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UMBRIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Known as the green heart of Italy, Umbria is a region in Central Italy that begs to be discovered. Keep reading to find out why in our Umbria travel guide. 

Best known for the city of Assisi, the region has much more to offer than simply being the birthplace of Saint Francis. It’s a little more wild than its Tuscan neighbor, and a trip to the area leaves you with a sense of deep, inner relaxation.

Whether you’re a lover of truffles , shimmering lakes, lush mountains, full bodied red wines, hilltop towns with incredible vistas, sagra (unique food festivals), or simply searching for a lesser traversed part of Italy, you’ll find it all right here in Umbria. 

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Where is Umbria

Umbria is located in Central Italy and borders Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche. Whilst it’s a landlocked region, there are many beautiful lakes to discover including the best known Lake Trasimeno. It’s south of Florence, Milan, and Venice and north of Rome.

By car, it takes just under two hours to reach the capital, Perugia, from Florence and an hour and a half to reach Orvieto from Rome. 

Map of Umbria

Main cities and towns in umbria.

There are so many beautiful cities and towns to discover when visiting Umbria. Have a listen to our podcast episode with author Michele Damiani on some of her favourite Umbrian towns to discover. Some of the most important or interesting towns to add to your trip include: 

• Orvieto : This beautiful hillside city is famous for its magnificent Duomo. Hop on an underground tour to explore more of Orvieto’s Etruscan roots or simply relax at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the local food and wine.
• Assisi : A UNESCO World Heritage Site , you can’t miss a trip to the Basilica di San Francesco. It’s been on the pilgrim route since the 13th century as the birthplace of St Francis. Assisi is another great place to try Umbrian cuisine. The best meals are to be had on an outdoor terrace as the sun casts a glow over the valley below.
• Perugia : The Medieval capital of Umbria is well-known for its fantastic chocolate, and University for Foreigners of Perugia where many come to study the Italian language. Each year the city’s famous jazz festival is a highlight of the region’s calendar.
• Spello : This town is seriously flower-obsessed.  So much so that they host the Infiorata festival every year where the town is decorated in flower tapestries created by competing teams from the community to celebrate the feast of Corpus Domini. 
• Todi : A gorgeous Medieval hillside town dating back to the 8th century BC, Todi is rich in art and nature and gloriously free from crowds. It’s a great place to shop for artisan made wares like linens and ceramics.
• Gubbio : One of the most ancient towns in the region, Gubbio is renowned for its Roman ruins, Medieval aqueduct and charming hillside streets. Take the birdcage chairlift to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo for wonderful views over the town.

Top things to do in Umbria

There are  a broad range of activities to suit every kind of traveler in Umbria. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or nature lover, prepare to be wowed with the kinds of experiences you can have in the area. Some of the best activities on a trip to Umbria include: 

Explore hilltop towns

Get lost in the Medieval streets in one of the many hilltop towns in the area like Gubbio, Todi, and Orvieto. Make sure your camera is handy at golden hour to capture the incredible views and magical light.

Go truffle hunting

Did you know Umbria is famed for its black truffles? Book a trip with a truffle hunter for an unforgettable experience watching the hunter and his trusty dog hunt through the forest for delicious truffles in the Umbrian hills. Then enjoy your finds shaved over pasta.

Enjoy tasting local wines

Umbria is renowned for its full bodied Sagrantino red wines and Montefalco Rosso. Head to one of the many wineries around Montefalco for a tasting, like biodynamic Fongoli or if you prefer white wines, try Grechetto and Trebbiano near Orvieto at family-run Cantine Zanchi . 

If you like your wine tasting with a view, check out this picnic experience at Saio Assisi. 

Visit incredible churches

Take a guided tour and admire the architecture and splendid art of the Duomo (Cathedral) of Orvieto , the Basilica of St Francis , the Duomo of Spoleto, and so many more. 

Go swimming in Lake Trasimeno

Umbria gets very warm in the summertime so there’s nothing better than a refreshing swim in the cooling waters of Lake Trasimeno. There are nine beaches around the lake to swim at however try those near Castiglione del Lago for the best options.

Pull on the boots and go hiking

If you want to make the most of Umbria’s breathtakingly beautiful landscape, it’s a perfect destination for hiking. Try the hike along the Roman Aqueduct between Collepino and Spello or hire a mountain bike! Discover some of the many hiking itineraries you can enjoy on the Umbria Tourism website . 

Go Olive Oil Tasting 

Besides truffles and wine, the Umbria is renowned for their delicious liquid gold, aka Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Visit a frantoio , or olive mill, whilst visiting Umbria to learn more about why oil is so important to Umbrians, how it’s made, and of course to taste the final product. Try Frantoio Guadenzi near Trevi for award-winning oil!

Enjoy Ceramic shopping 

If you love ceramics or artisan made products, then you absolutely need to include a stop in Deruta. It’s the major centre for the production of maiolica (painted tin-glazed earthenware) with a ceramic history dating back to the Middle Ages. Consider a visit to Grazia Maiolica – the oldest ceramic store in town.

What to eat and drink in Umbria

The style of food in Umbria is very rustic, hearty, and all round delicious! There is an abundance of tasty Umbrian dishes to try with the best local produce including pork sausages and cured meats, legumes, farro, truffles, olive oil, fantastic cured meats, Pecorino cheeses, great bread and interesting wines .

When visiting Umbria, don’t miss trying the following dishes: 

• Stringozzi with truffles : The typical pasta of Umbria is made with no or little eggs and paired with a delicious shaving of black truffles when in season.
• Porchetta : Suckling pig is everywhere in Umbria. Try it in a tasty panino with a glass of Umbrian craft beer
• Cacciatore chicken :  hunter-style chicken with no tomatoes. Think tender braised chicken with onion and garlic, juniper berries, sage, rosemary, wild fennel (seeds if you can’t get fresh), capers, olives, and some white wine and a squeeze of lemon.
• Ciaramicola : Known as “fiancé cake” this sweet treat is shaped into a ring. The dough is made with a special liquor called Alchermes and coated with lemon meringue that signifies purity.  
• Torta al Testo / Crescia : A thick flatbread cooked on a cast iron skillet filled with grilled sausages and cooked spinach or other steamed vegetables and prosciutto.   
• Sagrantino or Montefalco Rosso : The typical wine of Umbria is a full bodied red, tannin rich Sagrantino best known for its savoury and spicy red berry notes. Otherwise look out for Montefalco Rosso DOC, which is a blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino.

Where to stay in Umbria

Given Umbria is a lesser known region, there can be somewhat limited accommodation options in the smaller towns. Whilst the region offers a range of choices including bed and breakfast, luxury hotels, Relais spa hotels, and agriturismi, you won’t necessarily find the full suite of choices available in each town. For that reason, the best bases include Perugia, Orvieto, and Todi.

If your trip includes visiting Assisi, Spello, Gubbio, and the lakes, a home base in Perugia is the perfect choice. There are many great accommodation options to choose from in the city and a variety of comfort and price points. Try the luxurious Sina Brufani , for a 5 star experience in the city centre.

Alternatively, if your trip takes in Tuscany, consider staying in Orvieto as you’ll find easy access to the Val d’Orcia in the Southern part of Tuscany. There are a few hotels in town like 4 star Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini as well as a range of farmhouse and B&B style accommodation.

Or, if you’re looking to be immersed in a smaller hilltop town, consider basing yourself in Todi. There’s the fantastic Tenuta di Canonica , Residenza D’Epoca San Lorenzo Tre and boutique B&Bs like Il Ghiottone who also offer marvelous cooking classes. 

To soak up the beautiful countryside, stay in an agriturismo off the beaten track in the Umbrian hills.

When to go to Umbria

The real question is when not to go to Umbria – it’s fabulous at any time of year! Umbrian people are famed for their love of flowers which makes Spring a beautiful time to visit before the weather gets too warm.

The hilltop towns come to life during the summertime and this is one of the best times of year to experience the sagre or ‘food festivals’ in the region. In particular watch out for the Infiorata in Spello, the Umbria Jazz Festival held in Perugia in July or the medieval festivals in Bevagna. The summer season does get very warm, so consider staying somewhere with pool access to cool off.  

If you want to experience Umbria in June, our small group summer tours of Umbria depart from Orvieto and visit hilltop towns and Medieval cities, meeting wonderful local people and experiencing the best Umbrian food and wine along the way.

Autumn is another beautiful time to visit with the wine harvest in September and the olive harvest in October/November. A very particular sagra to visit is the Black Celery Festival in Trevi which runs for two days in October. Don’t miss the L’oro di Spello in late November where they celebrate with the new olive oil on bruschetta!  

We love the region so much at this time of year and are excited to take you on a cosy fall tour of Umbria to enjoy truffles, chocolate making and more. If you’re interested in the harvest processes and connection to the land, it’s the perfect time to visit.

Christmas time is another marvelous period to consider visiting Umbria. There is the largest Christmas Tree in Italy to see in Gubbio, markets in Perugia and sparkling illuminations in Assisi. Whilst it does get cold, it enjoys a Mediterranean climate so it’s not freezing temperatures to contend with. If you’re hoping for snow, January is your best bet. 

How to get to Umbria

Getting to Umbria is easy to reach by plane, car, or train. For travelers coming from Rome, you can reach Orvieto in just a short hour and ten minute train ride, or the capital Perugia, in a couple of hours by car. If you’re traveling south from Florence, it takes just two hours by car to reach Perugia.

There is one main airport in Umbria giving you the option to take a connecting flight from other key cities in Italy like Rome, Florence, Milan, or Venice. Travelers coming from London or other European cities will find it easiest to fly directly into the Perugia International Airport . 

How to get around Umbria

Generally speaking a car is the best way to get around Umbria and visit some of the smaller towns, wineries and olive oil mills. Take a look at Auto Europe or Car Rental by booking.com  for car rental options – consider picking up your car from Perugia Airport , or the Orvieto train station. Whichever you choose, make sure to check out our guide to renting a car in Italy for useful tips.

For those not keen on driving, it is possible to use trains and local buses to access some of the main towns including Orvieto, Perugia, and Assisi. The train from Rome to Orvieto is very quick and will see you there in just over an hour. You can check the latest schedules and pricing on the Omio website and app .

Meanwhile, regional trains run from Perugia to Orvieto with the quickest taking just under two hours. The train ride from Perugia to Assisi is a very quick 20 minutes, however, you’ll need to take a local bus or taxi to reach the city centre as it’s 5kms away. Check out this article for more information on traveling by train in Italy.

Let’s go to Umbria!

Inspired to visit Umbria? Learn more about the region with our podcast episodes Wine and Wandering in Umbria , Uncovering Umbrian Towns and Villages , and Dishes of Umbria .

Want to discover Umbria with us? For a deeper local connection, why not join one of our Umbria small group tours .

Must-see attractions in Umbria

Basilica di San Francesco

Visible for miles around, the Basilica di San Francesco is the crowning glory of Assisi's Unesco-listed historic centre. The 13th-century complex is…

Nothing can prepare you for the visual feast that is Orvieto's soul-stirring Gothic cathedral. Dating from 1290, it sports a black-and-white banded…

Funivia Colle Eletto

Although the Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo, perched high on Monte Ingino, is a perfectly lovely church, the real adventure is getting there on the funivia. The…

Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria

Umbria's foremost art gallery is housed in Palazzo dei Priori on Perugia's main strip. Its collection, chronologically displayed over 40 rooms, is one of…

Palazzo dei Priori

Flanking Corso Vannucci, this Gothic palace, constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries, is architecturally striking with its tripartite windows,…

Piazza del Popolo

Just try to walk through Piazza del Popolo without trying to photograph it from every angle. The rectangular piazza is one of Umbria's finest medieval…

Piazza IV Novembre

In Perugia all roads seem to lead to Piazza IV Novembre. This historic square, flanked by Palazzo dei Priori and the Cattedrale, has been at the heart of…

Piazza Grande

This panoramic piazza, the result of an ambitious 14th-century urban development plan, is medieval Gubbio's showpiece square. Commanding huge valley views…

Narni Sotterranea

Narni’s main drawcard is this extraordinary subterranean underworld. Discovered by a group of young speleologists in 1977, and originally accessed through…

A flight of steps sweeps down to Spoleto's pale-stone cathedral, photogenically set on a graceful hillside piazza. Originally constructed to a Romanesque…

Nobile Collegio del Cambio

Seat of Perugia's Moneychanger's Guild between 1452 and 1457, the extravagantly adorned Nobile Collegio del Cambio has three rooms: the Sala dei Legisti …

Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo

Also known as the Chiesa or Tempio di Sant'Angelo, this 5th-century Romanesque church is one of the oldest in Italy (and the most appealing in Perugia)…

Ponte delle Torri

Many people gasp the first time they glimpse the medieval Ponte delle Torri, a 10-arch bridge that spectacularly spans a steeply wooded gorge – a scene…

Basilica Superiore

The upper church of the Basilica di San Francesco was built after the Basilica Inferiore and consecrated in 1253, and the change in style and grandiosity…

Basilica Inferiore

The lower and earlier of the two churches comprising the Basilica di San Francesco, this basilica was commissioned by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, just two…

Cattedrale e Abbazia di San Pietro

South of the town centre, past the Porta di San Pietro, is this atmospheric 10th-century basilica complex. The basilica, overlooked by a landmark bell…

Eremo delle Carceri

Perched on the forested slopes of Monte Subasio, this monastery is set around the caves where St Francis and his followers prayed and contemplated…

Chiesa di San Damiano

Set amid lush olive groves 1.5km southeast of Assisi's historic centre, this atmospheric sanctuary is where St Francis is said to have heard the voice of…

Museo Civico

Housed in Palazzo dei Consoli, this museum is home to the celebrated Iguvine Tables (also known as the Eugubian Tables or Tablets), seven bronze tablets…

Rocca Albornoziana

Dominating the skyline above Spoleto, this formidable fortress was built on the summit of Colle Sant’Elia as part of a 14th-century campaign to reassert…

Isola Polvese

Lago Trasimeno

This island, accessible by ferry from San Feliciano, is a delight – not so much for its sights, of which there aren't many, but for its glorious unspoiled…

Belvedere Cappuccini

Head to this viewing balcony at the top of town for a living postcard view across the bucolic countryside below – on a clear day you can make out Assisi …

Tomb of St Francis

Hidden for almost 600 years, St Francis' tomb was discovered beneath the Basilica di San Francesco in 1818 following a 52-day dig, and painstakingly…

Basilica di San Salvatore

Spoleto's Romanesque basilica, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site as part of the 'Longobards in Italy, Places of the Power (568-774 AD)' group, dates…

Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

The impressive 12th-century Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore houses Spello's main draw – a wonderful cycle of frescoes by the Perugia-born artist…

Campanile di San Fortunato

Climb the 14th-century bell tower of the Chiesa di San Fortunato for exhilarating views across the hills and castles surrounding Todi.

Orvieto Underground

The coolest place in Orvieto (literally), this series of 440 caves (out of 1200 in the system) has been used for millennia by locals for various purposes …

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Lording it over Piazza IV Novembre is Perugia's stark medieval cathedral. A church has stood here since the 900s, but the version you see today was begun…

Palazzo Ducale

The 15th-century Palazzo Ducale was built by the Duke of Montefeltro’s family as a scaled-down version of their palatial residence in Urbino. Its walls…

Piazza San Benedetto

Centred on a statue of St Benedict, Norcia's most famous son, this small piazza is flanked by the town's most impressive medieval buildings, many of which…

Casa del Cioccolato Perugina

To visit the Wonka-esque world of Perugian chocolate, sign up for a 1¼-hour guided tour (in Italian or English, times vary) of the House of Chocolate…

Parco Regionale del Monte Cucco

In Umbria's wild northeastern fringes, the Parco Regionale del Monte Cucco is a gorgeous swathe of wildflower-speckled meadows, gentle slopes brushed with…

Basilica di Santa Chiara

Built in a 13th-century Romanesque style, with muscular flying buttresses and a striking pink-and-white striped facade, this church is dedicated to St…

Grotta Monte Cucco

Deep in the Parco Regionale del Monte Cucco is one of Europe's most spectacular limestone caves, with 30km of galleries reaching depths of 900m. Those up…

Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo

Perched high on Monte Ingino, and accessible by the funivia or a steep 30-minute walk from Palazzo Ducale, this landmark basilica has housed the body of…

Palazzo Collicola Arte Visive

The 18th-century Palazzo Collicola houses Spoleto's premier collection of modern art. The collection, named after its late former director and noted art…

Fontana Maggiore

The centrepiece of Piazza IV Novembre, the delicate pink-and-white marble Fontana Maggiore was designed by Fra Bevignate and built by father-and-son team…

Casa Museo di Palazzo Sorbello

This exquisite 17th-century mansion, once owned by the aristocratic Sorbello family, has been restored to its frescoed, gilt-clad, chandelier-lit, 18th…

Ipogeo dei Volumni

About 5km southeast of the city, the Ipogeo dei Volumni is part of the Palazzone necropolis, a vast 2nd-century-BC Etruscan burial site. The tomb, which…

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

The enormous domed church you see as you approach Assisi along the Tiber valley is the 16th-century Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, some 4km beneath…

More destinations you need to see

Umbria Travel Guide

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Carlo DeSando

Wonderful Time in Italy We were covered from the moment we landed in Rome. The drivers were great, the connections were flawless, and it was well-planned a...

