered in vineyards and olive groves and topped by tiny medieval stone villages–was touted as the cheaper alternative to Tuscany (her neighbor to the north). This is not so true anymore, as this region in central Italy has begun to show up on more travelers’ radars and prices have risen according to demand.

That said, Umbria doesn’t necessarily have to take a Tuscany-sized bite out of your wallet. Be it shoe-string or tight, here are four tips to help you stick to your trip budget in Umbria.

Time it right

The chances of scoring deals on flights, accommodations and car rentals rise exponentially by choosing a “shoulder” season (those buffer months between high and low seasons). This doesn’t mean you are stuck with the dog-days of January; shoulder season for Umbria generally includes the months of March (and some of April) and November (and some of October).

The weather can be spottier than it would be at the height of summer–with cool, crisp days interspersed with some showers—so bring clothes you can layer, and make sure you have both indoor and outdoor sights on your itinerary so you can work around anything the weather might toss at you.

Stay in an agriturismo

You can hardly spit in rural Umbria without hitting an agriturismo, or “farm holiday,” which are scattered throughout the region. These working farms offer accommodation (and sometimes small restaurants) and are a great choice for travelers counting their pennies.

Rates tend to be lower than hotels, many offer self-catering apartments so you can do some of your own cooking, and if you’re lucky and time it right you often have access to a vegetable garden, farm-fresh eggs, homemade wine, and olive oil. You also have the chance to savor authentic country life with an Italian family… an experience no money can buy.

Bring home the bacon (or prosciutto)

While we’re on the subject of the advantages of an agriturismo, let’s talk food. With access to a kitchen, you can dramatically cut down your restaurant expenditures by cooking at home and preparing picnics to take along on day trips. If you’re worried about missing out on Umbria’s fabulous regional cuisine, don’t fret; this simple fare is founded more on fresh, local ingredients than fancy preparation techniques.

Take the time to wander through the region’s farmers’ markets, local butchers, specialty cheese, pasta, and bread shops and pick up a little culture along with your dinner ingredients.

Sometimes the best things in life are free

Umbria is particularly budget travel friendly because so many of its sights are free. Almost all major artworks and architectural treasures are in churches open to the public. Much of the region’s charm is in taking scenic drives through the rolling landscape, walks in one of the region’s parks, or simply wandering the streets of its numerous picturesque hilltowns.

Umbria also has a plethora of music festivals from spring through late summer, and many hold free concerts during their program. A stroll through sleepy Spello, a drive along the Nera river, gazing upon the iconic frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis, watching the sun set over Lake Trasimeno, dropping in on an open-air jam session in Perugia, a picnic on Mount Subasio: all unforgettable moments in Umbria that won’t cost you a cent.

About the author: Rebecca Winke moved to Italy from Chicago in 1993 and shortly thereafter opened an agriturismo in her husband’s renovated family farmhouse at the foot of Mount Subasio near Assisi, Umbria. She spends her time taking care of guests at Brigolante, blogging about the lovely region she now calls home at Rebecca’s Ruminations, and wondering about what strange winds blew an urban vegetarian to a farm in Umbria.

The post Umbria, Italy: Tips for budget travelers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.