Famed for its ancient buildings, sunshine and fine cuisine, Valtopina promises a holiday of peace, quiet and Umbrian hospitality.

The nearby hilltop town of Perugia, which dates back to Roman times, looks proudly out across the Spoleto Valley and it is a popular destination with tourists.

Book a private guided tour, or wander at your own pace through its jumble of picturesque streets and cobbled alleyways. Explore the walls which date from Perugia's time as a fortified town.

Wonder at the spectacle of the central piazza with its medieval palace and visit the impressive Cathedral of San Lorenzo, before resting at the Fontana Maggiore, the elegant, monumental fountain.

The third century Etruscan Arch of Augustus remains almost unchanged - the Etruscan Well which supplied the whole town with its water, is thought to date from around the same time.

By following a series of steps past walls dripping with water, you can stand on a bridge near the bottom of the well and look into its depths.

The summer months can be very hot and humid in Umbria, so spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy a holiday in Valtopina if you prefer a more temperate climate.

July is very busy, as Perugia becomes the centre of an international Jazz Festival. October also sees Perugia hosting the popular Eurochocolate Festival, where you can sample a wide variety of chocolates from around the world - an average of 900,000 visitors crowd into the town during the ten days of indulgence.