Often referred to as “the green heart of Italy”, Umbria is a predominantly beautiful and – despite the many visitors – largely unspoiled region of rolling hills, woods, streams and valleys. Within its borders it also contains a dozen or so classic hill-towns, each resolutely individual and crammed with artistic and architectural treasures to rival bigger and more famous cities. To the east, pastoral countryside gives way to more rugged scenery, none better than the dramatic twists and turns of the Valnerina and the high mountain landscapes of the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini.

Brief history of Umbria

Umbrian cuisine, lago trasimeno, città di castello, the valnerina.

Historically, Umbria is best known as the birthplace of several saints, St Benedict and St Francis of Assisi being the most famous, and for a religious tradition that earned the region such names as Umbra santa, Umbra mistica and la terra dei santi (“the land of saints”). The landscape itself has contributed much to this mystical reputation, and even on a fleeting trip it’s impossible to miss the strange quality of the Umbrian light, an oddly luminous silver haze that hangs over the hills.

After years as an impoverished backwater, Umbria has capitalized on its charms. Foreign acquisition of rural property is now as rapid as it was in Tuscany thirty years ago, though outsiders have done nothing to curb the region’s renewed sense of identity and youthful enthusiasm, nor to blunt the artistic initiatives that have turned Umbria into one of the most flourishing cultural centres in Italy.

Most visitors head for Perugia , Assisi – the latter with its extraordinary frescoes by Giotto in the Basilica di San Francesco – or Orvieto , whose Duomo is one of the greatest Gothic buildings in the country. For a taste of the region’s more understated charms, it’s best to concentrate on lesser-known places such as Todi, an increasingly chic but still unspoiled hill-town; Gubbio , ranked as the most perfect medieval centre in Italy, and Spoleto , for many people the outstanding Umbrian town. Although there are few unattractive parts of the Umbrian landscape (the factories of Terni and the Tiber Valley being the largest blots), some areas are especially enticing: the Valnerina, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and remote hilltop villages; the Piano Grande, a vast, featureless plain best visited in spring, when it's carpeted with wild flowers; and Lago Trasimeno, the largest lake in the Italian peninsula, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and watersports.

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Umbria was named by the Romans after the mysterious Umbrii, a tribe cited by Pliny as the oldest in Italy, and one that controlled territory reaching into present-day Tuscany and Le Marche. Although there is scant archeological evidence about them, it seems that their influence was mainly confined to the east of the Tiber; the darker and more sombre towns to the west – such as Perugia and Orvieto – were founded by the Etruscans, whose rise forced the Umbrii to retreat into the eastern hills. Roman domination was eventually undermined by the so-called barbarian invasions, in the face of which the Umbrians withdrew into fortified hill-towns, paving the way for a pattern of bloody rivalry between independent city-states that continued through the Middle Ages. Weakened by constant warfare, most towns eventually fell to the papacy, entering a period of economic and cultural stagnation that continued up until the very recent past.

The cuisine of landlocked, hilly Umbria relies heavily on rustic staples – pastas and roast meats – and in the past tended to be simple and homely. The region is also the only area outside Piemonte where truffles are found in any abundance, and their perfumed shavings, particularly in the east of the region, find their way onto eggs, pasta, fish and meat – but at a price that prohibits overindulgence.

Meat plays a leading role – especially lamb and pork, which is made into hams, sausage, salami and, most famously, porchetta, whole suckling pig stuffed with rosemary or sage, roasted on a spit. Game may also crop up on some menus, most often as pigeon, pheasant or guinea fowl. The range of fish is restricted by the lack of a coast, but trout can be caught from the Nera River and Clitunno springs, while the lakes of Piediluco and Trasimeno yield eel, pike, tench and grey mullet. Vegetable delicacies include tiny lentils from Castelluccio, beans from Trasimeno, and celery and cardoons from around Trevi. Umbrian olive oil, though less hyped than Tuscan oils, is of excellent quality – about 90 percent is extra virgin – particularly that from around Trevi and Spoleto .

As for desserts, Perugia is renowned for its chocolate and pastries. Cheeses tend to be standard issue, although some smaller producers survive in the mountains around Norcia and Gubbio .

Umbria used to be best known outside Italy for fresh, dry white wines. Orvieto , once predominantly a medium-sweet wine, has been revived in a dry style. The wine was beloved of the artists and architects of Orvieto’s Duomo: Luca Signorelli requested a thousand litres per year by contract. In recent years the pre-eminence of Orvieto in the domestic market has been successfully challenged by Grechetto, an inexpensive and almost unfailingly good wine made by countless producers across the region. Umbria’s quest for quality is also increasingly reflected in a growing number of small producers, many of whom have followed the lead of Giorgio Lungarotti, one of the pioneers of Umbrian viticulture (any wine with his name on is reliable), and in some outstanding reds, notably the Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG and the Sagrantino DOCG of Montefalco. The region has four wine routes ( strade del vino ): the Strada del Sagrantino, around Montefalco; the Strada dei Vini del Cantico between Todi, Perugia, Torgiano, Spello and Assisi ; the Strada del Vino Colli del Trasimeno; and the Strada dei Vini Etrusco-Romano, in the province of Terni .

The most tempting destination around Perugia – whose surroundings are generally pretty lacklustre – is Lago Trasimeno, an ideal spot to hole up in for a few days, and particularly recommended if you want to get in some swimming, windsurfing or sailing. The lake is about 30km from Perugia and is easy to get to on public transport. It’s the biggest inland stretch of water on the Italian peninsula, though you wouldn’t think so to look at it, never deeper than 7m – hence bath-like warm water in summer.

A winning combination of tree-covered hills to the north, Umbria’s subtle light, and placid lapping water produces some magical moments, but on overcast and squally days the mood can turn melancholy. Not all the reed-lined shore is uniformly pretty either; steer clear of the northern coast and head for the stretches south of Magione and Castiglione if you’re after relative peace and quiet.

On the trail of Hannibal

Somewhere along the Lago Trasimeno shore towards the rambling village of Tuoro, probably at Sanguineto (“the Place of Blood”) or Ossaia (“the Place of Bones”), is the spot where the Romans suffered their famous clobbering at the hands of Hannibal in 217 BC. Hannibal was headed for Rome, having just crossed the Alps, when he was met by a Roman force under the Consul Flaminius. Things might have gone better for Flaminius if he’d heeded the omens that piled up on the morning of battle: first he fell off his horse; next the legionary standards had to be dug out of the mud; and finally – and this really should have raised suspicions – the sacred chickens refused their breakfast. Poultry accompanied all Roman armies and, by some means presumably known to the legionnaire in charge of chickens, communicated the will of the gods to waiting commanders in the field. Hannibal lured Flaminius into a masterful ambush, with the only escape a muddy retreat into the lake. Sixteen thousand Romans, including the hapless commander, were killed.

A hard-to-find drive and walkway have been laid out, starting and finishing just west of Tuoro on the road to Cortona, which take in salient features of the old battlefield; Tuoro's irregularly open Pro Loco office has some information on the site, walkway and drive, and occasionally offers guided tours.

Activities on Lago Trasimeno

There are plenty of things to do on Lake Trasimeno from operators based in Castiglione del Lago, including windsurfing (contact Club Velico ), canoeing, waterskiing and horseriding (ask at the tourist office for recommended operators). You can rent bikes at Cicli Valentini .

The best of the little beaches is at the public lido on the southern side of Castiglione’s promontory, with pedalos for rent and boat trips, including regular excursions to the strangely rectangular island of Isola Maggiore, a fun ride if you don’t mind the summer crowds. There’s a pretty walk round the edge of the island, and one good, popular hotel, the three-star Da Sauro , Via Guglielmi 1, which also doubles as a fine restaurant.

Città di Castello is a charming and relatively little-visited town 56km north of Perugia in the Upper Tiber Valley, with a sedate and ordered medieval centre that’s well worth a few hours. It’s also the focus for visitors staying in the many rented villas and farmhouses in the hills to the east and west. In late August and early September the town becomes busier than usual during its renowned Festival of Chamber Music , dedicated to a different country each year.

Once an important Roman centre – the gridiron of streets is virtually the only legacy – today the town preserves just a handful of fairly mediocre medieval monuments. Its main attractions are its museums and art galleries, along with some quiet, pleasant medieval streets.

The Valnerina is the most beautiful part of Umbria. Strictly translated as the “little valley of the Nera”, it effectively refers to the whole eastern part of the region, a self-contained area of high mountains, poor communications, steep wooded valleys, upland villages and vast stretches of barren nothingness. Wolves still roam the summit ridges and the area is a genuine “forgotten corner”, deserted farms everywhere bearing witness to a century of emigration.

Mountains in the region are 1500m high, creeping up as you move east to about 2500m in the wonderful Monti Sibillini, the most outstanding parts of which fall under the protection of the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini. It’s difficult to explore with any sort of plan (unless you stick to the Nera), and the best approach is to follow your nose, poking into small valleys, tracing high country lanes to remote hamlets. More deliberately, you could make for Vallo di Nera, the most archetypal of the fortified villages that pop up along the Lower Nera. Medieval Triponzo is a natural focus of communications, little more than a quaint staging post and fortified tower (and a better target than modernish Cerreto nearby).

Norcia for foodies

Meat-eaters would be daft not to try the deservedly famous local pork products. Anything that can be made from a pig, the Norcians apparently make – and supposedly better than anyone else. For this reason, alimentari throughout Italy who pride themselves on their hams and salamis will call themselves norcineria. If finances stretch, you could also indulge in the area’s prized black truffle. The season runs from January to April (though you may come across the lesser-prized white summer truffles too). Plenty of shops, an attraction in themselves, are on hand to sell you all manner of local specialities, not just truffles, but also hams, the famed lentils of Castelluccio and lots of rare mountain cheeses.

The Piano Grande

The eerie, expansive Piano Grande, 20km east of Norcia, is an extraordinary prairie ringed by bare, whaleback mountains and stretching, uninterrupted by tree, hedge or habitation, for miles and miles. A decade or so ago, it was all but unknown: now, in summer at least, it can be disconcertingly busy. It’s much photographed – especially in spring when it’s ablaze with wild flowers of every description – and was used by Zeffirelli as a setting for his Franciscan film Brother Sun, Sister Moon. The desperately isolated village of Castelluccio hangs above it at around 1400m, and although no longer the sole preserve of shepherds, it remains an unspoilt base and the ideal starting point for any number of straightforward mountain walks. To plan routes, get hold of the 1:50,000 Kompass map no. 666 or the more detailed 1:25,000 CAI maps (the latter are often available in Norcia’s or Castelluccio’s bars).

Note that there's no public transport into the area (save for one bus in and out on a Thursday, market day in Norcia), though you might try your luck at catching lifts in high season.

Narni claims to be the geographical centre of Italy, with a hilltop site jutting into the Nera Valley on a majestic spur and crowned by another of Cardinal Albornoz’s formidable papal fortresses. Commanding one end of a steep gorge (about ten minutes of fairly spectacular train travel), it was once the gateway into Umbria, the last post before the Tiber Valley and the undefended road to Rome. However, while the town retains a fine medieval character, the views from its heights are marred by steel and chemical works around Narni Scalo, the new town in the valley below.

The heart of the old town has all the standard fittings: the medieval piazzas, the warren of streets, a modest art gallery, the usual crop of Romanesque churches and a huge rocca, open for occasional events. There’s a Roman bridge on the outskirts, the subject of considerable local hype; when Goethe arrived in Narni in the middle of the night he was peeved not to have seen it but he was only missing a solitary arch in the middle of the river – just as easily viewed from the train.

Todi is one of the best-known Umbrian hill-towns, its central Piazza del Popolo widely held to be among the most perfect medieval piazzas in Italy, and the town itself to be the country’s most liveable. At heart a thriving and insular agricultural centre, Todi is also a favoured trendy retreat for foreign expats and Rome’s arts and media types. In the way of these things the visitors haven’t been far behind, but neither fact should deter you from making a day-trip: few places beat it for sheer location – its hilltop position is stunning – and fairy-tale medievalism. Many festivals and events are held in Todi throughout the year, including the increasingly popular Todi Festival (late Aug or early Sept).

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Umbria Travel Guide: everything you need to know

Bordering the regions of Tuscany, Marche and Lazio, Umbria is a luscious green paradise in the centre of Italy. The region is full of natural diversity with its hilly and mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, and natural pools. It’s also known for its well-preserved and historic medieval towns that still hold on to its ancient culture and folkloric traditions. There is much to discover here which is why we’ve prepared an Umbria travel guide to help you navigate the green heart of Italy!

What is Umbria?

Umbria is an Italian region located in the centre of the country. Surrounded by the beautiful Appennine mountains, Umbria is the only region in central and southern Italy with no access to the sea, but this takes nothing away from its beauty!

The region got its name from an ancient tribe who used to populate this area, called the Umbri , ancient pre-Etruscan people. Known for its ancient Roman monuments and artifacts, Umbria is also home to architectural glories from the early middle ages with its stunning historical cathedrals in Assisi and Orvieto, palaces in Todi, Perugia and Gubbio. During the Renaissance, the region was home to the Umbrian school of painting churning out masters such as Perugino and Pinturicchio.

The Tiber River is the most important river in the centre of the peninsula, running about 400 kilometers through a long valley from Tuscany through Umbria and Lazio to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The largest lake in Umbria is Lake Trasimeno, which is fed by small streams, that have an artificial outlet constructed in the 1980s that flows into the Tiber. The region’s landscape is hilly, has river valleys and plains.

Getting around Umbria

The Italian peninsula is made up of thousands of settlements of small towns and hamlets, known as “ borghi “, that are usually located in remote areas and in the thick of local greenery, and some still have traces of their fortified walls from centuries ago. The region of Umbria is no exception, as many fortified towns flourished during middle ages.

Go by public transport in Umbria

While its history plays a key role in Umbria’s contemporary charm, it also makes getting around the region not as easy if you’re not driving your own car.

The public transportation in the region is operated by Ferrovie dello Stato , Italy’s national train company. This includes urban and suburban buses, trains, navigation services, and alternative mobility.

While you can technically check every line and timetable on their official website , there is no map there so it’s quite tricky to have a good overview. We recommend using the train line for finding the best route and booking your bus/train. A third-party service like rome2rio or google maps itself is also a good option to find the best public transport for your destination.

Tickets for a suburban bus cost from €1.30 EUR ($1.33 USD) (up to 7km) to €8.60 ($8.80 USD) (until 110km). You can check bus prices here . You can also buy your ticket on the bus by asking the bus driver, for an additional fee which is usually under €1 EUR ($1.02 USD).

If you’re travelling to Umbria from a major city in a nearby region, like Rome or Florence, check out different regional train options and prices with the handy Trenitalia website or app . In Italy, if you buy train tickets (print versions) at the station you will need to validate them before you get on the train by punching it in the little machines on the wall by the trains. Otherwise, you can make your life a bit easier and download the train app and get your tickets online. On the train when the controller comes to check your ticket, just show the online ticket.

To save on money, you can select regional trains tickets that are not direct. Tickets for the regional train start at €7.75 EUR ($7.80 USD). If you get tickets ahead of time, you can get economy tickets and avoid paying more.

Go by car in Umbria

RENT A CAR: There are several car rentals in Umbria, most of which are located in Perugia, Spoleto, Terni, and Assisi. A small car goes for about €28 EUR ($29 USD)/day during low season, while you should expect prices to go up during busier months.

A good website to find the best rental cars is happy-car.it , which compares all the different car rentals.

There is also the option to get a car rental with a driver included, which is called “ Noleggio con conducente ” or “ NCC ” in Italian. Below is a map of some car rentals and NCC in Umbria.

DRIVING IN UMBRIA: Getting around Umbria by car is relatively easy . There are no tolls in the entire region, with the exception of the small part of the A1 highway that connects Florence to Rome, and that crosses Umbria near the town of Orvieto.

Therefore, all highways are free and they connect all the region’s major cities. Some of the smaller towns might be more remote, but they’re all relatively easy to reach.

🅿️ PARKING RULES: When you see blue lines , it means you have to pay to park your car there. You can usually park at the little machines on the walkways or near the parking. While some of these machines accept cards, most don’t, so it’s always a good idea to keep some coins at hand. White lines generally mean that parking is free unless it is specifically indicated by a white rectangular sign under the blue “P” sign. The white sign usually indicates 1 hour and it refers to the use of the parking disk. This is usually only needed during working days and working hours.

Best time to visit Umbria

Umbria is a region that can be visited all year round. The busiest times include weekends of spring, autumn and summer. Yes, you may think that most people would avoid visiting Umbria during its hottest months, as it is a landlocked region, but there are many activities and things to do here in this season.

SPRING AND AUTUMN: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are usually the best time to visit Umbria. Temperatures are moderate, days get longer and you’ll find the best conditions to explore Umbria’s small towns.

SUMMER: Summertime (June to August) is a great but busy time to explore the region. Summer is also the time when temperatures are the hottest. In fact, the maximum temperature in Perugia reached 39°C (102.2°F) in August 2021, with several peaks of 37°C (98.6°F) even in July. On the other hand, this type of weather is great for some outdoor activities like canyoning, rafting, hiking, visiting the caves and more.

WINTER: Winter months (December to February) are the coldest and rainiest months. Temperatures go easily below zero, with snow that falls regularly in the region, especially in the more mountainous areas.

Overall, the best months to visit Umbria are April , May , June , and September .

Umbria Travel Guide: Top things to do in Umbria

Umbria is a region that offers so many different activities, most of which you probably had no idea you could do here.

