The Perfect Itinerary for Exploring Umbria
The region known as ‘the heart of Italy.’ The heart of Italy. A region that does not border any other country and has no maritime boundaries. It is a rural area that combines the Apennine mountains, small towns, diverse cuisine, and many traditional ceremonies. This is the birthplace of famous saints: Francis of Assisi, Saint Benedict, and Saint Clare.
The land of the region is a source of truffles, Norcia’s salami, high-quality olive oil, and home to the famous Baci Perugina chocolate. A trip to the region requires ‘taking your time.’ Here, the towns stand still; this is where people come to relax and enjoy a calm atmosphere, good food, and nature.
Since Rome is the most convenient landing point to reach Umbria, the trip will start in the region from south to north.
Day 1
Marmore Falls
Piediluco Lake
After landing in Rome, make your way along the A1 highway toward the town of Terni, taking the exit at Castello di Orte. Continue on the SS675 road, which bypasses the city of Terni, and watch for signs directing you toward the Cascate delle Marmore. (In the navigation app, enter Parcheggio auto Cascate delle Marmore to bring you to the lower parking lot of the site).
The Marmore Falls are the highest man-made waterfalls in Europe. The sight of water crashing onto the rocks and suddenly flowing down from above into the river below is a breathtaking spectacle!
A beautiful start to a trip in any season.
*Please note – the dam at the falls is opened several times throughout the day and at different times during the year.
For more details on opening hours, viewing points, and walking trails, click here:
Marmore Falls (Cascate delle Marmore)
.
Finished? Had a good coffee? Strolled among trees and waterfalls?
(There are easy hiking trails and challenging ones – don’t miss out!)
Return to the parking lot and drive towards Lake Piediluco. The road to the lake is picturesque and charming. On your right, you will see the town of Arrone perched on a cliff. When you arrive at the lake, park your car in the northern parking area and walk along the lakeshore.
You came here to relax, breathe the fresh air, and feel that you have truly begun your vacation.
For more information about the lake: Lake Piediluco
Don’t miss out:
1- Restaurant The Magic Of Lake with a view of the lake and the best of Umbrian cuisine.
2- Water activities in season: https://www.spiaggiamiralagopiediluco.it
3 – 4-star hotel recommendation in Spoleto: Palazzo Dragoni
Day 2
Spoleto
Montefalco Winery SCACCIADIAVOLI
Fonti di Clitunno
The morning begins in the upper part of the city of Spoleto (you can take a series of escalators that reach the summit). At the top stands the fortress (Rocca Albornoziana) from where you can overlook the city itself and the valleys surrounding it. After you have explored the fortress, including the bridge of two towers (Ponte delle Torri), start descending towards the old city. In one of the alleys (Via del Arringo), the cathedral will suddenly reveal itself in all its splendor. A flight of stairs and a large square will lead you to the church. Inside you can see a series of paintings by Filippo Lippi. Continue to Piazza dei Mercati (the market square). In the square and around it, there are cafes, Roman ruins, souvenir shops, and above all, a magical atmosphere that blends tranquility with the daily lives of the residents. If you have the chance to visit in the summer months, enjoy the ‘Two Worlds’ festival – an arts and music festival.
Spoleto continues along road SP451 towards the SCACCIADIAVOLI winery located in the heart of the Montefalco wine region in Umbria. Here, you can enjoy a visit to the winery, tasting the exquisite Sagrantino wine, and even lunch (by prior arrangement). Ascend to the center of the town of Montefalco (“the hill of the falcon”) where there is a recommended viewpoint known as “the Etruscan balcony of Umbria.”
You can end the day at Fonti dell Clitunno. The Clitunno Springs is a charming, small park featuring a blend of forest, a flowing river (part of the larger CLITUNNO river that once flowed here), white ducks, and fish. The water is clear and cool. It’s a perfect spot for relaxation, with an excellent restaurant nearby (Fonti dell Clitunno) and the option to visit a nearby oil mill or the wonderfully picturesque town of Trevi.
Don’t miss:
1- Bar Gelateria La Portella – next to the fortress in Spoleto. Coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice (Spremuta) with a view of the entire valley.
2- Winery Scacciadiavoli – featuring tastings and lunch.
