firstlake

I am starting to plan a spring vacation in Europe and would like to return to Italy but not sure what area to visit.
Have been to Tuscany and Rome several times and also have spent 2 weeks in Sicily.
I was considering the Dolomites but since our trip will be in early May the alps may not be a good choice
We prefer the countryside and small towns and villages--we usually rent an apartment for a few days --see the area and then move on-we will have a car--suggestions greatly appreciated.

franco

>We prefer the countryside and small towns and villages--we usually rent an apartment for a few days --see the area and then move on-we will have a car<

I think you'd love Umbria.

StCirq

I second Umbria. It's like Tuscany 25 years ago.

MyDreamTrip

Lake Como! We stayed in Varenna, very quaint and incredibly picturesque.

I've been the Dolomites the end of May/early June. Stayed in Castelrotto. The Dolomites were absolutely breathtaking!

Have a wonderful trip!

firstlake

Any particular place in Umbria that you would recommend?

Since we have 3 weeks perhaps we could visit the Dolomites at the very end of our trip which would be late May.

We plan to visit 4 areas over the 3 week period.
Thanks for your suggestions--I am looking at maps .....

anothertravelinsong

Pick a base and explore the region: Perugia, Assisi, Spello, Spoleto, Bevagna, Montefalco, Gubbio, you can't go wrong.

franco

Perugia if you love cities (it's not really a city, but it feels like one). Foligno if you love provincial Italian towns (only in the center, please, the outskirts are not that pretty). Trevi, Todi or Bevagna if you love small towns. Anywhere south of Bevagna and north of Todi if you love rural areas.

firstlake

Definitely small towns --thank you all for the suggestions.

firstlake

Does anyone have a recommendation for an apartment rental in Bevagna?

Grassshopper

I agree with the lake suggestion. I have been to Como, Garda and Maggiore in May and all were lovely and great.

DRJ

I've spent a lot of time in and around Bevagna. My first choice is Le Case Gialle, a few km. west of Bevagna. Four apartments, a pool and fresh bread and the Herald Tribune outside your door every morning. Mauro's olive oil has won several all-Italy competitions. Seven hundred olive trees.

In town, go to Enoteca Piazza Ononfri and talk to the owner. He has a dozen recently decorated apartments in town. Parking no problem.

Click on my initials for more local info than you will need.