TOWNS & HISTORY: If you’re a fan of Italy’s history and small-town medieval vibes, Umbria is the place to go. Like Tuscany, Umbria features many charming towns that are waiting to be explored. Places like Assisi, Spello, Corciano, Castiglione del Lago, Piediluco, Città della Pieve, Bevagna and many more are a concentrate of Italian history and culture. And don’t miss Rasiglia, the small Venice of Umbria!

FOOD: The food scene in Umbria is great. While most people associate Italy to just pasta and pizza, each area has actually its own traditional dishes which are very different from the ones from other Italian regions. Umbria features many incredible delicacies, which you should definitely try. Read more about it below .

LOCAL PRODUCTS: The region is famous for its pottery, with its major centres being located in the so-called Pottery Road, which links Deruta to Orvieto. Umbria is also famous for its lentils production, porchetta (roast pork), olive oil, truffles, cured ham and wine.

NATURE & EXTREME SPORTS: Umbria has it all. The region is home to one of the world’s highest man-made waterfalls, and the mointainous area near Norcia is a great place for hiking. Additionally, the Nera River is a gorgeous spot for kayaking, rafting and canyoning, while the Monte Cucco area is well-known in Europe amongst fly enthusiasts for hang gliding and paragliding.

Are you ready to have some fun?

FESTIVALS & EVENTS: Each year, the region of Umbria hosts several events and festivals. Perugia, Umbria’s capital city, is home to Eurochocolate , one of the largest and most assorted chocolate exhibition that attracts all the chocolate lovers from Italy and abroad. The town of Gubbio sees its main festival in the Corsa dei Ceri , a race and celebration that attracts thousands of people each year.

When it comes to music, each summer (usually in July) Perugia hosts the Umbria Jazz Festival , which is one of the most important jazz festivals in the world and has been held annually since 1973. The Umbria Jazz Winter Festival takes place annually in December/January in Orvieto. Spoleto is where the Festival dei Due Mondi happens. This is an annual summer music and opera festival which is held each June to early July, since 1958.

Bevagna is home to the Mercato delle Gaite , one of Italy’s most interesting medieval festivals which we wrote about in this article.

Read more about the Best Things to do in Umbria in our detailed guide.

🗺️ HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the top left icon to get more info about this map. Use the star icon next to the title to save it in your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, then go to “ your places “, tap on “ maps ” and you will see this map on your list.

Where to stay in Umbria

Umbria is a landlocked region, surrounded by Marche, Lazio and Tuscany. Perugia , Umbria’s capital city, is located in the centre of the region and it’s a good option to explore around. Here you will find many great deals like B&B Luce Riflessa (from €60 EUR/night), B&B Il Bacio (also from €60($60.20 USD)/night), Casa Stella and the lovely A Casa di Mamma Rosy .

Towns like Assisi, Spoleto, Foligno and Terni are also solid alternatives to use as a base, while you can even opt to stay in a smaller town like Bevagna, Todi, Orvieto or in the countryside for a more local authentic experience.

ON A BUDGET: The only hostels in Umbria are found in Perugia ( Little Italy Bouitque and Perugia Farmhouse Backpackers ), in Assisi-Bevagna ( Ostello Bello ) and in Foligno ( Palazzo Pierantoni – Ostello di Foligno ). A bed in a shared room however costs €20 EUR ($20.10 USD) per night, and there aren’t many hostels available, so we’d suggest only opting for hostels if you’re travelling alone or you go for its vibes.

In fact, there are several accommodations that offer basic double-bed rooms for as low as €40 EUR ($40.15 USD)/night, which is the same cost per person as a bed in a hostel if you’re not travelling solo. These budget-friendly options can be found all across Umbria, check the map below for more details.

STAY AT A TYPICAL AGRITURISMO: Agriturismo is an Italian word that combines “agri” (agriculture) and “turismo” (tourism). It basically refers to a farm that produces its own products which are also designed to receive guests. They usually feature beautiful views, a quiet atmosphere, and a pool, as well as amazing food.

You can also visit an agriturismo solely for lunch or dinner, you don’t need to stay there in order to eat there. Also, you could also visit an agriturismo only for their pools: some of them, in fact, offer a daily pass which you can purchase to enjoy their services.

Here are some of our favourite agriturismos – listed at a reasonable price – in Umbria:

Country House Carfagna: Located near Assisi, Country House Carfagna has some of the best reviews on booking.com and it only costs around €80 EUR ($80.30 USD)/night for a double bedroom.

Agriturismo Le Dolci Colline: A double room in this beautiful agriturimos costs about €110 EUR ($110.50 USD)/night. Agriturismo Le Dolci Colline is totally immersed in nature, near the main cultural and artistic centers, Assisi, Gubbio e Perugia. A secluded place but only from noise, smog and stress.

Fattoria Il Bruco: Being just 9km south of Perugia, Fattoria il Bruco is amazingly located. This structure has also great value for money, as a room only costs around €88 EUR ($88.40 USD)/night.

See more beautiful agriturismos and country houses here: agriturismos in Umbria .

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING UNIQUE? Check out Castello di Reschio , an enchanting castle nestled in the hills between Umbria and Tuscany.

Useful Apps and websites

Trenitalia is the official Italy train company. Check out their website to find train rides in Umbra. Other useful websites to book trains are The Train Line ( thetrainline.com ) and Italia Rail ( Italiarail.com ). Use Rome2Rio ( rome2rio.com ) to find the best route before searching for a ticket.

Looking for a bus ride? Check out Omio ( omio.com ), or search for your bus timeline on FS Bus Italia ( fsbusitalia.it ). Alternatively, check out BusBud (busbud.com). Also FlixBus ( flixbus.com ) operates in Italy, and it’s a solid option to reach Perugia from other Italian regions on a budget.

If you’re running out of options you can always check Bla Bla Car ( blablacar.co.uk ) and see if anyone’s going by car to your same destination, and share the ride with them.

For accommodations in Umbria and Italy in general, most accommodations are listed on Booking ( booking.com ). Our favourite filters for booking.com in Umbria are the following: very good (8+), max price < €70 EUR ($70.30 USD)/night (per double room). If you have a car, we would also recommend adding “Farm Stays”, “Swimming Pool”, “Country House”, “Bed and Breakfast” and “Lodges” to your filters. Then, order the results either by “Price (lowest first)” or “Best reviewed and lowest price”, and enjoy your cheap but gorgeous accommodations.

The best offline map for hiking in Umbria is Maps.Me ( maps.me ). With maps.me you can download map for the whole region beforehand and have a trustworthy device in your pocket, so you’ll never get lost. Maps.me also helps you to find water sources on your treks. All Trails ( alltrails.com ) is another app that is fairly used in the region.

Fancy a glass of wine? Download Vivino ( vivino.com ), an app that allows you to take a photo at any wine bottles and learn more about it.

Is Umbria expensive to visit?

Umbria is not particularly expensive to visit, especially when compared to other, more popular tourist destinations in Italy like the Amalfi coast for example. However, Umbria is also not very backpacker friendly as central Italy does not have many hostels and getting around may be a bit troublesome if you don’t have a car.

ACCOMMODATION

The price for sleeping in Umbria varies a lot depending on the type of accommodation. When we talk about hostels, a bed in a shared room costs about €20 EUR ($20.10 USD) per night per person. If you’re a couple or you’re travelling with friends there are plenty of options at €40 EUR ($40.15 USD)/night for a double bed room, which is about the same price.

FARM HOUSES & AGRITURISMI : You will find the most charming options in the local farmhouses on the Umbrian hills. While it might sound fancy at first, you can find awesome deals at €50-60 EUR ($50.20-60.20 USD)/night for a double bedroom in a beautiful countryside villa, which often comes with an outdoor pool.

CITY STAYS: Staying in Perugia or in the other Umbrian main towns will cost you about €50-60 EUR ($50.20-60.20 USD)/night for a standard double bedroom. If you’re lucky, you can find deals at around €40 EUR ($40.15 USD)/night for the same type of room even in towns’ historical centres.

TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport in major cities is very reliable in Umbria, however, when it comes to smaller towns it isn’t always easy to understand how best to get around. A bus ticket will range from 1€ to around 10€, depending on the length of the trip.

RENTAL CARS: If you’re interested in visiting smaller towns, renting your own car is the easiest way to explore the region. The cheapest options in the low season, including insurance and taxes, are priced at around €28-35 EUR ($30-37 USD). Remember you have to add the cost of gasoline and expect to pay higher (sometimes much higher) prices in the high season.

A porchetta sandwich will cost you anywhere from 3€ to 7€. A slice of torta al testo goes for €3 EUR ($3.01 USD) to €5 EUR ($5.02 USD). While it highly varies depending on the restaurant, a pasta dish in Umbria costs about €10 EUR ($10.05), antipasti for 2 people will go for anywhere between €8 and 15€ ($8.03-15.05 USD), and the main course is usually priced at €10-15 EUR ($10.05-15.05 USD).

Expect to pay around €20-30 EUR ($20.10-30.10 USD) for a full meal at a local restaurant. This would include a pasta dish and the main course, or antipasti and a main course.

NOTE: Don’t be surprised to pay for water and to see “coperto” in your receipt. It is common to pay for the coperto in Italy, and it usually costs between €1-2 EUR ($1-2.01 USD) per person. On the other hand, it is not common to leave tips.

There are plenty of free activities in Umbria you can do in Umbria, and others that are relatively inexpensive.

For example, a visit to the Monte Cucco caves will cost you €20 EUR ($20.10 USD), a canyoning tour in the Nera River Park goes from €40-80 EUR ($40.15-80.30 USD). Access to the Eurochocolate festival costs €10 EUR ($10.05 USD) per person, while the entry to the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is just €2 EUR ($2.02 USD).

If you like extreme sports, a paragliding lesson on the Monte Cucco costs around €110 EUR($110.50 USD). A ticket to the Marmore Falls, on the other hand, only costs €10 EUR ($10.05 USD).

Is Umbria safe?

Italy is generally a safe place to visit, and Umbria quite follows the trend. In fact, considering crime rate , Umbria falls among the top 5 safest Italian regions.

Where present, crime tends not to affect tourism in Umbria, with the worst scores usually referring to drug-related crimes and bribery/corruption.

Obviously, general precautions must always be taken into consideration, especially in bigger cities.

What to eat and drink

The food scene in Italy is incredibly interesting, and Umbria is no exception. When it comes to food, expect to find rustic cuisine, often called “cucina povera” in Italian. The dishes of Umbria originate from its Etruscan roots and rely heavily on seasonal ingredients such as grains, vegetables, fresh herbs, mushrooms, wild asparagus and of course its highly prized truffles.

PORCHETTA: A traditional Italian roast pork, “porchetta” is a tasty dish shared among central Italian regions. Umbria, however, is one of the main producers and consumers. It is a wonderful boneless pork roast wrapped in fat and skin and generously seasoned with garlic, sage, rosemary and other aromatic herbs and spices, which is consumed hot or cold in sandwiches.

TORTA AL TESTO: This Umbrian dish is a focaccia mixed and cooked on a cast iron plate, then filled with the best of the local cold cuts. It translates to “Cake of the Tile”, and it can be found everywhere across Umbria. It is also referred to as “ crescia ” in some areas of the region.

STRANGOZZI & UMBRICELLI: These are the most popular pasta shape in Umbria. Strangozzi and Umbricelli are often served with black truffle, with wild hare ragù or with a Trasimeno lake sauce, made from lake perch filets, shallots, garlic and chili pepper. Wild boar also dominates the menus when it comes to pasta sauces in Umbria.

CHOCOLATE: Chocolate has been amongst Umbria’s most popular products, with Baci Perugina being the most renowned one. Baci chocolates are made of fine dark chocolate filled with a chocolate-hazelnut cream center and a whole hazelnut. Each year, Perugia hosts the Eurochocolate, one of the world’s most important chocolate events.

WINE : Wine plays an important role in Umbrian production, and this is due to the region’s optimal growing conditions. Sagrantino, Grechetto and Torgiano are just some of the wines produced in the 12 DOC regions of Umbria.

CHEESE: Caciofiore, Giuncata, Pecorino di Norcia and Sheep’s Ricotta are just some of the several types of cheese produced in Umbria.

NORCIA HAM: The mountainous area of Norcia is famous for its ham production. Norcia ham (or Prosciutto di Norcia) is produced in the Valnerina area, which confers to this ham some distinctive flavours thanks to its particular climatic conditions. It is said that good prosciutto needs to have at least ‘experienced one Winter and one Summer’.

TRUFFLE: You can’t leave Umbria without having experienced a truffle dish, or even better, a full truffle meal. In fact, truffle plays a key role in Umbria’s culinary identity, with black truffle being the most typical one.

How long should I stay?

Seeing everything Umbria has to offer is no easy task. Perugia itself would need at least a couple of days to be fully explored, while the region overall – even though it seems tiny on a map – is bigger than it looks. The good news is that most places listed in our things to do in Umbria post are relatively easy to visit and you can squeeze a few of them in the same day.

For us, we would say that 7 days would be the bare minimum duration if you really want to experience the essence of this region. Consider staying longer if you can.

Best tips to visit Umbria

• If you’re going by public transit, plan your trip in advance, especially if you’re planning on visiting more than one place in a short amount of time. It isn’t the easiest region to around with public transit.
• Pack a swimsuit and towel in case you come across a beautiful natural pool along your visit in the thick green landscape of the region.
• When visiting small towns, ask if they have a local museum or check out their churches for impressive frescoes that date back centuries.

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12 Best Places to Visit in Umbria, Italy

By Lauren Bailey · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Umbria is a charismatic Italian region bordered by the rolling greenery of Tuscany, Le Marche, and Lazio. Characterized by medieval hill towns, gorgeous lakes, fascinating Roman ruins, and lip-smacking local cuisine, it’s the epitome of holiday heaven.

Forage for truffles, taste fine Italian wines, and uncover the history of Italy’s Patron Saints. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual escape in ever-popular Perugia, or you’d prefer the quieter slow life of Narni, Umbria truly has it all.

Norcia is a medieval town of handsome contrasts. A walled town surrounded by lush countryside and undulating Umbrian hills, it’s the perfect spot for hikers, nature lovers, and foodies. It’s famous for its black truffles, salami, pork, and wild boar products – so famous, in fact, that they’ve been named norcineria.

Dating back to the Neolithic Age, Norcia is the birthplace of Europe’s Patron Saint, St. Benedict. Explore the mysteries of its medieval streets and the historic town center. While several important buildings – such as the Church of St. Benedict itself – were destroyed by earthquakes, you can still see the statue of Saint Benedict, Palazzo Comunale, and the 13th-century Town Hall with its photogenic Loggia Staircase and Bell Tower.

Located on the edge of Sibillini National Park in south-eastern Umbria, visitors choose Norcia for a healthy combination of food and exercise. There’s plenty of rolling countryside to explore on foot, bike, or horseback.

Don’t miss truffle season (November to March) or the dedicated festival held over the last fortnight of February. You’ll also love the three-day Prosciuti dal Mondo in November, which features prosciutto from all over Italy!

11. Monti Sibillini National Park

Tucked away within the Apennine Mountains, Monti Sibillini National Park is a wild and wonderful destination in Umbria. Dotted with medieval villages, lakes, and legends, it’s a popular destination for a host of outdoor adventures, such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant in the park, from orchids to wolves and birds of prey.

Dating back to medieval times, the Sibillines were believed to be a land of witches, necromancers, and fairies. Today, the legends live on, and it’s what makes this area so fascinating. Hike to the Cave of Sibyl, a sorceress said to have lured fearless knights into a life of damnation.

The perfect way to witness the parks’ beauty is by hiking up one of the peaks or hang gliding or paragliding off them. Organized treks are available, or you can follow a self-guided trail from the park’s website.

Explore the little hamlets within the park’s reaches. Visso, the park’s seat, is believed to have been founded 907 years before Rome and features the eight-sided Sanctuary of Macereto. Explore Preci, the center of spirituality, and Arquata del Tronto, Europe’s only municipality within two national parks (Monti Sibillini in the north and Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga in the south). Alternatively, have a swim in the crisp waters of Lake Fiastra and bird watch at Hell’s Gorge.

The hilltop town of Todi overlooks the picturesque Tevere Valley. Surrounded by three sets of walls, the town conceals many hidden treasures. Each wall was built in a different historical era: the innermost is Etruscan, the middle one Roman, and the medieval wall from the Middle Ages.

Explore the city’s historic center from the Piazza del Popolo. Get a classic tourist photo at the stairs of the 12th-century Cathedral, located on the ruins of a temple dedicated to the god Apollo. Visit the Town Hall, People’s Palace, and the Museum of Roman Etruscan. Don’t miss the 13th-century Captain Palace, the 14th-century Priori Palace, and St. Fortunato Church honoring the city’s Patron Saint.

Other highlights include visiting the 16th-century Consolazione Temple with its gorgeous dome, exploring the Roman-built underground cisterns, and strolling the narrow streets in search of handicrafts. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, try the pan caciato, a small loaf made with walnuts, cheese and raisins, and palomba alla ghiotta (roasted pigeon). Pair these with a glass of Greschetto di Todi DOC, one of the fine local wines, and you’re all set!

Spello is an ancient walled town with honey-colored houses cascading down the slopes of Saint Francis’s mountain, Monte Subasio. Located on the doorstep of Assisi in east-central Umbria, it’s a small town that you can explore on foot in just several hours.

Small it may be, but its civilized pace and gorgeous views make it well worth a visit. In fact, it’s easily one of the most beautiful villages in Italy! Built from Subasio marble, the entire town takes on a pinkish color around sunrise and sunset – the photos are simply gorgeous!