3- “The Etruscan balcony of Umbria” – a viewpoint in the town of Montefalco.
4- Excellent restaurant: Fonti dell Clitunno near the springs.
Day 3
Orvieto
Lake Corbara
Todi
Today, get ready to see one of the most beautiful façades of a church in Italy. It is located in the city of Orvieto, which is built on a volcanic rock cliff, and the city conceals wonderful secrets of Etruscan culture below the surface, as well as above, a medieval atmosphere and excellent local cuisine.
With your vehicle, you will arrive at the lower parking lot of the funicular (Funicolare). At the nearby café, you can purchase a combined ticket for the funicular ride + bus ride.
The steps are as follows: ascending stairs, ascending escalators, ascending on the funicular. Upon finishing the ascent on the funicular, at the station exit, there is a bus stop (small shuttles) that will take you to Piazza Duomo. There, you will be left speechless and awestruck by the beauty of the church from the outside. You can, of course, also visit inside (entry ticket at the ticket office on the right) and see the paintings of Luca Signorelli on one side and, on the other side, the special Cappella del Corporale (the miracle of wine and bread).
Just before you disappear into the alleys of the town, if you wish, you can join one of the tours of underground Orvieto. Check the tour departure times at the INFO desk in front of the church, near the place where your bus dropped you off. This is a fascinating journey into a world built during the Etruscan period and then again during the Middle Ages, where large spaces served as warehouses, workshops, hiding places, and more.
After that, continue to stroll through the alleys of the city, climb the Torre del Moro to enjoy the 360-degree view (note: 236 stairs – but the view is worth it!), and explore the side alleys. Allow yourself to wander aimlessly just to enjoy the hidden corners, small restaurants, picturesque greenery, and shops that look like they came from the past.
Take a break at one of the city’s cafes like the historic Caffè Montanucci.
Now, retrace your steps: bus, funicular, stairs, and return to the parking lot.
From here, continue to Lake Corbara. This is an artificial lake that was created in the 1960s. There, we recommend stopping at Tenuta di Salviano, a farm with a stunning view of the lake and the possibility of wine and local food tastings. The place is a 800-year-old family tradition farm run by marquises.
https://www.salviano.it
Continue to the town of Todi. A town that is easily visible from afar due to its location 410 meters above sea level. This is an ancient city, established by the Umbrians, still preserving three rings of walls that surround it from different periods (for example, on Via delle mure antiche) and today is considered one of the slowest cities in Italy.
In a positive sense.
Here, the residents have embraced the concept of ‘taking your time’ in their lifestyle, in cooking, in service, and in walking. Here, there is no rush; rather, let freedom and time take their course. Park your car near Porta Perugina and then ascend through Via Giacomo Mateotti and Via Roma to the main square – Piazza del Popolo, with its variety of ancient buildings – here you can relax with a cup of coffee, juice, or cake. Each of the buildings in the square, the government buildings, and the church are fascinating, beautiful, and interesting. Continue to climb from there to Parco della Rocca, the highest point with a breathtaking view, and on the way, visit the church of San Fortunato with its beautiful frescoes and tall bell tower.
Don’t miss:
1- A café in Orvieto, Caffè Montanucci
2- Lunch at Tenuta di Salviano (by prior arrangement)
3- A viewpoint in Todi, Monastero delle Lucrezie
Day #4
Spello
Assisi
The morning begins in the town of Spello, one of the special towns. Due to the tradition of the flower festival that takes place here once a year (in May), it is preserved throughout the year for its beauty. Clean, full of flowers, mysterious, and inviting all at once. We parked our car at Parcheggio Villa Dei Mosaici Di Spello (where you can sneak a peek at Roman mosaics found in the area) and entered through the Porta Consolare. There is one main road that climbs up the town, from which small alleys branch out, like postcards with flower pots, baskets, hangers, and anything else that can hold colorful flowers. Along the way, stop at the Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore church to admire the frescoes by Pinturicchio. In Spello, there are plenty of boutique shops for food, souvenirs, soaps, creams, oils, and more. Here you will find truffle spreads, exquisite cheeses, floral ceramics, health ointments made from local oil, and much more. Important: Don’t forget to take a breath in the garden of Bar Giardino – Bonci. Here, with a view of Mount Subasio, a cold spritz glass, and a local cake, Rocciata umbra – you will feel as good as it gets.
