Umbria
Latest page update: 18 September 2024
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By Dion Protani
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Located in central Italy, Umbria is bordered by Tuscany, Lazio, and Marche. It boasts a population of approximately 880,000 people.
Known as the "green heart" of Italy, Umbria is famous for its medieval hill towns, such as Assisi, Perugia and Orvieto. The region is renowned for its rich history, art, and architecture, including the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi. Additionally, Umbria is celebrated for its culinary delights, including truffles, olive oil, and wines like Sagrantino and Orvieto Classico. |
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Umbria: the green heart of Italy
Positioned in the heart of Italy, Umbria is a region renowned for its timeless beauty, rich history, and spiritual significance. Perugia, its capital city, boasts a stunning medieval center characterized by ancient Etruscan walls, Gothic cathedrals, and Renaissance palaces.
Visitors can explore the fascinating underground city of Orvieto, famed for its majestic cathedral adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes. Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, captivates pilgrims and art enthusiasts alike with its magnificent Basilica di San Francesco, home to masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue.
Umbria's verdant countryside is dotted with charming hilltop towns such as Spoleto, known for its ancient Roman theater and iconic Ponte delle Torri bridge. The picturesque town of Gubbio enchants visitors with its well-preserved medieval architecture and panoramic views from Mount Ingino.
Nature lovers will be drawn to the tranquil shores of Lake Trasimeno, Italy's fourth-largest lake, where they can explore charming lakeside towns like Passignano sul Trasimeno and enjoy leisurely boat rides or scenic hikes.
Umbria's culinary delights are as diverse as its landscape, with traditional dishes like truffle-infused pasta, porchetta, and hearty soups showcasing the region's rich gastronomic heritage. With its harmonious blend of art, culture, and natural splendor, Umbria offers a timeless escape that delights the senses and nourishes the soul.
Visitors can explore the fascinating underground city of Orvieto, famed for its majestic cathedral adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes. Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, captivates pilgrims and art enthusiasts alike with its magnificent Basilica di San Francesco, home to masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue.
Umbria's verdant countryside is dotted with charming hilltop towns such as Spoleto, known for its ancient Roman theater and iconic Ponte delle Torri bridge. The picturesque town of Gubbio enchants visitors with its well-preserved medieval architecture and panoramic views from Mount Ingino.
Nature lovers will be drawn to the tranquil shores of Lake Trasimeno, Italy's fourth-largest lake, where they can explore charming lakeside towns like Passignano sul Trasimeno and enjoy leisurely boat rides or scenic hikes.
Umbria's culinary delights are as diverse as its landscape, with traditional dishes like truffle-infused pasta, porchetta, and hearty soups showcasing the region's rich gastronomic heritage. With its harmonious blend of art, culture, and natural splendor, Umbria offers a timeless escape that delights the senses and nourishes the soul.
Regione Umbria
What are the most popular tours and activities in Umbria?
- Assisi Tour: Explore the historic town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, with guided tours that include visits to the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Basilica of Saint Clare, and other significant landmarks, offering insights into the religious and cultural heritage of Umbria.
- Perugia Walking Tour: Discover the capital city of Umbria, Perugia, with guided walking tours that take visitors through its medieval streets, ancient Etruscan walls, and architectural treasures such as the Palazzo dei Priori and the Rocca Paolina, while sampling local delicacies and chocolates.
- Wine Tasting in Montefalco: Indulge in a wine tasting experience in Montefalco, known as the "Balcony of Umbria," sampling renowned wines such as Sagrantino and Rosso di Montefalco, while visiting local wineries and vineyards set amidst the rolling hills and olive groves of the Umbrian countryside.
- Cooking Classes in Norcia: Immerse yourself in Umbrian cuisine with hands-on cooking classes in Norcia, a town renowned for its culinary traditions. Visitors can learn to prepare traditional dishes such as truffle pasta, wild boar stew, and porchetta, using fresh local ingredients sourced from the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Truffle Hunting in the Valnerina: Experience the thrill of truffle hunting in the Valnerina Valley, a pristine wilderness area known for its abundance of black truffles. Guided truffle hunting tours offer opportunities to search for truffles with trained dogs, followed by tastings of truffle-infused dishes and products.
- Umbrian Countryside Excursions: Explore the scenic landscapes and picturesque villages of the Umbrian countryside with guided excursions that take visitors off the beaten path, providing opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding through olive groves, vineyards, and medieval hilltop towns.
What are the best restaurants in Umbria?
- Osteria a Priori - Perugia: A cozy restaurant serving traditional Umbrian dishes with a modern twist, located in the heart of Perugia.
- La Taverna - Perugia: Situated in a charming alleyway near Piazza IV Novembre, La Taverna offers a warm atmosphere and authentic Umbrian cuisine.
- Ristorante del Sole - Perugia: Known for its panoramic terrace and innovative dishes, Ristorante del Sole offers a memorable dining experience in Perugia.
- Antica Trattoria San Lorenzo - Perugia: A family-run trattoria serving classic Umbrian fare in a historic setting near the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
- Enoteca Prosciutteria Rossini - Perugia: A wine bar and restaurant offering a wide selection of wines and gourmet cured meats and cheeses.