Three well-preserved Roman arches form the entryways to the town. Inside, you’ll find the 11th-century Church of Santa Maria Maggiore with its famous Baglioni Chapel and striking Pinturicchio frescoes. If you’re interested in churches, you’re in luck. Visit the Church of San Andrea, San Lorenzo, San Claudio, Santa Maria di Vallegloria, and Saint Jerome with its adjoining monastery. Other sights include the Roman House, Villa Costanzi with its summertime concerts, and the Piazza della Repubblica, which encompasses the 13th-century Municipal Palace and Archaeological Museum.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the Infiorata (Flower Festival) held in May and June. The streets are transformed into a colorful wonderland, dubbing Spello the ‘Capital of Flowers.’

8. Lake Trasimeno

Lake Trasimeno, with its hillside olive groves, undulating vineyards, and quaint stone villages, is one of the most enchanting destinations in Umbria. The fourth-largest of Italy’s lakes, Trasimeno is surrounded by ancient towers, fortresses, and Renaissance-style churches. On the lake itself, you’ll find pastel-colored wooden fishing boats, three scenic lake islands, and some of the most dramatic sunsets in Italy.

While the lake is located inside the region of Umbria, it’s northern shoreline hugs the border of Tuscany. The villages peppering the lake have a resort-style atmosphere. Peak season runs from April to October, when tourists descend to take advantage of the mild climate, beaches, and hiking and biking trails. Visit out of season and you’ll find many shops and restaurants closed.

Take your time exploring the lake’s islands, towns, and enjoying the decadent cuisine: wine, olive oil, fish, and legumes flourish in Trasimeno’s microclimate. Hike and bird watch in Isola Polvese’s nature park, browse the famous Irish lacework in Isola Maggiore, and visit Castiglione del Lago – the most popular town, perched on a small promontory.

Passignano sul Trasimeno, with its long stretch of beach, is perfect for sunbathing, while San Feliciano is the best spot to witness the fishermen with their traditional flat-bottomed boats. Take a drive along the scenic Percorso Storico Archeologico della Battaglia and soak up the gloriously slow pace of Monte del Lago, surrounded by lake views on three sides.

Narni is a quiet hamlet overlooking the lush Nera Valley. Known for its spectacular sunsets that take center stage over the backdrop of the Umbrian countryside, it’s one of the most romantic little villages in Italy.

But the old town has historical and cultural significance too. Admire the incredible artwork at the Civic Museum and explore Narni Sotterranea – an unbelievable underground town only discovered in 1977. Inside, you’ll find a 13th-century Benedictine church painted with amazing frescoes, a Roman cistern, a Holy Inquisition courtroom, and an eerie prison cell.

What makes this town special is that it’s not at all touristy. Yet there’s still so much to do. Stroll past the Duomo of San Giovenale, two beautiful palaces, and the 1370s Rocca fortress, and watch a summertime concert at San Domenico Church.

Just outside town, you’ll find Ponte Cardona, which marks the exact geographical center of Italy. If you have time, take a day trip to the ruins of Ocriculum, an ancient Umbrian settlement.

6. Marmore Waterfalls

Marmore Falls is one of the tallest human made waterfalls in the world. Tucked within Nera River Park – also known as Waters’ Park – it was built by the Romans back in 271 BC to divert the overflowing stagnant waters of the River Velino into the River Nero.

Today, the falls feed the Galleto Hydroelectric Power Station, which has enabled the metal-working, electrochemical, and electric industries at Terni. Yet the falls remain steeped in myth and legend. Popular belief dictates that a nymph called Nera fell in love with a shepherd named Velino.

A jealous lover called Juno transformed Nera into a river and then threw himself over the cliff in order to be reunited with her forever. This mortal jump now lingers for eternity in the sprays of the waterfall.

Whether you prefer fact or fiction, the falls are a sight to behold. The Marmore Waterfalls can be visited along five trekking routes, catering to different fitness levels, but bear in mind that the water is only released at set times. Along the way, you’ll discover travertine grottoes and opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and canyoneering. Don’t miss the Enchanted Walk and the Balcony of Lovers!

Spoleto is one of those rare non-touristy towns. Totally off the beaten path, this medieval village has a steep historical center, accessible via a travellator, that dates back to 241 BC.

Inhabited by the original Umbri tribes in the 5th-century BC who built fortifying walls that can still be seen today, it was only in 774 that it became part of the Holy Roman Empire, when one of the Dukes of Lombard made it their official residence.

Chosen as the filming location for the famous Italian soapy, Don Matteo (because it depicts a typical Italian town yet to be overrun by tourists), Spoleto promises all the best things about Italy – lovely restaurants, hearty cuisine, and fantastic wines. Don’t miss the black truffles and red wine from Montefalco!

Start at Rocca Albornoz, the symbol of the city, and admire the views across Spoleto. These views compete with those from the 13th-century Ponte delle Torre (Tower Bridge), which connects the San’Elia hill with Monte Luco.

Other notable sites include the 12th-century Romanesque Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, the Mauri Palace, the Church of San Ansano and San Gregorio Maggiore, the St. Isaac Crypt, and the Arch of Drusus and Germanicus. Don’t miss the 1st-century AD Roman theatre – perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to catch a ballet performance!

Gubbio is a medieval town in north-eastern Umbria. Despite being so close to Assisi, it’s surprisingly set off the main tourist track. Surrounded by avocado countryside and connected to Mount Ingino via a scenic cableway, this hillside Italian town is undeniably magical. When it comes to authenticity, architecture, and atmosphere, Gubbio has it all.

Dating back to pre-Roman times, Gubbio is one of Umbria’s oldest towns. The town center is a pleasing mix of medieval, gothic and Renaissance architecture built from grey limestone. It’s known as the “City of Fools” because you can obtain a “madman’s license” (and Eugubina citizenship!) by merely circling the small fountain in Largo Bargello three times.

Start with a visit to the Gothic Consoli Palace. Built in the 1300s, it’s now one of the town’s most prominent icons, home to the “big bell” and the seven Eugubine Tables, dating back to the 3rd-century BC.

Other must-do activities include a visit to Gubbio Cathedral with its 16th-century paintings and baroque chapel, the 15th-century Dukes Palace, the 1st-century AD Roman ruins just outside the city walls, and a cable car ride up to Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo. Ranghiasci Park, set along the old walls, offers one of the best views of Gubbio!

While you’re here, fill up on dishes cooked with white truffles and brustengo – fried bread served with meat, onion, and rosemary. Leave room for the local dessert – the Ganascioni of the Sisters of St. Lucia, which are served with Barcarolle (barley coffee and anisette).

Nestled within central Umbria, Perugia is the region’s thriving capital. This picturesque Etruscan town is charmingly medieval, with a backdrop dominated by Italy’s largest fortress, the Rocca Paolina. Believed to be older than Rome, Perugia definitely lives up to its steadfast reputation.

Explore Perugia’s attractive center overflowing with Etruscan ruins, including the third-century Sorbello Well. Visit Piazza IV Novembre, where the Fontana Maggiore fountain forms the centerpiece.

Other sights include the Italian art museum, La Galleria Nazionale dell’ Umbria, the church of Sant’Angelo and the monastery of Sant’Agnese. You’ll also find the Universita per Stranieri, an excellent Italian language school, as well as the first wine school in the world in Perugia!

As if all that wasn’t enough to tempt you to Umbria, Perugia is also the ‘Chocolate Capital of Italy.’ It’s home to world-famous chocolatier, Perugina, creators of the legendary Baci chocolate kisses. Visit in October and immerse yourself in the Euro Chocolate Festival with its theater and music performances, cooking demonstrations, and chocolate art exhibitions!

Perched dramatically on top of enormous tufa cliffs, the hillside town of Orvieto is picturesque. Easily reached by train or car, it’s the perfect day trip from Rome . But, there’s so much to see and do that you should allow plenty of time.

Dating back to Etruscan times, Orvieto is split in two: the old-town hilltop and the new town at the base, connected by escalators and elevators, as well as a cable car (the most scenic form of transport).

Sprinkled with ancient monuments, tombs, a necropolis, and a network of underground passageways dating back to the Middle Ages, there’s much to uncover in this hillside town. Visit the 16th-century Saint Patrick’s Well with its historic spiral staircase, discover ancient artifacts inside two archaeological museums, explore the Albornoz Fortress, and admire the Gothic Duomo Cathedral with its glittering, mosaic-adorned façade and impressive frescoes.

Sightseeing and history lessons aside, Orvieto is everything a typical Italian town should be – quiet, unassuming, and blissfully traffic free. It’s a popular location for shopping, wining, and dining.

You can browse local handicrafts and ceramics along Via del Duomo and explore the nearby vineyards for the finest Classico wines. Whatever you do, don’t leave without admiring a view of the Umbrian valley from the Torre del Moro!

Assisi is a captivating commune. With its medieval streets, sacred shrines, entrancing churches, and a spellbinding castle, it’s no surprise it’s Umbria’s most famous town for tourists and pilgrims alike. It was the city where Italy’s Patron Saint, St. Francis, lived and prayed, so it’s a spiritual experience for many.

Admire the views from the fortress of Rocca Maggiore and get great shots of Basilica di Santa Chiara and Santuario San Damiano. The two-thousand-year-old ancient Roman Temple of Minerva is also a fantastic photo opportunity.

Take a moment to reflect at Eremo delle Carceri, where St. Francis prayed in isolation. Explore the Roman Forum, stroll along Via San Francesco, and see St. Rufino Cathedral, the church dedicated to Assisi’s Patron Saint, Rufino, which is home to the 12th-century crypt of Basilica Ugoniana.

You’ll need plenty of time to uncover all of Assisi’s hidden finds – they vary from Roman ruins and medieval sites to countryside walks along the alpine trails of Monte Subasio. Get a taste of local history and culture with a visit to the 13th-century ‎Romanesque and Italian Gothic Basilica of St. Francis, which consists of two parts – the lower and the upper church. It’s here that you’ll find St. Francis of Assisi’s final resting place.

Map of Umbria, Italy

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The Perfect One Week In Umbria Itinerary

Looking to plan a trip to Umbria?

This one week in Umbria itinerary is the perfect way to experience the “green heart” of Italy’s landlocked region, which remains largely untouched and dotted with medieval towns and fortifications.

Umbria’s stunning landscapes boast lush green farmlands, fields of sunflowers, and forested mountains, much like those depicted in Renaissance-era frescoes by artists like Giotto.

This makes Umbria an ideal destination for a road trip that allows you to fully appreciate the region’s natural beauty.

Ancient Umbria looks a lot like Tuscany did before it became, understandably, overcrowded with tourists.

Umbria is becoming more well know. But It’s a still somewhat off the beaten path region of Italy filled with idyllic towns you’ll have all to yourself, or mostly to yourself. Except in summer.

To help you have the best experience, I’ve put together a step-by-step one week in Umbria itinerary.

Umbria is not a large area. It’s just over 3,000 square miles, smaller than Connecticut. But seeing all the highlights requires some careful planning.

Overview Of One Week In Umbria Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll see on my recommended 7 days in Umbria itinerary.

• Day 1 : Perugia
• Day 2 : Gubbio
• Day 3 : Assisi + Spello
• Day 4 : Bevagna + Montefalco, and/or Deruta
• Day 5 : Todi + Spoleto
• Day 6 : Orvieto
• Day 7 : Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, and/or Narni

This Umbria itinerary assumes you have 7 full days in the region.

Plan to arrive at your accommodations the evening before, so you can get settled be ready to go the next morning.

This itinerary goes from northern to southern Umbria. But you can rearrange the order of days based on where you’re staying.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this one week in Umbria itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

You may want to take a day off mid-trip just to relax. Or extend this one week in Umbria itinerary into a 10 day or two week itinerary.

Tips & Logistics For Spending One Week In Umbria

But, first, let’s get into some tips for visiting Umbria.

1. How To Get To Umbria

The best way to reach Umbria is by car. You will really need to rent a car to get around Umbria properly and explore all its adorable towns. Here are my tips for renting and driving a car in Europe .

If you fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport, it’s just over a 2 hour drive to Perugia, the capital of Umbria. Or you can book a private transfer from Rome to Perugia.

You can also take the high speed train from Rome to Perugia (3 hours) and pick up your car in Perugia. Alternatively, you can take the train from Rome to Orvieto and start in southern Umbria.

If you’re coming from Florence, the drive takes 2:20.

Using public transportation in Umbria can be tough and tricky. Many of the hill towns don’t have train stations.

Or you may have to switch trains to get to your destinations and then have a hike into town. Or you may need to use train + bus to get there.

All that eats into valuable sightseeing time. So I highly recommend driving.

2. Driving In Umbria

I thought driving in Umbria was fairly easy, though the roads in Umbria aren’t as well paved or maintained as in Tuscany. With Umbria’s mountains, they can also be windy.

Our GPS worked well and we only took a few wrong turns, which you would expect in Europe.

It can be difficult to drive in Umbria at night, as the roads aren’t well lit. But we drove at night a few times and managed fine.

Try to get a compact car. The roads are narrow and parking places can be tight to get into.

There are some toll roads, called the  autostrade , though most roads aren’t.

You may want to get a telepass from your rental car agency to help you speed through the tolls. Otherwise, when entering the toll area to pick up your ticket, head to the lane marked “biglietto.”

You then pay when you exit the toll road. There are separate lanes for paying with cash and credit cards.

The booths won’t be manned. There’s a different slot for entering your ticket and for your cash or credit card.

If the Italians are driving faster than you, just pull over and let them pass. There are quite a few speed cams, and you don’t want to get a ticket.

3. Where To Stay In Umbria: What Base?

The best option is to rent a secluded villa in the countryside for one week in Umbria and use that as your base.

You’ll have to do some driving to get to your day trip destinations. But I think it’s worth it to come home every night to your own place.

You don’t have to to move around and pack and unpack. Plus, you won’t have to eat out every meal.

If you want to rent a villa, I would recommend looking for something in central Umbria. You may want to stay near Bevagna, Montefalco, Spello, or Assisi. These are all fairly centrally located for sightseeing.

Another option is to pick a couple different hotels or house rentals to use as your base. You could split your time between northern Umbria and southern Umbria.

In northern Umbria, you could pick something north of Perugia. In southern Umbria, you could stay near Todi or Spoleto.

On my recent visit, I stayed near Umbertide (north of Perugia) for a week, mostly because I was enamored with this lovely villa . I had no problem day tripping to where I wanted to go, though visiting southern Umbria was a long day out.

Northern Umbria also has the advantage of allowing you to take a day trip to Tuscany’s gorgeous Val d’Orcia region, which is just across the border.

For example, you could easily visit both Montepulciano and Pienza , which I did one day.

READ : One Week In Tuscany Itinerary

Make sure you’re not too far afield from a town, so that you can go to the town’s conad (grocery store). In the hill towns, the conads are usually in the lower and more modern part of the town.

You can typically pick up produce, cured meats, cheeses, and pasta in the historic centers.

If you’re more of city person, you could opt to stay at hotels in Perugia ( Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel or Castello di Monterone ) and/or Orvieto ( Palazzo Piccolomini or La Badia di Orvieto ).

Some other lovely hotels in Umbria that you might want to consider are:

• Palazzo Bontadosi Hotel & Spa (Montefalco)
• Borgo della Marmotta (near Spoleto)
• Castelo del Reschio (near Umbertide)
• Nun Assisi Relais & Spa (Assisi)
• Borgo dei Conti Resort Relais & Chateaux (near Perugia)
• Valle di Assisi Hot el & Spa (near Assisi)

4. What To Eat In Umbria

Umbria is one of Italy’s best culinary secrets, specializing in farm to table cuisine. The region is not known for elegant dining.

Instead, it’s simple, honest, and tasty. You’ll find some amazing traditional trattorias.

You can sample gold-green olive oil, rich red wines, roasted pork, diverse grains, and unmatched salumi. Many dishes involve precious ingredients like black truffles from Norcia, which are lavishly used in season.

The classic Umbrian dish is porchetta, which is a juicy roast of pork tightly rolled around garlic and herbs and cooked on a spit.

In Umbria, fresh pasta is made of nothing more than flour and water. Even without the eggs, the past is tender and springy. The different types include ciriole , strangozzi , umbrici , and picchiettini .

The best wines in the region are the Montefalco Sagrantino and the Forgiano Rosso Reserve.

5. When To Visit Umbria

July and August are the busiest months in Umbria. I wouldn’t go then. It’s also ungodly hot in the summer with temperatures over 100 degrees.

Try to visit in the shoulder season — April, May, Or October. I was just there in May and it was already in the 80s by mid day. I also didn’t have a drop of rain.

One Week In Umbria Itinerary

Now, with that preamble, let’s get down to business.

Here’s how I suggest spending one perfect week in Umbria. I also give you tips on where to eat and where to stay (other than the hotels mentioned above).

Day 1: Perugia

Begin your Umbria vacation in the historic town of Perugia, the capital of the region and the only city in Umbria.

Perugia has a rich history dating back to the Etruscan era and is often overlooked as a tourist destination. Despite this, it is one of Italy’s most vibrant and fascinating cities.

To access the ancient underground city of Perugia, take the modern-day escalators from Piazza Partigiani to Piazza Italia. Perugia sits atop a steep hill, and its streets resemble long stairways.

The medieval Baglioni district, which is car-free, is completely underground and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Perugia.

Piazza IV Novembre is Perugia’s lively main square, home to Perugia Cathedral and the Palazzo del Priori. The 13th century fountain is a masterpiece with carvings described as “one of the most powerful medieval representations of human life.”