Continue to Assisi. Prepare yourself for a city with a spiritual and noble atmosphere. You’ll see from afar the city that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Park your car at Assisi Parcheggio Saba.
Here, you can decide whether to first visit the churches dedicated to St. Francis (in Assisi…) and then climb to the city center.
Or the other way around (our recommendation) is to first climb to the city center (via Via Fontanella and then Via Portica), reach the main square (Pazza del comune), enjoy the atmosphere, the view from P.za Santa Chiara, visit the church that was the home of St. Francis, see the layers of the city from the Roman period, peek into the Museum of the Memory of the Assisi Underground (fascinating), and then glide down Via San Francesco towards the special churches. Check the opening hours beforehand, start in the correct order: first the lower church and then ascend to the upper church. Inside, you’ll see the best frescoes from the early Renaissance, by Giotto and Cimabue; without them… it’s doubtful whether Michelangelo, Raphael, and da Vinci would have reached their greatness.
Don’t miss:
1- An excellent restaurant in Umbria, Favorita Osteria Emiliana (though the cuisine is from Emilia Romagna – but definitely worth it!)
2- A scenic view from Piazza Santa Chiara
3- The Museum of Memory – a fascinating site about the Assisi Underground’s efforts to save Jews
https://www.visit-assisi.it/monumenti-e-luoghi-dinteresse-2/musei/museo-della-memoria
Day 5
NORCIA
Val Nerina
Today we will explore the eastern part of the region, particularly the city of Norcia and its surroundings. Norcia is known for two main reasons: it is the birthplace of Saint Benedict, who founded the first monastic order in Europe during the 6th century, and its gastronomic heritage – Prosciutto di Norcia, which has become its iconic dish over time. The city experienced significant damage from an earthquake in 2016, leading to many buildings being closed to visitors, yet the locals still greet guests with various delicatessens where you can taste local dishes.
Just outside the city, it is advisable to visit the stunning, narrow valley carved by the Nera River. This area is situated between the Apennines, part of the Sibillini Ridge, and is mainly known for agriculture. Here, you can discover truffles (Tartufo) and salami production facilities. Kayaking is a favored pastime in the streams of Italy. The nearby peaks provide excellent opportunities for hiking and climbing. Some scenes from Roberto Benigni’s film ‘Life is Beautiful’ were filmed in this region. Head to the Piana di Castelluccio for a stunning view of the area.
Day 6
Poligno
Colfiorito Park
Foligno is the capital of the province. Literally. Its name has spread far and wide due to its status as the central point of Italy, and indeed of Europe. This is the third largest city in the Umbria region, situated in the middle of the Umbra Valley. It serves as a commercial and industrial hub. It’s a recommended stop on a day trip in this area.
You can park in the lot on Via Gentile da Foligno. From there, walk a few minutes to the main square, the center of urban life during the Middle Ages – Piazza della Repubblica. Here, you’ll find many government buildings, including the splendid Palazzo delle Canoniche, the Duomo of Foligno with its Romanesque church portal, sculptures by Bernini and a replica of the baldachin (canopy) of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, along with, of course, cafes. Antico Caffè della Piazza is the perfect place in an excellent location to enjoy coffee and pastries. Now, head over to the nearby Palazzo Orfini and see the plaque commemorating the first book ever printed in Italian! It was Dante’s Divine Comedy, presented here on April 11, 1472.
Next, visit Palazzo Trinici. There, you can marvel at a stunning fresco cycle, and a special relief reveals a horse race that occurs at the Circus Maximus in Rome. The tradition of horse races can also be seen during the medieval festival held in the city twice a year (June and September) where horse riders compete for the heart of a maiden.
By the way, if you arrive in September, you’ll also enjoy one of Italy’s most special food festivals, the Primi d’Italia, which showcases dishes, workshops, and lectures on pasta, rice, soups, gnocchi, and more. (Be sure to check annually for specific dates).
Here, it’s recommended to buy rolls/bread, cheeses, cured meats, spreads, vegetables, and fruits for your upcoming picnic.
