Umbria Travel Guide (Central Italy/Italy/Europe)

Introduction to Umbria

Umbria is a picturesque region in Central Italy which is known for its untouched countryside and ancient hilltop towns. The region is often referred to as the ‘Green Heart of Italy’ due to its lush forests, rolling hills, and vineyards. While not as popular as some of the neighboring regions in Italy, Umbria has a lot to offer to visitors looking for an authentic Italian experience.

From beautiful medieval towns to delicious local cuisine, Umbria is a hidden gem that is well worth exploring. This travel guide provides all the information you need to plan your perfect Umbria itinerary.

List of Places to Visit in Umbria

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Assisi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi is known for its beautiful churches and historic architecture.
Perugia: The capital city of Umbria, Perugia is an ancient city that still has remnants of its Etruscan past. It also has a great collection of museums, including the National Museum of Umbria and the Perugina Chocolate Factory Museum.
Orvieto: A dramatic cliff-top town with an impressive cathedral, Orvieto is home to underground tunnels and caves that are open for exploration.
Spoleto: Another ancient town with a rich history, Spoleto is known for its Roman theater and medieval castle.

Natural Attractions of Umbria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lake Trasimeno: The largest lake in Central Italy, Lake Trasimeno is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and water sports, as well as offering scenic waterside walks and boat trips.
Monte Subasio: This is the highest mountain in the Umbrian Apennines, located in the northern part of the region. It is a great place for hiking and mountain biking with stunning views.
Marmore Falls: These impressive waterfalls are the highest falls in Italy, and among the highest in Europe.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Umbria

Via di Francesco: The historic pilgrim route that St. Francis took on his journey to Rome, the Via di Francesco passes through many picturesque towns and includes stunning countryside views along the way.
Etruscan Trail: A 65 km hiking and biking trail that goes through some of the most scenic and historic towns of Umbria, providing an insight into the region’s Etruscan past and the beautiful landscapes of Umbria.
Monti Sibillini Trail: Located in the southern part of Umbria, this mountain range offers diverse opportunities for hiking and biking in the summer and winter months.

Best Things to Do in Umbria: Activities and Tours

Wine Tasting Tours: Umbria has some of Italy’s most underrated winemaking regions. Try Sagrantino wine, which is grown only in Umbria.
Cooking Classes: Learn how to prepare Umbrian delicacies from local cooks and chefs.
Ballooning: Enjoy panoramic views of Umbria’s stunning countryside, ancient hilltop towns, and picturesque vineyards from the air.
Horseback Riding: Explore Umbria’s rolling hills and beautiful countryside on horseback.

Week-Long Itinerary for Umbria

Day	Destination	Activities
Day 1	Perugia	Visit the National Museum of Umbria and sample the famous Baci chocolates at the Perugina Chocolate Factory Museum
Day 2	Assisi	Visit the Basilica of St. Francis and explore the winding streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 3	Orvieto	Climb the Torre del Moro and enjoy the panoramic view of the valley; explore the unique cathedral
Day 4	Spoleto	Visit the Roman theater and explore the historic center
Day 5	Lake Trasimeno	Take a boat trip on the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery
Day 6	Montefalco	Visit the Sagrantino wine cellars and enjoy a wine tasting
Day 7	Foligno	Go on a hot air balloon ride above Umbria’s stunning countryside

Food and Drink Scene of Umbria

Must-Try Dishes

Porchetta: Roasted suckling pig seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.
Truffles: Umbrian truffles are particularly famous and used in many dishes, including pasta, meat, and cheeses.
Pasta alla Norcina: A hearty pasta dish made with cream, sausage, and black truffles, originating from Norcia.
Strangozzi: A traditional type of pasta made from flour and water, often served with spicy tomato sauce or truffles.