For a nice view of the square, hang out on the steep steps of Perugia Cathedral. The interior of the church isn’t all that interesting. But the complex houses a museum with masterpieces by Luca Signorelli and Arnolfo di Cambio.

The Palazzo del Priori is a magnificent building between the Piazza Novembre IV and Via Vannucci, Perugia’s main drag. It houses the Town Hall and the National Gallery of Umbria (on the third floor).

You can admire late 13th century frescoes in the notaries’ chamber of the palace. The chapel, the Capella dei Priori , was frescoed by Perugino, Perugia’s native son. He was the teacher of Raphael , who would later work in the Vatican Museums .

The National Gallery is the best museum in Umbria. It may be the least known of Italy’s best museums .

The museum houses works from the 13th to 19th centuries. You’ll find works by such luminaries such as Duccio, Pisano, Arnolfo di Cambio, Perugino, and Pinturicchio.

After you get your art fix, take a stroll down Corso Vannucci. It’s Perugia’s busiest and most elegant street.

Like so many Italian destinations, Perugia is home to a handful of beautiful churches besides the cathedral that are worth a visit.

South of the centro storico is the atmospheric 10th century Basilica of San Pietro complex. The entrance courtyard is dominated by a Gothic-Renaissance campanile.

Inside, you’ll find a 16th century coffered ceiling, a richly carved wooden choir, 5 paintings by Perugino, and works by Guido Reni.

If you’re a history buff, you may want to visit Perugia’s Archaeological Museum. This delightful little museum is located in the Piazza Giordano Bruno in the old convent of San Domenico.

The entrance is to the left of the church. The museum has two sections, the Etruscan-Roman section and another dedicated to prehistorical artifacts.

One notable piece is the bronze statue of the Roman general Germanicus from the 1st century.

If you want a climb, head to the Sciri Tower. It’s the only medieval tower in Perugia and you’ll have fine views from the top.

For restaurants in Perugia, check out Osteria a Priori or, for a splurge, the Michelin-starred restaurant Casa Vissani .

While you’re in Perugia, you can take a guided walking tour to learn about Perugia’s history and attractions. You can also book a guided food tour or take a market tour and cooking class .

Perugia is known for its beloved chocolates and pastries. Those with a sweet tooth can tour the  Perugina Chocolate Factory just outside the city.

It produces the famous silver wrapped chocolate and hazelnut candy known as “Baci” (which means kisses in Italian).

Day 2: Gubbio

Gubbio is a gorgeous medieval town with a spectacular setting in northeast Umbria. It’s a must visit destination with one week in Umbria.

The stony town is practically carved into the side of Mount Ingino. I just loved it!

Gubbio seems trapped in the Middle Ages, with block after block of pinky-beige Romanesque and Gothic architecture.  

The town is famous for its Roman ruins, beautiful Piazza Grande, Palace of Consuls, and the thrill-inducing funicular ride up to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo.

The Roman Theater was built in the middle of 1st century B.C. The theater is the second largest surviving Roman theater in the world. It’s still used today as a concert or performance venue, seating almost 6,000 people.

You can visit the ruins for 3 euros. You’ll get a token to put in the turnstile for entry. There are also public restrooms around the corner from the ticket office.

Piazza Grande is Gubbio’s beautiful showpiece square. This “suspended square” was the result of an ambitious 14th century urban development plan.

It was conceived as a monumental churchyard, connecting the Palazzo dei Consoli with the Palazzo del Podesta.

On the south side of the piazza, you have a panoramic views over the lower town and valley beyond. On the other side, you’re ushered in to the Gubbio’s charming cobbled streets.

You should definitely visit the 14th century Palace of the Consuls . It’s a striking and well preserved medieval civic building designed by Angelo da Orvieto. 

In the Middle Ages, the palace was the seat of the courts and the consuls who governed the city. Today, the palace houses the town’s Civic Museum.

The most significant pieces in the collection are the 2nd century B.C. bronze Iguvine tablets. They’re effectively the Rosetta Stone of Umbria’s ancient language.

Don’t forget to step out on the viewing terrace for lovely panoramic views. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The ticket price is 7 euros.

While in Gubbio, don’t miss the chance to explore the town’s impressive collection of churches, including Gubbio Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Francis, and the Church of St. John the Baptist.

For a breathtaking view of the town and surrounding countryside, take a ride on the funicular up to the top of Mount Ingino. However, be aware that the iron bird cage that carries you up the hill can be intimidating for those with a fear of heights.

Once at the top, you can visit the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, dedicated to the town’s former bishop and patron saint. Take your time to enjoy the stunning panoramic views before making your way back down to town.

To get the full scoop on Gubbio’s must see sites, you may want to book a guided walking tour .

If you want to stay in Gubbio, a excellent option is the  Park Hotel ai Cappuccino . It’s a small luxury hotel that is just beyond the city walls. Gubbio’s  Hotel Relais Ducale   is another option, set inside the ducal palace. 

Day 3: Assisi + Spello

On day 3 of your 7 days in Umbria, you’ll visit Assisi and Spello. The towns are only 7 miles apart. So, if you start early, you should be able to see both easily.

The pilgrimage town of Assisi is probably the best known town in Umbria. It’s a beautiful UNESCO-listed town perched on Mount Subasio. The  centro storico  is off limits to vehicles except for residents.

The best parking places are at the Port Nuova or Matteotti lots. You’ll see signs as you approach the city.

Assisi is home to Roman ruins, frescoed churches, sun-bleached piazzas, and a craggy lookout fortress. Assisi has a perfectly preserved medieval quarter where bougainvillea vines tumble over limestone.

Assisi is famous as the birthplace and home of Saint Francis, a medieval monk and mystic. He is Italy’s most penitent saint, a man who dedicated his life to poverty, humility, simplicity, and anti-materialism.

Upon Francis’ death, a great basilica was built in his honor. It’s the top attraction in Assisi.

Visiting the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a must do and is absolutely free. But you have to have your arms and knees covered. They will, however, give you a disposable cloth to cover yourself if you’re in shorts.

You can visit the crypt (where St. Francis is buried), the lower basilica, and the upper basilica.

The church is spectacularly covered in vibrant frescos by some of the most famous artists of the early Renaissance — Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti, Cimabue, Pietro Cavallini, and (possibly) Giotto.

Here’s my complete  guide to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi . Aside from the beautiful basilica, Assisi has loads of other attractions.

Piazza del Commune is Assisi’s main square. It’s a bustling hive of activity, filled with cozy restaurants, panini shacks, ceramic shops, and the smell of roasted chestnuts. You’ll also find huge caches of Franciscan knick-knacks, if you need a souvenir.

The piazza is home to the Temple of Minerva, ruins of the Roman Forum, and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and its tower.

The temple was once the centerpiece of Assisi. It dates from the 1st century B.C. and dominated Assisi’s Roman Forum.

It was likely dedicated to Caster and Pollux. The temple has six massive Corinthian columns at the front that rest directly on the steps.

The ruins of Assisi’s Roman Forum are under the Piazza del Commune. The forum was once the hub of the social, economic and political life of ancient  Asisium.  

The central part of the forum contains the remains of a tribunal and podium, where speeches were given.

You’ll also find a monumental cistern, a small temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux, a monumental fountain, the remains of a few shops, and some ancient statues.

Assisi’s Duomo is the Cathedral of San Rufino. It’s where St. Francis and St. Clare, his female cohort in spreading the Franciscan word, were baptized. 

Inside, you can visit the crypt where St. Francis once prayed. And you should definitely climb the bell tower for great views.

Then, head over to the Basilica of St. Clare. The church is made of pretty pink and ivory marble.

Inside, the church is dark and decorated with Giotto-esque type frescos. You can also visit Clare’s tomb.

No visit to Assisi would be complete with out a hike up to Rocca Maggiore. It’s a craggy castle begun by Charlemagne in the 13th century. There are plenty of places to get lost, tunnels, and a claustrophobic turret to climb.

To get there, you’ll have a steep hike. But it’s worth it for the majestic views of Assisi, its churches, and the Spoleto valley.

The fortress closes at 4:00 pm, so keep that in mind when planning your Assisi day trip.

Just outside the centro storico of Assisi is another St. Francis site — the Porziuncola.

It’s a tiny stone chapel on display inside the Church of St. Mary in Assisi. It’s the place where St. Francis launched his religion.

If you want to grab lunch in Assisi, Il Vicoletto  is a cozy spot located down a tiny lane with great food.  Locanda del Podesta  is a quaint restaurant with old world charm near the Basilica of St. Francis.

When I visited Assisi, I booked this  2.5 hour private Assisi tour , which was fantastic. The guide was a fount of knowledge about Assisi and its history.

You can also book a  3 hour small group walking tour .

Spello is about 15 minutes from Assisi.

It’s a stunning village with pink limestone buildings, cobbled streets, and flowers galore. It holds the official designation of one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.

You enter the town through the Roman Porta Consolare. The town seduces with winding medieval streets, crumbly old churches, and Roman ruins. Every street in Spello is a postcard perfect feast for the senses.

You’ll be dazzled by rose-colored stone walls, bright terracotta roof tiles, stone pathways, and weathered wooden doors.

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is the top attraction in Spello. It houses a Madonna and Child  and a  Pietà  by Perugino.

You can also visit the spectacular Baglioni Chapel. It closes at 4:00 pm, so make sure you arrive in Spello before then and make it your first stop.

The chapel is famous for its 16th century Renaissance frescos by Pinturicchio, telling stories of the life of Mary and Jesus. The chapel also has a pavement of Deruta ceramics.

You should also visit the Villa of Mosaics. Discovered by chance in 2005, it’s one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the last 20 years.

After excavation, the museum opened 2018. There’s a series of rooms named after their mosaic decoration.

You can book a guided walking tour in Spello to learn about the town’s Roman mosaics and Renaissance masterpieces.

If you want to stay in Spello for dinner, check out La Cantina di Spello or Il Pinturicchio . If you want to overnight in Spello, check out La Bastiglia .

Day 4: Bevagna + Montefalco

On day 4 of your one week in Umbria itinerary, visit the towns of Bevagna and Montefalco.

The towns are only 10 minutes apart. These off the beaten path towns will give you a taste of authentic Umbria.

Bevagna is a beautiful medieval village that still bears signs of its Roman origins. In the 1st century, it was a Roman municipality on the Via Flamina.

A Roman arch, the Porta Foligno, beckons you into Bevagna’s cobbled streets . The quaint medieval town has Romanesque churches, Roman mosaics, a cinema ready piazza, and excellent trattorias.

Piazza Silvestri is the town’s central medieval square. It’s home to the 12th century Palazzo dei Consoli, the Collegiate Church of S. Michael, and the 19th century Teatro Torti.

The most important Roman landmarks in Bevagna are the Roman Theater and the Roman Temple. The temple is where you’ll find black and white mosaics dating from the 2nd century mosaics depicting sea creatures.

A good place to eat in Bevagna is La Bottega di Assù . You can also book an olive oil tasting tour , to try out Umbria’s “green” olive oil. Or, take a combination biking and food tour .

Just 5 minutes from Bevagna is the adorable town of Torre del Colle. You could also pop in there for lunch at Serpillo on your way to Montefalco.

After a satisfying lunch, make your way to Montefalco. This charming village, perched atop a mountain in the Clitumnus Valley, is often called the “Balcony of Umbria” for its stunning vistas.

From within the walls of this 14th-century town, you can gaze out for miles, taking in views of Perugia to the north and Spoleto to the south. For the best view, head up the arduous climb to the Torre Communale. Trust me, the effort will be worth it.

Once you’re back on solid ground, take a stroll through Piazza del Communale, the village’s central square.

Surrounded by magnificent palaces dating back to the Middle Ages, such as Palazzo Langeli and Palazzo Comunale, the piazza is also dotted with coffee shops and wine bars.

Seven streets radiate out from here, so take your pick and explore to your heart’s content.

No visit to Montefalco would be complete without stopping at St. Augustine’s Church. This massive Gothic structure boasts faded frescoes from the 14th to 16th centuries and is a true treasure.

Montefalco also has a rather good museum for its diminutive size, the Museo di San Francesco. It’s housed inside a former 14th century Franciscan church.

You’ll find important work by Benozzo Gozzoli and Perugino. For example, Gozzoli painted scenes from the life of St. Francis and St. Jerome.

You may want to book a guided walking tour of Montefalco’s top medieval attractions.

If you want to grab dinner in Montefalco, L’Alchimista is a good restaurant on Montefalco’s main square. Ristorante Il Coccorone also offers up traditional Umbrian cuisine in an elegant setting.  

Be sure to sample a glass of the town’s wine, Sagrantino. You can also book a wine tasting tour at a winery .

If you love ceramics, you might consider adding in a side trip to Deruta. It’s about a half hour drive from Montefalco.

Since the 14th century, Deruta has been a major ceramic center with astonishing output.

Deruta pottery dates from 1290. The pieces are characterized by a unique mother-of-pearl metallic luster.

They are decorated with floral or grotesque patterns. At first, the pottery was green and brown. But, over time, the dominant colors became yellow, orange, and blue. (Though I just purchased pasta bowls in a red peacock style.)

Most of the ceramic shops are on Via Tibernia, the main Street in the lower town. You can also visit the Museo Regionale della Ceramica .

It’s housed in the former monastery of the Church of San Francesco. Over 6,000 pieces are on display.

Day 5: Todi + Spoleto

On day 5 of your one week in Umbria, you’ll visit the enchanting towns of Todi and Spoleto. The towns are about 45 minutes apart.

Perched on a shelf-like hill, Todi is a beautiful town in Umbria that was once overlooked. But now it’s become quite fashionable, especially for a villa getaway.

Todi is a collage of stone houses, palazzi, and steep cobbled streets pasted onto a hillside. Much of the town dates from the Middle Ages, but there are also a few Renaissance palazzi.

Few towns are as picturesque as this warren of narrow medieval streets twisting and plunging off at every angle. 

Every corner is spectacular, often filled with bright red geraniums. Streets end with iron railings, offering up panoramic vistas across the valley. 

The beautifully austere Piazza del Popolo is Todi’s main attractions and one of Umbria’s prettiest squares. It’s flanked by palazzi, a duomo, and an art museum. It’s a place to sit outside with an espresso or ice cream.

The 13th century Duomo sits at the top of a broad staircase, dominating the town’s heart.

Another church to visit is the massive Franciscan shrine of San Fortunato. Inside, you’ll find rare frescoes by Masolino. You can also climb the 14th century bell tower for stunning views.

Just outside the town is the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, built between 1508-1609.

Some historians attribute it to Roman architect Donatao Bramante and the structure does indeed have his classicizing style. The church is also a good place to park when you’re visiting Todi.

If you visit Todi, you may want to book a  2 hour walking tour or take a wine tasting class .

Then, drive over to beautiful Spoleto . It’s a gorgeous and endlessly intriguing Umbrian hill town. Presided over by a formidable medieval fortress and backed by the broad-shouldered Apennines, Spoleto is visually stunning.

The Etruscans and Romans each left their tangible ruins — a Roman amphitheater, a 4th century house, a simple 6th century Roman church.

Spoleto’s pale stone Duomo is photogenically set on a graceful hillside piazza. The exterior is a mix of Romanesque and Renaissance styles.

The interior received a 17th century Baroque facelift. You’ll see a beautiful Cosmati marble floor and frescoes by Pinturicchio and Fra Lippo Lippi.

The other attention grabber in Spoleto is the Ponte delle Torri. It’s a 10 arch bridge that spectacularly spans a steeply wooded gorge.

Spoleto is famous for its F estival dei Due Mondi , Spoleto Festival. It’s one of Europe’s most beloved carnivals with contemporary music, art, dance, and theater. 

There are stunning online photos of some 15,000 or so attendees crammed into the piazza in front of the Duomo. But this is a spectacle I have seen only on postcards.

For dinner in Spoleto, head to Ristorante Il Tempio Del Gusto . The local pasta is a wide-cut pasta called strangozzi .

If you want to overnight in Spoleto, check out Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca or Palazzo Sant’Angelo Boutique B&B .

Day 6: Orvieto

Your next destination on this one week in Umbria itinerary is the stunning town of Orvieto. Perched on a volcanic tufa plateau, Orvieto boasts an impressive architectural and historical heritage that’s well-preserved.

This “island in the sky” city will enchant you with its gorgeous Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings in honey-colored hues.

As you wander through the ancient streets, you’ll be greeted by colorful flowers and charming ceramic shops.

The star of the show in Orvieto is undoubtedly the grand cathedral, one of the most breathtaking churches in the world. You’ll also find countless noble palaces, monumental churches, and museums with collections of treasures.

Here’s my guide to spending one day in Orvieto , which covers all the town’s top attractions actions. It also give you tips on where to stay and where to eat in Orvieto.

I started my visit to Orvieto with a  2.5 hour guided private walking tour . My guide was Emma and she was excellent, making the cathedral and its beautiful art works come to life. 

You can also book a  3 hour small group walking tou r  that includes the cathedral, the old town, and Orvieto’s underground.

If you haven’t booked a tour, the first thing to do in Orvieto is make a beeline to the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral . The church has one of Italy’s most beautiful facades.

It’s a glittering confection of spires, spikes, golden mosaics, statuary, stained glass, and black and white striped marble. 

Inside, there’s a chapel containing a holy relic and another famous one covered in stunning early Renaissance frescos painted by Luca Signorelli.

The frescos are considered Signorelli’s masterpiece, his greatest and most complex work. With brilliant colors and sweeping designs, they’re one of the most ambitious and inventive depictions of the apocalypse and last judgment in Italian Renaissance art.