- Locanda del Borgo - Bevagna: Located in the picturesque town of Bevagna, Locanda del Borgo serves creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Il Capanno - Montefalco: A charming restaurant overlooking the vineyards of Montefalco, known for its excellent wine selection and regional cuisine.
- Le Delizie del Borgo - Spello: A cozy trattoria in the heart of Spello, offering homemade pastas and traditional Umbrian specialties.
- Il Tartufo - Norcia: Situated in the town of Norcia, known for its truffles, Il Tartufo specializes in dishes featuring this prized ingredient.
- Il Postale - Assisi: Located near the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Il Postale offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a menu of classic Umbrian dishes.
Umbria Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Umbria?
- Castello di Reschio - Lisciano Niccone: A stunning estate set on 2,700 acres of private land, offering luxurious villas and farmhouses with elegant decor, private pools, and panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside.
- Borgo dei Conti Resort - Perugia: A luxurious five-star resort housed in a historic 12th-century castle, featuring beautifully appointed rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a spa, and lush gardens.
- Palazzo Seneca - Norcia: A boutique hotel located in the heart of Norcia, offering elegantly furnished rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a wellness center housed in a restored medieval building.
- Villa di Piazzano - Cortona: A charming country estate dating back to the 15th century, offering beautifully decorated rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.
- Le Silve di Armenzano - Assisi: A peaceful retreat nestled in the hills near Assisi, offering comfortable rooms with rustic decor, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving locally sourced dishes.
- Fonteverde Tuscan Resort & Spa - San Casciano dei Bagni: Located in a restored Renaissance palace, this five-star resort offers luxurious rooms, thermal pools, a spa, and panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
- Relais San Clemente - Perugia: A charming country house surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, offering comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving regional specialties.
- Villa Zuccari - Montefalco: A historic villa dating back to the 16th century, offering elegant rooms and suites with antique furnishings, a swimming pool, and a gourmet restaurant overlooking the vineyards of Sagrantino.
- Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum - Assisi: Housed in a former 13th-century convent, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms, a spa, and a museum showcasing archaeological finds discovered on-site.
- Locanda del Gallo - Gubbio: A charming bed and breakfast set in a restored farmhouse, offering cozy rooms, a swimming pool, and panoramic views of the Umbrian hills.
Umbria travel advice
- Regional Trains (Trenitalia): Trenitalia operates regional and Intercity train services connecting Umbria's major cities and towns.
- Bus Services: Umbria has an extensive network of local and regional bus services, providing connections between smaller towns and villages.
- Car Rental: Renting a car gives you flexibility to explore Umbria's countryside and reach remote areas not easily accessible by public transport.
- Taxi and Ridesharing: Taxis are available in urban areas, while ridesharing services may operate in some cities.
Which airports serve Umbria?
Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi - Umbria International Airport (PEG):
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA):
- Perugia Airport is the main airport serving the Umbria region.
- Located near the city of Perugia, it offers domestic and international flights.
- From the airport, you can easily access various towns and cities in Umbria via ground transportation.
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA):
- While not in Umbria, Rome's international airports are major hubs with extensive flight connections.
- From Rome, you can travel to Umbria by train, bus, or rental car.
What are the main train stations in Umbria?
Perugia Railway Station:
Foligno Railway Station:
Assisi Railway Station:
- Perugia has a central railway station, providing train services within the region and connections to other parts of Italy.
- It's a major transportation hub for accessing various destinations in Umbria.
Foligno Railway Station:
- Foligno is a significant railway junction in Umbria, offering connections to major cities like Rome, Florence, and Ancona.
- It's an essential transit point for traveling to and from Umbria.
Assisi Railway Station:
- Assisi, a popular tourist destination in Umbria, has a train station connecting it to other towns in the region.
- The station serves as a convenient entry point for visitors exploring Assisi and its surroundings.
How do you reach Umbria by car?
Driving Directions:
- If you're driving from Rome, take the A1 highway (Autostrada del Sole) northbound towards Florence.
- Exit onto the SS3bis or SS75 highway, depending on your destination in Umbria.
- Follow signs to your specific destination within Umbria.
What private transfer options are there for Umbria?
A private transfer from Perugia Airport to Assisi takes around 20 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car in Umbria?
- Perugia: As the capital city of Umbria, Perugia offers a range of car rental options including international chains and local providers. You can find rental agencies at Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport and within the city center.
- Assisi: This popular tourist destination also has car rental options available both in the town and at nearby locations.
- Spoleto: Another historic town in Umbria, Spoleto, has car rental agencies where you can rent a car to explore the surrounding area.
- Foligno: Located in the center of Umbria, Foligno serves as a convenient base for renting a car to explore the region.
- Gubbio: This picturesque medieval town also offers car rental services for visitors who want to explore the surrounding countryside.
- Terni: While not as popular with tourists as some other towns, Terni still has car rental options available for those exploring the southern part of Umbria.
- Orvieto: Situated in the southwestern part of Umbria, Orvieto has car rental agencies for travelers visiting this charming hilltop town.