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UMBRIA AND ITS HIDDEN GEMS

Umbria, one of the smallest Italian regions located in central Italy, shares its borders with enchanting regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche. Known as the "green heart of Italy," the Umbria region is celebrated for its lush vegetation and green spaces adorned with olive trees, vineyards, and forests.

Among its most renowned towns is Perugia, the regional capital celebrated for its university and art scene, hosting prestigious events like Eurochocolate and the Umbria Jazz Festival. Another of Umbria’s jewels is Assisi, the birthplace of San Francesco, featuring the breathtaking Basilica adorned with stunning frescoes.

On the border with Lazio stands Orvieto, with its magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Gubbio, known for its medieval charm and the annual Festa dei Ceri, along with Spoleto, which boasts an impressive fortress and hosts the renowned Festival dei Due Mondi dedicated to the performing arts, complete the collection of enchanting towns.

HOW TO GET TO UMBRIA?

The main airport in Umbria is the 'Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport' (PEG), located halfway between Perugia, the regional capital, and the enchanting town of Assisi. Its strategic location makes it a convenient gateway for travelers heading to various parts of Umbria and to certain provinces in the neighboring regions of Tuscany, Lazio, and Marche.

Depending on their departure country, some travelers choose to fly into larger airports such as Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Florence Airport (FLR) and then use ground transportation like buses or trains to reach Umbria.

Umbria from Rome

There are several ways to reach Umbria from Rome, and the choice depends on your preferences and schedule:

  • BY TRAIN: direct trains to Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, or Foligno are available from Termini or Tiburtina train stations in Rome.
  • BY BUS: bus services connect Rome to different towns in Umbria. While bus travel may take longer than the train, it can be a cost-effective option. Companies like Sulga and FlixBus operate routes between Rome Tiburtina coach station and various Umbrian destinations.

Umbria from Florence

  • BY TRAIN: direct trains to Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Spello, and Foligno are available from the main railway station in Florence, Santa Maria Novella.
  • BY BUS:  from the bus station in Florence (Villa Costanza), you can reach Perugia or Assisi by FlixBus.

UMBRIA OR TUSCANY?

Less crowded than its neighboring region, Tuscany, Umbria has become the destination of choice for many Italian and international travelers in recent years. It offers a unique opportunity for a slower, more immersive form of tourism. Here, you can explore small museums, relish breathtaking panoramic vistas, and savor the delights of simple yet delicious local products such as torta al testo, strangozzi, Norcia ham, and fagiolina del Trasimeno, to name just a few, providing a truly unique and sustainable travel experience.

Now let's journey together to discover off-the-beaten-path towns and experiences of this amazing region:

UMBRIA FOOD & WINE

Let's begin with Umbria's first attraction: for all you food and wine enthusiasts out there, a distinctive journey awaits.

  • Montefalco Wine and Bevagna: the renowned wine region of Montefalco, celebrated for its Sagrantino red wine, is caracterized by several local wineries. Here you can delve into the history and unique characteristics of the Sagrantino grape while savoring a glass of this exceptional wine.. Afterward, you can take a tour through the medieval streets of the neighboring Bevagna and relish lunch at a local restaurant to taste regional dishes, completing the experience. Opt for a bike or e-bike tour for a more entertaining and adventurous exploration.
  • Bettona olive oil experience and tasting: a land of vines and olive trees since the time of the Etruscans, Bettona offers visitors the opportunity to explore several family-run oil mills that produce their oil in the area. Sensory walks through olive groves and guided tastings will allow you to recognize and appreciate high-quality olive oil while rediscovering the senses of smell and taste.

  • Discover Umbria’s truffle secrets:  venturing into the mountain forests and pastures of Umbria, you can enjoy an immersive truffle hunting experience. While connecting with breathtaking landscapes, you will learn the art of truffle hunting guided by a skilled dog and its owner: You will then have the chance to savor the exquisite local delicacy and learn how to use truffles to prepare traditional Italian recipes.

CULTURE, ARCHITECTURE & ART

  • Città della Pieve: a charming town renowned for its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Explore the historic noble residence of Palazzo della Corgna and the Church of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, showcasing breathtaking frescoes by the renowned Renaissance painter Pietro Perugino, a native of Città della Pieve. Strolling through its streets, you will discover sites associated with his life and marvel at his artwork. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to ascend "La Rocca," a medieval fortress providing excellent views of the town and surrounding countryside. It's an ideal spot for capturing memorable pictures.
  • La Scarzuola: this unique and surreal architectural complex, was a 13th-century convent transformed by one of the most visionary Italian architects of the 20th century, Tomaso Buzzi. After restoring the ancient convent, Buzzi turned the monks' kitchen garden into an "anthology of stone," where nature seamlessly merges with architecture. While the Scarzuola garden can be visited year-round, appointments are necessary, and the experience typically lasts about one and a half hour.
  • Sculpture Park in Brufa: located a short distance from Perugia, the open-air sculpture park in Brufa blends natural landscapes with contemporary art, creating a distinctive connection with the surrounding area. Started in 1987, the project continually grows with contributions from renowned international sculptors. With over 30 permanent sculptures, the park provides a unique experience starting in Brufa’s streets and extending into the picturesque countryside with evocative views of Torgiano's prestigious vineyards.

UMBRIA AND NATURE

  • Lake Trasimeno: as the largest lake in Central Italy, Lake Trasimeno combines natural splendor with historical charm. The azure expanse is framed by picturesque villages, olive groves, and vineyards, creating a serene atmosphere. Boat tours reveal the beauty of Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese, and lakeside towns like Passignano sul Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago boast medieval fortresses and castles. The lake offers swimming and water activities during warmer months.
  • Fonti del Clitunno: a small natural oasis and historic park in the province of Perugia, the Fonti del Clitunno is fed by underground springs, featuring intense and iridescent colors. Rich in rare plant species, the park is ideal for outdoor activities like walking and picnicking. The nearby ruins of the UNESCO-listed Temple of Clitumnus, a Roman temple dedicated to the river god Clitumnus, add historical allure.
  • Marmore Falls: Known as Cascata delle Marmore in Italian is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. The breathtaking waterfall, standing at 165 meters in height, invites exploration through nearby hiking trails, offering picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and water sports such as rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning, canoeing, and kayaking. The Falls can be easily reached by train or bus from Terni train station.

*Would you like to discover more secrets about Umbria? Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER here, and on November 24, you will receive a small guide on UMBRIA’S EXPERIENCES and HIDDEN SPOTS. Alternatively, contact us at info@bywaysofitaly.com after that date to receive the small guide for free.

Can’t wait to discover Italy through unconventional lenses? Contact us to help you get oriented.


At Byways of Italy, we design and plan customised travel itineraries off-the-beaten- path with passion and care for individual travelers, couples, families and very small groups. We are a local tour operator and DMC, contact us at info@bywaysofitaly.com to design your bespoke itinerary or get inspired by our all-inclusive holiday tours. 

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