When you’re done admiring the cathedral, pop into the cathedral museum, the Museo del’Opera del Duomo. It’s included in your Duomo ticket.

It holds important pieces of painting and sculpture from the Duomo dating from the 13th to 17th century. There are works by Simone Martini, Andrea Pisano, and Signorelli.

Day 7: Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, And/Or Narni

You have several options for the last day of your one week in Umbria.

You could continue sightseeing in Orvieto with an afternoon jaunt to Civita di Bargnoregio. Or, combine Orvieto or Civita with the charming hidden gem of Narni.

Orvieto is a town that’s usually visited on a day trip. But you may enjoy it more if you take your time and spread your visit over 2 days.

On your next morning, explore Orvieto’s fascinating underground. You can start with a visit to Saint Patrick’s Well. The seemingly bottomless well is a masterpiece of engineering. It’s 175 feet deep and 45 feet wide. 

The well was built by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger for Pope Clement VII. The pope often sought refuge in a fortified Orvieto after the Sack of Rome.

If you want to hike up and down, the round trip is 497 steps (some are uneven).

The  Pozzo della Cava  is one of the town’s most important archaeological sites centered around a deep well. The  Pozzo  itself is 118 feet deep. 

The complex adjacent to the well includes dozens of caves, rooms, Etruscan tombs, pottery, shafts, etc.

You may want to book a  guided walking tour  to have a guide “read” the grotto-like rooms for you. 

The necropolis, the Crocifisso del Tufo, is a small “city of the dead” located outside the city walls. It dates from the 8th to 3rd century B.C.

Civita di Bagnoregio

After visiting Orvieto, take a short 30 minute drive to the charming village of Civita di Bagnoregio.

Of all the picturesque hill towns in Italy, Civita di Bagnoregio is perhaps the most surreal and dreamlike.

This tiny village appears to be suspended in midair, like an architectural masterpiece on a tufa hilltop in a vast canyon.

To reach the village, you must cross a dramatic cantilevered bridge that rises steeply to meet the village walls. The bridge adds to the village’s mystique and is a breathtaking sight in itself.

Once inside the village, the charms of Civita are subtle. There’s nothing special to do but wander around in this step-back-in-time rural village. It’s just romantic and unadulterated old world Italy. 

Stroll aimlessly down charming lanes, where every nearly every inch of space is festooned with flowers.

Have a seat on the steps of San Donato Church. Admire the flowerpots and warm stone walls that glow in the sunshine.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Civita di Bagnoregio .

If you’d like a guided tour of the town’s sites and history, you can check out this  1.5 walking tour .

If you decide to visit Narni, the drive down south to the town is stunning.

Narni is a tiny hamlet, tucked away in a lush, almost wild, landscape. It was built on a rocky spur overlooking the Nera Gorge.

The town’s medieval heritage is entirely intact. You can wander through the charming squares and narrow streets and climb the stone steps.

Narni Fortress, the Rocca , dominates the whole town. It was built by Cardinal Albornoz as a symbol of papal power.

The central square is Piazza Garibaldi. This is where you’ll find the Narni’s 11th century Duomo. It has a simple facade with an elegant arched portico.

The Piazza dei Priori is home to both the Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzo del Podesta (the Town Hall).

Like Orvieto, Narni has a network of underground sites, Narni Sotterranea . It was only discovered in 1979.

You can see a 12th century chapel smothered in frescos, secret tunnels, an Inquisition torture room, and a prison cell covered in graffiti.

If you’d like to book a walking tour, this 2 hour guided tour covers Nani’s history and attractions.

If you need to grab a meal in Narni, try Rustico or Osteria Monte del Grano .

And that’s a wrap. I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week in Umbria itinerary. You may enjoy these other Italy travel guides and resources:

• 5 day itinerary for Rome
• Hidden gems in Rome
• 1 day itinerary for Vatican City
• 3 day itinerary for Florence
• 2 day itinerary for Venice
• 1 day itinerary for Milan
• 1 day itinerary for Siena
• 10 day itinerary for Tuscany
• 10 day itinerary for Italy’s classic cites
• 11 ways to spend 1 week in Italy
• 30 beautiful towns in Italy

If you need a 1 week in Umbria itinerary, pin it for later.

6 thoughts on “The Perfect One Week In Umbria Itinerary”

Really great article. One omission I’d love you to add is a section on “Parking in these towns”. I have heard parking can be hard or impossible…some places like Assissi don’t allow cars. So how on this driving itinerary should I think about parking? Thanks!!

There are parking lots on the outskirts of all the towns. You’ll see them as you approach. Park there and walk into the centro storico. For Assisi, the best parking places are at the Port Nuova or Matteotti lots. You’ll see signs as you approach the city. Here’s my article on Assisi: https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/things-to-do-in-assisi . I have articles on Oriveto and Gubbio too.

thanks a lot for your recommendations , will use it coming June

You’re welcome! Enjoy Umbria!

Hi Great article. One question how is the driving to get from town to town? Are the roads windy, hilly narrow and scary to drive on? Steep cliffs on the road ?

Mostly, it’s perfectly fine as long as you park outside the historic center of a town and walk in. Some of the roads are a bit hilly and winding, but nothing that really bothered us driving. There are no steep cliff drop offs at all that we encountered. The one thing is that it can be quite dark driving at night.

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Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

MORE TIME TO TRAVEL

Explore new places and savor new tastes

Best Places to Visit in Umbria: A Guide for First-Timers

Umbria is one of the smallest regions in Italy but one that offers an abundance of things to see and do—whatever one’s interests. It has no large cities and its overall population is less than one million people.

The region hasn’t achieved the same celebrity and allure in pop culture (film, novels, lifestyle magazines) as its glamorous neighbor to the west, Tuscany.

But what. might be seen as Umbria’s “shortfalls” prove to be advantages to visitors interested in experiencing Italian art, history, culture, and cuisine.

With fewer tourists, the cities in Umbria have remained more authentic and less pretentious. With shorter distances and less traffic, it’s an easier region to navigate between cities by car. Costs of both accommodations and restaurants tend to be more affordable than those in Tuscany.

And Umbria is blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. Dominated with freshwater lakes, rolling valleys, and picturesque forests whose colors change with the seasons, the region has been dubbed Italy’s “green heart.”

Active travelers will enjoy its opportunities for hiking, trekking, mountain biking, free climbing, caving, paragliding, and canyoning.

The culinary riches of Umbria—such as truffles, local prosciutto ( Prosciutto di Norcia IGP), sausages, handmade pasta, extra virgin olive oils, mushrooms, game, and cow and sheep milk cheeses—will dazzle food enthusiasts.

The region is dotted, too, with wine estates and vineyards that offer tastings of local varietals. A hearty meal might be paired with Umbria’s most popular red wine, Sagrantino di Montefalco.

An insider glimpse into the best places to visit in Umbria

Matteo Della Grazia and Daniela Mencarelli are co-founders of Fuoritinerario: Discover Your Italy , a boutique tour company that designs personalized itineraries so visitors can experience authentic Italy.

Although their tours cover all of Italy, the company is based in Perugia, which is both a city and province in Umbria.

The couple recommended five must-see destinations for first-timers, just a sample of what this under-the-radar region has to offer. Here are their suggestions of the best places to visit in Umbria: 

Perugia, the largest city in Umbria, has a fascinating old town perched atop a high cliff with steep slopes.

An escalator allows visitors to reach the top that offers breathtaking views of the facades of medieval palaces and churches as well as the Umbrian hills, depicted by Renaissance painters such as Perugino, Pinturicchio, and Raphael.

The city is home to several significant museums, including the National Gallery of Umbria, with its collection of Renaissance paintings, and the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria, which holds artifacts from Etruscan, Umbrian, and Roman civilizations.

A lively city, Perugia hosts a variety of cultural events dedicated to music, literature, journalism, and food and wine throughout the year.

Among the most popular are the Umbria Jazz Festival and the Eurochocolate Festival, inspired by the city’s historic Perugina chocolate factory.

One of the most ancient settlements in central Italy, Orvieto is built at the top of a towering cliff made of volcanic stone, called tufo .

Etruscans chose this spot because of its strategic defensive position. When forced to escape Rome during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Popes arrived here for the same reason.

The city has a unique underground city with thousands of caves and tunnels, parts of which can still be visited.

The Orvieto Cathedral—one of the most visually stunning in all of Italy—has a rose window and intricate mosaic façade with Signorelli frescoes inside.

Visitors strolling the maze of narrow streets will be charmed by handicraft workshops, art galleries, food markets , wine bars and family-owned restaurants offering local cuisine and Orvieto Classico, the region’s renowned white wine.

Assisi, the most visited destination in Umbria, is the legendary birthplace of St. Francis.

Here, early communities of Franciscan Friars began to spread their message of poverty, charity, and brotherhood. The Basilica that houses his tomb is visited both by pilgrims and art lovers from around the world who come to see its decorations created by some of the most important painters of that time (including Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti, and Martini). 

In Spoleto, visitors can enjoy the slow pace of local life in an enchanting small town that was once surrounded by ancient city walls.

Dominating the city center is La Rocca Albornoziana, an imposing 14th-century fortress built at the top of the hill. The Towers Bridge is another impressive medieval construction built to carry water into the city through an aqueduct.

Spoleto is famous for a summer cultural festival, named “Festival of 2 Worlds” or simply “Spoleto Festival,” founded in 1958, that offers an inspiring mix of three weeks of classical music, opera, theatre, and ballet as well as art exhibitions.

Set in a secluded corner of northern Umbria bordering the Marche region, Gubbio has maintained its charm over many centuries.

The almost vertical expansion of the old town along the steep slope of Mount Ingino is an example of the skillful ability of builders of the Middle Ages who developed the city within its defensive walls.

Gubbio still preserves one of the most authentic religious events, the “Corsa dei Ceri,” a race dividing participants into three groups, each one supporting one of the three patron saints of the city: St. Ubaldo, St. Giorgio, and St. Antonio. As they run, the groups carry towering pedestals with statues of one of the saints on top. Locals are truly involved in the event, which more than a reenactment, is an authentic expression of popular devotion.

For more than 13 seasons, the popular Italian TV series, Don Matteo , starring Terence Hill was filmed in Gubbio and other locales in Umbria.

Take a road trip in Umbria

If you take a road trip to Umbria, you’ll discover that some of the best places to visit in Umbria are also all the small villages and towns in between these cities 

For additional information on the best places to visit in Umbria:

• Umbria Tourism
• Discover Italy
• Fuoritinerario: Discover Your Italy

Save to Pinterest!!

Also on More Time To Travel:

Tasting Umbria: The delectable foods of a less-traveled region

Madrevite: Umbrian Wines Link the Past and Present

TV Biopic Brings Luisa Spagnoli Story To Life

Market Visit: Piazza del Popolo Market in Orvieto, Italy

Note: This is a revised and updated version. of a story that I previously wrote for Forbes.com .

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4 experiences to introduce Umbria

By Italy specialist Brandon

A land of gentle hills dotted with cypress trees, sun-gilded vineyards and medieval hill towns, Umbria  closely resembles better-known Tuscany next door. Yet, this rustic region is rarely included in well-trodden Italy routes.

The cities and towns can be busy, but once you step away from the main sights, you’re likely to meet more Italians than visitors. An easy two-hour car or train ride from Rome or Florence, the region has enough to keep you busy for a week or more.

One of Italy's finest duomos in Orvieto

Perched on a hill, Orvieto  can seem intimidating if you don’t want to deal with the steep stairs and streets you’ll find in many hill towns. But the town is built on a plateau and the well-preserved medieval city core is a pleasing tangle of level cobblestone streets lined with stone buildings.

Wandering through the pedestrian-friendly old town with a private guide is the best way to get a sense of the city’s history, which dates from the Etruscan era. My guide, Paolo, was an energetic man with a passion for Baroque architecture. As we walked around, locals would greet him with cries of, ‘It’s Paolo, the genius of Orvieto!' — a nod to his exhaustive knowledge of the city.

That expertise was on full display when we visited the duomo. The town’s spiky Gothic cathedral is, in Paolo’s opinion at least, one of the most stunning in all Italy. The extraordinary façade glitters with golden mosaics and carved bas reliefs that frame the brilliantly hued frescoes. Paolo pointed out Biblical stories from the Creation to the Last Judgement, as well as Mary being crowned at the pinnacle.

In the Chapel of San Brizio, painter Luca Signorelli created kaleidoscopic ceiling frescoes that rival those in the Sistine Chapel . In fact, Signorelli’s expressive, narrative style and anatomical exactitude inspired his younger contemporary Michelangelo.

The paintings depict Biblical scenes in eye-catching detail, but Paolo explained they also represent a commentary on the city’s turbulent politics in the 1400s. For example, the antichrist looks very like Savonarola, a divisive but charismatic figure of the time.

Chocolate, jazz & an underground city in Perugia

At first glance, Perugia  might seem like an open-air museum. The medieval centro storico is a nearly perfectly preserved, helter-skelter of cobbled alleys, Gothic palazzos and steep steps framed by arches. I can spend hours meandering through the narrow side streets, discovering hidden squares and tucked-away churches. You can also delve more deeply — literally — into Perugia’s history with a visit to the ‘underground city’ via a gleaming modern escalator.

An extensive network of underground passages was covered over by a Renaissance fortress and, today, you wander through the original Etruscan and Roman city. My guide, Cincia, pointed out the small raised doors next to the houses’ main entrances. Known as porta del mortuccio, or doors of the dead, these were intended for coffins leaving the house. Once, all the best houses in Umbria had a door like this, and you can still see them (usually bricked up) in older homes across the region.

Despite all this history, this university city feels lively thanks to a huge number of university students from around the world. You’ll find them lounging in the neoclassical Piazza IV Novembre, strolling through the streets in stylish groups and adding a fillip of youthful energy to the ristorantes and cafés.

That energy really explodes each October, when the annual Eurochocolate festival is hosted by local chocolatier, Perugina (best known for its Baci kisses). A million visitors flock to the festival to enjoy cookery classes, giant chocolate sculptures, exhibitions and enough free samples to satisfy all but the most dedicated chocoholic. If you visit any other time of year, you can explore the city’s chocolate shops and cafés on a guided tour.

In July, the Umbria Jazz Festival is a ten-day celebration that has featured jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, BB King, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Natalie Cole and Diana Krall.

Pilgrims, a saint & a frescoed basilica in Assisi

Standing on the edge of Perugia, you can see Assisi . The goldenstone town rises from the green plains on a hill, glowing warmly in the sun against a backdrop of wooded mountains. A drive there from Perugia takes just 30 minutes.

Assisi is a spiritual place. During warm weather, seemingly countless flower boxes overflow with cheerful blooms and the streets are filled with devout pilgrims and flocks of nuns and monks in simple brown robes.

This was the birthplace of Saint Francis, a friar who was canonised in 1228 and today is one of the patron saints of Italy. His philosophy of material simplicity, peaceful contemplation and gentle compassion, as well as his love of nature, still define the city. For 800 years, pilgrims from around the world have flocked to visit his basilica.

The basilica is a dramatic departure from the bright duomo in Perugia, with a plain, almost austere, white façade that reflects the modest man buried inside. The building consists of two levels, both covered in frescoes that seem to almost glow thanks to their translucent jewel tones.

The frescoes in the upper church, by proto-Renaissance painter Giotto (and his assistants), depict scenes from the life and ministry of Francis. Cincia, my guide here too, explained to me that, unlike most of his 13th-century contemporaries, Giotto’s figures showed distinct emotions. You can clearly see the befuddled look on Francis’s father’s face when the not-yet-saint flings away his fine clothing for a life of poverty.

The lower church is frescoed with biblical scenes by Giotto and other great artists of the 13th century. The portrait of Francis himself, by Cimabue, is considered the most accurate likeness of the saint. It depicts a lean-faced monk standing beside the Madonna, Christ child and four angels.

From the lower church, you can descend into the Francis’s tomb. Like the man, the basilica and the town, it’s a humble place made of local stone. Hidden for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1818 and today is filled with pious pilgrims who come to pay homage to one of Christianity’s best-known thinkers.

Those pilgrims and other visitors crowd the town’s main streets during the day; many opt for a guided walking tour . That’s especially true along the high street, which, like any pilgrimage destination, is full of shops selling souvenirs. However, there’s always a quiet alley or little piazza where you can find a moment of quiet. In the evenings, once the day trippers have all left, Assisi settles into a contemplative quiet that always seems to sink into my bones.

Truffle hunting & tasting

The similarities between Umbria  and Tuscany  include the regions’ cuisine. Both use olive oil instead of butter and rely on simple preparations of local ingredients, including truffles. The elusive fungi grow abundantly in the stony soil under the short oaks that thrive among the hills.

On my last visit, I tried my hand at truffle hunting at a family-owned farm, under the expert guidance of Mac, a New Zealand  transplant to the Umbrian countryside. Along with a handful of other hopeful hunters and a small pack of trained dogs, I climbed into an open-top 4x4 to jounce my way up into the hills.

Once we arrived, Mac opened the doors and the dogs erupted from the vehicles in an explosion of wriggling, tail-wagging canine enthusiasm. At his command, they darted into the sparse undergrowth, their snuffling noses close to the dark earth. Humans followed at a less frantic pace, walking along a narrow track worn into the grass by generations of the same family, who have owned the farm since 1486.

It wasn’t long before one of the dogs came bounding back, something dark held loosely in her jaws. Mac traded a treat for the truffle and held out a knobbly chunk of something that looked like a clod of dirt. But when he held it out for us to all take a whiff, the earthy scent of a freshly dug truffle uncoiled into my nose.