After you wander through the medieval alleys of Foligno, head east towards Colfiorito Park. This is a regional park, on the Umbria-Marche border, and is part of the central Apennine ridge. The park consists of 7 plateaus at an average height of 750-800 meters above sea level, each shaped like a shell. It is the smallest park in Umbria. Founded in 1995 with the aim of restoring a marshy area, the park allows for hikes amidst stunning scenery, surrounded by rich and unique vegetation, wildlife, and small lakes, as well as small museums (a natural history museum and a museum about the local people) and archaeological remains. Near the Museo Naturalistico, you can stop for a picnic break with the ‘goods’ you bought in Foligno.
Don’t miss out!
1- A café-pastry shop in Foligno, Muzzi Antica Pasticceria – Dolce.
2- Upon exiting the city, you can stop at a dairy http://www.caseificiobroccatelli.it/ to buy cheeses for your picnic.
Day 7
Perugia
Lake Trasimeno
Welcome to Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region. The city is located on a hill and was once part of the Etruscan city-states. If you stay within the city, you can ask your hotel for approval to enter the historic center by car. If you’re just visiting, park at Parcheggio Piazza Partigiani and follow the signs to the city center, taking a series of escalators up to the Rocca Paolina fortress. There, you will start to feel the atmosphere of the city and discover remnants from different periods and spaces that have now turned into boutique shops. The final escalator will lead you to Giardini Carducci, where you can enjoy a viewpoint overlooking the valley below and, on a good day, see Assisi. Head back and enter the Corso Vanucci, named after the city’s Renaissance painter. Here, you can enjoy various attractions: a store for Baci Perugina – the city’s famous chocolate, Collegio del Cambio, the body responsible for fair trade in the city, Palazzo dei Priori, the town’s governing palace with statues of the lion and griffin at the entrance, the grand Fontana Maggiore fountain with its intricate seasonal carvings (in Piazza IV Novembre), the unfinished cathedral (according to the wall’s appearance) with the stairs where the city’s youth gather in the evening. From there, head to the adjacent street and find plenty of dining options. If you desire a youthful atmosphere with a view of the valley, visit Ristorante del Sole. If you prefer a restaurant with a long tradition and local flavor, return to the main street Corso Vanucci and take one of the alleys down to Al Mangiar Bene – excellent pizzas and exquisite pasta with classic Umbrian tastes (book in advance).
And now, to the lake.
Day 8
Gubbio
Città di Castello
If you manage to arrive in Gubbio on May 15th (every year..), you will experience one of the most beautiful festivals in Italy: the Festival of Lights. If you arrive on another day, you still won’t regret coming here. Gubbio is one of the unique cities that maintains a look and atmosphere of the Middle Ages almost entirely authentically. From afar, the city stands out against the mountain, and as you approach the entrance to the old town, you begin to feel its uniqueness. You can park your car at Piazza dei Quaranta Martiri and then start climbing to the city center either on foot or by elevator. The latter takes you straight to the main square, Piazza Grande. Here the main ceremony of the Festival of Lights takes place, from here starts the race where the townspeople carry candles weighing a ton on their shoulders. The square is surrounded by public buildings.
For a walking route in the city, click here: Gubbio – a suggested walking route
Day 9
Monti Sibillini – Nature Tour
On this day, let nature draw you in. Vast expanses of flower carpets in different seasons of the year cover the area rising to an altitude of 2476 m’ (VETTORE) and descending into soft, rounded hills. These are part of the Apennine mountain range in central Italy. The village of Castelluccio is situated in the heart of a national park, which shares its territory between Umbria and the Marche region. From here, you can embark on hiking trails, cycling paths, and a recommended special scenic route, which spans 120 km that can be traversed on foot, horseback, or by bike over 9 days of exploration, connecting towns and viewpoints. The region is rich with legends featuring demons, fairies, and wizards. Four-legged animals roaming freely or birds soaring in the sky make this place a sought-after natural gem. Here, those interested can try a gliding course or refresh themselves in the field.
Don’t miss:
1- A meal at http://www.tavernacastelluccio.it
2- A pampering spa https://www.bagnitriponzo.it
Accommodation: Villa Santa Barbara
La Scarzuola – Rome
