This 7-day itinerary invites travelers to venture off-the-beaten-path and discover Umbria, known as the “Green Heart of Italy.” The remarkable region located in the center of the country is characterized by its verdant scenery, hilltop medieval towns, ancient history, ceramic crafts, and exquisite food and wine. In addition to Umbria’s well-known cities, such as the regional capital of Perugia and the revered pilgrimage destination of Assisi, the itinerary features other smaller towns that are sure to delight. From the breathtaking Ponte delle Torri Bridge in Spoleto to the lively cultural traditions of Gubbio, Umbria is a destination that lives on in the hearts of travelers long after they have returned home. Discover a few of the region’s many treasures then contact Trips 2 Italy to begin planning your extraordinary vacation to Umbria.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Perugia, Orvieto, Assisi, Spoleto, Spello, Deruta, Gubbio
Day 01: OUT-BOUND FLIGHT
Board your flight and begin your memorable adventure to Italy!
Day 02: ORVIETO, PERUGIA
After landing in Rome Airport, meet with your private driver and venture into the breathtaking Umbria region of Central Italy. Depending on your arrival time in Rome, there might be the possibility to stop in the charming hilltop town of Orvieto. Renowned for its stately cathedral, which is considered to have the most stunning façade in all of Italy, Orvieto offers the perfect introduction to the Umbria region. A town founded by the Etruscans, Orvieto is noteworthy for its historic center that rises above the surrounding valley and its underground archeological area that traces the city’s history.
After admiring Orvieto’s many sights, continue on to Perugia with your private driver. Upon arrival in Perugia, check into your hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure to begin exploring this historic city characterized by medieval architecture and Etruscan origins. In the evening, enjoy your first Italian dinner at a local, family-owned restaurant.
Day 03: PERUGIA
After breakfast, meet with your private guide and embark on a walking tour of Perugia’s city center. Along the way, you will discover the city’s many highlights including the Duomo, Fontana Maggiore, Palazzo dei Priori, and the Rocca Palatina. Afterwards, continue your exploration on your own then break for a lunch consisting of local specialties, such as a plate of handmade stringozzi pasta.
In the afternoon, visit the famed Casa del Cioccolato (House of Chocolate) Museum where you will learn all about Perugia’s historic chocolate-making tradition. Delve into Perugia’s sweet past and perhaps even enjoy a taste of the city’s most beloved export. Return to Perugia and the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure for you to continue exploring or simply take a moment to relax. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by an overnight stay at your hotel in the heart of Perugia.
Day 04: ASSISI
Today, you will follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis and discover the enchanting town of Assisi. After arriving in Assisi, begin a private tour of the town’s historic center. The main highlight, of course, is the famed Basilica of San Francesco, which is actually divided into two parts: a lower church and an upper church. Once inside, travelers will be greeted by remarkable works of art, including a fresco cycle depicting the life of Saint Francis by revered medieval painter Giotto. Other points of interest include the Basilica of Santa Chiara, the Cathedral of San Rufino, and the Temple of Minerva.
After your tour, savor lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, consider visiting other historic sites or the town’s artisan workshops and small boutiques for shopping. In the evening, return to Perugia and spend the night at your hotel.
Day 05: SPOLETO, SPELLO, DERUTA
After breakfast, embark on an excursion through the Umbrian countryside to discover a few of the region’s charming small towns. During the excursion, you will stop in Spoleto, the former capital of a powerful duchy. Nowadays, the city is best known for hosting the popular Festival dei Due Mondi music festival each summer. You will have time at leisure to discover the highlights of Spoleto, including the Duomo, the Rocca Albornoziana fortress, and the captivating Ponte delle Torri, a massive arched bridge surrounded by greenery.
Continue on to Spello, a walled town positioned on Monte Subasio. The town center hosts a number of interesting sights, including defensive towers, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and artwork by Pinturicchio and other Umbrian painters. The final stop will be in Deruta, which is famous around the globe for its ceramic tradition. The streets of this small town are lined with artisan workshops where curious travelers can learn more about Deruta’s historic craft.
In the afternoon, travel back to Perugia. Enjoy dinner in the evening then settle in for the night at your hotel.
Day 06: GUBBIO
Your last full day in Umbria will be dedicated to another of the region’s many treasures: the city of Gubbio. With pre-Roman origins that can be traced back to the Umbri civilization, Gubbio is an excellent place to immerse in Umbria’s rich history. In fact, the city hosts the Eugubian Tablets, which feature the most complete surviving example of the Umbrian language. Among Italians, Gubbio is synonymous with its most important cultural and religious event, the Festa dei Ceri, which is held in honor of patron saint, Sant’Ubaldo.
While in Gubbio, be sure to stop by the local workshops to learn about the city’s maiolica pottery tradition. Other must-sees include Piazza Grande, which offers amazing panoramas, and the summit of Mount Ingino, which hosts the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo and can be reached by open-air cable car.
After discovering Gubbio’s cultural gems, return to Perugia for your final dinner in Umbria and the last overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 07: RETURN FLIGHT
In the morning, travel to Rome Airport and board your flight home.
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PACKAGE START AT $ 4,850 Per person INCLUDES (*):
- Round trip flights in economy class with in-flight meals, drinks, and entertainment (**)
- Transportation by Private Car with Driver as per itinerary;
- 5 Nights accommodation in 4* Category Hotels or Similar in double/twin rooms with private facilities;
- Daily Buffet Breakfast;
- 3 Dinners as per itinerary;
- 4 Half day English Speaking Local and expert Tour Guide (Gubbio, Orvieto, Spoleto, Perugia);
- Panoramic Visits as per itinerary;
- Vat Taxes and service Charges.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable it must be paid locally to the hotel.
- Porterage service.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
(**) Rate based on NYC departure gates. Alternative U.S. departure cities available upon request at 1-866-GO ITALY or Email Trips2italy .