Once the dogs had collected enough, Mac gathered us all round for a quick field meal of softly scrambled eggs cooked with shaved truffle. Eaten at the top of a hill under the golden morning light, the pillowy golden curds were rich and tender and perfumed with the fragrant fungi.

Because this was just a snack, we each only got a few bites before adjourning back to the farm, where we took a seat at a long wooden table outdoors. There, we tucked into heaping plates of bread, cheese, sausages, more eggs and local vegetables, all infused with that unmistakable taste.

When to go to Umbria

We suggest visiting Umbria from April to June or during September and October, when the weather is warm and dry. Winters are quieter but colder, and religious holidays can be uncomfortably busy in Assisi.

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Umbria, Italy: travel guide and places to visit

Visit Umbria

Umbria may not be home to lots of 'famous' places except Assisi, but has its own special charm with picturesque scenery and numerous medieval towns and villages for those that do come here

Umbria - a guide and places to visit

For a summary of the most popular sights in the region see also Umbria places to visit .

Umbria is a land-locked region in the heart of central Italy, with Tuscany to the west and Le Marche to the east. The capital of the region, Perugia, is centrally placed in Umbria, while the ancient city of Spoleto is well located for exploring the southern part of the region.

Umbria can perhaps best be thought of as 'Tuscany without the crowds', and you can discover ancient towns and villages set in beautiful rolling countryside while avoiding the crowds that tend to congregate in the most popular of the Tuscan destinations.

To help when you are planning a visit we introduce the highlights of Umbria below as three separate regions: Perugia and the north, Spoleto and the south and Assisi and the east, since you are unlikely to explore the entire region during one visit (we haven't forgotten the west - the highlights here are included in north or south Umbria according to their location!)

Perugia and the north of Umbria

Highlights to the north of Perugia include Pietralunga and its fortress, the historic centre of Citta di Castello , medieval and renaissance Gubbio and the fortress of Umbertide .

From here continue to Lake Trasimeno, an attractive and popular destination with the villages of Castiglione del Lago and Magione on the west and east edges of the lake respectively.

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Spoleto, Orvieto and the south of Umbria

Further south in Umbria be sure to visit the traditional medieval town of Narni and the town of Terni and nearby Marmore waterfall.

To the west of here you can visit the fortified town of Amelia , then an excursion to the collegiale church in Lugnano in Teverina is recommended. The medieval town at San Gemini also has a great deal of interest to visitors.

Be sure to pause to explore the medieval heart of Norcia on the way, and visit the shrine at the small town of Cascia to the south-west of here. The village of Sellano is also in a picturesque setting nearby.

The scenery of the Valnerina region south of Spoleto is equally enticing - more rolling than mountainous, and very worthy of being explored.

Assisi and the east of Umbria

To the east of Perugia, the most visited destination in Umbria is Assisi , now dominated by a substantial basilica that  commemorates the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi.

West of Assisi the ancient village of Bettona and the interesting town of Bastia Umbra are close by while to the north and east of here highlights include Valfabbrica and Valtopina : there are a good number of small historic villages to explore in this region.

The cathedral town of Nocera Umbra and the fortress and centre of Gualdo Tadino are other highlights here.

Travelling south-east from Assisi through central Umbria there are several places of interest. First visit the cathedral and cloisters in Foligno and take a stroll around the centre of the medieval village of Spello .

We also suggest you visit the historical town of Trevi just east of the very ancient village of Montefalco . The village of Bevagna and the imposing fortress of the Borgias at Gualdo Cattaneo should also be on your list of places to visit in this part of Umbria.

Umbria highlights - a photo gallery

Most Beautiful Villages - Umbria

The following Italian towns and villages in Umbria are listed among the ' most beautiful villages in Italy ': Arrone, Bettona , Bevagna , Castiglione del Lago , Citerna, Corciano, Deruta, Giove, Lugnano in Teverina , Massa Martana, Monte Castello di Vibio, Montefalco , Montone, Norcia , Paciano, Panicale, San Gemini , Spello , Stroncone, Torgiano, Trevi and Vallo di Nera

Orange Flag Tourism towns in Umbria

The following Italian towns and villages in Umbria are listed among the ' Orange flag towns in Italy '(a national tourist award): Bevagna , Citta della Pieve , Montefalco , Montone, Norcia , Panicale, Spello , Trevi , Vallo di Nera

Map of Umbria and places to visit

Umbria places to visit.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Umbria

Umbria is  often proclaimed the “Green Heart” of Italy and is a tiny region, one of the smallest in Italy, bordering on Tuscany this region is famed for its special wines that hail from the numerous vineyards spread out across the landscape and its high-quality regional produce. In other words, Umbria is a gastronomical paradise!

Situated a short distance from Rome and easily reached by train, visiting Umbria feels like stepping into the heart of Italy, where life and local traditions carry on, untouched by mass tourism in the bigger cities.

It feels like one of Italy’s best kept secrets and is sometimes called “Tuscany without the tourists”. In Umbria you will be transported into the past visiting medieval cities whilst immersing in the local rustic gastronomy.

Umbria is the perfect destination for history lovers. It’s regional capital is the gorgeous medieval Perugia where you can see magnificent architecture of the renaissance in some excellent galleries.

Cities such as Assisi, Spoleto, Spello and Gubbio offer visitors a glimpse into Italy’s rich history, filled with monasteries, churches and historical buildings.

For foodies, Umbria boasts prime quality cheeses, hams, sausages, salami and wines, there is no better way to this than a journey along one of the four wine routes of the region and visiting a local vineyard on the rolling hills and sampling the best that Umbria has to offer.

Umbria is also home to an internationally-renowned jazz festival held in the midst of the Tuscan summer in July.

For those who want to discover a truly authentic and rustic side of Italy, Umbria is the ideal destination! Here in our ultimate guide to Umbria we will show you the best that this beautiful and charming region of Italy has to offer!

This ultimate travel guide to Umbria will show you all the most beautiful places in Umbria, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Umbria and things to do in Umbria which will help you in planning a trip to Umbria.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Umbria

Train: Umbria is a short distance from Rome and you can reach it by train, Trenitalia runs a regular service (five times a day) from Rome Termini to Perugia and the tickets only cost between €12 – €26 one way.

The only disadvantage is that you will need to change to a regional train either at Terontola if you’re travelling on the main Florence-Rome line or you will have to change via Foligno if you’re taking the Rome-Ancona train line. In total the journey will take just over four hours including the changes.

Trenitalia only connects Perugia and Rome however, to get to the smaller towns you will need to negotiate the local railway service which is not as straightforward to navigate.

Bus : Buses are an excellent option to get from Rome to Umbria and there is a bus departing from Rome Airport to Perugia Piazza Partigiani.

There are five buses daily and the journey takes only 3 hours and 20 minutes. If you choose to go by train you will first have to make it from the airport to Rome Termini so bus is definitely one of the easiest ways to get there!

Car : One of the best methods to reach Umbria is by car, as you will most likely need to rent a car to get around Umbria. Driving from Rome to Perugia by Car which only takes just over 2 hours. From Florence the drive takes a little longer at 2 hours and 20 minutes approximately.

Plane : If you choose to fly the nearest airport is Pisa, Florence or Rome and then taking an onward train to Perugia. There is a local airport in Perugia called PEG or San. Francesco Airport which only caters to few airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.

What to expect in Umbria

Umbria is picturesque and is similar in some ways to Tuscany, it has rolling hills, gorgeous vineyards sprawling across the countryside and a rustic, authentic feel.

Some people say that it’s like Tuscany 20 years ago before it became a major tourist destination. Don’t expect such big crowds but during the summer the local festivals attract many visitors and Italian tourists.

The language spoken in Umbria is Italian, but it does have its own regional dialect called Umbrian which is now slowly dying out.

The local currency is the Euro and though Umbria is not as popular with tourists or as busy as the metropolitan cities of Italy, it’s not necessarily the cheapest destination but in our guide we will show you how to make the most of resources and enjoy Umbria on a budget!

Remember to carry a bit of cash on you as ATMs will charge a fee and they may not accept all bank cards. The most widely-accepted credit card is Visa.

There are excellent restaurants all over Umbria but there are also plenty of tourist traps, ask the locals and find out some recommendations or just see where they go to eat to avoid having a terrible experience in one of the touristy restaurants.!

Tipping in restaurants is accepted even though there is usually a service charge included in the bill. A small tip is much appreciated.

Standard voltage is 220 Volts and you may need a travel adaptor.

Remember that not everywhere appreciates tourists taking photographs, especially in museums. It is also advisable to cover your arms and legs if you intend on visiting some churches as museums to avoid the disappointment of being turned away.

It’s advisable to bring layers with you as Umbrian weather can be changeable outside of the summer peak season and it can get cooler in the evenings, layering is the best way to prepare for all weather scenarios!

Finally, Italy is a very safe country but there has always been an issue with pickpockets. It’s advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and to use a money belt to keep your money safe, especially if you’re carrying cash for a few days.

How to get around Umbria

One of the reasons for Umbria being a well-kept secret to foreign tourists is the difficulty in getting around which usually requires a car for ease and efficiency.

Having a car will allow you to get around easily and discover charming vineyards and small towns at a leisurely pace.

Alternatively, Umbrian local rail networks have connections between Perugia and small towns in the region.

The best time to visit Umbria

Umbria is a popular summertime destination but in general, this period is more expensive and costs for car rentals, flights and accommodation can be quite steep.

The best times to visit is in their “low season” which occurs in March, April and then later again in mid-October to late November.

Weather is cooler in these months and if you’re looking for some sunshine aim to head there in around April. The weather will be relatively sunny with the occasional showers in springtime.

Summer is a fantastic option if you are not concerned about your travel budget, as there are local festivals including the famous Jazz Festival , however the city is usually teeming with tourists and temperatures soar in August.

Places to visit in Umbria

Discover medieval perugia.

The medieval city of Perugia is the regional capital. The city was constructed on the top of cliff and boasts a medieval centre at its heart.

Perugia is a great city for history lovers and you can visit the impressive Piazza IV Novembre which is a square in the centre featuring a stunning Maggiore Fountain.

Perugia has a beautiful cathedral called San Lorenzo and you can also visit the Basilica of San Domenico which is home to a prized collection of works by local artists.

For art lovers, Perugia has the Palazzo dei Priori, home of the National Gallery of Umbria where you can wander through rooms and appreciate examples of renaissance and medieval art.

Visit the home of Saint Francis of Assisi

Assisi is the home of San Francesco or Saint. Francis was born in this town in 1181 and later became canonized by Pope Gregory as the Patron Saint of Italy, he founded an order in this Italian town of Assisi which was declared by UNESCO as a Heritage Site.

Assisi is perched on the top of a hill and offers spectacular views of the valley below and has several famous sights including the Basilica di San Francesco, Saint Francis’ final resting place.

Inside you’ll find beautiful and detailed paintings. In Easter there is a procession in the town to celebrate the Passion of the Christ, there is a procession which is well-known all over Italy.

Explore the charm of Spello

This charming Italian town straddles terraces overlooking the Spoleto Valley. Spello is medieval and its charm lies in the many historic stone buildings, painted in white lining the narrow alleyways of the town.

The main attraction in Spello is the Santa Maria Maggiore Church which boasts wonderful frescoes painted by the artist, Pinturicchio.

The attraction of Spello is the local ambience, sitting on a terrace and taking in the landscape whilst enjoying a glass of the local wine.

If you visit in Easter you can see the local spectacle where the streets are decorated with strewn flowers in beautiful designs to celebrate Corpus Christi.

Sample local wines at Todi

Another hilltop town which stands atop a hill over the Tevere Valley is the small town of Todi , walled in by three walls from different periods of its history: Etruscan, Roman and Medieval).

In fact the town is so picture perfect that it has featured in several Italian films. The local attractions include medieval architecture such as the Palazzo del Capitano, Palazzo del Priore, and Palazzo del Popolo.

Make sure that you visit the local Roccafiore Winery , set amidst acres of vineyards and forests. This picturesque Winery is perfect for wine lovers and attracts tourists from many different countries, you can come and learn about the winemaking process through tours and wine tastings.

Traverse the length of a Roman aqueduct in Spoleto

This romantic city has a medieval past reflected in its buildings and gorgeous cathedral that is definitely worth a visit, with frescoes were painted by the famous Florentine artist Filippino Lippi.

The city is home to a Roman aqueduct constructed in the 14 th century across the expanse of a plunging ravine and ending in a historic fortress on either end.

Spoleto’s main attraction is their annual summer festival called the Festival dei Due Mondi which has been held in this town for over 60 years and counting.

There are concerts featuring different styles of music including opera as well as dance performances and visual arts.

Indulge in the local produce of Norcia

Norcia is nestled in the mountains and is one of Italy’s most famous gastronomic hubs. Here you can find the some of the best Italian meats, salamis, hams, truffles and cheeses in the whole country.

Despite being devastated in 2016 by earthquakes , the town is recovering quickly and continues to draw thousands of tourists every year.

Aside from the delicious meats processed by local specialist butchers, goats cheese and black truffles are a local specialty and you can enjoy hearty local dishes in small trattorias serving up Castelluccio lentils and porcini.

This is the perfect place to learn about foraging and you can even join a truffle hunting tour in Montefalco with local specialized truffle hunting dogs!

Listen to summertime jazz

Perugia is home to an annual world-famous jazz festival in July . Artists such as David Byrne, Quincy Jones and other greats have all graced the stage here.

The festival is held in the Piazza IV Novembre square and is an unmissable event for jazz lovers.

Explore Orvieto Underground

Orvieto has incredible ghettos carved into the rocks underneath the city by previous residents of the city. made up of unusual rock formations, you can tour the underground passageways on a guided tour and marvel at the long passageways that were created by over 2,500 years of excavations.

The guided tour takes two hours and costs only €6 and will give you an insight into the ghosts of the past that created this underground network and civilisation.

Whilst you’re in Oviedo you can drop by the famous Pozzo di San Patrizio or “St. Patrick’s well” which plunges 54 metres into the earth and has little to do with St. Patrick of Ireland.

Orvieto is also home to a historic vineyard, one of Italy’s oldest, called Decugnano dei Barbi which produces spiced and warm wines such as Villa Barbi Bianco and Rosso.

Visit a waterfall at Cascate delle Marmore

The tallest waterfall in Italy stands at 165 metres in the midst of the Nera park. Nature lovers will enjoy spending the day rambling through the forests and discovering trails that lead to gorges and streams.

At the park you can enjoy various adventure sports such as canyoning, canoeing and rafting.

Go rock climbing at Monti Sibillini

For those who want to explore the wilder side of Umbria, Monti Sibillini has plenty to offer . Monte Bove is the ideal rock climbing destination and you can even enjoy some mountain biking, hiking trails, rafting and canyoning.

Between May and July, Monti Sibillini bursts into flower and fields of vibrant red poppies emerge from the grass creating a stunning contrast between the lush green of the mountain and the blood red of the flowers.

Explore the oldest town in Umbria, Gubbio

Gubbio though small is by no means humble, it boasts a selection of Palazzos including the Palazzo dei Consoli, Palazzo Ducal and an amazing cathedral.

There is even a pilgrimage path that links Gubbio to Assisi called the Francisco Path of Peace. The route follows the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi who traversed this route many, many times.

Aside from stunning views over the landscape you can enjoy a sense of mysticism seeing pilgrims following this well-trodden path in an act of religious devotion.

Gubbio is also home to a unique tradition called “Gubbio corsa dei ceri”, this is a race which takes place on the 15 th of May since 1160.

The candles are wooden representations of the three Saints: Ubaldo, George and Antonio Abate that loom at 5 metres in height which are mounted on the shoulders of people who race through the town to reach the Basilica of St. Ubaldo atop the mountain of Igino.

Learn about winemaking at a vineyard

Umbria is all about wine and there are even four wine routes you can take if you want to pay pilgrimage to amazing Italian wines.

The four routes are called “Strada dei Vini del Cantico”, “Strada dei Vini Etrusco Roman”, “Strada dei Sagrantino”, “Strada del Vino dei Colli dei Trasimeno”.

On any of these routes you can explore different vineyards and get tipsy doing wine tastings. One of unmissable stops on the route is the Lunelli Estate with a stunning cellar designed by Pomodoro, famed around the world.

The local wines are fantastic and are DOC denomination wines, unique to the region.

What to eat in Umbria

Being gourmet central in Italy there are so many wonderful products to try in Umbria. Here is a list of must try foods:

Known as black gold, truffles are highly-prized and incredibly expensive. The reason for this is that they grow in the wild in acres of forest only to be located by the sensitive well-trained snouts of truffle hunting pigs and dogs.

Despite money being thrown at trying to replicate conditions to farm truffles, all efforts have failed and the only way to find them is out in the wild.

In the Umbrian countryside, truffles are abundant and many of the local dishes use this delicious ingredient in pasta, to add depth of flavour to some cheeses and meats or served up shaved over some scrambled eggs.

One of the best places to try some truffle dishes is Bistrot al Tartufo, situated in Via Ulisse Rocchi in Perugia, make sure to drop in and try some their delicious truffle flavoured pasta.

Porchetta is a slow-roasted pork loin, deboned and rolled in savoury herbs. It is often served as a street food dish and sliced and served up into a sandwich roll.

The meat is tender and the crust is golden and crunchy, it hails from some of the famous hog farms in the region, the meat has a special TSG status assigned to products characterised by specialised methods of production.

