Umbria

We stayed in Perugia a few years ago and were thoroughly infatuated with the city. We stayed at the Hotel Fortuna and were very pleased. Umbria has everything Tuscany has except too many Americans. We were the only Americans in the hotel and it was full. I did not hear any English being spoken on the 2 main piazzas. Umbria, in my humble opinion, is a well kept secret. You are close enough to other places like Orvieto, Siena, Assisi, Gubbio, Arezzo, etc. that day tripping is easy. I vote for Perugia.

Buon viaggio,

RB

I would stay in lovely Perugia, especially if you are traveling green, i.e. public transportation. We found easy train and bus access to Spello, Gubbio, Assisi, Orvieto, etc.

I can't comment on Spello, but Perugia is great! Just don't be put off by the outlying area. Unfortunatly there's a bit of unattractive suburban sprawl on the outskirts, but once you go up the hill to the old town, you are transported; lots of winding medieval lanes opening up to spectacular views!