To Italians, Tuscany and Umbria are regions that define political boundaries. You might consider them the way we consider counties. To foreigners, the names Tuscany and Umbria represent a picture we draw in our heads based on photos or films we have seen, or stories people have told. Soriano is technically in the region of Lazio (Latium in English), however it is at the extreme northern part of Lazio. It is just about 4 miles from the border with Umbria, such that when you look at the valley below Soriano, you are looking mostly at Umbria. It is just 25 miles from the border with Tuscany, such that when you cross over Mount Cimino behind Soriano, you are looking out at Tuscany.

Northern Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria are all extremely similar, such that to look at these areas, they can be easily mistaken for one another. It is an area of Italy that is full of rolling hills, vineyards, and similar vistas. The characteristic towns of this area are very similar in nature.

But I want to see Tuscany Wineries

Many people will go to Florence, since it is the biggest city in Tuscany, then venture out on day trips to wineries. Many of those same wineries are much closer to Soriano than they are to much of Tuscany, including Florence! This is because many of the most beautiful and popular wineries are found in the Southern Tuscany Chianti region. For example, the world-famous 'Brunello di Montalcino' comes from an area that is about 60 miles to the northwest of Soriano, while it is 90 miles to the southwest of Florence. This makes many winery day trips much easier from Soriano than may places you might think to be closer.

What you get in Umbria and Tuscany that you will not get in Soriano

For the most part, it is just a matter of costs. The word 'Tuscany' carries with it a price tag. Additionally, because of the fact that Tuscany and Umbria are tourism buzzwords, you will find more tourists, and by consequence, more tourist traps. These areas are quickly being ruined by the ravages of mass tourism.

What you get in Soriano that you don't get in Tuscany and Umbria

Sorianio has a better climate. It is cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter than the major part of Tuscany and Umbria. It is largely unspoiled by mass tourism. There is some tourism there, but not enough to be overwhelming by any means. General services are less costly. You are also closer to Rome, and closer to the international airport. Other than that, it is more or less the same. If you were to stay in a small village in Tuscany, then stay in Soriano, you would most likely sooner return to Soriano.

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