Fagiolina del Trasimeno

Fagiolina have been eaten in Italy since Etruscan times, providing sustenance and proteins in hearty rustic dishes.

Until today, this legume is farmed and harvested by families in the area and they are delicious in local dishes and have a nutty and buttery flavour and texture and is often served in hearty soups.

Strangozzi pasta

Strangozzi pasta is widely enjoyed in Umbria, it is a homemade pasta which resembles tagliatelle and is made without eggs.

In the region the pasta dishes are often served with meat sauces or sometimes even with fish and vegetable. A local specialty is Strangozzi served up with a fish sauce made from river perch, Trasimeno Strangozzi.

Umbrian trout

Umbria may be far from the sea, as it is landlocked, however there are many lakes which provide delicious fish used in Umbrian cuisine. This trout dish is filled with a mixture of garlic, oil and salt and fried in a pan.

Castelluccio di Norcia

This lentil soup is a hearty staple in Umbrian cuisine, the lentils come from Castelluccio in Norcia, from atop the Monti Sibillini.

These nutty, small, brown lentils are delicious and served in a stew with local sausages.

Torta al Testo

This flatbread is a traditional dish of poor man’s cuisine, also known as “cucina povera”. It was once cooked over an open fire on a “testo” which was a stone, nowadays it’s cooked in a griddle pan and is often served with local cheese and cured meats, it’s especially delicious with traditional Umbrian sausages.

Where to stay in Umbria  

Hotel Il Palazzo , Assisi – This hotel is halfway up towards the Basilica of Saint Francis and is built in a refurbished Palazzo from the 16 th century.

Rooms are elegant and minimally designed with air-conditioning, wifi, private bathrooms and some rooms on the third floor offer views over the valleys of Umbria. A buffet breakfast is included in the price and it makes a perfect hotel for a romantic getaway.

Alla Posta dei Donini , Perugia – This gorgeous historical residence was home to the aristocratic Donini family and was once a 17 th century villa that also had a silk workshop on site. The villa complex is rich with history and you can learn about its aristocratic past with a tour of the aristocratic quarters.

The hotel also provides group wine tastings and cooking classes and has its own botanical gardens and outdoor pool, as well as a luxurious spa with steam room, sauna, masseuses and beauty treatments.

Breakfast is included and you can enjoy this in their patio and gardens and the onsite restaurant provides hearty yet gourmet Umbrian cuisine.

Tours to do in Umbria

Baci Perugina Chocolate tour and Umbrian food tasting tour

Perugia is home to the well-loved Baci chocolates and you can visit a chocolate factory in this half-day food tour of Perugia.

The tour is guided and includes a lunch where you can sample Perugian dishes as a great introduction to the local gastronomy.

Horseriding tour of Umbria

If you want to discover the Umbrian forests on horseback and create an unforgettable memory, join this tour for two hours of riding through the wonderful landscape and olive groves of Tiber Valley.

You will be able to catch the sunset over the panorama and a snack of local cold cuts and cheeses are provided at a local restaurant in Torgiano.

Truffle hunting in Todi

Get away from the city and into nature with this truffle hunting tour with local experts to search for the most highly-prized produce from Umbria.

The experts will show you how they hunt for truffles using specially trained dogs and afterwards a lunch will be served at a family-run farmhouse where you can taste the delicious black truffles in some mouth-watering home cooking.

Pasta making class

Impress your friends back home with pasta skills that you learn under the guidance of a local chef where you can learn to use the local ingredients such as sausages, porchetta and truffles in handmade pasta dishes.

The tour lasts four hours and it’s a great experience for those who want to delve deeper into the local food culture.

Day trips from Umbria

Visit the lake district and Lago Trasimeno

The beautiful Lago Trasimeno is an ideal day trip for the summer months and locals drive there to paddle in boats in the calm waters of the lake or windsurf.

There are islands in the middle of the lake that can be reached by small ferries and it costs only

€5.30 one way to reach Isola Maggiore. There are only two restaurants near the lake and so it’s a better idea to grab some cheese, wine and cold cuts and make a picnic to take out with you.

There is also a small lakeside town called Castiglione del Laga named after the ruined castle which you can reach by train from Terontola or by ferry from Passignano.

Visit the Thermal Springs

There are naturally occurring hot springs in Umbria and you can visit the thermal baths of Fontecchio situated in Città di Castello or visit the Franciscan thermal baths in Spello where you can soak in the mineral waters and enjoy the many health benefits or even have a beauty treatment or two.

Recommend budget tours in Umbria

• Small Group Tour of Assisi
• Assisi Private Walking Tour
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tour with Lunch in Umbria
• Winemaker for a Day: Tour an Organic Winery
• Perugia Private Walking Tour
• Spoleto Private Walking Tour
• Basilica of Saint Francis Group Tour with a local guide
• Orvieto Private Walking Tour
• Orvieto’s Underground Tour with Wine Tasting Lunch at Cantine Foresi
• A Day With Locals – Truffle hunt and cooking class in a farm
• Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour in One of the Oldest Winery of Montefalco
• Balloon Adventures Italy, hot air balloon rides over Assisi, Perugia and Umbria
• Baby Chef: italian cooking class for children

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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UMBRIA FESTIVAL AND FLOWERS TOUR

exclusive tour

maximum 10 guests

Umbria Festival and Flowers Tour Overview

Does your heart skip a beat at the sight of hilltop towns surrounded by fields of flowers in full bloom? This is what you’ll see when you join us on a tour of beautiful Umbria in Spring or early Summer. Nestled between Rome and Tuscany, Umbria is an ancient region where traditions and rituals have endured for centuries thanks to its proud and passionate people who ensure their continuity.

Our Umbria Festival and Flowers tour itinerary is a fun and immersive trip of discovery that will open your eyes to the region some are calling the “new Tuscany”. Starting and ending in Rome, we visit family vineyards, some of the prettiest towns in Italy and enjoy gastronomic experiences including making pasta, cheese tasting, and long lunches under the Umbrian sun.

The finale of this tour is very special. Depending on the dates you book you could discover an enchanting Medieval fair (Spring) or a gorgeous floral festival (June).

Umbria bursts into color in Spring when huge fields of flowers sway in the breeze. The hills and countryside are bursting with new life and blooms and it’s the perfect time to relax outdoors and enjoy aperitivo accompanied by the region’s tastiest cured meats and olives.

Umbrian olive oil and wine are celebrated throughout Italy and of course the famous regional dishes include mouthwatering porchetta and pasta with truffles. We’ll try them all on our Umbria Festival and Flowers tour, and toast our new discoveries with a glass or two of local wine.

So come and join us as we taste our way through hidden Umbria, bite by bite.

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Umbria Summer Tour Highlights

Delicious Umbrian food and wine • Picturesque hilltop towns • Medieval cities • Cooking class • Local wine and olive oil tasting • Artisan ceramics • Annual flower festival or Medieval Festival

What Our Guests Say About Untold Italy Tours

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Umbria Festival and Flowers Tour Itinerary

WELCOME TO UMBRIA

Our adventure begins in Rome where you meet your tour host and group before hitting the road towards charming Orvieto. This beautiful hilltop town is famous for its majestic cathedral and charming narrow streets. Get a full debriefing on what’s in-store for the week ahead as we savour local wines with tasty cured meats and local Umbra (Umbrian) pasta together over lunch.

Later we meet our local guide for a guided walking tour through this fascinating hilltop town. Discover Orvieto’s Etruscan past and magnificent cathedral plus many other curiosities. After taking in the sights, enjoy some free time to wander, snap some photos or do a little shopping, before we whisk you away to our charming countryside relais.

Our very special accommodation is nestled in the Umbrian hills, surrounded by silvery olive groves not far from Todi. Enjoy some time to freshen up before we relax over apericena together at the hotel with a refreshing spritz or one of Orvieto’s famed white wines.

• ACTIVITIES: Guided tour of Orvieto
• MEALS: Lunch with wine, Welcome apericena (light dinner) with wine
• ACCOMMODATION: Charming 4 star relais (luxury country house)

CERAMICS and

As you sip your morning caffè (coffee), do you ever wonder who made the cup that you’re drinking from? This morning, we’ll find out as we head to the home of Umbrian ceramics – Deruta.

Here we visit an artisan’s workshop and discover the stories and techniques needed to make their beautiful ceramics. Laden with beautifully crafted souvenirs and gifts, we enjoy a drive through the countryside towards our special lunch stop at an organic family-run winery and olive oil grove.

We learn how they make extra virgin olive oil and their delicious wine using indigenous Umbrian varieties before experiencing a tasting and delicious light lunch. Enjoy local goat cheeses, and pork and wild boar salumi from the winery’s favorite artisanal producer just over the hill.

This afternoon, you have some time to relax at our relais swimming, reading a book, or unwinding in your room breathing in that fresh countryside air.

In the evening we visit a beautiful hilltop town – Todi. Enjoy some free time soaking up the scenes, snap some photos, or why not do some shopping. There’s a wonderful shop that sells handmade linens in the main square. Later on, we meet for a delicious feast at a local restaurant – bring your appetite because it’s sure to impress.

• ACTIVITIES: Deruta artisan visit, Winery visit
• MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine

a perfect pair: wine and Cheese

Prepare for a morning of delicious tastes as we try perhaps the freshest cheese of our lives. This morning begins with a visit to a nearby family-run dairy farm that make truly artisanal raw milk goat cheese. We learn about the production and how the taste of each cheese changes depending on the seasons over a degustation of soft, semi-soft and hard cheeses.

Relax over a light lunch with freshly house-made bread, local wine, cheeses and seasonal fruits. We return to our relais during the warmest part of the day so you have time to take a nap or relax in our beautiful surroundings.

This afternoon, we head off to visit another local wine maker in the heart of Umbria’s wine producing region. Enjoy a taste of indigenous Umbrian wines including, of course, a Montefalco Sagrantino, all enjoyed against the backdrop of the stunning green hills and vineyards.

Then it’s onwards to nearby Montefalco – home to some of Umbria’s best wines. You have a chance to explore, shop for wine, or relax at one of the town’s many excellent enotecce for an aperitivo. This evening, we meet for a delicious traditional dinner in Montefalco. One thing is for sure – pasta and Sagrantino wine are on the menu.

• ACTIVITIES: Cheese farm visit, Winery visit

A cooking class and Assisi

Today we head towards UNESCO heritage listed Assisi. But before exploring, we roll up our sleeves and learn how to cook some of the fantastic Umbrian dishes we have already enjoyed.

Our cooking class is held at the gorgeous home of a local woman born and bred just outside Assisi. She can’t wait to share Umbria’s Cucina Rustica with us. We enjoy a glass of wine before donning an apron to learn how to make ravioli, stringozzi, or perhaps lasagne along with some other traditional dishes. We’ll relax afterwards enjoying our well deserved meal.

Afterwards, we check-in to our beautiful agriturismo immersed in the green countryside of Umbria. Have some time to freshen up and relax before heading out on this afternoon’s special adventure.

A trip to Umbria would not be complete without exploring the UNESCO heritage listed Assisi. This is the birthplace of St Francis, the patron saint of Italy, and it is celebrated for its Medieval architecture and resplendent Basilica.

We meet our private guide for a walking tour through town including, of course, a visit to the St Francis Basilica comprised of two equally beautiful churches. Afterwards, we continue onto a local trattoria for a delicious meal together with local wine.

• ACTIVITIES: Cooking class, Assisi guided tour
• ACCOMMODATION: Charming 4 star agriturismo

Medieval Gubbio

Umbria is proud of its cultural heritage and today we learn why. Together we venture to explore ancient artisan traditions at a pretty regional town. You’ll have a chance to wander the pretty laneways before meeting at a local trattoria for a knockout lunch.

You can never see too many hilltop towns in Umbria, so in the afternoon we journey to ancient Gubbio. Here we meet up with our private guide to learn about the pre-Roman Umbri and Etruscan civilizations as we admire the town and its winding Medieval streets. You even have the chance to be ‘certified mad’ – you’ll find out more soon.

After walking through town, we relax over a delicious dinner together at a wonderful local restaurant with a big focus on vegetables.

• ACTIVITIES: Umbria town visit, Gubbio guided tour

Perugia and enchanting Spello

Get to know the capital of Umbria, Perugia, with a delightful walking tour. We meet our local guide who helps us uncover stories, legends and tales of Perugia (including the tale that really inspired the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones). We also have the opportunity to meet a local artisan weaver at her workshop and learn about her ancient craft.

Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore this pretty city on your own and grab a bite for lunch. In the afternoon, we have some time to relax before our evening in magical Spello.

A true jewel of the region, and famed for its Infiorata flower festival, you have some free time to explore the town and pop into its many boutiques.

We meet again for a wonderful dinner at one of Spello’s best restaurants and enjoy local mouthwatering pasta dishes and meat courses paired with the region’s best wine.

For those on our June Infiorata festival tour, we will pass by locals who begin creating their incredible flower tapestries. Starting from 9pm, they work all through the night. Get a glimpse of how much work there is to do as the locals band together – all will be revealed in the morning.

• ACTIVITIES: Perugia walking tour and artisan visit, Free time in Spello
• MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

An incredible Umbrian festival

No region in Italy celebrates its cultural heritage quite like Umbria. This land locked region has largely avoided the cultural influences from conquering city states and trade with far away lands so you could say the Umbrian culture is a pure representation of the indigenous people over thousands of years.

Today we visit one of these local festivals and discover the community spirit and pride behind these long standing traditions:

Bevagna (April) – the town is transformed into a large open-air Medieval village. Its four neighborhoods host special artisans like paper and candle makers and open up traditional taverns serving tasty dishes, inspired by ancient recipes. Enjoy some free time to visit the artisan stalls and soak up Medieval village life before a special farewell meal together in town.

Spello (June) – The Infiorata is a celebration of flower carpets created by the town’s people over two days to celebrate the Catholic feast of Corpus Domini. Around 15 million flowers are used by some 60 groups of Spellani to create astoundingly beautiful floral carpets laid out in the street.

Our time together comes to a close with a leisurely visit to a biodynamic family-run vineyard. We tour the property before enjoying a tasting of delicious wines over a wonderful lunch.

Satisfied after a long, relaxing lunch we return back to Rome to continue your onward journey in Italy.

• ACTIVITIES: Local festival visit
• MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine
• TRANSFERS: Back to Rome

Umbria Festival and Flowers Tour Inclusions

We have strived to make our Umbria tour as all inclusive as possible with no hidden surprises. Included in your tour are:

• 6 nights in a charming country house accommodation in the Umbrian countryside – 3 near Todi and 3 near Perugia
• Unique experiences:  Cooking class, winery visits, olive grove visit and tasting, Perugia artisan visit, local festival visit, 4 guided orientation tours with local guides
• Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 apericena and 5 dinners as specified in the itinerary, Wine and bottled water are included with most meals other than breakfast
• Luxury air-conditioned transportation
• Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides
• Pickup and drop off in central Rome

Umbria Festival and Flowers Tour FAQ

Accommodation on tour.

We have two wonderful accommodation stops on our Umbria summer tour. Close to Todi we stay in a luxury relais, a former castle in the countryside with buckets of charm. Our home base near Spello is a gorgeous 4 star agriturismo. Both properties have swimming pools and wellness centers for you to enjoy.

Meet Your Host

Olivia is an Australian woman living in Rome, with a passion for the land of la dolce vita, cooking and wine. Her super powers include finding the most charming villages and delectable cheeses.

Olivia is your local host that ensures your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Arrivals and Departures

Our tour begins in Rome at 10am from where we head to Orvieto to start our adventures in Umbria. Tour activities conclude on our final day at 5pm back in Rome after a wonderful time exploring beautiful Umbria

Upcoming Tour Dates

• SPRING 2025 – June 16 – 22 – book now
• Exclusive tours available on request for groups of 6-10 – inquire

Booking information

• Price from $US 5,790 per person based on twin share accommodation
• A supplement applies for solo travelers wanting a private room
• 30% deposit required to reserve your spot
• Cancel for a full refund up to 120 days before departure
• Read complete terms and conditions

Discover Umbria

Hidden in plain sight to the north of Rome and south of Florence, Umbria is sometimes referred to as the “new Tuscany” but this region has plenty of charm in its own right and a proud and unique culture, largely untouched by waves of conquests and immigration that influenced other Italian regions.

Umbria Travel Guide

Uncover the highlights of the region

Dishes from Umbria

Tastes of Umbria to try on tour

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May 9, 2024

Amtrak summer travel flash sale offers big savings across the country.

Book now through May 16 for a discount of at least 30%  

WASHINGTON – Travelers planning summer business and leisure trips can save at least 30% on Flex Fare prices on most routes nationwide during the Amtrak Summer Travel Flash Sale . Customers who book Coach and Acela Business Class seats now through Thursday, May 16, can travel from Wednesday, June 1 through Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, with no blackout dates. Visit Amtrak.com/SummerSale or the Amtrak app to book a ticket with no promo code required.  

“This Summer Travel Flash Sale provides customers with a unique opportunity to book an affordable trip now that can be enjoyed during the summer months,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch . “Whether you’re a current customer or joining us for the first time, Amtrak will make your journey far more convenient and relaxing than navigating through traffic on crowded highways and busy airports.”   

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The limited-time Summer Travel Flash Sale discount provides at least 30% off the visible Flex Fare price and can b e combined with Amtrak’s everyday discounts , including the 50% off Child’s Fare . Seats are limited, Sale Fares rules and restrictions apply. Read full terms and conditions at Amtrak.com/SummerSale .  

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