Local Beverages

Sagrantino Wine: With a unique taste that blends full-bodied flavors with a touch of sweetness, Sagrantino wine is a must-try in Umbria.
Orvieto Classico: A crisp and fruity white wine with floral and mineral notes, perfect with seafood and pasta dishes.
Limoncello: A sweet and tangy liqueur made from lemons that is perfect as a digestive after your meal.

Where to Stay in Umbria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Perugia: The biggest city in Umbria has a large selection of hotels to fit all budgets.
Assisi: There is a good selection of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in Assisi.
Montefalco: This beautiful medieval town offers a unique and intimate experience with plenty of farmhouse accommodations surrounded by vineyards.

What to Buy in Umbria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ceramics: Umbrian pottery is known for its beautiful colors and intricate designs.
Truffles: Whether fresh or preserved, Umbrian truffles make a perfect food souvenir.
Olive Oil: Olive trees are abundant in Umbria, producing some of the best olive oils in Italy.
Cashmere: High-quality cashmere from goats that graze on the hills around Perugia, available in many boutiques and stores in the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Umbria

Umbrians are proud of their heritage and traditions, and visitors can expect to experience a lively and festive atmosphere during various cultural festivities:

Perugia Jazz Festival: Held annually in July, this international music festival attracts top performers from around the world.
Eurochocolate in Perugia: Chocolate lovers will rejoice during this month-long event in October, when Perugia becomes the epicenter of chocolate-related activities and tastings.
Gubbio’s Candle Race: A 900-year-old event taking place on May 15th in Gubbio, when the town’s residents race up Mount Ingino to light up the mountain with a large candle chandelier.

Best Time to Visit Umbria

The best time to visit Umbria is during the shoulder season, from April to early June, and from September to October. The weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, while the winter months are usually mild, although chilly in the mountains.

Do’s and Don’ts of Umbria

Do:

Try the local specialties and wine.
Be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
Learn some Italian, even just a few simple phrases.

Don’t:

Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting churches and religious sites.
Leave valuables in the car when parking in public areas.
Be loud or litter in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Umbria

Umbria is generally a safe region to visit, however, as with any tourist destination, be mindful of pickpockets and petty crime in popular tourist areas.

Health in Umbria

No particular vaccines are required to travel to Umbria, but it is always wise to check with your health care provider before leaving. Medical facilities are widely available in the main towns, but it is a good idea to have good travel insurance before visiting.

Getting to Umbria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Umbria

The major airports near Umbria are:

Perugia International Airport (PEG): This airport is located in the Umbrian capital of Perugia and is well connected to major Italian cities like Rome and Milan.
San Francesco d’Assisi Airport (PEG): Also known as the Umbria International Airport, it is located just outside Perugia and offers both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Umbria

Umbria is well connected through a network of buses that operate regularly between the main towns in the region. There are also inter-regional and national bus services that connect Umbria to the rest of Italy.

Other Options

Driving is another popular way to explore Umbria, as it provides flexibility and access to remote areas of the region. However, be aware that some of the hilltop towns have narrow roads and limited parking options. Another option is to take a train to the main cities in Umbria, such as Perugia or Assisi.

How to Get Around in Umbria

Traveling around Umbria is easy with buses, trains, and taxis readily available. The best way to explore the countryside is by renting a car, bicycle, or scooter. Be aware that some of the roads can be winding and steep, particularly in the mountainous areas.

Where to Go Next from Umbria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tuscany: Umbria’s neighbor to the west, Tuscany is known for its rolling hills, Renaissance art, and picturesque towns like Florence, Siena, and Arezzo.
Rome: The Italian capital is only a few hours away by train or car, offering a wealth of history, art, and entertainment.
Le Marche: To the east of Umbria, Le Marche is known for its beautiful coastline and charming medieval towns such as Urbino and Ascoli Piceno.

Conclusion

Umbria is a region full of history, culture, and natural beauty that has much to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in art, history, food, or outdoor adventures, Umbria has something for everyone. Plan your trip carefully, take your time, and enjoy all that this region has to offer.